HARNESSING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND DIETS IN AFRICA'S FOOD SYSTEMS

Most Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in food systems focus on the supply side (production, efficiency). There is a research gap on how AI can effectively influence consumer behaviour to promote sustainable, healthy diets without manipulative or invasive personalised marketing. This article aims to close this gap that has practical and policy implications. This article explores how AI applications can shape and influence sustainable consumption and diets in Africa, identifies the challenges of integrating AI for sustainable consumption and diets, and examines opportunities for integrating AI applications for sustainable consumption and diets. This article is based on qualitative data collected from 26 research and policy experts working on African agriculture and food systems. The data was collected through in-depth interviews between August and November 2025. The findings show that leveraging AI for sustainable consumption and diet in Africa presents a transformative opportunity to enhance food security, improve nutritional outcomes, and reduce environmental impact across the continent. AI applications are particularly vital in addressing the double burden of malnutrition, where undernutrition and obesity coexist, by enabling personalised nutrition, improving supply chain efficiency, and promoting climate-smart agriculture. The article concludes that to maximise impact, relevant stakeholders must develop tailored, low-cost AI solutions and foster public-private partnerships, especially in regions with limited resources.