Journal of African Development

The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into financial systems has transformed how venture capitalists evaluate, fund, and support entrepreneurial ventures. This study conceptually explores the linkages between AI applications in finance, venture capital decision-making, and entrepreneurial development. Drawing upon existing literature, the paper highlights how AI-driven forecasting, risk management, fraud detection, and financial reporting improve the quality and reliability of venture capital decisions. A conceptual framework is proposed where venture capital decisions act as a mediating factor between AI adoption and entrepreneurial development, while regulatory, ethical, and skill-related challenges moderate this relationship. The study develops hypotheses to empirically test these relationships and provides illustrative data analysis supporting the role of AI in strengthening venture capital outcomes. The findings suggest that AI serves as a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth by reducing uncertainty, improving investor trust, and enabling efficient capital allocation. However, the transformative potential of AI is contingent upon responsible regulation, ethical practices, and continuous skill enhancement. The paper contributes by bridging AI–finance–entrepreneurship research and offering directions for future empirical validation..