The convergence of spirituality, technology, and commerce took center stage at the TBN Media Impact Africa Conference 2025 last weekend, where Ghanaian media and tech leader Raymond Kofi Smith delivered a powerful plea for continental support for faith-based startups.
Mr. Smith, the founder of the Accra-based AfriMass Network Advocate, addressed the conference theme, “Media, Faith in the Era of Artificial Intelligence (AI),” arguing that AI and innovative media tools are the new essential instruments for evangelism and social impact across Africa.
Speaking to a packed audience of thought leaders from the media, technology, and faith sectors, Mr. Smith emphasized the unique value proposition of faith initiatives in the digital era.
“The intersection of media, faith, and artificial intelligence offers fertile ground for transformation,” Raymond Smith emphasised.
He elaborated that while technology provides the reach and speed, faith institutions provide the moral compass.
“Faith startups bring hope and values that technology alone cannot generate. By supporting these startups with smart media advocacy and AI-powered platforms, we can amplify their voices and ensure they flourish in an increasingly digital Africa.”
The AfriMass Network, whose vision is to become Africa’s “torchbearer for faith-inspired, tech-driven, and commercially sustainable media innovation,” refers to the leaders of these ventures as ‘Faithpreneurs’—pastors, gospel influencers, media producers, and innovators.
From Sermons to Streams: The Digital Harvest
Mr. Smith highlighted the transformative potential of leveraging advanced technology to overcome traditional barriers to ministry and outreach. He noted that the use of AI in content creation, targeted outreach, and administrative efficiency could scale the impact of local ministries into global media brands.
Quoting a biblical parable, he stressed the vast, untapped potential for digital evangelism across the continent: “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few—until now. With AI, Africa’s churches, worship centers, synagogues and enterprises can reach the corners of the digital earth.”
The network’s ambitious goal is to create a “marketplace of moral innovation,” where “sermons will become streams that cross borders, ministries will transform into media brands, and faith will be amplified through the most advanced, yet ethical, technologies of our age.”
A Call for Ethical Frameworks
The Ghanaian advocate did not, however, overlook the inherent risks of unchecked digital expansion. He underscored the necessity of responsible AI use, urging media professionals and policymakers to collaborate in creating ethical frameworks that safeguard spiritual and cultural integrity across diverse African nations.
The conference, organized by TBN AFRICA in partnership with the University of South Africa (UNISA), serves as a major forum for African media strategy. Mr. Smith’s message resonated deeply with attendees, cementing AfriMass Network Advocate as a pivotal voice in the movement to bridge Africa’s rich spiritual tradition with global digital progress.
Mr. Smith concluded with a resonant call to action for the continent’s innovators: “Let AfriMass rise—where algorithm meets anointing, and commerce kisses the cross.”
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