Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising industries globally, and Nigeria is no exception to this trend.
Businesses in Nigeria are increasingly exploring AI-driven automation to enhance efficiency, drive innovation, and remain competitive. However, AI adoption remains relatively low, as many businesses struggle to identify practical use cases that deliver measurable returns on investment (ROI).
Nigerian businesses can leverage Agentic AI to drive growth, improve efficiency, and enhance data saving. Agentic AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can act autonomously on behalf of humans, making decisions and taking actions to achieve specific goals.
A key emerging trend addressing this challenge is Agentic AI–a more advanced form of AI that enables businesses to create autonomous digital agents capable of handling complex tasks, optimising workflows, and improving decision-making. Unlike traditional AI models that react to user inputs, Agentic AI proactively learns, makes decisions, and automates entire processes, making it a game-changer for businesses looking to scale productivity.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a business strategy enabler, According to an expert, Ayodele Akinwunmi, it is one that drives efficiency, personalizes customer experiences, powers intelligent decision-making, and fuels innovation at scale, adding that, ‘And as leaders, we must ask not just what AI can do, but what it should do for our organizations.’
The rise of Agentic AI in business adoption has grown, but many businesses still hesitate due to concerns over cost, implementation complexity, and lack of clear ROI. According to McKinsey & Company, organisations that have successfully integrated AI-driven automation report efficiency improvements ranging from 20–30%. The key to unlocking AI’s full potential lies in specialized AI models designed for specific business functions–precisely where Agentic AI excels.
In customer service, AI-powered agents can automate repetitive tasks, resolve issues faster, and enhance customer satisfaction. Studies have shown that nearly 88% of Nigerian consumers consider customer experience critical to their purchasing decisions. Agentic AI can help businesses meet these expectations by providing instant, personalised support.
AI-driven Sales Development Representative (SDR) Agent can analyse customer interactions, identify sales opportunities, and suggest targeted outreach strategies. Research highlights that businesses using AI in sales automation experience increase conversion rates and higher sales productivity.
Human Resources (HR) operations are being transformed by AI-powered automation. Tasks such as leave management, employee onboarding, and performance tracking can be effectively handled by Agentic AI, allowing HR professionals to focus on strategic employment engagement. Deloitte indicates that AI-powered HR automation reduces administrative workload significantly, enhancing employee satisfaction and operational efficiency.
The shift towards Agentic AI is inevitable as businesses increasingly seek smarter, more autonomous systems to drive efficiency and growth. Organisations that embrace AI-driven today will be better positioned to compete in Nigeria’s evolving digital economy.
Agentic AI has the potential to drive growth, efficiency, and data saving for Nigerian businesses. By understanding the benefits and applications of Agentic AI, businesses can unlock new opportunities and stay ahead of the competition. However, businesses must also be aware of the challenges and limitations of Agentic AI and take steps to overcome them.
