Experts and industry leaders have called on African governments to craft smart, adaptive regulations for Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive economic growth, create jobs, and position the continent as a global player in digital innovation.
Speaking at the 2025 African Marketing Confederation (AMC) Conference in Accra, stakeholders stressed that Africa’s youthful population and growing digital platforms offer a strong foundation for AI-driven transformation. But without forward-looking policies, they warned, the continent risks being left behind.
Mr. Charles Murito, Google’s Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa, likened AI to “a new form of electricity,” capable of powering unprecedented levels of innovation across industries.
“We are at a remarkable moment in history. Africa’s digital transformation is this generation’s greatest opportunity. Regulations must be smart, flexible, and designed to encourage investment and innovation, not stifle them,” Mr. Murito said.
He acknowledged fears that AI could displace jobs but insisted the technology could generate new roles, especially for young people. He urged governments and the private sector to prioritize digital skills training to prepare youth for future careers such as strategic AI directors and data-driven innovators.
“Instead of being consumers of imported solutions, African entrepreneurs should leverage AI to build homegrown tools tailored to the continent’s unique challenges,” he added.
Ms. Helen McIntee, President and Co-Founder of the AMC, said that if properly managed, AI could help Africa reshape its global image and become a force in the international marketing industry.
She called for massive investments in internet connectivity, data infrastructure, and digital literacy to equip professionals with the skills to thrive in AI-driven markets.
“This is about more than technology. It’s about giving young Africans the tools to innovate, create, and compete on the world stage,” she said.
On the policy front, Mr. Mohammed Adams Sukparu, Deputy Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, admitted that Africa’s regulatory frameworks have not kept pace with technological change.
He revealed that Ghana has completed a review of its digital policies and will soon present 15 new measures to Parliament to attract investment and safeguard innovation.
He challenged entrepreneurs and marketers to rebrand Africa as a “continent of opportunity” by creating solutions that are globally competitive but locally relevant.
The conference, themed “Thriving in Africa’s Evolving Markets: Trust, Trends and Technology,” highlighted the urgency of balancing innovation with responsible governance.
