BRIDGING THE LANGUAGE GAP: WHY AFRICAN LANGUAGE MODELS MATTER

/ By Yattish Ramhorry, Chief Technology Officer, Virtual Helper /

Language models like ChatGPT have changed how we interact with technology, but there’s a big issue—many African languages are left behind. While languages like English and Chinese get plenty of resources and investment, African languages, spoken by millions, often don’t. This leaves a gap in how technology serves people across the continent.

Inclusive AI can close this gap. When AI understands and uses African languages, it becomes a tool for preserving culture, opening opportunities, and giving people access to information in their own words. It’s not just about fairness; it’s about making sure technology works for everyone.

Why African Language Models Are Needed

Africa’s languages are diverse and beautiful, but they’re rarely represented in AI. Most models focus on global languages, like English, and Chinese, excluding millions of people. Language models for isiXhosa, isiZulu, or Swahili could change that by improving education, preserving endangered dialects, and boosting industries like healthcare and banking.

When AI includes African languages, it connects with more people, making technology more accessible and meaningful. It’s not just about building better AI—it’s about celebrating and protecting Africa’s linguistic and cultural heritage.

Spotlight on Xhosa-ZuluLlama3

Xhosa-ZuluLlama3 caught my attention while I was doing research for a recent project, and it’s truly exciting for both Africa, and South Africa. This model works with isiXhosa and isiZulu, two widely spoken languages, and it opens a whole new world of new possibilities for these communities.

This language model was created by Jacaranda Health and AI innovators. Known for their work in maternal health, Jacaranda developed this model to improve communication and accessibility in local languages.

This model is a game-changer. It’s helping people access healthcare advice, educational content, and even customer support in their own languages. And it doesn’t stop there—Jacaranda is keeping things open-source, encouraging others to adapt the model for uses like education and e-commerce.

To me, this feels like more than just progress; it’s personal. For once, AI reflects the identities and voices of Africa, and South Africa. It’s proof that when technology is built for everyone, it can transform lives.

Here’s hoping this is just the beginning.

Where to Access XhosaZuluLlama3

If you're curious about exploring XhosaZuluLlama3 or want to give it a go in your own projects, you're in luck—this model is open-source, which means anyone can get their hands on it. You’ll find it on platforms like Hugging Face, a go-to spot for hosting cuttingedge language models.

Hugging Face isn’t just a place to find models; it's a space where developers collaborate, experiment, and tinker. You'll be able to find Xhosa-ZuluLlama3 there, along with some handy documentation to get you started on your own AI journey.

In addition, Jacaranda Health, the organization behind the development of this model, offers resources on how to use it, as well as detailed information about its applications in maternal healthcare and other sectors. You can visit Jacaranda Health’s website or their GitHub page to find out more and even contribute to the project if you're keen on supporting AI that serves underserved communities.

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, you might also find integrations of Xhosa-ZuluLlama3 in various local platforms aiming to bridge the digital divide. Keep an eye on local AI communities, tech forums, and open-source projects, as many developers are working to incorporate this tool into services like customer support, education, and healthcare.

Building these kinds of models requires collaboration—lots of it. It’s not just about coding and algorithms, but about bringing together linguists, AI researchers, tech companies, NGOs, and local communities. Everyone brings something crucial to the table, ensuring that these models are not only accurate, but also culturally relevant and effective.

The beauty of open-source models like Xhosa-ZuluLlama3 is how collaboration opens up the floodgates to wider access and adoption. When these tools are made available for use across sectors like education, healthcare, and customer service, they can have a far-reaching impact. It’s about more than just one community benefiting—it’s about many, from all walks of life.