AI Enables Nigerians to Build Global Businesses Without Relocating, Says Data Analyst
Wale Igbintade
A Lagos-based data analyst and technology entrepreneur, Gabriel James, has authored a new book on artificial intelligence (AI), titled The AI-Powered Data Analyst, aimed at helping data professionals integrate AI tools into their daily workflows.
The book, published by international technology publisher Packt Publishing, is currently available for pre-order on Amazon ahead of its proposed launch in January 2027.
James, who is the founder of Datafrik.co and several other technology ventures, said the book provides practical insights into the application of AI in data analysis, drawing from his experience of building and teaching data skills in Africa.
According to him, the book was written to address the changing nature of data analytics as artificial intelligence increasingly becomes an integral part of professional workflows.
“The book was published by Packt Publishing and it covers how working data analysts can practically integrate AI tools into their workflows. And the book was written from the perspective of someone building and teaching data skills on the African continent,” James said.
James disclosed that he began his career in data analytics in 2022 and has since worked with three United States-based digital technology companies — Udacity, Educative and Lighthall.
He said his engagements with the companies have contributed to his experience in developing and teaching technology skills, while enabling him to enrol more than 300 learners and participate in the creation of global software platforms, among other achievements.
Beyond data analytics and education, James has also ventured into artificial intelligence-driven entrepreneurship.
He said he founded Carbud, an AI-powered car super app designed for Nigerian motorists, offering services including vehicle document renewals, mechanic bookings, a marketplace for automobile parts and accessories, as well as roadside assistance.
According to him, the platform is designed to bring various automotive services together while leveraging technology to make them more accessible to vehicle owners.
James also disclosed that he has operated BlackPythonLovers since 2022, a free Telegram community established to teach Nigerians Python programming.
He said the initiative has been run entirely on a voluntary basis as part of his contribution to developing technology skills among Nigerians.
“I also founded Carbud (carbud.xyz), an AI-powered car super app for Nigerian drivers covering vehicle document renewals, mechanic booking, a parts and accessories marketplace and roadside assistance,” he said.
“Since 2022, I have also run BlackPythonLovers, a free Telegram community teaching Nigerians Python programming entirely as a volunteer. I recently spoke on the panel at TDI Tech Summit in Lagos.”
James said his experiences in building technology businesses, teaching digital skills and serving international clients from Nigeria demonstrate the growing potential of African technology professionals to compete in the global market without necessarily relocating abroad.
He emphasised that his businesses and professional engagements have been developed from Nigeria, despite serving clients and learners across international markets.
“All my clients, students and platforms have been built or served from Nigeria. I have not left Lagos to build any of this,” he said.
The technology entrepreneur said the development was significant for the continent, particularly at a time when artificial intelligence is transforming the global technology and business landscape.
According to him, African technology professionals can take advantage of emerging AI tools to develop products, provide services and participate in international markets while remaining in their home countries.
He further argued that AI is changing the traditional barriers to entrepreneurship by enabling individuals to develop business ideas, test concepts and launch ventures with significantly less capital than would previously have been required.
James said the growing accessibility of AI tools has created opportunities for more people to become entrepreneurs and generate income, particularly in technology-driven sectors.
He noted that the ability to use AI to support ideation, product development and business operations could enable a wider range of people to transform their ideas into viable ventures.
His new book, therefore, comes at a time of growing global interest in the practical applications of artificial intelligence, particularly among professionals seeking to understand how emerging AI technologies can complement existing skills rather than replace them.
James’ work also highlights the growing contribution of Nigerian technology professionals to the global digital economy, while demonstrating how local talent can develop products, educate learners and serve international markets from within the country.