Business experts have admonished local SMEs to master Artificial Intelligence tools for brand identity, content creation, and digital marketing in efforts to optimize business growth and productivity.

Entrepreneurs who are skilled in AI applications will outpace others in the job market, in an era where AI threatens jobs.

No Business as Usual (NBU), a project of the SOS Children’s Villages, insists that bridging the AI knowledge gap in business will foster opportunities in developing economies like Ghana.

As the world navigates the Fourth Industrial Revolution, technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital tools are rapidly reshaping industries, education and governance.

The No Business as Usual (NBU) Youth Empowerment Center (YEC) hosted a workshop in Kumasi that aligned with the 2025 World Youth Skills Day under the theme: “Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills.”

The workshop brought together 60 youth entrepreneurs to build capacity, share knowledge and explore opportunities within the digital economy.

Counselor and Master Coach, Dr. Samuel Tinagyei, urged young entrepreneurs to leverage AI tools effectively to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving business landscape.

“Currently, you cannot have any digital device without using an AI service or tool. So, its relevance cannot be overemphasised. So, it’s important to get to know how to use the relevant ones, understand their functions and use in our industries. Although AI may not take away jobs, people who know how to use AI will take over the jobs of those who don’t use AI,” he said.

The workshop aimed to equip participants with practical knowledge and tools to enhance their digital competencies, and to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive access to emerging technologies in Ghana.

Digital Marketer and Co-Founder of Trendora Digital Hub, Elorm Audrey, believes the TVET industry can optimize its products and brands with effective AI tools.

“It’s not difficult to access AI tools. Smartphones are available to everyone. This is the time that people in the TVET industry adopt AI usage. The tools can be used in their daily life, it doesn’t require much or special skills. Instead of paying for logo’s they can use AI, generate images of their products for advertisement etc.so the benefits come in full,” she said.

Participants, using their smartphones, explore these tools like user-friendly AI tools such as ChatGPT and Canva.

“My business is upcoming and I believe this will help me very much, at least I know how to create my business card and advertise my business using the free available AI too,” fashion enthusiast Amina said.

“As a student and a business owner this session has helped me navigate through AI intricately that I found complicated,” said another participant