Strive Masiyiwa calls for Africa to become a continent of startups, highlighting AI as the engine for entrepreneurship, job creation, and sustainable economic growth at the Unstoppable Africa summit.
According to him “The number one thing for us is the startup ecosystem. We have got to turn Africa into a startup continent, we have to drive wealth creation, job creation, through entrepreneurship and we have to drive it through the entrepreneurship of the now, which is AI.
Highlighting the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa’s development. He noted that AI is not only an opportunity for emerging tech businesses but also a tool for driving productivity gains in existing industries, from agriculture to healthcare, education, and finance.
The key lies in building the systems and infrastructure that allow startups to thrive. By doing so, AI can be harnessed to fuel sustainable economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness.
During the panel session, Strive Masiyiwa steered the conversation toward the importance of developing ethical, homegrown AI solutions that reflect African realities. He stressed that Africa’s active role in shaping AI innovation will ensure inclusivity, sustainability, and relevance in the global digital economy.
His vision is anchored in leveraging Africa’s youthful population, expanding internet penetration, and growing network of innovation hubs to build a resilient startup ecosystem.
His call resonates with the momentum across the continent, where sectors such as fintech, agritech, and healthtech are already reshaping industries. By investing in talent, digital infrastructure, and entrepreneurship ecosystems, Africa can unlock new pathways of prosperity and job creation for its people.
