PRESS RELEASE
African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) collaborates with Meta and Deloitte to launch AKILI AI, an AI-Driven MSME Support Platform to Empower African Entrepreneurs
Midrand, South Africa 20 February 2025 -The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) in collaboration with Meta and Deloitte, have launched AKILI AI, an AI-Driven MSME Support Platform designed to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Africa.
This innovative 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 begin to address obstacles they face such as limited access to finance, difficulties in navigating markets, and inadequate tailored advisory support.
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 faced by MSMEs, fostering partnerships and collaboration with key stakeholders, including governments, development partners, and international organizations, to support the platform’s scalability and impact.
AUDA-NEPAD CEO Ms Nardos Bekele-Thomas 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. »
« 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 ».
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 democratize 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 (MSMEs) with the tools and resources necessary to drive innovation, create jobs, and build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Africans. 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.”
Media Contact:
Ms. Zipporah Maubane, African Union Development Agency-NEPAD, Head of Communications and Advocacy
Email: ZipporahM@nepad.org
Website: www.nepad.org
Social Media:
Twitter: @NEPAD_Agency
LinkedIn: @AUDA NEPAD
Instagram: @auda_nepad
