A Powerful Shift in Nigeria’s Creative Landscape
Nigeria’s next generation of creative entrepreneurs is embracing Artificial Intelligence to turn digital ambition into real business. This trend was spotlighted at the “What’s Tea?” workshop hosted by Google and Handle It Africa, where over 40 young creators gathered to explore how Gemini AI can transform their workflow. More Branches+1
Google’s own data backs this momentum: search interest in “how to learn AI” grew by 160% in Nigeria, while queries around “how to make money with AI” increased by 40% over the past year signaling that creators don’t just want to play with AI, they want it to uplift their income. More Branches
How Creators Are Using AI Tools
At the Lagos-based “What’s Tea?” event, top creators like Layi Wasabi and Legendary Ben used Gemini to streamline tasks such as content research, scriptwriting, and visual brainstorming. More Branches According to Wasabi, AI helps her focus more on creativity and less on the administrative side: “It speeds up the brainstorming … I can produce more high-quality content,” she said. More Branches
The collaboration between Google and Handle It Africa allowed attendees not only to learn new tools, but to turn their creative hustle into scalable businesses. Handle It Africa’s founder, Olufemi Oguntamu, emphasized the event’s aim as community building creating a space where young artists become entrepreneurs. More Branches
A Broader Trend: AI & the Nigerian Creator Economy
This isn’t just a workshop phenomenon. Reports from BusinessDay Nigeria show that Nigerians are increasingly using AI to boost their careers from designing logos to writing CVs and creating digital content. Businessday NG Vanguard News also confirms that searches like “how to use AI” are surging, highlighting a growing national appetite for AI-powered creativity. Vanguard News+1
Other initiatives are helping fuel this movement. For example, The Guardian Nigeria reports that tech hubs are training aspiring digital artists in AI and AR, providing workshops that empower creators with new skills. The Guardian Nigeria
Implications for Nigeria’s Creative Economy
- New Business Models: AI is making it easier for creators to monetize their content, turning ideas and passion into scalable enterprises.
- Skills Evolution: Gen Z creatives are no longer just making content, they’re also mastering AI as a core tool.
- Global Competitiveness: Nigerian creators who leverage AI gain a competitive edge in the global digital economy.
- Economic Inclusion: As creators adopt AI, they open up new income streams, boosting access and innovation across Nigeria’s creator ecosystem.
