Chapter 1: Fostering Artificial Intelligence in Small Businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa

In the present era, there are numerous consumer data sources, particularly through web services and terminals such as point of sales to better understand customers. More so, it has become challenging to gather and evaluate this vast amount of data manually. This chapter highlights the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving relationships with customers and explores the techniques used to analyze customers’ data in order to predict their demands and reach their satisfaction. The objective of this study was to empirically test the effect of AI on customer satisfaction of selected family-owned businesses listed in Nigeria, the most populous and one of the biggest economies in Africa. This implies that AI is a significant predictor of customer satisfaction. The study suggests that companies should employ AI solutions to improve operational efficiency. Through the implementation of AI, companies can optimize their operations, decrease expenses, and enhance their ability to adapt to market fluctuations and client needs.