Johannesburg businessman Kabelo Nkosi, who runs a sneaker recycling and customisation business, says artificial intelligence (AI) has cut his workload in half.
“I used to spend hours replying to customers, writing captions, figuring out content. Now I use ChatGPT to help me plan and write my marketing, and it saves me so much time,” he says.
“It’s like I finally have backup.”
With South Africa’s economy leaving many young people locked out of traditional employment, small business owners in townships are turning to artificial intelligence to stay in business and stay ahead.
In areas like Johannesburg’s CBD and Roodepoort, entrepreneurs are using free and low-cost AI tools to automate admin, craft marketing content and improve their offerings. They often using nothing more than a smartphone and a mobile data bundle.
Also, with access to funding and professional services remaining out of reach for most small businesses, AI is helping level the playing field.
Whether it is Canva generating design templates, ChatGPT assisting with communication, or mobile apps scheduling social media posts, township entrepreneurs are finding ways to work smarter without breaking the bank.
In Roodepoort, Naledi Motloung runs a spice blend business from her home. She learned how to use Canva’s AI-powered design tools from YouTube and now creates all her packaging and advertising materials herself.
“I do not have money for a graphic designer, and I am not trained in business. But now people ask me who I use to do my branding,” she says.
Business development consultant Tshepo Moema says these stories are becoming more common, with AI quietly enabling micro-entrepreneurs to operate more professionally and efficiently.
“These are people with no formal support and very little capital. AI gives them tools that used to only be accessible to big businesses,” he says.
But Moema cautions that while AI is helping some entrepreneurs survive, it can pose a risk to others.
“There is a real fear that these tools could replace entry-level jobs such as admin, writing and even some design work. That is why digital education is critical. If people are trained to use AI rather than compete with it, it can create opportunity.”
While many entrepreneurs are self-taught, there are formal efforts to address the digital skills gap.
In Braamfontein, the Tshimologong Digital Precinct runs workshops and training programmes to help township entrepreneurs and creatives learn how to use AI and other emerging technologies for business.
But access remains uneven.
“Most people still don’t know where to start or don’t have data and laptops,” says Motloung.
“I learned from Instagram reels and TikTok. That is how I realised AI could help my business.”
Despite the challenges, both Nkosi and Motloung say AI has become a key part of their operations. They still hope to expand and hire staff in the future, but for now, AI is helping them do more with less.
“It is not replacing anyone. It is helping me keep going until I can grow,” says Nkosi.
In South Africa’s harsh economic climate, tools that save time, money and energy are not just convenient, they are essential for survival.
For township entrepreneurs fighting to stay in business, AI is no longer just a trend. It is a lifeline.
