Abuja: Dr Fakunle Aremu, Senior Agribusiness and Policy Advisor, has urged Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to profitably adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) to remain competitive and relevant in the current business landscape. Aremu, who specialises in agricultural value chain development and food systems, highlighted the accessibility of AI for small businesses, emphasizing its potential for integration in simple, practical ways.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Aremu noted that AI is no longer the preserve of large corporations. He addressed the perception challenge among MSMEs that they lack the technical expertise or budget for AI. He assured that MSMEs do not need to be tech wizards or have a Silicon Valley-sized budget to start using AI.
Aremu suggested that small businesses could avoid hiring expensive data scientists by utilizing affordable off-the-shelf tools like Google Cloud and Microsoft Power BI, or by engaging freelance experts. He pointed out that the high cost of custom AI can be mitigated by beginning with cloud-based tools offering pay-as-you-go or monthly plans, all while focusing on a clear return on investment.
He advised MSMEs to prioritize organizing and digitizing their data, stressing that clean and structured information is crucial for accurate AI results. Aremu also addressed employee resistance to change, urging business owners to communicate the role of AI as a tool to enhance work, not replace jobs. He illustrated that showcasing AI as a means to reduce work burdens can alleviate concerns, citing an example where a retail company saw a 15 per cent increase in orders by using AI for personalized product offers.
Aremu recommended that businesses pilot AI with a focused use case and set clear, measurable goals. He advocated for a ‘start-small, think-big’ approach, which reduces risk, builds internal confidence, and allows the team to learn how AI can be integrated into their operations.