Nigeria ranked 38th globally in the latest Global Index on Responsible AI (GIRAI), rising from 80th in 2024 and becoming Africa's highest-ranked country with a score of 45.93. The ranking reflects deliberate policy efforts including the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS), the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, and regulatory frameworks such as the Nigeria Data Protection Act and General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID) 2025. The achievement comes as AI is projected to contribute $1.2 trillion to Africa's economy by 2030, boosting GDP by 5.6%, with global corporate investment in AI nearly tripling from $200 billion in 2023 to $581.7 billion in 2025.
Nigeria Ranks 38th Globally in Responsible AI Index
Published by the Global Center on AI Governance (GIRAI), a Cape Town-based independent research and policy think tank, the ranking evaluates 135 countries across five pillars: inclusion and diversity, ethics and sustainability, labour and skills, trust and safety, and AI use in public services. Nigeria overtook Egypt and Kenya after climbing 42 places globally in two years.
According to a report from the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI, 53% of the world's population has already used generative AI tools. Despite rapid adoption, the report found that public governance capacity remains weak, with average GIRAI scores standing at only 35 out of 100 globally. Evidence of implementation exists in just 55% of countries with responsible AI frameworks, dropping to 45% across the Global South.
Policy Initiatives Drive Nigeria's AI Ecosystem Growth
According to the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the government has accelerated work on its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS), expanded digital public infrastructure, invested in digital skills, developed governance frameworks for emerging technologies, and strengthened international partnerships to ensure AI is deployed responsibly.
"This recognition is a testament to Nigeria's deliberate efforts to build an AI ecosystem that is inclusive, responsible, and aligned with our development priorities," Minister Bosun Tijani said. "We believe that Africa must not only participate in the AI revolution but also contribute meaningfully to shaping how these technologies are governed and deployed globally. Our focus remains on creating the infrastructure, talent, and policy environment that will enable AI to deliver real value for our people and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's vision of building a $1 trillion economy."
The report singled out Nigeria as a global "Bright Spot" for combining AI skills development with safeguards for children and vulnerable groups. The index noted that Nigeria is among the few African countries that have attempted to simultaneously prepare citizens for an AI-driven future while strengthening protections against the risks posed by emerging technologies.
Nigeria Recognized for Child Data Protection Safeguards
The National Artificial Intelligence Strategy mandates AI literacy programmes, teacher training and broader capacity-building initiatives across the country. The report cited the Federal Government's 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme for delivering structured AI and machine learning training through a hybrid model designed to reach young people nationwide.
On the regulatory front, GIRAI recognised the Nigeria Data Protection Act and the General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID) 2025 for introducing enhanced safeguards for children's personal data, including parental consent requirements and restrictions on decisions based solely on automated processing. The report said these initiatives position Nigeria as an example of how governments can pursue AI adoption without overlooking digital rights and citizen protection.
Nigeria Climbs 31 Places in Oxford Insights AI Readiness Index
In January, the country climbed 31 places in the Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index, moving from 103rd to 72nd globally, reflecting improvements in policy readiness and institutional capacity to adopt AI technologies.
The GIRAI findings also point to broader progress across developing countries. Since the first edition of the index, Global South countries have increased the number of responsible AI topics covered by national frameworks by 83%, compared with 35% in developed economies. However, most of these frameworks remain non-binding, highlighting the gap between policy development and implementation.
FAQ
What is Nigeria's ranking in the Global Index on Responsible AI?
Nigeria ranked 38th globally in the latest Global Index on Responsible AI (GIRAI) with a score of 45.93, rising from 80th in 2024. This makes Nigeria Africa's highest-ranked country, overtaking Egypt and Kenya after climbing 42 places globally in two years.
What policies contributed to Nigeria's rise in the AI ranking?
According to the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nigeria accelerated work on its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS), expanded digital public infrastructure, invested in digital skills, developed governance frameworks for emerging technologies, and strengthened international partnerships. The government also implemented the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme and introduced the Nigeria Data Protection Act and General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID) 2025 with enhanced safeguards for children's personal data.
How much is AI projected to contribute to Africa's economy by 2030?
AI is projected to contribute $1.2 trillion to Africa's economy by 2030, boosting GDP by 5.6%. Globally, corporate investment in AI nearly tripled from $200 billion in 2023 to $581.7 billion in 2025, according to a report from the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI.
