Orange has announced a strategic partnership with OpenAI and Meta to develop and fine-tune large language models (LLMs) that will enable AI systems to understand regional languages in Africa. This groundbreaking project aims to improve customer communication by allowing users to interact naturally in their local languages with Orange’s customer support and sales teams.
The initiative, set to launch in the first half of 2025, will initially focus on incorporating languages such as Wolof and Pulaar, spoken by 16 million and 6 million people, respectively, in West Africa. These languages are currently not supported by any existing generative AI models, and Orange seeks to bridge this gap by creating tailored AI models that better cater to the linguistic diversity of the region.
As part of the project, Orange plans to make the resulting AI models available as open-source tools under a free license for non-commercial use. These models could be utilized in public sectors such as health and education, benefiting a wide range of social services across Africa.
The company’s long-term goal is to collaborate with local startups and tech firms to refine these models further and expand their reach. By including more African languages in future AI solutions, Orange aims to address the growing digital divide that leaves many African communities without access to advanced technological tools.
Orange’s vision for the project is to make AI accessible to all, including illiterate populations, who are often excluded from the benefits of digital technologies. “Our initiative is a blueprint for how AI can help those who are currently excluded from its potential,” the company said in a statement.
In addition to enhancing language recognition, the partnership with OpenAI and Meta will also involve fine-tuning AI models using diverse data examples, such as OpenAI’s “Whisper” speech model and Meta’s “Llama” text model. This approach is expected to improve the understanding of African regional languages, facilitating more accurate and natural communication for users.
Beyond this regional language recognition project, the collaboration between OpenAI and Orange also includes a new agreement that grants Orange direct access to OpenAI’s models. For the first time, these models will be available in Europe, with data processing and hosting in European data centers. This will allow Orange to enhance its existing AI solutions across its operations in Europe and beyond.
The partnership also includes early access to OpenAI’s most advanced models, which could enable the development of new AI-powered services, such as voice interactions with Orange’s customers.
Orange has emphasized its commitment to “Responsible AI,” ensuring that it selects the most appropriate and efficient solutions for each use case. The company plans to use cutting-edge LLMs where necessary but will prioritize simpler, more affordable AI models to reduce environmental impact and costs. This approach aims to ensure that AI remains accessible and sustainable across Orange’s global footprint.
In addition to its focus on African languages, Orange continues to contribute to the development of Europe’s AI ecosystem by supporting open-source AI projects. These efforts are designed to make AI more affordable and accessible to a broader range of users, fostering innovation and inclusion in the digital age.
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