Received: 2025-08-11  |  Accepted: 2025-11-13  |  Published: 2025-12-30

Title

Drivers of Artificial Intelligence adoption in township small businesses in South Africa


Abstract

This study examined the relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and community structures governance in scaling sustainable township businesses in South Africa. A qualitative design was used, and 30 semi-structured interviews were held with entrepreneurs in townships in the Eastern Cape. The results indicate potential for improving business with AI tools, including mobile payment systems and digital platforms; however, this is hindered by low digital literacy, inadequate infrastructure, and a distrust of technology. The community structures, such as cooperatives and ward committees, were observed to affect the acceptance and diffusion of AI in business activities. The paper found collaborations between technology innovation and participatory governance, demonstrating that hybrid strategies can enhance inclusive development. The study concludes by proposing a policy framework that unites AI and local governance to strengthen township economies and foster resilience.


Keywords

Artificial Intelligence (AI), community structures governance, township businesses, sustainable development, financial inclusion


JEL classifications

L26 , O30 , O33 , O55


URI

http://jssidoi.org/ird/article/224


DOI


Pages

116-129


Funding


This is an open access issue and all published articles are licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Authors

Gavaza, Bramwell Kundishora
Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa https://www.wsu.ac.za
Articles by this author in: CrossRef |  Google Scholar

Journal title

Insights into Regional Development

Volume

7


Number

4


Issue date

December 2025


Issue DOI


ISSN

ISSN 2345-0282 (online)


Publisher

VšĮ Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, Vilnius, Lithuania

Cited

Google Scholar

Article views & downloads

HTML views: 164  |  PDF downloads: 142

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