The recent AI training program organized by the Association of Advertising Ghana (AAG) in partnership with the AAA School of Advertising of South Africa brought together industry professionals for an immersive online upskilling experience. AAG sat down with Anthea Whitehead, Faculty Head at the AAA School of Advertising in Cape Town, who played a central role in designing and delivering the training. Here’s her take on how it went and what’s follow next.

Balancing Overwhelm with Breakthrough Moments:

Attendees were introduced to tools and concepts that many had never used before. It was like watching someone see the moon landing for the first time.” “Some days, the amount of information was overwhelming,” Anthea admits. “

To improve future sessions, she suggests a “50% presentation, 50% play” model.
“Giving people toolkits in advance asking them to explore ChatGPT Pro, for example would help them engage more deeply during the live sessions.”

Why AI is No Longer Optional:

When asked whether agencies can afford to ignore AI, Anthea is clear:

“If you’re not using AI, you’re not in business.”

But she emphasizes that AI should serve as a collaborator, not a creator.
“Use it to test ideas, check originality, gather insights. It shouldn’t replace creativity it should refine it.”

Beyond AI: Back to Industry Fundamentals:

While AI dominated the agenda, Anthea sees a parallel need for training in advertising basics:
“How to write a good brief, manage client expectations, run projects on budget these are evergreen skills.”

She advocates for micro-learning shorts, focused sessions that professionals can fit into their schedules.

Africanizing AI: The Next Frontier:

One theme stood out above others: the need to localize AI.
“Right now, AI thinks in Western paradigms. We need tools that understand African contexts, languages, and consumer behavior.”

For Anthea, the training was not a conclusion but a launch:
“This wasn’t a finale it was a start. We’re now looking at how we can build an African knowledge community.”

Parting Thought:

“I’m leaving inspired,” Anthea says. “The engagement especially from Ghana was incredible. This is the start of something new, and I can’t wait to see where it goes.”

Anthea Whitehead is Faculty Head of Marketing and Advertising at the AAA School of Advertising, Cape Town. She has extensive experience in advertising education and played a key role in developing AAG’s recent AI training program.