Farming industry specialist encourages small businesses to utilize artificial intelligence for increased earnings
Dr. Fakunle Aremu, a Senior Agribusiness and Policy Advisor, has called on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) to remain competitive in today's fast-paced business environment. In a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Dr. Aremu emphasized the importance of AI for MSMEs, stating that it can be integrated into small businesses in simple, practical ways.
Dr. Aremu recommended a "start-small, think-big" approach to AI integration. This strategy, he explained, reduces risk, builds internal confidence, and allows teams to learn as they go. He emphasized that MSMEs should not be intimidated by the perceived complexity of AI, but rather view it as a tool to enhance work and drive growth.
One of the key concerns for MSMEs when considering AI implementation is the potential for job displacement. Dr. Aremu addressed this issue, noting that AI should be communicated as a tool to enhance work, not replace jobs. He urged businesses to focus on the benefits that AI can bring, such as increased efficiency and productivity, and to reassure employees that their roles will be transformed, not eliminated.
Dr. Aremu also highlighted the importance of clean and structured information for AI. He advised businesses to first prioritize organizing and digitizing their data for accurate AI results. While he did not mention specific off-the-shelf tools for avoiding hiring expensive data scientists, he did suggest that MSMEs can avoid these costs by using affordable off-the-shelf tools such as Google Cloud or Microsoft Power BI.
An example of a successful AI implementation by an MSME can be seen in a retail company that experienced a 15% increase in orders by piloting a simple AI solution for personalized product offers. Dr. Aremu did not mention any specific MSMEs that have successfully integrated AI in their operations, but he encouraged businesses to consider the potential benefits and to take a proactive approach to AI integration.
One of the major challenges for MSMEs, according to Dr. Aremu, is the perception that they lack the technical expertise or budget for AI. He noted that the high cost of custom AI can be reduced by starting small with cloud-based tools that offer pay-as-you-go or monthly plans, with a focus on clear return on investment. He also emphasized the importance of setting clear, measurable goals for AI implementation to ensure that businesses can track their progress and see the benefits of their investment.
In 2025, the ATRED Foundation initiated the "Cloth-a-Child" project in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), demonstrating the potential of AI to drive social impact as well as business growth. Dr. Aremu's message to MSMEs is clear: AI is not just for large corporations, but is a tool that can be used by small businesses to gain a competitive advantage and drive growth. By adopting a "start-small, think-big" approach and focusing on the benefits of AI, MSMEs can reap the rewards of this transformative technology.
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