{
  "id": 11187713,
  "title": "WATCH: Inside the push to put AI and tech in the hands of kasi businesses",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/watch-inside-the-push-to-put-ai-and-tech-in-the-hands-of-kasi",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-01T12:03:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/lifestyle/technology/watch-inside-the-push-to-put-ai-and-tech-in-the-hands-of-kasi-businesses/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Kasi Tech Summit in Alexandra emphasized that artificial intelligence and technology are no longer distant concepts for small-business owners. Township entrepreneurs must gain access to tools and skills to keep up with technological advancements. The summit gathered entrepreneurs, technology companies, and enterprise-development organizations to explore practical ways technology can aid township businesses' growth. These improvements encompass better operations, customer outreach, and opportunities.\n\nBulelani Balabala, the founder of the Township Entrepreneurs Alliance, urged township businesses to shift from being mere consumers of technology to becoming creators, adopters, and owners. He stressed the importance of AI, digital skills, cloud services, and connectivity for township communities.\n\nExhibitions showcased technology solutions tailored to everyday business challenges. For instance, sorted.mobi presented a WhatsApp-based bookkeeping service, while Pampiri, developed by NexMotion Technologies, transformed paper receipts and invoices into digital financial records. These tools, though simple, can address daily challenges faced by small businesses.\n\nThe summit also highlighted entrepreneurs who developed technology solutions around personal problems they encountered in their communities. For example, Keletso Lekwakwe, co-founder and CEO of PasswordKid, created a digital identity and verification solution for schools to ensure authorized individuals collect children. Such innovation does not require a large corporate office or technology company; it can originate from entrepreneurs familiar with local challenges, such as safety, transport, healthcare, education, and access to services.\n\nThe summit's message was not that every business must become an AI company, but rather that entrepreneurs should identify problems technology can solve. For businesses struggling with finances, digital bookkeeping tools can be considered. For those seeking customers, digital marketing and online directories are options. Entrepreneurs dealing with repetitive administration could also benefit from AI tools, though the technology does not need to be complex; it must solve genuine business problems.\n\nSupport is available for entrepreneurs aiming to build technology products. The Township Entrepreneurs Alliance offers workshops, networking, and mentorship, along with opportunities tailored for township businesses. These workshops, held across South Africa, provide practical training, networking, and the Kasi Pitching Challenge.\n\nHowever, digital inclusion extends beyond simply telling entrepreneurs to \"go digital.\" Businesses need affordable technology, skills, reliable connectivity, and access to markets, procurement opportunities, and enterprise-development support. Without these resources, digital transformation remains out of reach for many businesses.\n\nThe opportunity for township businesses goes beyond learning about AI tools like ChatGPT. It is about providing the necessary tools for growth and competition. The bigger challenge facing South Africa's digital economy is whether the country will create the conditions that allow township entrepreneurs to participate and thrive.",
  "summary": "Discover how kasi business owners can leverage technology and AI skills to grow and innovate within their communities.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}