South Africans are increasingly seeking to enhance their AI (artificial intelligence) skills and qualifications, as Google Search trends show a significant increase in searches for AI in 2024, marking a record high in global searches for AI.
The findings follow months after 88% of South Africans were reported to have expressed interest in learning more about AI in Google's global study, “Our Life with AI”.
According to the survey, 60% of South Africans were enthusiastic about artificial intelligence, and 76% of them agreed that it would probably improve society as a whole.
It is reported that search trends in South Africa related to AI continue: searches for “how to use AI” nearly doubled (+70%), while searches for “what is AI” have increased by 20%.
With interest in AI growing, South Africans are looking to build AI skills and qualifications, with searches for “AI courses” and “AI jobs” nearly doubling.
South Africans are also looking to use AI to build their careers and creativity, with trending searches including “AI image generator”, “AI writer", “online AI chat”, and “logo maker AI”, all of which were ‘breakout’ searches in 2024, growing over 5 000% in interest since this time last year.
Paul Mayanja, acting Google SA country director, said AI had the promise to create new opportunities, propel social and economic advancement, and offer prospects to anyone, ranging from exceptional to everyday activities
“AI has the potential to create opportunities – from the extraordinary to the everyday – for everyone, bringing new waves of innovation and social and economic progress. So it’s no surprise that the people of South Africa are already looking to make the most of this transformational technology – finding ways to learn more AI skills to boost their career, creativity, and society.”
The research also shows that South Africans are keen to grow their skills and qualifications with searches for “AI jobs” and “AI courses” both nearly doubled (+80% each).
Searches for “AI and business” doubled (+100%), while searches for “AI and start-ups” increased by 30%.
In keeping with its mission to use AI as a tool for good in society, Google provides free AI training courses to Africans via its Hustle Academy. This programme, which is aimed at business owners, offers modules that are specifically made to show participants how to use AI to advance their companies.
It is also revealed that search interest in cybersecurity and AI also doubled across South Africa (+100%), while people showed a clear interest in the future of AI for science.
The Star