AU partners Meta, Deloitte to launch AI for African entrepreneurs

The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) has partnered with Meta and Deloitte, to launch AKILI AI, an AI-Driven MSME support platform designed to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Africa.

AKILI AI aims 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.

Nardos Bekele-Thomas, AUDA-NEPAD’s chief executive officer, 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.”

Read also: Nigeria secured FIDs worth over $5.5 bn in 2024–FG

“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,” concluded Bekele-Thomas.

AKILI AI’s launch comes as the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is set to increase in 2025 as businesses recognise its potential to future-proof operations, according to a report by PwC.

“AI offers such transformative potential for new operational and business models, those that pull ahead of the pack — whether AI native companies or established companies that reinvent themselves quickly — will likely stay there. The growing gap between AI leaders and laggards will extend to economies too,” a PwC report said.

Speaking about the launch, Kojo Boakye, Vice President of Public Policy, Africa, Middle East and Türkiye Meta said, “The launch of AKILI AI marks a significant milestone in our mission to democratise access to 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 (MSMEs) with the tools and resources necessary to drive innovation, create jobs, and build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Africans.”