eTranzact International, a prominent fintech company, has teamed up with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan Atlantic University to conduct a survey assessing the readiness and knowledge of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria towards Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Purpose and Goals of the Survey
The survey evaluates how prepared MSMEs are to integrate AI into their operations. This initiative is expected to provide valuable insights for various stakeholders, including government bodies, policymakers, investors, and industry experts, aiding in planning, decision-making, and policy formulation.
Niyi Toluwalope, Managing Director/CEO of eTranzact International, emphasized the importance of the survey, stating, “Today, we are igniting a movement that will prepare our Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Our collaboration with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) to champion the AI Readiness Survey is a testament to our commitment to driving innovation and ensuring that no business is left behind in this digital era.”
Insights from EDC
Dr. Olawale Anifowose, Director for Programmes and Partnerships at EDC, highlighted the necessity of embracing AI in the modern business environment. “Given the ever-dynamic business environment with modern technology, Nigeria must join the rest of the world in embracing AI due to its enormous benefits,” he said. He also noted that the survey would engage a large pool of entrepreneurs across various sectors in Nigeria, with over 300,000 participants expected.
Support from Global AI Council
Freda Anyanwu, African Director of the Global AI Council, assured MSMEs that the survey would enhance their understanding of AI, regardless of their industry or current limitations. She emphasized that the initiative would help boost AI knowledge and capabilities across various sectors.
This partnership signifies a crucial step towards integrating AI into Nigeria’s MSME sector, positioning businesses to better compete globally and leverage technological advancements for growth and innovation.