Energy and AI are the Future of Commerce

At the Moonshot, CEO of Sabi Anu Adasolum emphasized that Africa needs to focus on opportunities like energy transition and artificial intelligence to capitalise on growing opportunities in global trade.

The demand for sustainability is increasing as more consumers become aware of the environmental impact of their choices, while governments and organizations are implementing stricter regulations to combat climate change.

This shift reflects a broader societal push towards environmental responsibility, which is influencing markets and industries globally. Africa, with its abundant natural resources, diverse ecosystems, and potential for renewable energy, is in a strong position to capitalize on these evolving trends.

The continent's vast solar, wind, and hydropower potential, along with its rich biodiversity, could allow it to become a leader in sustainable practices.

Moreover, as global demand for eco-friendly products and services rises, African countries can leverage their green resources and innovative approaches to attract investment, promote sustainable development, and contribute to global environmental goals.

“We have the minerals and the agricultural commodities. [We need] flows and solutions that enable businesses to plug into this demand,” Adasolum said in a fireside chat with Mudiaga Mowoe, CEO of Matta, a marketplace for manufacturers to source chemicals and raw materials.

Another major benefit of artificial intelligence (AI) is that it offers an opportunity to rethink the way we solve problems in the value chain of commerce.

Adasolum highlights that one of the main challenges in working with the informal sector is effectively communicating and engaging with individuals or businesses that often operate without formal structures.

Traditional methods of outreach may not reach them due to language barriers, lack of access to technology, or different ways of conducting business.

AI helps overcome this issue by providing scalable, adaptable solutions that can communicate in multiple languages, analyze unstructured data, and offer tailored responses.

AI tools can engage with the informal sector through mobile platforms, chatbots, or automated systems, making it easier to connect, understand needs, and provide services efficiently. This helps bridge the gap between formal institutions and informal businesses.

Businesses do not have to change their fundamental technology to integrate AI into their processes. In communication, there are AI bots that customers can interact with on WhatsApp, a communication platform many already use.

AI can be overlaid with familiar technologies to make subcomponents of the process like placing orders and tracking supply more efficient.

The technology also provides a standardization that can improve traceability—transparency in how goods and services are sourced. “With AI, our data structures can be a lot more flexible.”

By exploring these opportunities, the continent has the potential to not only catch up but lead the way in the global trade value chain.

logy can be overlaid on familiar communication technologies to make subcomponents of the process like placing orders and tracking supply more efficient.

The technology also provides a standardization that can improve traceability—transparency in how goods and services are sourced. “With AI, our data structures can be a lot more flexible,”

By exploring these opportunities, the continent has the potential to not only catch up but lead the way in the global commerce value chain.

Source:
techcabal.com