Germany-based Nigerian entrepreneur and Group CEO of Goltava Group, Chijioke Okonkwo, has called on young people across Africa to embrace artificial intelligence as a vehicle for innovation and inclusive growth.

Speaking at the recently concluded Digital Business Executive Bootcamp, Okonkwo emphasised the transformative role AI can play in helping youths launch sustainable ventures and build global brands.

“Artificial intelligence is not just the future—it is the present,” Okonkwo said during one of the bootcamp’s live coaching sessions. “If you can learn how to use AI to solve real problems, you’ll not only build a business, you’ll shape the future.”

The bootcamp, hosted by Upkamp, provided practical training on branding, digital visibility, and business automation. Participants engaged in sessions covering SEO, web development, digital selling, and operations management. With hands-on guidance from Okonkwo and a team of expert trainers, attendees developed concrete business ideas and implemented AI-powered tools to accelerate their ventures.

Okonkwo, who leads Goltava Group—a conglomerate with interests in logistics, agriculture, clean energy, and international trade—shared insights from his own entrepreneurial journey. From launching companies like Cargoburg and Kessel Energies to building a digital footprint across three continents, he encouraged participants to apply tech-driven strategies to local challenges.

“You don’t need perfect conditions to start—you need clarity, consistency, and a problem worth solving,” he told attendees. “When you combine those with the right digital tools, you can build something real.”

Through the bootcamp’s AI-enhanced platform, participants received suggestions for business names, brand tone, and website structure tailored to their goals. Practical assignments included creating logos, designing landing pages, and automating outreach to customers.

For many of the aspiring entrepreneurs in attendance, the week-long training offered more than skills. It provided a blueprint for action and a network of peers motivated to build value through digital entrepreneurship.

“AI is a tool, not a threat,” Okonkwo told the cohort in closing remarks. “Let’s use it to build businesses that work for people, solve real needs, and bring pride to the continent.”

The initiative is part of Okonkwo’s wider commitment to mentoring Africa’s next generation of business leaders, with future sessions expected to expand across cities and online platforms.