Google has revealed new insights showing that Nigerians are increasingly leveraging Search and artificial intelligence tools to develop creative skills and explore artistic pursuits in 2026.
According to the latest trends for March, there is a growing shift toward using technology as a practical assistant for personal growth, learning and creative expression across the country.
Nigeria’s longstanding reputation as a creative powerhouse continues to shape this trend. From the global dominance of Afrobeats to the rise of Nollywood—now ranked as the fifth-largest film industry globally—the country’s cultural influence remains strong. Industry data shows Nollywood’s value is approaching $8 billion, with over 70 per cent of viewership for Nigerian-produced content coming from international audiences. Similarly, Afrobeats continues its global surge, recording more than 13 billion streams annually on platforms like Spotify.
Google’s data indicates that Nigerians are deliberately using digital tools to sharpen their creative abilities. Interest in learning painting has surged by 90 per cent over the past year, while calligraphy has emerged as a breakout trend, reflecting new forms of artistic exploration.
Music-related learning is also on the rise, with searches for guitar lessons increasing by 80 per cent. At the same time, users are exploring emerging AI-powered tools such as Lyria 3, highlighting a blend of creativity and advanced technology.
Beyond the arts, Nigerians are turning to digital tools to broaden global connections. Interest in learning Italian has jumped by 130 per cent, while searches for Japanese language learning have doubled within the past year.
This growing appetite for digital learning is supported by Nigeria’s expanding tech-driven economy. Research by Public First suggests that every dollar invested in digital technology generates more than eight dollars in economic value. The ICT sector has also emerged as a key contributor, accounting for over 16 per cent of the country’s real GDP.
Students and families are equally tapping into AI-powered tools for education. Searches for AI tutors have become a breakout trend, while interest in combining AI with subjects like chemistry has doubled over the past year. Homework-related searches have also risen by 70 per cent.
These developments are being bolstered by improved digital infrastructure, including projects such as the Equiano subsea cable, which significantly increases internet capacity and connectivity across the region.
Commenting on the trend, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade said it is encouraging to see Nigerians using AI creatively to unlock new opportunities.
He noted that the rise in creative arts and language learning reflects a population actively shaping its future with technology, using AI tools as “24/7 tutors” to build skills and connect globally.
Google added that tools such as Search and Workspace are already delivering measurable productivity gains, with Nigerian knowledge workers saving over 22 million hours weekly—equivalent to an estimated $4.7 billion boost in productivity.
The surge in AI literacy, which has grown by 840 per cent, further underscores a broader shift as Nigerians increasingly integrate technology into their creative, academic and professional lives.
