AI for Growth Lab
Turn artificial intelligence into measurable business results.
A practical program helping African SMEs identify where AI can improve productivity, customer experience, decision-making, and costs — and develop a roadmap for implementation.
At a glance
- Audience
- Founders, executives & SME operators
- Focus
- Practical AI adoption
- Geography
- Africa
- Status
- Pilot Launching Soon
Why AI for Growth Lab Exists
You do not need to become a technology company to benefit from AI.
African businesses need to understand where AI can genuinely improve operations, which tools make sense, how implementation works, and where the risks lie.
AI for Growth Lab turns AI from an abstract topic into a practical business tool.
Areas We Explore
- Sales
- Marketing
- Customer Service
- Finance
- Operations
- Talent
- Automation
Who It Is For
SME Founders
Identify practical ways AI can create value.
Business Executives
Understand where AI can improve performance and decision-making.
Operators & Functional Leaders
Explore specific use cases across sales, marketing, customer service, finance, operations, and talent.
What Every Business Leaves With
AI Opportunity Assessment & Implementation Roadmap
- Priority AI use cases
- Recommended tools
- Automation opportunities
- Expected business impact
- Implementation requirements
- Risk considerations
- Implementation priorities
Why AWI
Practical, not theoretical
Focus on implementation and measurable business outcomes.
Built for African businesses
Program design centers on the needs and operating realities of SMEs across Africa.
Where this fits in the AWI journey
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
Who is the AI for Growth Lab for?
The Lab is designed for founders, executives, and operators of small and medium-sized businesses across Africa.
Do I need technical or coding experience?
No. AWI's program concept is built around practical business application rather than AI theory or turning participating businesses into technology companies.
What areas of the business can the program address?
Potential applications include sales, marketing, customer service, finance, operations, talent, and automation.
What will my business leave with?
Each participating business is intended to leave with an AI Opportunity Assessment & Implementation Roadmap covering priority use cases, recommended tools, expected business impact, implementation needs, risks, and next priorities.
Which industries can participate?
Pilot eligibility and any sector focus will be announced with applications.
Will AWI implement the technology for my company?
The Lab is designed to help businesses identify, prioritize, and plan AI implementation. Scope of any additional implementation support will be specified for each cohort.
What does the program cost?
Pricing for the pilot has not yet been announced.
When will the pilot launch?
Pilot dates, locations, and application details will be announced here when available.
Turn AI potential into practical progress.
Register your business interest and be among the first to receive pilot details.
The interest form will be available here once its destination is confirmed.
Continue Your AWI Journey
Explore more AWI programs.