Journal of Development Research

Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Anambra State, Nigeria

Solomon Uchechukwu Eze¹ and Phina Njideka Onyekwelu¹

First Published 13 Feb 2025. https://doi.org/10.1177/22297561251314910

Article Information

Corresponding Author:

Solomon Uchechukwu Eze, Department of Business Administration, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, PMB 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Email: su.eze@unzik.edu.ng

¹Department of Business Administration, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

Creative Commons Non Commercial CC BY-NC: This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 License (http://www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits non-Commercial use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed.

Abstract

This article investigates the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and the sustainability of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Anambra State, Nigeria. It looks at how AI technologies might help SMEs improve operational efficiency, lower expenses, and promote environmentally friendly behaviour. The article also discusses the challenges faced by these businesses in implementing AI, and offers recommendations for stakeholders, including governments, educational institutions, and industry associations, to assist these companies in integrating AI into their daily operations. This can be achieved through training programmes aimed at enhancing the digital and technological proficiency of the owners, managers, and staff of SMEs in Anambra State. The results show how AI may help SMEs in Anambra State reach sustainability objectives, fostering environmental preservation and eventually economic development.

Keywords

Artificial intelligence, AI adoption challenges, SME sustainability strategies, developing economies, small and medium scale enterprises, Anambra State

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