Artificial Intelligence: Innovations across Africa
Transforming industries and empowering entrepreneurs
Across Africa, start-ups are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to drive innovation and tackle local challenges. From supporting entrepreneurs to improving road safety and providing inclusive financial services, these technological advancements are setting the stage for transformative growth.
One such startup is CONCREE, a Senegalese venture led by Babacar Birane. The company has developed ADIA, an AI-driven tool designed to assist young entrepreneurs in drafting business plans. This tool plays a vital role in formalizing businesses, especially in securing the necessary documentation when dealing with financial institutions.
The initial deployment of ADIA involved 15 entrepreneurs in Saint Louis, Senegal, under a partnership with the Netherlands. Encouraged by its success, plans are in motion to extend this initiative across West Africa, providing a much-needed boost to aspiring entrepreneurs.
In East Africa, 3D Services Limited, based in Kampala, Uganda, has introduced DASH AI, an AI-powered dashcam. The device is equipped with advanced features such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Driver Status Monitoring (DSM), and Blind Spot Detection (BSD).
These AI-driven features are crucial for enhancing road safety by alerting drivers to potential risks. With this technology, cross-border logistics and road travel in the region are becoming significantly safer.
In Ghana, the financial sector is also witnessing AI-driven transformations. Paybox has embedded an AI tool within WhatsApp that allows users to track their finances and engage in conversational dialogues. With a strong foundation in data and big data analytics, Paybox is leading the way in financial inclusion by making it easier for individuals to manage their money through a familiar platform.
Another Ghanaian firm, Dataware, is leveraging AI for chatbot technology to create a guide for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), helping businesses navigate and capitalize on the AfCFTA.
In the agricultural sector, Farmerline is using AI-driven sentiment analysis to identify and address the challenges faced by farmers.
By analysing voice interactions and requested services, the start-up can provide better support and enhanced decision-making, both in Ghana and internationally.
These examples illustrate the growing impact of AI across Africa, as start-ups use cutting-edge technology to address local needs, enhance services, and empower entrepreneurs in a variety of sectors. As these innovations continue to expand, the continent is poised for remarkable growth and development driven by homegrown AI solutions.
These companies are supported by the International Trade Centre’s Netherlands Trust Fund (NTF) V programme, which operates in Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Senegal and Uganda.
A growing number of the more than 300 technology companies it supports are embracing the benefits of AI, boosting their internal productivity and improving their service portfolios, as in the cases above.
NTF V is working with these local innovators to play a catalytic role in the ongoing digital transformation process to modernize government services, traditional industries, education, healthcare and every other aspect of life.
