The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), partnering with Meta and Deloitte, has introduced AKILI AI, an innovative, AI-powered support platform aimed at empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) throughout Africa.
AKILI AI harnesses Meta’s Llama Open Source model along with additional AI technologies to equip MSMEs with the essential tools to succeed. The platform is designed to address significant challenges such as limited access to finance, difficulties in navigating markets, and the lack of tailored advisory support.
In a joint statement, the partners emphasized that AKILI AI is intended to unlock the full potential of African MSMEs, promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development across the continent. They added, “It demonstrates the transformative power of Meta’s Llama model and other AI technologies in addressing the challenges faced by MSMEs, fostering partnerships and collaboration with key stakeholders, including governments, development partners, and international organizations, to support the platform’s scalability and impact.”
AUDA-NEPAD CEO Nardos Bekele-Thomas, also, said, “The launch of AKILI AI marks a significant milestone in our journey towards empowering African entrepreneurs. By leveraging AI, we are providing MSMEs with the tools they need to overcome challenges and drive sustainable development. This platform is a testament to our commitment to innovation and inclusive growth.” She further noted, “We believe this platform will be a catalyst for positive socio-economic change across Africa.”
Commenting on the launch, Kojo Boakye, vice president of Public Policy, Africa, Middle East and Türkiye at Meta, said: “The launch of AKILI AI marks a significant milestone in our mission to democratise access to cutting-edge technology and unlock Africa’s entrepreneurial potential.
“Leveraging the power of Meta’s Llama Open Source AI model, we are equipping MSMEs with the tools and resources necessary to drive innovation, create jobs, and build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Africans.
“This partnership demonstrates the transformative impact that can be achieved through collaborative efforts between governments, the private sector, and civil society in addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges and seizing its many opportunities.”
How AKILI AI will Spark a New Era of Business Growth and Innovation in Africa
By providing MSMEs with immediate access to advanced AI-driven tools, the platform will help entrepreneurs overcome long-standing barriers such as limited financing options and market accessibility. The integration of these technologies is expected to foster a new era of innovation, as businesses can now leverage data-driven insights to refine their strategies and optimize operations.
Moreover, the enhanced operational efficiency and strategic decision-making enabled by AKILI AI will likely lead to increased productivity. As MSMEs become more competitive, they are positioned to expand their market reach and drive economic diversification throughout the continent. This increased competitiveness not only benefits individual enterprises but also contributes to a broader ecosystem of job creation and sustainable economic development.
The collaborative framework established by the partnership between AUDA-NEPAD, Meta, and Deloitte further marks a potential for widespread impact. By engaging with governments, development partners, and international organizations, AKILI AI rightly used is poised to create a supportive environment that nurtures growth and innovation. Democratizing technology is a crucial step towards unlocking Africa’s entrepreneurial potential and ensuring that the continent can meet the challenges of the modern global economy.
