Charles Awuzie believes artificial intelligence won’t replace prophets but will force religion to return to its roots. Speaking on the Kaatruths podcast, he said AI is changing how people learn, predict, and engage with the world—and that includes faith. Instead of seeking prophecies, people will use AI to get answers and begin to view spirituality as something pure and deeply personal.
He warned against over-relying on AI for creativity. “Create with AI, don’t let it create for you,” he said. It’s a tool meant to extend human intelligence, not take its place. Awuzie also called for regulatory frameworks to govern how AI is used in elections, campaigns, and daily life.
The conversation turned to the tech he builds and who it’s really for. While critics accuse African developers of building for export, Awuzie defended his model. He said his team began by creating systems for companies and governments. Today, they build, scale, and sometimes exit from tech products depending on the demand, whether it’s local or global. He sees himself as a technopreneur, balancing purpose and profit.
He spoke proudly about Big Brain Naija, an AI-driven show built in collaboration with Chinese hardware partners. It’s one example, he said, of how tech creates bridges between Africa and the rest of the world. Whether it’s a data-powered quiz show or an AI spiritual assistant, the goal remains the same: build for impact.
When asked about poor youth with no assets or access, Awuzie didn’t sugarcoat things. He said the biggest excuse he hears is the belief that tech success depends on university degrees. In reality, most skilled developers are self-taught. Platforms like YouTube and Udemy have removed the barriers once tied to expensive education. With just a smartphone and data, anyone can learn to code or master digital tools.
He announced an 80% discount on his Ginsburg Academy course for anyone who proves they’ve done the groundwork on YouTube or Udemy. It’s a gesture, he said, to encourage effort and reward people who take learning into their own hands.
On decentralization, Awuzie argued that the concept is real even if its full impact is still unfolding. Blockchain, smart contracts, and decentralized finance are already shifting power away from centralized systems. However, governments and tech giants continue to resist losing control. He predicted a rise in decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) run by code and community voting. But full decentralization, he said, will be a gradual shift—not an overnight revolution.
He mentioned Liberland, a decentralized digital country with its own passport, as a model of what the future could look like. Still, he cautioned against extreme disruption. Systems must evolve steadily to avoid chaos.
Finally, Awuzie addressed the funding crisis for African startups. While access to cash remains a challenge, he urged founders to think creatively. Not all funding comes in money. Some can negotiate API discounts, secure supplier credit, or build partnerships that reduce costs. Getting a product to market doesn’t always start with a bank loan.
His closing advice was blunt: stop waiting for conditions to be perfect. Start building. Then show your work—because in tech, what matters isn’t where you learned, but what you’ve made.
