Meta, formerly Facebook, introduces its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot tailored for WhatsApp and Instagram users across Africa. This initiative signifies a significant stride in embedding AI technology within social media platforms, enriching user experiences and functionalities.
Providing users with contextual information
The new Meta AI is an intelligent system meticulously crafted to give users contextual, concise, and precise information concerning specific posts and images. An automated inquiry ensues upon a user’s engagement with any content, prompting a detailed response tailored to the queried post. On WhatsApp, the AI facilitates high-fidelity image processing through text and dispenses insightful guidance on image modifications.
The AI seamlessly exhibits the fluidity of image metamorphosis within WhatsApp conversations, unfolding an engaging animation. As users furnish additional details regarding text representation, the image dynamically adjusts, augmenting the interactive essence of the exchange.
Meta AI is expanding across seven sub-Saharan African countries, including Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
Meta AI available for free
As the metaverse AI permeates more social media platforms, the vision extends to web AI integration via meta.ai. Like ChatGPT, users can seamlessly engage with the AI upon login, fostering a more profound comprehension of AI and enhancing its accessibility.
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, underscores the significance of this advancement, proclaiming, « LLaMA 3, Meta AI emerges as the most astute and freely accessible assistant ». Zuckerberg further underscores the company’s dedication to refining user experiences by democratizing AI accessibility across all Meta-owned applications.
AI technology : Fostering startup growth in Africa
Meta’s current endeavor follows the trailblazing efforts of tech behemoths like Microsoft and Google, who have adeptly integrated AI into diverse consumer offerings. Microsoft leverages AI within its Bing search engine, while Google seamlessly integrates AI into its suite of products.
Moreover, Meta’s mission extends to nurturing AI proliferation in Africa, a move poised to positively influence the burgeoning landscape of AI-driven startups across the continent. Despite its potential, AI secured the 10th position among all sectors, garnering a mere 4.6 million USD out of the 176 million USD raised by African startups in the first quarter of 2024, as delineated in Ashley Humanizer’s recently published funding report.
Government initiatives driving AI adoption in Africa
Recognizing the profound potential of AI to propel socio-economic progress, governments across Africa are spearheading efforts to promote digital transformation and enact AI-focused policies. On April 4, 2024, the Nigerian government announced plans to convene a gathering of 120 professionals, including researchers, startup founders, and AI community stakeholders, to foster collaboration to accelerate AI adoption nationwide.
Moreover, the partnership between the Kenyan government and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH to implement a national artificial intelligence strategy is yielding promising outcomes. Concurrently, Kenya has successfully showcased its burgeoning talent in the global market, particularly among its young artists. These initiatives underscore the growing recognition of AI as a pivotal force driving technological advancement in Africa, underscoring the need for collaborative endeavors to harness its societal benefits.
