The head of Arthur Stevens Asset Management, Olatunde Amolegbe, laid out some big numbers for Nigeria's digital future. He says the country's digital economy could hit 18.3 billion dollars by 2026, a huge jump from earlier figures. He pointed out Nigeria already leads Africa in startup funding and hosts five major tech unicorns: Interswitch, Flutterwave, OPay, Andela, and Moniepoint. Internet users have reached 107 million, mostly on mobile, and the telecom sector alone added over nine percent to GDP recently.
Speaking at a business lecture in Lagos, he argued that artificial intelligence and other disruptive tech are reshaping everything. He mentioned the eNaira digital currency as an example of early adoption. The real growth, he suggested, needs to come from applying AI and digital tools to lagging sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and energy infrastructure. He cited strong points like Nigeria's young population, new national AI strategies, and extensive undersea internet cables.
To actually unlock this value, Amolegbe insisted the country needs better governance, more skilled workers, upgraded digital infrastructure, and cooperation with other African nations. He framed it as a pivotal moment, where coordinated action between government policy and private companies could position Nigeria as a continental leader. The potential payoff includes massive job creation and a significant boost to overall economic productivity.
Speaking at a business lecture in Lagos, he argued that artificial intelligence and other disruptive tech are reshaping everything. He mentioned the eNaira digital currency as an example of early adoption. The real growth, he suggested, needs to come from applying AI and digital tools to lagging sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and energy infrastructure. He cited strong points like Nigeria's young population, new national AI strategies, and extensive undersea internet cables.
To actually unlock this value, Amolegbe insisted the country needs better governance, more skilled workers, upgraded digital infrastructure, and cooperation with other African nations. He framed it as a pivotal moment, where coordinated action between government policy and private companies could position Nigeria as a continental leader. The potential payoff includes massive job creation and a significant boost to overall economic productivity.
