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.

Discussions about small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria have traditionally centered on access to finance. However, according to Nairametrics, funding alone is insufficient for driving the next phase of SME growth. Entrepreneurs are confronted with challenges such as high operational costs, evolving customer preferences, rapid technological advancements, and increased competition, indicating a need for a broader approach beyond just financial support.

Bankers in Nigeria have expressed concerns that traditional audit and governance frameworks are becoming insufficient due to the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, which is transforming banking operations, risk management, and fraud detection. This warning was made during the 64th Quarterly General Meeting of the Association of Chief Audit Executives of Banks in Nigeria (ACAEBIN) held in Lagos.

The United Nations (UN) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) are organizing a global dialogue aimed at addressing the social and economic realities influenced by artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative is part of their efforts to engage with the challenges posed by AI on a worldwide scale.

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.