
AI won’t replace market research. But it will expose weak strategy
Much of the broader conversation around AI in market research assumes conditions that do not consistently exist across many African markets, writes Soyinka Witness.
CONFERENCES
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025
From 20 to 22 August 2025, the African Marketing Confederation (AMC) and the Technology Information Confederation Africa (TICON Africa) will host their annual conferences at the prestigious Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, Ghana.
The official launch of these conferences, held on 15 May 2025 at the same venue, provided a glimpse into what attendees can expect from this year’s highly anticipated event. The launch featured an impressive lineup of industry leaders and dignitaries, including David Gowu (President, TICON Africa), Dr. Jannie Zaaiman (Secretary General, TICON Africa), Mr. Richard Kafui (Executive Director, IIPGH), Mr. David Balikuddembe (Secretary General, AMC), Kwabena Agyekum (Registrar/CEO, CIMG), Ama Amoah (Vice President, CIMG), Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey (Deputy CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority), and TICON Africa Board Members such as Prof. Robert Ebo Hinson, among others. Representatives from several African countries also joined virtually.
Bringing together marketing and ICT professionals, the conferences will explore the intersection of digital innovation and AI-driven marketing, highlighting how technology is reshaping brand-consumer engagement and unlocking new opportunities for business growth across Africa.
Several key Pan-African partners, including Npontu Technologies, Delbond Technologies, and luxury brand Caveman Watches, are supporting this year’s event, further reinforcing its continental significance. Tech ecosystem builders such as Tekconnect, Ghana Fintech and Payment Association all pledged their support towards the conference.
With an expected audience of over 500 delegates from 35 African countries, discussions will centre on topics such as unlocking Africa’s youth potential and accelerating digital transformation in the business environment.
According to David Gowu, President of TICON Africa,
“The 2025 TICON Africa Conference will deliver vital insights, foster future-shaping conversations, and position delegates at the forefront of Africa’s rapidly advancing digital economy.”
Beyond the high-impact sessions, delegates will have the opportunity to engage in curated networking and cultural experiences, including an immersive cultural evening and a beachside barbecue dinner at one of Ghana’s most stunning coastal locations.
At the launch event, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, emphasized Ghana’s commitment to showcasing its tourism excellence:
“The Ghana Tourism Authority sees this conference as a timely opportunity to present the vision of H.E. President John Dramani Mahama—to make Ghana the number one tourism destination in Africa.”
Meanwhile, Prof. Robert Ebo Hinson, Professor of Marketing at the University of Ghana Business School, highlighted the powerful synergy between marketing and technology, stating:
“For this conference, I will play a key role in bringing marketing and IT together, because it’s marketing that will change Ghana.”
His remarks echoed the President’s vision for a ‘Black Star experience’, positioning Ghana as a leading force in digital and economic transformation.
Additionally, Mr. David Eduaful, Managing Director of Labadi Beach Hotel, reassured delegates of a world-class hospitality experience, promising an unforgettable five-star stay throughout the conference.
The conference was duly launched by Mr. Richard Kafui Amanfu, the Executive Director (CEO) of Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH).
Looking Ahead
As the countdown to AMC & TICON Africa Conference 2025 begins, industry leaders, businesses, and professionals alike are gearing up to explore how Africa’s digital evolution and marketing innovations can shape the continent’s future success.
His remarks echoed the President’s vision for a ‘Black Star experience’, positioning Ghana as a leading force in digital and economic transformation.
Additionally, Mr. David Eduaful, Managing Director of Labadi Beach Hotel, reassured delegates of a world-class hospitality experience, promising an unforgettable five-star stay throughout the conference.
The conference was duly launched by Mr. Richard Kafui Amanfu, the Executive Director (CEO) of Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH).
Looking Ahead
As the countdown to AMC & TICON Africa Conference 2025 begins, industry leaders, businesses, and professionals alike are gearing up to explore how Africa’s digital evolution and marketing innovations can shape the continent’s future success.
For sponsorship or partnership opportunities, contact the President of TICON Africa david@ticonafrica.org or visit our websites: https://africanmarketingconfederation.org/ or www.ticonafrica.org
Alternatively, contact the host professional bodies: Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) https://cimghana.org/ or Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH) https://iipgh.org/
The African Marketing Confederation (AMC) is the leading Pan-African body representing marketing associations, institutes, and organizations across the continent. AMC champions professionalism, ethics, and knowledge-sharing, fostering collaboration within Africa’s marketing community. It also engages in global partnerships with international marketing bodies, ensuring that Africa contributes valuable insights to the global marketing ecosystem. The Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) is a founding member of AMC.
The Technology Information Confederation Africa (TICON Africa) is the foremost Pan-African body uniting ICT professionals across the continent. Through education, collaboration, and thought leadership, TICON Africa promotes technological innovation and excellence. By championing industry standards and digital transformation, TICON Africa plays a critical role in shaping Africa’s future in technology. The Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH) is a founding member of TICON Africa.

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