https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250320/western-telecoms-ai-project-in-africa-ignores-the-continents-linguistic-diversity-1071165879.html
Western Telecom’s AI Project in Africa Ignores the Continent's Linguistic Diversity
Western Telecom’s AI Project in Africa Ignores the Continent's Linguistic Diversity
Sputnik Africa
Over 2,000 African languages have long faced a digital divide, limiting access to information and technology for local communities. The rise of indigenous... 20.03.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-03-20T10:37+0100
2025-03-20T10:37+0100
2025-03-20T16:26+0100
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Western Telecom’s AI Project in Africa Ignores the Continent's Linguistic Diversity
Sputnik Africa
Over 2,000 African languages have long faced a digital divide, limiting access to information and technology for local communities. The rise of Indigenous Large Language Models (LLMs) offers a breakthrough, helping to bridge this gap and preserve linguistic heritage. However, a recent initiative has fallen short of expectations.
Large Language Models keep transforming multiple sectors around the world, yet African languages generally get less attention in AI development. While numerous African start-ups, including South Africa's Lelapa AI and Nigeria's Pamoja AI, are working to reduce this gap, Orange Telecommunications' recent collaboration with global AI tech behemoths raises worries about real inclusivity, as it concentrates solely on Pulaar and Wolof. By leaving out local markets where Orange offers telecom services to speakers of prominent African languages, this strategy risks limiting access to AI-driven digital solutions and strengthening the current digital divide. To achieve greater linguistic and cultural inclusiveness, a holistic approach is required.Some African experts spoke to African Currents to gather insights on Orange's LLM initiative. Dr. Babongile Mkhize, a South African technology and innovation management professional, emphasized the need to widen the language group and collaborate with native speakers to ensure that the language model captures authentic cultural and linguistic nuances.The podcast also featured Dr. Chika Esiobu, a Nigerian scholar specializing in Indigenous Knowledge and African Studies, who examined the critical role of African languages in sustaining knowledge systems. She contended that colonial languages, on their own, are inadequate for preserving Africa’s cultural and intellectual wealth.Also, South African academic and entrepreneur Professor Vukosi Marivate, Chair of Data Science at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, weighed in on the necessity to advance language modeling beyond current large-scale models. He underscored the strategic importance of local investment in research and development, particularly in specialized linguistic and technological fields.To find out what else our guests had to say, tune in to the African Currents podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on Telegram.► You can also listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer, Pocket Casts, Afripods, Podcast Addict.► Check out all the episodes of African Currents.
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Western Telecom’s AI Project in Africa Ignores the Continent's Linguistic Diversity
Over 2,000 African languages have long faced a digital divide, limiting access to information and technology for local communities. The rise of indigenous Large Language Models (LLMs) offers a breakthrough, helping to bridge this gap and preserve linguistic heritage. However, a recent initiative has fallen short of expectations.
Large Language Models keep transforming multiple sectors around the world, yet African languages generally get less attention in AI development. While numerous African start-ups, including South Africa's Lelapa AI and Nigeria's Pamoja AI, are working to reduce this gap, Orange Telecommunications' recent collaboration with global AI tech behemoths raises worries about real inclusivity, as it concentrates solely on Pulaar and Wolof. By leaving out local markets where Orange offers telecom services to speakers of prominent African languages, this strategy risks limiting access to AI-driven digital solutions and strengthening the current digital divide. To achieve greater linguistic and cultural inclusiveness, a holistic approach is required.
Some African experts spoke to African Currents to gather insights on Orange's LLM initiative. Dr. Babongile Mkhize, a South African technology and innovation management professional, emphasized the need to widen the language group and collaborate with native speakers to ensure that the language model captures authentic cultural and linguistic nuances.
"In my view, if this partnership [between Orange Telecommunications and AI tech companies] is to be successful in Africa, and with its intention, which I noted earlier. It should be about inclusivity, bringing everyone on board. They need to work with local communities. From the young to the old, but particularly the elders, because those are the people who still have the cream of our languages and understand the culture associated with them. For example, in Zulu, there are certain words that, when you speak, they have such significance in terms of what you are saying in relation to the culture of the Zulus or in relation to the culture of the Xhosas. It goes like this. So in a nutshell, they need to ensure that there's so much inclusiveness," Dr. Mkhize said.
The podcast also featured Dr. Chika Esiobu, a Nigerian scholar specializing in Indigenous Knowledge and African Studies, who examined the critical role of African languages in sustaining knowledge systems. She contended that colonial languages, on their own, are inadequate for preserving Africa’s cultural and intellectual wealth.
Also, South African academic and entrepreneur Professor Vukosi Marivate, Chair of Data Science at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, weighed in on the necessity to advance language modeling beyond current large-scale models. He underscored the strategic importance of local investment in research and development, particularly in specialized linguistic and technological fields.
To find out what else our guests had to say, tune in to the African Currents podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.
In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on
Telegram.► Check out all the episodes of African Currents. 
