The AI world is buzzing with excitement, but there is also a strong dose of irrationality. Billions are being poured into AI as if more spending automatically guarantees breakthroughs. The reality is simpler and sharper. Most of the world is rebuilding technology that already exists without creating meaningful new value.

Look closely. Only a few, like ChatGPT, are delivering AI that truly transforms how people work and live. Most others are busy launching slightly different models, labs, or proprietary systems that look impressive on paper but offer little that is fundamentally new. It is like trying to dig a new borehole when there is clean water already available from a nearby source. You spend heavily without solving a real problem.

Use What Exists, Build What Matters

Not every company or start-up needs to train its own AI from scratch. The smart strategy is to adopt proven platforms and focus resources on areas that actually create value. This means building solutions tailored to local industries, integrating culturally relevant datasets, improving workflows, solving practical problems, and crucially, ensuring robust data security and information protection. Protecting sensitive data is not optional. It is a competitive advantage.

The real AI breakthroughs will not come from flashy labs or billion-dollar experiments. They will come from applying existing technology in ways that make a tangible difference. That is where true leadership in AI will emerge.

A Bubble May Burst, but AI Will Endure

Some investments will fail, some companies will collapse. That is inevitable. But AI itself is not a fad. The winners will not be those who try to outspend Google or OpenAI. They will be those who extend value while others focus on superficial replication.

A Smarter Path Forward

For Ghana and other emerging economies, the lesson is clear. Do not waste limited resources duplicating what is already done. Leap directly into application, innovation, and protection. Focus on solving problems the global giants overlook.

The AI hype may be loud, but the winners are obvious. Those who use what exists and build what matters.