Building AI-Native Companies in Africa: Lessons from the Frontlines

​Everyone is talking about AI. But building real AI products is incredibly hard. Founders face challenges around data, infrastructure, distribution, and turning deep technology into something customers will actually pay for. In Africa, these challenges are even more complex: limited datasets, fragmented markets, infrastructure constraints, and global competition moving at incredible speed. The result? Many founders experiment with AI but struggle to translate it into scalable, defensible companies.

​In this webinar, Mwenda Mugendi will share frontline lessons from building an AI company in Africa, from identifying real AI opportunities to building products that solve meaningful problems. Drawing from his journey building agrails and his experience across global research and technology organizations, he’ll unpack what founders should focus on when building AI-native companies, the mistakes to avoid, and how African startups can compete globally in the AI era.

​If you’re a founder, this session will give you practical insights on building AI products that matter. You’ll learn how to think about AI beyond hype, where real opportunities exist for startups in Africa, and what it takes to turn advanced technology into sustainable companies. You’ll leave with founder lessons, strategic frameworks, and a clearer perspective on how to build AI-driven startups that can scale globally.