To leverage increasing global commerce opportunities, Africa must focus on energy transition and artificial intelligence (AI), says Anu Adasolum, CEO of Sabi, a startup creating digital tools to enhance trade.
Speaking at Moonshot by TechCabal on Wednesday, Adasolum highlighted how increasing consumer demand for sustainability, stricter regulations, and a focus on environmental responsibility are reshaping the global market.
Africa, she said, is well-positioned to benefit from these shifts.
“We have the minerals and the agricultural commodities. What we need are flows and solutions that enable businesses to tap into this demand,” Adasolum remarked during a fireside chat with Mudiaga Mowoe, CEO of Matta, a marketplace for manufacturers seeking chemicals and raw materials.
She also emphasised the potential of artificial intelligence to transform commerce, particularly in addressing challenges within the informal sector.
“One of the biggest issues in the informal sector is communication and engagement. AI helps bridge that gap,” she noted.
Adasolum explained that businesses don’t need to overhaul their core technologies to adopt AI. For example, AI-powered bots can facilitate customer interactions on platforms like WhatsApp, which is already widely used.
AI can enhance processes such as order placement and supply tracking, while also improving traceability and transparency in sourcing.
“With AI, our data structures can become far more adaptable,” she added, stressing that these technologies could enable Africa to not only catch up but potentially lead in the global trade value chain.