Artificial intelligence is steadily moving beyond software applications into the physical side of business operations, as companies in food production and logistics increasingly deploy data-driven systems to support real-time decision-making. The shift is evident in the latest strategy unveiled by The Hershey
Company during its Investor Day, where the firm outlined plans to embed AI across its operations, from sourcing analytics to plant automation and product fulfilment.

According to the company, the initiative will focus on improving how the business runs behind
the scenes, with AI guiding decisions on procurement and distribution to build “a faster, smarter
and more resilient supply chain powered by automation and AI-enabled decision making.”
Hershey noted that supply chains in the food and snack sector remain under constant pressure due to fluctuating costs, seasonal demand, and retailer expectations for timely and accurate deliveries.

To address these challenges, the company said its digital planning tools would integrate various aspects of the business, helping to reduce waste, optimize inventory levels, and improve service delivery through better data connectivity across the supply chain. Central to the strategy is what Hershey described as “AI-enabled decision-making,” which seeks to link sourcing and delivery systems more closely while deploying automated fulfilment technologies to improve speed to market and handle customized product assortments.

The company also disclosed plans to expand automation within its manufacturing plants, using AI to enhance efficiency and embed intelligence directly into production systems rather than treating it as a separate analytical tool. Industry analysts say the approach reflects a broader trend in which firms are moving from limited AI pilot projects to full-scale integration across core business functions, particularly in sectors reliant on physical goods.

Food manufacturers, including Hershey, continue to grapple with volatile input costs for commodities such as cocoa and sugar, which are influenced by weather conditions, trade dynamics, and supply disruptions, making responsive and data-driven systems increasingly critical. Chief Executive Officer Kirk Tanner said the company’s direction is anchored on growth and execution, noting that the strategy positions Hershey to respond faster to market changes while strengthening operational performance.

A Nigerian lending software startup, Lendsqr, is building an artificial intelligence model that analyzes borrowers’ voices and faces to determine if they qualify for a loan.

The model aims to facilitate easy lending processes and benefit both lenders and borrowers.

According to statistics, only 6% of Nigerian adults have formal credits, and fewer than 12% of the country’s 41 million small businesses have access to credit, despite Nigerian banks consistently reporting record deposits.

Lendsqr’s AI model seeks to address these issues by providing an alternative method of credit evaluation.

The AI model will ask borrowers questions about their jobs and how they intend to pay, and they will respond either by video or voice.

The model will then predict whether the borrower will repay or default.

According to Adedeji Olowe, Lendsqr’s CEO, the model will help lenders judge borrowers’ capacity to repay the loan and their intention to repay.

The company plans to expand credit access not just in the Nigerian market but also to other countries, including Canada, to support migrants and new students.

“Africa is the primary target because this is where the problem is largest,” Olowe said.

The model has shown promising results, with an accuracy rate of 76% in previous tests.

Lendsqr plans to release the model when it reaches 90% accuracy.

The company will also make its research findings public and allow competitors to use the data to power their loan engines.

Lagos-based mobility fintech startup, Moove, is on the cusp of joining the coveted unicorn club after announcing plans to raise $300 million in equity funding.

This move is expected to propel the company’s valuation beyond $1 billion, solidifying its position as one of Africa’s most promising startups.

Moove’s innovative financing model, which links repayments to drivers’ earnings, has fueled its rapid growth.

The startup has expanded to 13 markets, including the UAE, India, and Mexico, and has helped drivers get cars without upfront capital since its launch in 2020.

With over $409 million already raised in debt and equity, Moove’s growth trajectory is impressive.

The startup’s annual revenue has surged from $115 million to $360 million in just over a year, demonstrating its potential for further expansion.

This growth has been driven by its core business of vehicle financing for ride-hailing drivers and its growing fleet management operations in the US.

The planned funding round will support Moove’s expansion in key growth markets and help it scale its electric vehicle (EV) fleet offerings.

The company has already made significant strides in the EV space, managing fleets of autonomous vehicles in Phoenix and Miami for Waymo, Alphabet’s self-driving vehicle division.

Moove’s success story is a testament to the growing confidence of investors in African startups.

The company joins a select club of African startups, including Flutterwave, Andela, and Chipper Cash, that have reached billion-dollar valuations while building solutions from the continent for the world.