
Today the world enters what experts suggest is a new stage
called the Agentic Era – where AI, automation, and hyperconnectivity come into
the forefront. In Nigeria, where the digital economy is projected to contribute
15% to GDP by 2025 (source: PwC Nigeria), all businesses must embrace these
change enablers if they are to avoid being left behind. The second, perhaps
even more critical implication of the Agentic Era involves a complete
reconsideration of conventional business strategies and the need for more
unconventional paradigms such as AI, cloud computing, or data-driven
approaches.
This article seeks to elaborate on how businesses in Nigeria
prepare to foster the changes brought about by the Agentic Era adopting
automation, and digital marketing as well as integrating sustainable
strategies. Beginning with a theoretical analysis followed by realistic
solutions, this work will show how organisations can manoeuvre themselves to
become giants in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital frontier.
What is the Agentic Era?
The Agentic Era is a shift where AI and machine learning are
the real drivers in decisions, customer relations, and processes. The term
‘agentic’ is derived from “agents” which are computational entities capable of
undertaking activities with little intercession from a human source. AI
algorithms, automation platforms, and data analysis tools give companies the
tools to work smarter, swifter and more efficiently.
Why Does It Matter for Nigerian Businesses?
1. Rising Digital Adoption: Nigeria widely has more than 109
million internet users (Statista, 2023) one of the most growing internet
economies in Africa.
2. E-commerce Boom: The Nigerian e-commerce market can grow
to $75 billion by 2025 (McKinsey) due to platforms that include Jumia, Temu and
Konga.
3. Workforce Transformation: The increase in the number of
employees working remotely as well as gig economy patterns disrupt stabilised
employment structures.
Key Strategies for Adapting to the Agentic Era in Nigeria
1. Embrace Digital Transformation
The traditional ways of doing business in the market cannot
be sustained in the future economy, but these digital strategies are essential
in the Agentic Era. Companies should consider incorporating and expanding the
use of artificial intelligence, and automation solutions comparable to Amazon
Web Services and cloud services.
Actionable Tip: With AI firms can start small with
applications such as chatbots in customer service or sales prediction using
analytic tools. Currently, there are open platforms that can be implemented in
businesses of varying sizes, for instance, Zendesk, Salesforce etc.
2. Leverage AI for Data-Driven Decision Making
AI helps the business to work out complex data, look for
patterns and make conclusions. For instance, some of the Nigerian main banks
such as GTBank are still implementing the application of AI in activities like
fraud analysis and customer services.
Actionable Tip: Use machine learning-based applications like
Google Analytics 4 or Tableau that would capture key indicators including
customer and website activity and sales.
3. Prioritize Cybersecurity
Where there is some form of digitalization, businesses are
at risk of cyber threats. Nigeria loses about $500m to cybercrime in 2022
reveals the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). Data
protection and customer trust are a cornerstone of the company.
Actionable Tip: Emphasise and implement rules of
authentication, data security, and sales employee compliance with the standards
of ethical use of computers and the internet.
4. Optimize Remote Work and Agile Methodologies
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about an increase in
work-from-home practices all over the world and in Nigeria. Tele- or mobile
communities demand software technology and organizational interventions to
create optimum opportunities for interaction and working performance.
Actionable Tip: Former communication tools may not work
appropriately in a remote environment, so you can try using Slack or Zoom,
Microsoft Teams, etc. Adopt organization-wide agile methodologies to enhance
worldwide adaptability and responsiveness.
5. Focus on Sustainability
Consequently, sustainable development has become an
increasingly important topic of the Agentic Era. Today’s customers and
investors are more likely to support those companies that follow the policies
of environmentally friendly strategies.
Actionable Tip: Practice environmentally friendly factors in
your business, for instance, cut on your use of plastics, or use green energy.
Speak to these efforts within your digital marketing strategies because today’s
consumers are socially aware.
6. Enhance Customer Experience through Personalization
Personalization enabled by Artificial Intelligence is
breaking new ground in customer experiences. For instance, e-commerce websites
use previous orders for recommendations of products to offer and digital
marketing can target specific personalities.
Actionable Tip: You need to transform product offerings and
promotional emails using tools such as HubSpot or MailChimp.
7. Prepare for the Future of Work
The advanced technological processes in industries change
the nature and demands of work. Employers have to continue educating employees
along with the process of the constant reinforcement of the workers’ skills to
remain relevant.
Actionable Tip: Promote courses offered by Coursera or Udemy
to give employees access to courses on AI, data analytics and many other
courses.
Overcoming Challenges in the Agentic Era
While the Agentic Era offers immense opportunities, it also
presents challenges, including:
- High Initial Costs: Implementation of new-age technologies
namely artificial intelligence and cloud computing capital intensive.
- Skill Gaps: The competencies of several employees in Nigeria
remain low in terms of the technical skills required for success in today’s
digitally led world.
- Ethical Concerns: Some of the problems which need to be
addressed include; AI bias, violation of privacy, and fake news.
To mitigate these risks, there is a need for organizations
to use a stepwise approach to digital processes, ensure that their employees
are well-trained in issues to do with digital, and ensure that they follow the
principles of digital ethics.
Case Study: Adapting to the Agentic Era in Nigeria
A Lagos-based retail company successfully adapted to the
Agentic Era by implementing the following strategies:
1. Digital Transformation: They incorporated an
‘intelligent’ working inventory control system, cutting stock-out levels by 30
per cent.
2. Customer Personalization: By applying data analytics,
they set up individualised marketing promotions and improved revenue by a
quarter.
3. Remote Work Tools: With the implementation of Slack as
well as Asana for the software, they enhanced teamwork as well as completed
most projects within 40% of the time expected.
This transformation placed the company on the right track in
competing against the other firms in the retail industry in Nigeria, which is
an excellent example of the positive impact of the Agentic Era that needs to be
embraced.
Conclusion
So, understanding that the Agentic Era is as much a
technological revolution as it is the clarion call for companies in Nigeria to
embrace the new order and take their place in the global economy. By
implementing trends such as AI integration, automation and data-driven decision-making,
it becomes possible for businesses to open new possibilities for the firm and
thereby fuel sustainable growth.
While Nigeria’s digital economy grows bigger, more
organizations that adopt the principles of flexibility, creativeness, and
sustainability will be the frontrunners. It is time to pay attention – prepare
your business for the unprecedented changes and have the right tools for the
Agentic Era.
If you need help in digital transformation, AI, and other
solutions that will help your business prepare for the future, you need to talk
to Paredaim Plus, Nigeria’s go-to digital marketing and innovation firm.
To that end, allow Paredaim Plus to simplify your tasks
towards the Agentic Era and transform difficulties into possibilities.
Endeavour to visit us for more details on how our
services are customized appropriately to the business environment in Nigeria.