Elevating small business performance with emerging technologies and artificial intelligence in Africa
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Senyo Agbeblewu: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1510-2934
Stacey N. Reinke: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0758-0330
Abstract
A sustainable economy, particularly in the context of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), necessitates a robust and globally competitive manufacturing sector. However, our understanding of how this emerging and rapidly changing technology impacts corporate performance, especially regarding turnover in small enterprises, may be lacking. This chapter examines the impact of developing technologies on the performance of small manufacturing enterprises, with a particular emphasis on Nigeria, the largest consumer market in Africa. Research indicated that developing technologies significantly influenced the business performance of SMEs in Nigeria. The research concludes that new technologies can improve the business performance of small manufacturing enterprises. Small businesses are advised to leverage AI to create disruptive innovation through innovative business models and processes, potentially transforming the manufacturing industry and global competitive landscape.
Keywords
Artificial Intelligence (AI), business automation, digital transformation, entrepreneurial ecosystem, fintech, machine learning, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), sustainability, technology adoption, venture capital
Document Type
Book Chapter
Date of Publication
1-1-2026
Publication Title
AI for Organizational Excellence and Inclusive Growth
Publisher
IGI Global
School
School of Business and Law
Copyright
subscription content
First Page
169
Last Page
191
Comments
Olubiyi, T. O., Abaniwo, F. S., Agbeblewu, S., & Adeyemi, K. S. (2026). Efficient charging scheduling through coordination of electric vehicle platoons and charging stations. In R. Pérez-Uribe, D. Ocampo-Guzmán, M. Ramírez-Garzón, & L. Lozano-Correa (Eds.), AI for Organizational Excellence and Inclusive Growth (pp. 169-192). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-2600-0439-5.ch006