Africans urged to embrace AI as a tool for innovation, not competition

Entrepreneurs, creatives, and tech experts have called on Africans to view artificial intelligence (AI) as a partner in innovation rather than a threat, emphasizing its potential to drive progress across multiple sectors.

This message was shared at the second edition of the Sundown Session, organized by leading fintech firm Kora, with the theme “AI in Africa: Scaling Beyond the Hype.”

Speaking at the event, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Founding Partner at Future Africa, urged innovators to expand their focus beyond fintech.
“There’s so much to build. We need to go beyond fintech,” he said. “From digital finance to trade and governance, everything depends on the digital infrastructure that connects us. But too many people still lack access to the internet. Digital infrastructure is the challenge we must solve.”

During a session moderated by Kora’s CEO, Dickson Nsofor, Ifeanyi Nwunne, Creative Director of I.N Official Limited, said AI enhances creativity rather than replacing it.
“AI only threatens people who stop innovating,” he noted. “Across fashion and other industries, AI helps us work faster, visualise ideas better, and bring more precision to what we do.”

Yinka Ash, Founder and CEO of Ashcorp Group, highlighted that while AI is reshaping business operations, it cannot replace human emotion or experience.
“AI can automate tasks, but it lacks the ability to feel emotions. When we use it as a partner, not a competitor, we position ourselves to compete globally,” he said.

Other panelists included Somtochukwu Ifezue (CEO, PiggyVest), Onyinye Olisah (CEO, Onus Financial Services), Buchi Okoro (CEO, Quidax), Frank Atat, and Ugodre Obi-Chukwu (Founder & CEO, Nairametrics).

Reflecting on the purpose of the gathering, Nsofor said Kora is committed to driving Africa’s next phase of digital growth through collaboration.
“AI is driving a new phase of Africa’s digital growth,” he said. “Progress happens when technology meets community, and Sundown Sessions is our way of creating that bridge. From fashion to finance, agriculture to media, we want to spotlight Africa’s readiness to lead the next global wave of innovation powered by technology, creativity, and collaboration.”

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