The article discusses the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to drive growth for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. It explores the current landscape of AI adoption among these businesses and offers insights on how they can effectively navigate the hype surrounding AI to identify real opportunities for development.

Kenyan business leaders have been encouraged to advance beyond mere experimentation with artificial intelligence and to integrate it into their core business operations to drive growth, according to CIO Africa.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models used as chatbots and digital assistants, is becoming integral to daily life in South Africa. This raises concerns about the potential for AI to exacerbate existing inequalities, especially given the historical context of apartheid, which created disparities in access to education and healthcare. The implications of increased machine mediation in human interactions are significant in a society still grappling with these legacies, according to The Conversation Africa.

Kenya's insurance industry is increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency, minimize losses, and broaden coverage in a market with low uptake. This trend was highlighted at the InsurTech Forum Nairobi 2026, where industry executives and technology leaders discussed the future of transformation in the sector.

South Africa's leading universities are shifting their approach to artificial intelligence by moving away from policing its use. Instead, they are focusing on redesigning their teaching, assessment, and certification methods to adapt to the integration of AI in education.

South Africa's Yoco is expanding its services beyond payment processing through a new artificial intelligence deal. This development is part of a broader discussion that includes the Central Bank of Nigeria's data localisation rule, which has raised concerns within the fintech sector, and Visa's plans to integrate AI for shopping with cards in South Africa, according to Techpoint Africa.