African Marketing Confederation Champions Innovation and Collaboration at Annual Conference in Accra

The Post On Sunday

Accra, Ghana – The African Marketing Confederation (AMC), the continent’s largest network of marketing bodies, has once again proven its growing influence by successfully hosting its annual conference in partnership with TICON Africa. The gathering, which unfolded in the vibrant city of Accra, became a melting pot of ideas, experiences, and strategies as it brought together hundreds of marketing professionals, academics, and business leaders from across Africa and beyond.

More than just a conference, the event was a meeting of minds dedicated to shaping the future of marketing on the continent. Delegates engaged in rich dialogue, knowledge-sharing sessions, and collaborative discussions that underscored AMC’s mission: to elevate marketing standards, strengthen professional networks, and position Africa as a hub of innovation and creativity in the global economy.

This year’s edition attracted an impressive 400 delegates from 29 countries, making it one of the most diverse and representative marketing gatherings in Africa. Ghana, as the host nation, led with 229 participants, followed by Uganda with 42, South Africa with 38, Zambia with 26, and Zimbabwe with 24. The diversity did not end there, participants also traveled from far beyond the continent, with representatives from Austria, Canada, India, Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The mix reflected not only AMC’s continental presence but also its growing global footprint.

Keynote speakers addressed pressing questions about the future of marketing in a world being rapidly reshaped by technology. Among the most anticipated voices was Charles Murito, Google’s Regional Director for Government Affairs & Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa. In his address, Murito spoke passionately about the transformative role of artificial intelligence:

“AI is not about replacing human creativity, it’s about supercharging it,” he said. “It gives every single African entrepreneur the tools to tell their story to the world in the most compelling way possible.”

His remarks resonated deeply, sparking a series of discussions throughout the conference. Sessions on AI explored its potential to expand markets, enhance decision-making, and empower small businesses with a competitive edge. Yet, amid the optimism, speakers also cautioned against overlooking challenges such as ethical use, infrastructure gaps, and the risk of leaving vulnerable communities behind without clear policies.

The conference’s scope extended beyond technology to embrace the human and creative dimensions of marketing. Sessions delved into the power of brand storytelling, the role of digital transformation, and the importance of collaborative strategies in unlocking Africa’s economic potential.

Professor Fred McBagonluri, Provost and President at Academic City University, delivered a stirring reminder of Africa’s greatest untapped strength. “Africa’s greatest resource is no longer beneath the ground,” he said. “It is our young people. By investing in education and innovation, we can unlock a future defined by progress and resilience.”

His words struck a chord with participants, reinforcing the idea that marketing in Africa must go hand in hand with nurturing talent, driving innovation, and creating platforms where the youth can thrive as storytellers, innovators, and leaders.

As the conference drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of unity and purpose. Delegates left Accra with a renewed commitment to building a marketing profession defined by ethics, innovation, and collaboration. AMC leadership emphasized the need to continue investing in training and professional development so that African marketers can remain competitive and contribute meaningfully to global conversations on technology, creativity, and growth.

The diversity of voices and experiences at the event underscored a central truth: Africa’s marketing future cannot be built in isolation. Instead, it must emerge from the collaboration of nations, the exchange of knowledge, and the collective ambition to tell Africa’s story on the global stage.

The African Marketing Confederation (AMC) is the continent’s largest network of marketing bodies, representing thousands of professionals across Africa. Dedicated to raising standards, fostering collaboration, and advancing marketing’s role in social and economic development, AMC provides a vital platform for leadership, cross-border networking, and training. Its vision is clear: to empower marketers to deliver impact for their organisations, their communities, and the continent at large.