The African Marketing Confederation (AMC) and the Technology Information Confederation Africa (TICON Africa) officially launched their joint annual conferences yesterday in Accra, marking the first time Ghana has hosted the event since its inception.
The AMC-TICON Africa Conference, held in Accra on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, brought together decision-makers, visionary leaders, and innovators from across Africa to explore the intersection of digital innovation and AI-driven marketing.
The gathering was designed to highlight how technology is reshaping brand-consumer engagement, driving business growth, and unlocking new opportunities across the continent.
AMC and TICON Africa are pan-African professional bodies of experts in marketing and information technology dedicated to unlocking Africa’s potential in these fields by 2030. Ghana’s own Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana (CIMG) and the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH) are members of the two bodies, and jointly hosted this year’s edition in Accra.
Themed “Thriving in Africa’s Evolving Markets: Trust, Trends, and Technology,” the AMC sessions ran concurrently with the TICON Africa theme, “Empowering Africa’s Tech Future: Innovation, Standards, and Global Influence.” Both tracks sought to foster synergy between marketing, technology, and supply chains to ensure Africa remains competitive in the global digital economy.
Speaking at the opening, Deputy Minister of Communication and Digitalisation, Mohammed Adam Sukparu, stressed that technology and marketing are essential enablers of cross-border trade, e-commerce, and regional economic integration.
“The conference is not just about discussion, but about shaping the continent’s future through bold ideas, strategic collaborations, and visionary leadership,” he said.
The Minister emphasised Africa’s need to create homegrown solutions and globally competitive brands. He also highlighted Ghana’s evolving regulatory landscape, which includes new policies in cybersecurity, data protection and AI development.
“Technology alone does not guarantee impact; marketing is the bridge between innovation and transformation. Together, marketing and technology can empower small businesses, unlock new markets and build a future that is smart, sustainable and sovereign,” he added.
Following his remarks, Executive Director of the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH), Richard Kafui Amanfu, delivered the official welcome address. He underscored Ghana’s growing role as a strategic hub for digital transformation on the continent.
“From the early seeds planted in Zimbabwe in 2022 to the inaugural conferences in Uganda and Kenya, TICON Africa has grown into a continental movement redefining how we collaborate across borders, sectors, and disciplines,” he said.
Mr. Amanfu stressed that digital transformation must go beyond technology to focus on people, trust, and values.
He challenged African leaders to invest in digital skills development across both urban and rural areas, democratise access to opportunities, and ensure that women and youth play leading roles in the tech ecosystem.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, said marketing and technology were “not just tools for business, but powerful instruments to tell Africa’s story, shape her image, and create a sustainable future.”
“The synergy between marketing and technology is no longer a convenience but a necessity. In this era of rapid digital transformation, where borders are redefined by algorithms, and consumer behaviour shaped by data, this collaboration is not just timely but essential,” he said.
National President of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana (CIMG), Michael Abbiw, urged marketers to ensure the ethical use of emerging technologies.
“AI has the potential to revolutionise our experiences, offering personalised services and enhanced convenience.
“However, we must ensure this technology is used ethically, with consumer protection at its core, because the power technology gives us today must come with great responsibility,” he stressed.
