In a groundbreaking partnership, OpenAI, Meta, and Orange South Africa have joined forces to develop artificial intelligence (AI) models tailored to African languages. This initiative is set to bridge linguistic gaps and bring cutting-edge AI technologies closer to Africa’s diverse communities.
The project, slated for rollout in early 2025, will focus on creating advanced translation, transcription, and conversational AI systems. Leveraging OpenAI’s cutting-edge framework, Meta’s expertise in multilingual AI tools, and Orange’s robust network in Africa, the collaboration aims to serve as a template for global inclusivity in AI.
In its initial phase, the initiative will cover dialects such as Wolof, Pulaar, Lingala, Swahili, and Bambara. Beyond its technical ambitions, the project is designed to empower local communities. Orange plans to deploy these AI models for customer service in its African and Middle Eastern markets, while also offering them free of charge for education, healthcare, and small businesses.
“This initiative addresses a critical gap in AI by prioritising African languages, creating solutions that reflect the continent’s rich linguistic diversity,” a Meta spokesperson commented.
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