Continuous integration (CI) plays a critical role in agile development by promoting automation and regular, incremental integration of code changes. This practice helps teams ensure that new code integrates smoothly with the existing codebase, reducing integration problems and enabling quicker software releases. CI encourages frequent testing and builds, allowing developers to identify defects early in the development process. By adopting CI, Agile teams enhance collaboration, streamline project workflows, and maintain code quality, ultimately leading to faster delivery of functional software that meets user needs.