All systems go for marketing and tech conferences being held in Ghana

The well-attended launch event, held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra yesterday (Thursday, 15 May 2025), set the scene for what promises to be a two-day thought leadership extravaganza examining the latest trends, developments and future directions of the marketing and information technology sectors in Africa.  

Host associations for 2025 are the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana and the Institute of ICT Professionals, Ghana. 

Held concurrently but with largely separate agendas and speakers, the conferences recognise the growing convergence of the marketing and IT sectors in the age of AI, the metaverse, digital strategies and big data.  

Kicking off the launch event, which also attracted online attendees from around the world, was David Gowu, President of the Technology Information Confederation Africa (TICON Africa) and Executive Director of the Institute of ICT Professionals, Ghana. He spoke on behalf of both the African Marketing Confederation (AMC) and TICON Africa. 

Gowu said the conferences were expected to attract 500-plus delegates, with the ultimate goal being to use technology and marketing to enhance Africa’s development. It was also an opportunity to showcase the nation of Ghana, its culture and attractions. 

Conference sponsorship opportunity 

He encouraged Africa’s business sector to consider sponsoring this year’s event and take advantage of the exciting opportunities that it offers. Among these opportunities are: 

• Amplified Visibility across venue, digital platforms and global media. 

• Thought Leadership through speaking slots and high-profile panels. 

• Premium Access through delegate passes, exhibition booths and more. 

• Elite Network Access to senior executives and partnership-building opportunities. 

Technology to help grow Africa 

Dr Jannie Zaaiman, Secretary General of TICON Africa, emphasised that it is crucial to use technology to help grow Africa and introduced the theme of the 2025 TICON Africa conference, which is ‘Enabling Africa’s Tech Future: Innovation, Standards, and Global Influence’. 

Under this umbrella are various sub-themes. These include: ‘Tech-Driven Inclusion – Empowering Women for a Digital Economy’ and ‘Fast-Tracking and Unlocking the Career Development Potential of Africa’s Youth Through Digital Education’. 

Zaaiman outlined the four sub-committees that drive TICON Africa’s activities, as well as three specialist Chapters. The latter are Women in TICON, Youth in TICON, and a Compliance Chapter. 

Igniting a movement in Accra 

Ama Amoah, Vice President of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana, told attendees it was “a great privilege to gather in the name of marketing”. She added: “Today feels like a special day; we are not just launching a conference – we are igniting a movement right here in Accra”. 

Amoah continued: “I am thrilled … Accra will become the meeting point for Africa’s biggest marketing minds and boldest tech innovators. Our goal is to explore the intersection of marketing and technology.  

“Also, to drive sustainable growth for businesses and organisations. Marketing is the essence of business; the essence of our community; the essence of our country; the essence of globalisation”. 

Networking and ‘sights and sounds’ 

David Balikuddembe, Secretary General of the African Marketing Confederation, acknowledged the contribution of the Labadi Beach Hotel – the venue for the joint conferences – and of the Ghana Tourism Authority.  

He emphasised that the AMC worked hard to ensure delegates to its conferences always returned home having experienced the sights and sounds of the host country.  

Apart from ensuring top-class speakers and discussion of important marketing topics, the AMC’s conferences had become famous for social and networking activities. “That’s why we are excited to partner with the Ghana Tourism Authority to put together events that people will talk about for a while – about the host country, the people, the food, the culture, the dance, the dress,” Balikuddembe said. 

You can find out more about the AMC Conference 2025 here and the 2025 TICON Africa Conference here.