The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), in collaboration with social media giant Meta and professional services firm Deloitte, has launched ALKALI AI, an artificial intelligence-driven platform designed to support small, medium-sized, and microenterprises (SMMEs) across Africa.
The platform leverages Meta’s Llama open-source AI model and other AI technologies to provide SMMEs with crucial tools for navigating markets, accessing finance, and receiving tailored advisory support. It aims to unlock Africa’s entrepreneurial potential, fostering inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.
According to AUDA-NEPAD, ALKALI AI showcases the transformative power of AI in addressing real-world business challenges, providing enterprises with market insights, financial guidance, and strategic advisory services.
Meta’s Vice President for Public Policy in Africa, the Middle East, and Türkiye, Kojo Boakye, described ALKALI AI as a major step toward democratizing access to cutting-edge technology, enabling SMMEs to drive innovation, create jobs, and build a more inclusive economy.
AUDA-NEPAD CEO Nardos Bekele-Thomas emphasized that the platform will play a pivotal role in overcoming obstacles that hinder business growth, positioning itself as a catalyst for positive socio-economic change.
Beyond AI-driven support, the initiative seeks to enhance collaboration among governments, development partners, and international organizations to scale its impact and drive sustainable business success across the continent.
