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.

The AI Everything Kenya × GITEX Kenya summit concluded in Nairobi, focusing on the challenges facing Africa's AI ambitions, including public trust, startup capital, and intellectual property frameworks. The event, which took place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, brought together technology executives, government officials, venture investors, and international institutions, attracting over 280 participants.

A report from TechCentral highlights that the gap in access to generative AI in South Africa is increasing, particularly among different age groups and educational backgrounds. It warns that without targeted efforts to address this issue, the technology will primarily advantage individuals who are already connected, educated, and digitally savvy.

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.

Farouk Ramji, CEO of Mawingu, discusses the potential for Africa's next tech revolution to emerge from rural communities rather than traditional urban centers like Nairobi and Lagos. He highlights how Mawingu, as Kenya's largest ISP for rural and peri-urban areas, is contributing to this transformation by fostering innovation and attracting investment in less populated regions.

Google has selected 15 AI-focused startups from various African countries including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Angola for its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program. This initiative emphasizes a transition towards scalable and revenue-generating innovations within the continent's tech ecosystem. The startups, which span sectors such as fintech, mobility, healthtech, agritech, and SaaS, completed a three-month hybrid program.