The African Union Development Agency (Auda-Nepad) has partnered with two reputable firms to launch an AI-driven support platform to empower micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) on the continent.
Auda-Nepad’s collaboration with Meta and Deloitte has given birth to the support platform, AKILI AI.
The platform leverages Meta’s Llama Open Source model and other cutting-edge AI technologies to provide MSMEs with the tools they need to thrive in today’s competitive market and to address obstacles they face such as limited access to finance, difficulties in navigating markets and inadequate tailored advisory support.
The platform also seeks to empower African MSMEs by unlocking their full potential and driving inclusive growth and sustainable development across the continent. It demonstrates the transformative power of Meta’s Llama model and other AI technologies in addressing the challenges MSMEs face, fostering partnerships and collaboration with key stakeholders, including governments, development partners, and international organisations, to support the platform’s scalability and impact.
“The launch of AKILI AI marks a significant milestone in our journey towards empowering African entrepreneurs. By leveraging AI, we provide 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,” said Nardos Bekele Thomas, Auda-Nepad’s chief executive officer.
"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 MSMEs face. We believe this platform will be a catalyst for positive socio-economic change across Africa.”
Kojo Boakye, vice-president of Public Policy, Africa, Middle East, and Türkiye Meta, said the launch of AKILI AI marked 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 micro, small, and medium enterprises with the tools and resources necessary to drive innovation, create jobs , and build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Africans,” Boakye said.
“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.”
