Participants at the AI Seminar
Access Bank (Ghana) Plc has challenged youth-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a critical driver of innovation, competitiveness and sustainable growth, urging entrepreneurs to “disrupt or be left behind” in an increasingly digital economy.
The call was made at the BUILT Powered by Access U AI Business Sprint, an entrepreneurship and capacity-building workshop organised by Astra Roster in Accra to equip young business owners with practical AI skills to strengthen their brands, improve productivity and scale their enterprises.
The Sprint forms part of Access U, Access Bank Ghana’s flagship platform for empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs through knowledge, innovation and strategic partnerships that unlock opportunities for growth and economic inclusion.
Speaking at the event, Nana Akuffo, Head of Youth Banking at Access Bank Ghana, described AI as “the great equaliser” – a force that enables businesses to compete, innovate and expand regardless of their size or stage of development.
“AI gives you the chance to seize new territory and fundamentally redefine how business gets done, regardless of where you’re starting from. The entrepreneurs who embrace it today will be better positioned to lead tomorrow’s economy,” he added.
Nana Akuffo pointed to Africa’s rapidly changing demographics as both an economic opportunity and an urgent call to action, noting that by 2050, the majority of the continent’s population will be under the age of 25.
He said the demographic shift makes investment in youth entrepreneurship and digital capabilities essential to Africa’s future prosperity.
“The question is no longer whether this shift is coming. It’s already here. The question is whether you will be among those who lead it. Africa’s economic future is being built today by its young entrepreneurs, and they must be equipped with the tools and skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving global marketplace,” he stated.
He added that AI is not simply another business tool but a transformative force reshaping industries worldwide.
According to him, it enables young entrepreneurs to overcome traditional barriers to growth, including limited access to capital, networks and operational capacity.
Technologies that once required years of investment and institutional support are now within the reach of entrepreneurs willing to apply AI strategically to improve efficiency, enhance customer experience and unlock new markets, he said.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke