Orange, a significant player in the telecommunications and digital services sector, has announced a strategic partnership with AI research firm OpenAI and multinational technology conglomerate Meta. The collaboration aims to bolster digital inclusion and foster growth across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) by enhancing the accessibility of artificial intelligence services in the region.
Set to launch in the first half of 2025, this initiative will focus on refining AI large language models (LLMs) to better comprehend regional languages prevalent in Africa, which have largely been overlooked by existing generative AI models. Initially, attention will be directed towards languages such as Wolof and Pulaar, which are spoken by approximately 16 million and six million individuals, respectively, primarily in West Africa. By integrating these languages into AI systems, Orange hopes to expand its customer support and sales services to populations previously unable to engage due to language barriers.
A hallmark of this initiative is the commitment to provide these refined open-source AI models externally, offering a free licence for non-commercial purposes. This means that applications in public health, education, and various other domains may benefit from enhanced AI capabilities. The plan includes cooperation with local startups and tech firms to generate innovation in AI relevant to these languages, thus addressing the widening digital divide faced by many communities across the African continent.
As part of its broader vision, Orange is looking to collaborate with multiple AI technology providers to eventually enable AI solutions that can comprehend and process all languages spoken and written within its operational footprint spanning 18 countries in the region. This comprehensive approach underscores Orange’s commitment to making AI technologies accessible to all demographics, including those who are illiterate.
In addition to the language recognition project, a separate agreement between OpenAI and Orange will grant Orange direct access to OpenAI’s advanced models, ensuring that data processing and hosting can occur within European datacenters. This arrangement is expected to pave the way for substantial improvements across Orange's existing services.
The partnership further seeks to enable early access to the latest AI advancements from OpenAI, allowing Orange to explore and implement various applications of AI, including AI-driven voice interactions with customers. This move represents a critical step for Orange as it focuses on the delivery of ‘Responsible AI,’ which entails a careful selection process for AI solutions based on need, prioritising eco-friendly and cost-efficient alternatives whenever possible.
Through its involvement in the European AI ecosystem, Orange is advocating for open-source AI projects aimed at broadening the affordability and accessibility of AI innovations for all users. With this partnership, Orange signals a proactive approach to nurturing AI technologies that cater to diverse linguistic groups in Africa, underlining the importance of inclusivity in the digital age.
Source: Noah Wire Services