IMF: AI could boost Nigeria's and sub-Saharan Africa's GDP by 4%
via Punch Nigeria11 min read
The International Monetary Fund states that artificial intelligence could increase the economic output of Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa by up to four percent over the next decade. This growth is contingent on governments accelerating investment in digital infrastructure, skills development, and governance. Without these improvements, the IMF estimates AI would only add 0.2 percent to the region's gross domestic product over the same period. The Fund's report, "Unlocking the Potential: AI in Sub-Saharan Africa," highlights that AI's primary value in Africa lies in boosting productivity across sectors like informal businesses and agriculture, rather than replacing workers. The IMF warns that if AI adoption continues to lag, the productivity gap between Africa and other regions will widen. To achieve the projected economic gains, the IMF emphasizes expanding electricity supply, broadband infrastructure, digital skills, and building public trust through appropriate regulation and regional cooperation. Nigeria is cited as a country already experimenting with AI applications, such as chatbots for mathematics learning and digital agricultural advisory services to improve crop yields.
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