Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African nations show low readiness for AI adoption

Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African nations still lag in AI readiness, scoring 0.34 on the AI Preparedness Index. This shows the need for more investment, better infrastructure, and a willingness to embrace the AI revolution. For those who want to understand how global digital progress intersects with academic work, consider exploring services like dissertation ghostwriter – especially in regions where access to expert academic support may be limited.

The AI Preparedness Index measures the level of AI readiness across 173 countries and 13 regions. It evaluates factors such as digital infrastructure, workforce skills, innovation, economic policies, and ethical regulations.

Note: Scores range from 0 to 1, with 1 being the most prepared.

Source:

International Monetary Fund

Period:

2024
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Nearly 60% of X’s Ad audience across Africa’s top 10 markets is concentrated in Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa
  1. Nigeria ranks first with 7.3 million estimated users — over 2.8 million more than Egypt.
  2. Egypt (4.5 million) and South Africa (3.1 million) follow, forming the top three markets.
  3. The top three countries account for nearly 60% of the total users across the ten listed countries.
  4. The gap between first (7.3 million) and tenth (Tunisia, 322,000) is more than 6.9 million users, highlighting wide market disparities.
South Africa accounts for 22% of Africa’s 282 data centres
  • South Africa leads with 61 facilities, accounting for 21.6% of the continent’s total
  • Nigeria (25) and Kenya (19) complete the top three countries with major digital infrastructure hubs
  • Many countries operate with fewer than five facilities
  • Eighteen countries have just one data centre each
  • As cloud adoption, fintech, streaming, and AI grow, new regional hubs are likely to emerge beyond today’s leaders.
South Africa accounts for 25% of Africa’s 249 data centres
  • Africa had 249 data centres as of February 2026
  • South Africa leads with 61 facilities, accounting for 25% of the continent’s total
  • Nigeria (25) and Kenya (19) complete the top three countries with major digital infrastructure hubs
  • Many countries operate with fewer than five facilities
  • A dozen countries have just one data centre
  • Infrastructure concentration means cross-border data dependence for many smaller economies.
  • As cloud adoption, fintech, streaming, and AI grow, new regional hubs are likely to emerge beyond today’s leaders.
Rack Centre leads Nigeria’s data centre in live capacity at 13.5 MW across its 2 centres
  • Rack Centre leads Nigeria’s live capacity with 13.5 MW
  • Africa Data Centres (10 MW) and Equinix (8.8 MW) form the next tier of large operators
  • Lagos dominates capacity, reinforcing its role as Nigeria’s primary digital infrastructure hub
  • Several operators have major expansion plans, including Africa Data Centres (+10.65 MW addition) and OADC Lagos (+24.5 MW addition)
Lagos houses 21 of 25 data centres, accounting for 84% of the nation’s centres
  • Lagos hosts 21 of Nigeria’s 25 data centres.
  • Only Lagos, Abuja, and Kano currently host data centres.
  • Abuja holds 12% of the country’s data centres despite being the capital.
  • Kano’s single facility accounts for just 4% and highlights the limited digital infrastructure in northern Nigeria.
  • The distribution shows a high geographic concentration risk; national digital operations rely heavily on Lagos.
  • Lagos’ dominance reflects its advantages: commercial activity, connectivity, and proximity to submarine cable landings.
Seven of Africa's top 10 streamers on Twitch and Kick are Nigerians
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  • Nigeria dominates the top ten, contributing seven streamers to the list.
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