The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), in collaboration with Meta and Deloitte, has unveiled AKILI AI, an advanced artificial intelligence-driven platform designed to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Africa.
This initiative aims to empower entrepreneurs, foster business growth, and drive sustainable economic development by leveraging cutting-edge AI technology.
AKILI AI is designed to address the key challenges faced by African MSMEs, offering data-driven insights, digital tools, and strategic guidance to help businesses thrive. The platform demonstrates the transformative capabilities of Meta’s Llama AI model and other advanced technologies in tackling barriers to growth. In addition to its technological impact, AKILI AI promotes collaboration between governments, international organizations, and development partners, ensuring scalability and long-term impact.
Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of AUDA-NEPAD, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating “The launch of AKILI AI is a major milestone in our mission to empower African entrepreneurs. Through AI, we are providing MSMEs with the tools they need to overcome business challenges and drive sustainable development. This platform underscores our dedication to innovation and inclusive economic growth.”
She further highlighted the collaborative effort between AUDA-NEPAD, Meta, and Deloitte, describing the initiative as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation across Africa. The launch of AKILI AI aligns with broader trends in AI adoption, as businesses increasingly recognize its potential to enhance efficiency, resilience, and competitiveness. A report by PwC forecasts that organizations embracing AI will have a distinct competitive advantage, widening the gap between early adopters and those slow to integrate the technology.
The report states that “AI offers transformative potential for business operations and growth. Organizations that rapidly integrate AI—whether AI-native companies or established firms undergoing digital transformation—are likely to lead in their respective industries.”
Speaking on the launch, Kojo Boakye, Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, the Middle East, and Türkiye at Meta, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding access to technology; “The introduction of AKILI AI is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to democratize technology access and unlock Africa’s entrepreneurial potential. By leveraging Meta’s Llama Open Source AI model, we are equipping MSMEs with essential tools, insights, and digital resources to foster innovation, job creation, and economic inclusion across the continent.”
With AI adoption set to accelerate in 2025, AKILI AI has the potential to reshape Africa’s MSME landscape by providing intelligent business solutions, bridging the digital divide, and enhancing economic resilience.
As the continent continues to embrace digital transformation, initiatives like AKILI AI will be instrumental in unlocking new opportunities, boosting productivity, and fostering sustainable business growth.
