Trond Riiber Knudsen on Capital, Talent, and Africa’s Turning Point
Powering local innovation and sustainable growth
In an era of rapid technological transformation, African startups are beginning to harness the immense potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning. But as Cynthia Mwaura, Investment Associate at E3 Capital, explains, this revolution must be guided by principles that prioritize sustainability, inclusion, and impact.
With years of experience in management consulting and financial advisory, Cynthia brings a unique blend of analytical depth and entrepreneurial insight to her role at E3 Capital. In her current position, she is responsible for deal sourcing, execution, portfolio management, and financial modeling, work that puts her at the heart of Africa’s fast-evolving innovation landscape.
In a recent conversation, Cynthia shared her perspective on the rise of AI within Africa’s startup scene. “We’re seeing a lot more businesses, whether in agriculture or health, leveraging AI and machine learning to drive growth,” she notes. “But we also need to make sure we are progressing in an ethical manner.”
Cynthia highlights the importance of this technological wave not as a siloed movement, but as a force shaping other pressing realities, particularly the climate crisis. “The intersection of climate tech and other verticals is critical,” she says, pointing to the ways AI can help optimise resource use, anticipate environmental risks, and build resilience in sectors like farming and energy.
At the core of her message is a call for balance: innovation yes, but not at any cost. “These predictive models are adapting to how humans behave. Within that is the role governments will play in terms of regulation,” she says, emphasizing that forward-thinking policy frameworks will be essential in ensuring AI serves as a tool for empowerment rather than exploitation.
She also sees the continent’s youthful population as a strength in this equation. “There’s an opportunity to drive growth across the continent by leveraging AI and machine learning to create jobs, eradicate poverty, and foster sustainable impact.”
As Africa writes its next chapter, digitally, climatically, and economically, voices like Cynthia’s offer both clarity and conscience. The future, she reminds us, is about how we build it.
Shaping the Future Responsibly: Cynthia Mwaura on AI, Climate Tech, and Ethical Investment in Africa
