This chapter examines the link between technological innovation and sustainable development in Africa. While artificial intelligence (AI) often receives considerable praise for its potential to disrupt industries, its role as a purposeful driver of green and inclusive structural change hasn’t been fully explored and is often hindered by systemic challenges. The chapter highlights AI-driven entrepreneurship, the thoughtful integration of AI into business models that tackle social and environmental issues, as a crucial tool for pushing forward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and creating a fresh approach to inclusive capitalism across the continent. Using a qualitative analytical framework that draws on insights from case studies, sector reports, and academic literature spanning technological innovation, sustainability science, and development economics, the chapter tackles two main questions: How are AI-enabled businesses contributing to green innovation and inclusive business practices across key African sectors? And what are the main structural, ethical, and ecosystem challenges they encounter? The findings show that AI is playing an active role in driving structural transformation, from precision agriculture that enhances climate resilience and boosts smallholder incomes to off-grid renewable energy solutions and inclusive fintech platforms that broaden access for underserved communities. While these exciting applications hold great promise, they face a “dual gap” in both foundational data and skills. This issue is further complicated by shortcomings in digital infrastructure, mismatched funding, and the ongoing threat of “algorithmic apartheid,” which can perpetuate existing inequalities. As a result, the chapter makes a compelling case that, to unlock AI’s potential for sustainable development truly, we need to shift from the idea of “AI for Africa” to “AI by and with Africa.” Its unique contribution lies in weaving together these complex challenges into a cohesive, ecosystem-based strategy, suggesting practical ways to foster context-specific innovation through strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors, flexible policy frameworks, and financing linked to impact. Ultimately, the chapter offers evidence-based insights for key players: for policymakers, it emphasizes the importance of AI governance that focuses on data sovereignty and ethical standards; for entrepreneurs and investors, it points out the business potential of green, inclusive models; and for sustainability advocates, it positions AI-driven entrepreneurship as a vital means to achieve fair and resilient development throughout Africa.

AI-Driven Entrepreneurship: Catalyzing Green and Inclusive Growth in Africa

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发表日期：

2026年

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Dennis I. Edogun

摘要

This chapter examines the link between technological innovation and sustainable development in Africa. While artificial intelligence (AI) often receives considerable praise for its potential to disrupt industries, its role as a purposeful driver of green and inclusive structural change hasn’t been fully explored and is often hindered by systemic challenges. The chapter highlights AI-driven entrepreneurship, the thoughtful integration of AI into business models that tackle social and environmental issues, as a crucial tool for pushing forward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and creating a fresh approach to inclusive capitalism across the continent. Using a qualitative analytical framework that draws on insights from case studies, sector reports, and academic literature spanning technological innovation, sustainability science, and development economics, the chapter tackles two main questions: How are AI-enabled businesses contributing to green innovation and inclusive business practices across key African sectors? And what are the main structural, ethical, and ecosystem challenges they encounter? The findings show that AI is playing an active role in driving structural transformation, from precision agriculture that enhances climate resilience and boosts smallholder incomes to off-grid renewable energy solutions and inclusive fintech platforms that broaden access for underserved communities. While these exciting applications hold great promise, they face a “dual gap” in both foundational data and skills. This issue is further complicated by shortcomings in digital infrastructure, mismatched funding, and the ongoing threat of “algorithmic apartheid,” which can perpetuate existing inequalities. As a result, the chapter makes a compelling case that, to unlock AI’s potential for sustainable development truly, we need to shift from the idea of “AI for Africa” to “AI by and with Africa.” Its unique contribution lies in weaving together these complex challenges into a cohesive, ecosystem-based strategy, suggesting practical ways to foster context-specific innovation through strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors, flexible policy frameworks, and financing linked to impact. Ultimately, the chapter offers evidence-based insights for key players: for policymakers, it emphasizes the importance of AI governance that focuses on data sovereignty and ethical standards; for entrepreneurs and investors, it points out the business potential of green, inclusive models; and for sustainability advocates, it positions AI-driven entrepreneurship as a vital means to achieve fair and resilient development throughout Africa.