This company is building AI for African languages

The tool can be used on its own or integrated into existing AI tools like ChatGPT and online conversational chatbots. The hope is that Vulavula, which means "speak" in Xitsonga, will make accessible those tools that don't currently support African languages. The lack of AI tools that work for African languages and recognize African names and places excludes African people from economic opportunities, says Moiloa, CEO and cofounder of Lelapa AI. For her, working to build Africa-centric AI solutions is a way to help others in Africa harness the immense potential benefits of AI technologies. "We are trying to solve real problems and put power back into the hands of our people," she says.