Joy Agwunobi
The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), in collaboration with Meta and Deloitte, has unveiled AKILI AI, a new artificial intelligence-powered platform aimed at supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Africa.
AKILI AI is designed to help businesses navigate key challenges such as limited access to finance, market constraints, and inadequate advisory support. By leveraging Meta’s Llama Open Source model and other AI technologies, the platform seeks to provide MSMEs with tailored solutions to enhance their growth and competitiveness in the evolving digital economy.
Speaking on the initiative, Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of AUDA-NEPAD, described the launch as a significant step 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 said.
“We are also thrilled to partner with META and Deloitte on this transformative initiative. AKILI AI showcases the potential of Meta’s Llama model to address real-world challenges faced by MSMEs. We believe this platform will be a catalyst for positive socio-economic change across Africa,” Bekele-Thomas added.
According to Kojo Boakye, vice president of public policy for Africa, the Middle East, and Türkiye at Meta, the initiative aligns with Meta’s vision of expanding access to advanced technology and unlocking Africa’s entrepreneurial potential.
“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,” he said.
“Leveraging the power of Meta’s Llama Open Source AI model, we are equipping Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the tools and resources necessary to drive innovation, create jobs, and build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Africans,” Boakye added.
He also highlighted the role of public-private partnerships in driving technological transformation, noting that AKILI AI exemplifies 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.”
