Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how we live and work. AI has become an integral part of our daily lives, from virtual assistants in our homes to self-driving cars on our roads. However, its penetration in Africa has been slower compared to other regions of the world. Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa, has also been lagging in the adoption and use of AI technology.

Let`s explore some reasons for the low use of AI in the southeast and south-south regions and the potential for its growth in the future.

Lack of Awareness and Understanding
One of the major reasons for the low use of AI in Nigeria is the lack of awareness and understanding of the technology. Many businesses and individuals are not aware of the potential applications and benefits of AI. There is a misconception that AI is only for large corporations and is not relevant to smaller businesses. This lack of understanding and awareness has resulted in a slow adoption rate of AI in the region and the country at large.

Limited Infrastructure and Resources
Another challenge to the penetration of AI in the region in view is the limited infrastructure and resources. AI technology requires a significant amount of computing power and advanced infrastructure, which is often lacking not only in the regions mentioned but in many parts of the country. This makes it difficult for businesses to invest in and integrate AI into their operations.

Lack of Skilled Workforce
AI technology is still relatively new in Africa, and there is a shortage of skilled professionals who can develop and implement AI solutions. This is a major hurdle for the growth of AI in the east and south where 5G network is not yet available in most places. Since there is a limited pool of talent with expertise in this field. The high cost of training and retaining skilled AI professionals is also a barrier for businesses looking to invest in AI.

Limited Government Support and Funding
The government plays a crucial role in fostering the growth of AI in a country. However, in Nigeria, there is a lack of government support and funding for AI initiatives. This has resulted in a slow development of the AI ecosystem in the country, making it difficult for businesses to explore and invest in AI solutions.

Data Challenges
Data is the fuel that drives AI, and Nigeria faces challenges in this area. The country has a large population, but there is a lack of quality data sets that can be used to develop and train AI models. This is a significant barrier to the adoption of AI in various industries, such as healthcare and finance, where accurate and reliable data is crucial for decision-making.

The Future of AI in Nigeria
Despite the challenges, there is still great potential for the growth of AI not only in the southeast and the south-south region but in Nigeria at large. The government has recently shown some interest in promoting the use of technology, including AI, in the country.

In 2019, the Federal Government of Nigeria launched the National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics to support research and development in these fields. This is a positive step towards creating a favourable environment for the growth of AI in the country.

Additionally, with the increasing availability of affordable computing power and the rise of cloud computing, businesses in Nigeria can now access advanced AI tools and technologies without investing in expensive infrastructure. This can help to bridge the gap between the lack of resources and the potential for AI development in the country.

The penetration of AI in Africa, and specifically Nigeria, is still in its early stages, but there is immense potential for its growth. The challenges facing the technology can be overcome through government support, investments in infrastructure and education, and collaborations between businesses and AI experts. With the right strategies and initiatives, AI can play a significant role in driving economic growth and development in all the regions of Nigeria.

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