Togo, where technology meets cultural heritage. A revolutionary artificial intelligence called Yodi is tackling language barriers by connecting the Ewé and Kabyè languages. This innovative project, backed by Togolese start-up Umbaji, recently caused a sensation at the 2ᵉ edition of the ‘around AI’ workshop held in Togo.
Artificial intelligence is changing the world, and now it’s taking root in Togo. Yodi, an innovative AI, goes far beyond mere technology: its mission is to preserve Togo’s linguistic heritage, while making technology accessible to young people. Developed by Justin BAKOUBOLO, an expert in data and cause analysis, Yodi, Togo’s Siri, is a multimodal AI capable of recognising, translating and synthesising speech in Ewe and Kabyè.
Firstly, Yodi can simply help us to learn the local languages, so to learn vocabulary. For example, you’ll be able to write down words and that may go to audio, that’s an example. Then, a bit like Siri in fact, the idea is to allow you to give commands and have tasks carried out on the phone, for example.
Justin BAKOUBOLO, Developer of the YODI AI
In Africa, according to technology news outlet ESI Africa, artificial intelligence could add up to $2.9 trillion to GDP by 2030, despite the fact that the continent currently accounts for just 2.5% of the global market. Sectors such as agriculture and energy are already benefiting from this technology, despite obstacles linked to infrastructure and the availability of local data. Yodi, developed in Togo, is part of this dynamic by making AI accessible and adapted to local needs. Officially presented at the 2ᵉ edition of the Grand Atelier Digital, which focuses on AI, the event brought together more than 300 participants from the public, private and civil society sectors.
It’s essentially a question of planning at a strategic level and therefore sizing up what the future will be for Togo in terms of artificial intelligence, and also presenting operational research work to get some concrete results.
AGBAGLA Togbe, ATD Technical Director
The government must succeed in adopting AI throughout the production chain so that today, when we have complex problems, problems linked to the environment, agriculture or health, we can exploit the benefits of this AI to provide sustainable solutions and of course create opportunities.
Dr Barkawi Mansour , CEO of GeoMinds Africa
This year’s Grand Atelier Digital brought together a number of ambitious projects from Africa and elsewhere, all of which were developing innovations designed to meet local needs. More than just an event, it’s a place for exchange where every technology is designed to improve everyday life.
