Lagos, Nigeria – February 25, 2025 – African-focused artificial intelligence startup EqualyzAI has launched an AI-powered platform aimed at promoting African languages through localized models and hyperlocal datasets.

The initiative, unveiled in Lagos to mark International Mother Language Day, is designed to make AI innovations more inclusive and accessible across the continent.

EqualyzAI was co-founded by Olubayo Adekanmbi and Ife Adebara, who emphasized the importance of language representation in AI development.

“Our mission is to ensure that AI speaks our languages, understands our contexts, and solves our unique challenges. This is not just about technology; it’s about empowerment and inclusion,” said Adekanmbi.

Addressing AI’s Linguistic Limitations

Africa is home to more than 2,000 languages, yet most AI models fail to comprehend even a fraction of them. Adebara stressed the need for AI systems to better represent the continent’s diverse linguistic landscape.

“AI should not be a barrier to inclusion. Our approach involves collaborating with native speakers to ensure that our models accurately capture the richness of African languages,” he said.

Innovations in AI for Africa

EqualyzAI introduced several key AI tools aimed at enhancing linguistic diversity in digital technology:

• DataCollect – A dataset-building tool designed to train AI models in African languages.
• AfroSLM 1.0 – A small-scale language model focused on financial literacy, initially supporting Yoruba and Hausa.
• uLearn – An AI-powered educational tool that helps teachers generate lesson plans, notes, and quizzes in English and local languages.

Expanding AI Adoption in Africa

The startup aims to collaborate with governments, researchers, and local communities to enhance AI adoption across Africa.

With this initiative, EqualyzAI seeks to bridge the linguistic gap in AI, ensuring African languages and cultures are well represented in the digital age.