‘AI, Gadget Financing Key To Bridging Africa’s Digital Divide’

Technology entrepreneur Sheriffdeen Soleye has identified artificial intelligence (AI) and flexible gadget financing as two critical tools that can help bridge Africa’s widening digital divide. Soleye, who is the Co-founder and Marketing Lead at 360 Gadgets Africa said millions of Africans are still unable to access the devices and services needed to participate fully in […]

Technology entrepreneur Sheriffdeen Soleye has identified artificial intelligence (AI) and flexible gadget financing as two critical tools that can help bridge Africa’s widening digital divide.

Soleye, who is the Co-founder and Marketing Lead at 360 Gadgets Africa said millions of Africans are still unable to access the devices and services needed to participate fully in the digital economy.

According to him, high costs and limited purchasing options continue to shut out young people, students, and small business owners from opportunities in education, commerce, and innovation.

“It is not enough to celebrate the latest phones or laptops being launched in African markets if the average consumer cannot afford them or does not know which device suits their needs,” Soleye said.

He explained that, together with his co-founder and team, 360 Gadgets Africa is tackling these barriers through a buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) model that allows consumers to spread payments, as well as an AI-powered shopping assistant that provides personalized guidance to buyers. The platform has already reached more than 4,000 users and processed 20,000+ transactions in its first year.

Soleye, who also serves as a Growth Marketer and former Head of Email Marketing at the global digital agency Growth Hackers, stressed that AI must be applied to solve local problems in Africa rather than being seen as a distant trend.

“We cannot build a thriving digital economy if millions remain excluded from the very devices that power it. AI and flexible financing offer practical solutions to this challenge,” he noted.

Looking ahead, Soleye emphasized his commitment to scaling inclusive digital solutions that will empower Africa’s youth, small businesses, and students — and to contribute innovative ideas to the wider global tech ecosystem.