Language Technology in Africa: Where Do We Stand?

This July we interviewed GALA Champion Johan Botha (Director of Folio Online) to discuss the challenges and the misconceptions of the localization market in Africa. 

Technology in Africa is experiencing significant growth and transformation. Several African countries are fostering vibrant tech ecosystems, with numerous startups springing up across the continent. Tech hubs and incubators in cities such as Lagos, Nigeria; Nairobi, Kenya; and Cape Town, South Africa are contributing to innovation and entrepreneurship. 

In September 2023, TIME published its list of the 100 most influential people in the field of artificial intelligence. This list includes 11 prominent Africans who are leading the way in this groundbreaking field.

We caught up with Johan to learn more about language technology in Africa. Here are some highlights from our chat.

Connectivity and Technology Infrastructure Challenges: Starlink to the rescue?

In Africa, the intersection of technology, connectivity, and language presents a landscape of challenges and opportunities. The first facet, connectivity, is characterized by concerns about the accessibility and affordability of high-speed Internet. Emerging technologies such as Starlink could offer a solution, but regulatory approval is slow.

 

CAT Tools Awareness: Feature Requests

When it comes to Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools, issues of awareness, tool proliferation, and varying quality assurance controls persist, impacting offline work capabilities and access to critical translation resources. By the way, language technology companies, listen up: Johan has some ideas for feature enhancements!

Machine Translation for African Languages: Promising and Sad

Machine Translation (MT) for African languages is challenged by limited data sets and uneven quality, as well as accentuated by complex grammar.

Large Language Models for African Languages: Grassroot Initiatives

The challenge of developing specialized language models (LLMs) runs up against data scarcity, data bias, and data confidentiality concerns.

Data Confidentiality: Looking at the Future to Perfect Technology From the Past

 

African Tech Companies: Working in Silos

The AI landscape in Africa reveals promising companies working in isolation, emphasizing the need for collaboration.

The Birth of the Association of Language Companies in Africa

In November, the Association of Language Companies in Africa opened its doors.

 

 

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Isabella Massardo

Content strategist at GALA. A linguist and technologist who has lived in Italy, Russia and the Netherlands. Through GALA, Isabella offers the translation community content that’s relevant, reliable, and timely. She is always on the lookout for thought-provoking globalization and localization topics.