There is a massive latent opportunity in Nigeria, and that is helping medium and small enterprises (SMEs) to develop an AI roadmap and adopt the appropriate AI solution. In the oceans of AI solutions, someone must have the capabilities to provide guidance.
If you possess basic business skills and you have a technical friend, both of you can look deep into the world of AI offerings, and come together via a partnership, to help these businesses grow, and save money. Go to the Lagos firm and tell the company Chairman that you have something that will help him understand his business better. Many SMEs waste money reconciling their transactions and bank statements. Today’s AI systems can save them days of trouble!
Whenever new technologies come, there are always opportunities to provide services and make money. Many years ago, I would listen to know when Radio Nigeria would announce that professors and lecturers have been paid by the federal government a lump sum benefit. The next day, I would be in UNIJOS meeting professors and lecturers, to help them get their first desktop computers. I sold dozens of computers and bought my first car! I was able to explain how that first computer would make them better teachers instead of waiting for when their offices would get one for them!
Register for Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 17 (June 9 – Sept 6, 2025) today for early bird discounts. Do annual for access to Blucera.com.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and co-invest in great global startups.
Register to become a better CEO or Director with Tekedia CEO & Director Program.
Simply, you need to make it clear how value could come. In this AI era, communicating that value is easier as you can help that company to save money. For example, shrink the unit from 12 people to 3, and deploy cheap open-source AI anchored solutions to do the job! Remember, the focus must not be technology. Yes, you must focus on the value tech will provide to enable the company to meet its strategic objective. Most times, that objective for these players is more “profits” which happens when they save money or operate very lean.
Visit Onisha, Kano, Lagos, Osogbo, Calabar, etc and show those small business owners how the associated tech can deliver value to them. Hand over a page document that explains what you can offer. Reconciliation of accounts in minutes and not days? Bringing visibility on their supply chains? Providing real-time cash flow insights by linking the bank accounts and demand forecasts? Planning production with raw materials?
And you do not even need to be a tech creator since you are not pursuing a venture-based path where scale becomes the currency at play. In other words, do not waste your time creating an AI product. There are some amazing open-source AI solutions your tech partner can repurpose so that you keep costs low. You may ask: would they listen to me? Yes, they will if you come with something that differentiates you. Those days as an NYSC member, I added photocopies of my WAEC and FUTO degree results to create a marginal differentiation to be given audience. Maximize that small “win” in your record and capture the moment.
My summary: if you are a fresh graduate in Nigeria, there is an opportunity to repurpose most emerging AI solutions, create value for SMEs, and fatten your pocket!
—
Register for Tekedia Mini-MBA (June 9 – Sept 6, 2025), and join Prof Ndubuisi Ekekwe and our global faculty; click here.
