Raymond Smith, Chief Executive Officer of AfriMass Network, has made a passionate appeal for increased funding and investment in artificial intelligence (AI) development across Ghana and the wider African continent. Contributing during the media launch of the Africa Artificial Intelligence (AI) Conference 2025 organized by the Africa Education Trust Fund (AETF), Raymond Smith emphasized that Africa must not remain a consumer of AI innovations but rather become a creator and leader in the space.

The launch, held in Accra, introduced the upcoming AETF.AI Conference scheduled for November 5–6, 2025, under the theme “AI for Africa: Unlocking Opportunities for Education, Innovation, and Sustainable Development.” The conference aims to unite stakeholders from education, industry, and policy sectors to shape Africa’s AI future.

Raymond Smith highlighted that while Ghana is making steady progress in digital transformation, there remains a significant gap in research funding, technical infrastructure, and human capital development to support large-scale AI innovation. He noted that without deliberate investment, Africa risks being left behind in the fourth industrial revolution.

“Artificial Intelligence is not just the future—it is the present. For Ghana to compete globally, we must invest in our young innovators, research centers, and startups building AI-driven solutions tailored to Africa’s needs,” Smith said. “We have the brains, but we need the backing financial, institutional, and governmental to bring our ideas to life.”

He also called on government agencies, private sector leaders, and international development partners to collaborate in establishing AI innovation hubs, funding grants, and mentorship programs that will nurture local talent. He stressed that AI has the potential to transform key sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and governance if properly supported.

The AETF.AI Conference 2025 is expected to attract high-profile participants, including ministers, policymakers, researchers, innovators, and investors from across the continent and beyond. The event will serve as a platform to explore policies, partnerships, and sustainable strategies for integrating AI into Africa’s socio-economic development.

Raymond Smith reaffirmed AfriMass Network’s commitment to supporting tech-driven initiatives that empower youth and foster innovation ecosystems across Africa.
“This is our moment as
Africans to define our
own AI destiny,” he said. “If we invest right, AI can become the catalyst for Africa’s next wave of growth and transformation.”

The Africa AI Conference 2025 promises to be a groundbreaking event positioning Ghana as a central hub for AI collaboration, innovation, and education on the continent.