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Innovators and thought leaders meet in Ghana

ACCRA, GHANA

THIS past week was superb. I spent it in Accra, Ghana—an experience I’ll never forget. I was there for the Emergent Ventures (EV) Unconference, a gathering of exceptionally talented innovators and thought leaders from Africa, the Caribbean, and North America. The unconference was held at Accra’s Labadi Beach Hotel. The discussions were illuminating and intellectually invigorating.

I attended sessions on AI (Artificial Intelligence), geopolitics, youth unemployment, and the perennial challenge of why economists struggle to sell their ideas to the public.

The timing of the EV unconference couldn’t have been better. In a rapidly changing world, adaptation is essential. Without innovation-driven adaptation, humanity risks stagnation—or worse.

I’ve written about AI before and plan to write more in the upcoming years. The book I’ve co-authored, set to be published later this year, includes a section on AI. In December last year, I reviewed Eric Schmidt’s and Dr. Henry Kissinger’s book ‘Genesis – Artificial Intelligence, Hope, and The Human Spirit’ on Politicsweb. It’s one of the fascinating books on AI. Grab yourself copy!

My writing on AI so far has expressed concerns, posed questions, and explored opportunities. I’m yet to write on concrete solutions to challenges advanced AI will bring.

On the upside, AI guru and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has said that AI will boost productivity at a staggering rate. And that’s awesome news. I believe that like previous transformative technologies, AI will be a net positive for humanity.

The session I attended was on AI and education. It was an insightful session. One participant made a particularly great point: AI will expand educational choices. Those who prefer traditional campus-based learning will still have that option, while others can pursue AI-driven or online education.

As of August 2025, AI is largely seen as a productivity tool, I said during the session. Teachers aren’t yet concerned that AI is “smarter” than they are. Instead, their role includes guiding students on how to use AI effectively. Of course, as AI evolves, that dynamic will shift. How advanced AI ultimately disrupts education and reshapes the teaching profession remains to be seen.

Another session I joined explored China’s growing influence in Africa and the Caribbean. Opinions varied. The lead facilitator argued that China’s geopolitical expansion should be a concern.

China’s rise is something I’ve reflected on. Its rise can’t be stopped. What must be confronted, however, is its manipulation of the international trade system. Its cheating. I made this argument in one of my columns in June this year.

African nations are sovereign. Their leaders must make sound decisions when engaging with global powers like China, the U.S., and the EU. African leaders must ensure that they negotiate good trade deals for their people. That is their responsibility.

I facilitated the session on the U.S. role in Africa—a topic I had proposed. America’s engagement on the continent is vital, I said. I highlighted President Trump’s pivot from foreign aid to trade in Africa—a shift I support. Welfare and foreign aid have largely failed in Africa. One thing must be emphasized though: where the U.S. retreats in Africa, China will advance.

On final day of the unconference, youth unemployment was one of the topics. It’s a pressing issue—especially in South Africa, where youth unemployment hovers around 60%. I introduced this topic because youth unemployment concerns me as a South African.

The impact of migrants on labor markets came into focus during the discussion on youth unemployment. Anti-immigrant sentiment is rising in many countries, fueled by the belief that immigrants take local jobs. In my opinion, productive and investable economies with thriving markets will be key to job creation in Africa.

The session on why economists struggle to sell their ideas was fascinating. I argued that today’s economists should emulate Milton Friedman—brilliant both as a technical economist and as a public communicator of economic ideas.

Writing for the public in accessible language is essential for advancing economic ideas. Technical papers have their place, but public engagement in accessible language is equally important for economists. One participant suggested that economists should be involved in shaping public policy—a point I strongly endorse.

It was a great honor to be part of the EV unconference in Accra. Gatherings like these are vital spaces for tackling the immense challenges of the 21st century. Innovators and thought leaders must come together to build a better world. And yes, famed economist Professor Tyler Cowen of George Mason University was with us. He’s the man in charge of Emergent Ventures. Great man! PM

This article was first published on Politicsweb.co.za. Buy Phumlani’s book Lessons from Past Heroes here, and subscribe to his YouTube channel here.

© PHUMLANI M. MAJOZI