Leading the conversation, MTN Ghana’s Chief Information Officer, Bernard Acquah, stressed that AI was not here to replace humans but to enhance them. “AI is about guiding not replacing” adding “people with AI will replace those without,” (is this the end of the sentence, or is there more to come?)

Citing data from the World Economic Forum, he noted that while AI could displace about 92 million jobs globally by 2030, it is expected to create up to 170 million new roles resulting in a net gain. He added that AI was a “horizontal technology” reshaping every sector, much like electricity and the internet, with capabilities advancing at an unprecedented speed.

Mr Acquah encouraged businesses especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to leverage AI to scale operations. According to him, AI could allow smaller businesses to operate at levels comparable to larger firms by boosting efficiency, productivity, and decision-making.

Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN Ghana, Angela Mensah-Poku, highlighted the scale of AI’s global impact. She referenced IMF estimates indicating that AI could affect up to 40% of jobs worldwide, while PwC projected a $13.7 trillion contribution to the global economy by 2030. She emphasized that Africa must position itself as an active player, not a bystander, in this transformation.

She noted that MTN was focused on building a “digital backbone” for inclusive growth, stressing that inclusion and sustainability were now core business strategies rather than optional goals.

Adding an industry perspective, CEO of Chenosis, Saad Syeed, cautioned businesses against adopting AI without clear purpose. He noted that many organisations fell into the trap of running multiple uncoordinated AI pilots without tangible outcomes. Instead, he urged firms to align AI adoption with business strategy, focusing on real value such as improved decision-making, personalised services, and operational efficiency.

He further highlighted that while AI enabled rapid, large-scale decision-making, human strengths like trust, empathy, and strategic thinking remained critical for long-term success.

The event also featured a panel discussion on AI and the Future of Business: Driving Inclusion, Sustainability and Industry Transformation, with contributions from Afia Gyamera (CEO, 40 Analytics), Foster Akugri (MD, Apex Advisory), Estelle Jacqueline Asare (Head of Digital Transformation at Stanbic Bank Ghana) and Darlington Akogo (CEO, minoHealth AI Labs), who explored practical applications of AI across sectors.

Closing the session, MTN’s Chief Manager for Enterprise Sales, Godwin Adzimah, underscored the need for action. He noted that while discussions were insightful, the true impact would depend on execution. “The decisions we make today will define not just our organisations, but our economies and societies,” he said.