Google Drives $1.8bn Economic Surge in Nigeria, Supports 200,000 Jobs in 2023–Report

Samuel Mobolaji

Google’s products and services contributed an estimated $1.8 billion to Nigeria’s economy in 2023, according to a new report released on Thursday.

This economic impact, equivalent to supporting over 200,000 jobs annually, underscores the transformative role of digital technologies in Nigeria’s fast-evolving economy.

The report, independently conducted by Public First and commissioned by Google, highlights the significant economic boost from digital innovations, particularly in a country experiencing rapid digital growth.

It reveals that for every $1 invested in digital technology in Nigeria, over $8 in economic value is generated.

This underscores the critical importance of technologies like connectivity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the nation’s economic trajectory.

Google’s digital skills programs, such as Digital Skills for Africa and the Career Certificates Programme, have also played a pivotal role. In 2023 alone, more than 1.5 million young Nigerians acquired new digital skills, positioning them to thrive in the country’s expanding digital landscape.

Looking ahead, the report projects that AI could add an extra $15 billion to Nigeria’s economy by 2030. Google’s commitment to responsible AI development is set to be a key driver in unlocking this potential.

In 2021, Google committed $1 billion to accelerate Africa’s digital economy, with a focus on improving internet access, fostering innovation, and supporting local entrepreneurs. The Nigeria Digital Opportunity report illustrates how these investments are already yielding long-term benefits across the country.

To sustain this momentum, the report offers strategic recommendations for policymakers, urging the adoption of cloud-first policies and improvements in digital infrastructure. It also emphasizes the need for stronger STEM education and AI fluency to prepare Nigeria’s workforce for future challenges.

Reacting to the report, Olumide Balogun, Director for West Africa at Google, expressed excitement over the positive economic impact of digital technologies in Nigeria. “This report underscores the importance of continued investment in digital skills and infrastructure to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s vibrant digital economy,” he said.

Amy Price, Director and Head of Technology Policy at Public First, highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s digital transformation. “Nigeria is a digital front-runner in Africa, and tech investment will be a powerful catalyst for further growth and development across the country. This is particularly true when it comes to connectivity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence,” she added.

As Nigeria continues its digital transformation journey, the role of technology, led by companies like Google, will be crucial in shaping its economic future.