Google and Handle It Africa Empower Nigerian Creators with AI Tools to Build Digital Careers
Nigeria’s creative economy is undergoing a transformation as young entrepreneurs increasingly embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) to scale their content and digital businesses. This trend was spotlighted at “What’s Tea?”, an exclusive workshop hosted by Google in partnership with Handle It Africa, where over 40 of the country’s leading Gen Z creators gathered to learn how AI tools like Google’s Gemini can shape the future of digital work.
Recent Google Search data reveals a powerful cultural and economic shift among Nigerian youth. Career-focused queries such as “how to start creating content” and “how to start freelancing with no experience” are trending, reflecting growing interest in digital entrepreneurship. Notably, search interest in “how to learn AI” has surged by 160% in the past year, while “how to make money with AI” rose by 40%—underscoring how Nigerian creators view AI not just as a technology, but as a gateway to income and independence.
At the Lagos event, notable creators including Korty EO, Layi Wasabi, Gilmore, and Legendary Ben participated in hands-on sessions exploring how Gemini can support tasks like scriptwriting, research, and visual brainstorming. By automating routine work, the AI tool enables creators to focus more on innovation and producing impactful content. This practical engagement highlighted AI’s potential to turn creativity into viable, scalable businesses.
Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s Communications and Public Relations Manager for West Africa, emphasized the company’s role in enabling youth ambition. “Gen Z creators are not just shaping culture; they are building the future of Nigeria’s media landscape. By putting tools like Gemini in their hands, we are supporting their journey from creative passion to sustainable enterprise,” he said.
Handle It Africa’s founder, Olufemi Oguntamu, echoed this vision, stressing the importance of equipping young talents with digital resources. “The energy in Nigeria’s creator space is undeniable. These young people are entrepreneurs building brands from scratch. Our collaboration with Google is about giving them the right tools and building a community that can grow the country’s creative economy together.” Leading comedian Layi Wasabi added a personal perspective: “In this industry, creativity is your product, but efficiency is your business. AI helps me speed up research and brainstorming so I can focus on producing high-quality content consistently.”
Source: The Guardian