Nigerian businesses see AI as essential for growth and resilience
Anthony Oputa, Regional Managing Partner for EY West Africa, says Nigerian business leaders are shifting from experimenting with artificial intelligence to scaling it strategically within their companies. He highlights that AI integration is now a necessity for survival and growth, not just a luxury. The EY-Parthenon 2026 CEO Outlook report shows that most Nigerian firms are already using AI to improve efficiency and adapt to economic challenges. Leaders are focusing on upskilling employees and transforming business units to maximize AI’s impact.
TLDR
- Anthony Oputa notes that AI adoption is helping Nigerian companies navigate economic volatility and drive operational efficiency.
- The EY-Parthenon 2026 CEO Outlook report reveals that 93% of Nigerian companies have adopted some form of AI.
- Business leaders are prioritizing upskilling, with 42% planning to reskill employees and 44% redesigning roles for better human-AI collaboration.
- CEOs see AI as a tool to empower workers, not replace them, with 82% focusing on long-term growth and resilience.
- 89% of CEOs plan to pursue mergers, acquisitions, or partnerships, with nearly half aiming to acquire advanced AI technology and talent.
