Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer the preserve of tech giants, and Nigerian micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have a real chance to use it to grow, says Dr. Fakunle Aremu, Senior Agribusiness and Policy Advisor.
Aremu, an expert in agricultural value chains and food systems, believes small businesses can leverage AI in affordable and practical ways to improve efficiency, boost sales, and gain a competitive edge.
“Many MSMEs think AI is out of reach because of costs or complexity,” he said. “But even simple AI tools—like Google Cloud, Microsoft Power BI, or hiring freelance experts—can deliver measurable results without breaking the bank.”
He pointed to data management as the first step. “AI thrives on clean, organised data. Digitising and structuring information is key to making AI effective.”
Aremu also addressed the fear of AI replacing jobs. “Employees should see AI as a productivity partner, not a threat. For example, a retail business can increase orders by 15% using AI to personalise offers.”
His advice for MSMEs: start small, think big, and pilot with clear goals. “The best way to succeed is to experiment, measure results, and gradually expand AI’s role in your business,” he added.
As AI tools become more accessible, Aremu believes Nigerian MSMEs have an opportunity to level the playing field, compete more effectively, and drive growth in ways previously available only to large corporations.