Don’t sleep on AI as entrepreneurs -Ibrahim Sani urges

Renowned African business strategist and policy advocate, Lord Ibrahim Sani, has called on entrepreneurs across the continent to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a critical tool for growth, innovation, and global competitiveness.

According to him, emerging business leaders should move beyond traditional practices and integrate smart technology into their operations. He warned that failing to adopt AI-driven systems could leave many African ventures behind in an increasingly digital global economy.

“The future belongs to those who understand the language of data, automation, and intelligent systems. If African entrepreneurs want to compete with the rest of the world, they must not only catch up, they must leap ahead,” he said.

Lord Sani argued that AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day imperative. From predictive analytics in agriculture and chatbots in customer service, to AI-powered logistics and fintech algorithms, he believes the technology is already transforming how businesses scale and serve their markets.

He also highlighted the increasing availability of open-source AI tools, online courses, and accelerator programs designed to make AI accessible even to small and medium enterprises across Africa.

“We must demystify AI,” he emphasized. “It is not reserved for Silicon Valley or giant corporations. It is for the tech startup in Accra, the farmer in Kano, and the fashion designer in Nairobi.”

Lord Sani’s message comes amid a rising wave of interest in AI on the continent, with African governments and tech hubs launching initiatives aimed at AI literacy and digital inclusion. However, challenges such as limited infrastructure, data access, and funding still hinder widespread adoption.

He called on policymakers and private investors to prioritise AI education and infrastructure, especially for youth and women-led enterprises. “Africa’s demographic advantage can become a digital advantage, if we act boldly and collectively,” he said.

Lord Ibrahim Sani is known for his advocacy in sustainable enterprise development and digital economic inclusion. His message is widely regarded as a wake-up call for entrepreneurs to rethink, retool, and rise with the tides of artificial intelligence.

The post Don’t sleep on AI as entrepreneurs -Ibrahim Sani urges appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.

Read Full Story