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Orange Partners with OpenAI and Meta to Develop AI Models for African Languages

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French telecom giant Orange has announced a collaboration with OpenAI and Meta to create artificial intelligence (AI) models that cater specifically to regional African languages. This initiative aims to address the gap in AI systems’ understanding of lesser-represented languages, starting with Wolof and Pulaar, spoken by millions across West Africa.

Orange plans to leverage OpenAI’s Whisper and Meta’s Llama open-source models, fine-tuning them to recognize and process these languages. According to Steve Jarrett, Orange’s chief AI officer, global AI systems often fail to understand African text and voice communications due to the lack of culturally and linguistically relevant training data.

“By fine-tuning open models, we introduce additional information, enabling AI systems to understand West African regional languages that are currently ignored by mainstream AI,” Jarrett explained.

Rollout and Focus on West Africa

The first phase of this initiative will integrate Wolof and Pulaar into Orange’s AI models by early 2025. Wolof is predominantly spoken in Senegal, the Gambia, and southern Mauritania, while Pulaar is common in Senegal. The project will expand to cover all 18 West African countries where Orange operates.

Orange will provide these customized AI models under a free license for non-commercial applications like public health and education. This approach aligns with the company’s commitment to enhancing accessibility and addressing unmet needs in the region.

Sovereign AI and Localization

The project reflects a growing global trend toward “sovereign AI,” emphasizing localized data processing and infrastructure. By hosting OpenAI’s systems in European data centers, Orange seeks to ensure secure data handling while accessing advanced AI capabilities. The company’s initiative also promotes cultural and linguistic representation, helping to build systems that resonate with local contexts.

Jarrett stressed the importance of using AI responsibly, balancing innovation with environmental concerns. The models will focus on targeted applications, avoiding the extensive energy demands of massive language models when unnecessary.

Broader Applications

Beyond language processing, Orange is integrating AI into its core business operations. The company uses AI to optimize its mobile networks, identifying and predicting failures before customers are affected. Additionally, AI-driven voice systems are being developed to improve customer service across its contact centers.

This partnership represents a step toward bridging the technological gap for underrepresented regions, fostering greater inclusivity in the global AI landscape.

 

Endangered Pygmy Hippo Calf Born at Edinburgh Zoo Named “Haggis”

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A new and endangered resident has arrived at Edinburgh Zoo—a female pygmy hippo calf named Haggis. Born on October 30 to parents Otto and Gloria, Haggis is already capturing hearts and raising awareness for her rare species. Pygmy hippos, native to the forests and swamps of West Africa, particularly Liberia, are critically endangered, with only around 2,500 left in the wild according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The birth of Haggis is a significant moment in the zoo’s conservation efforts. To ensure her health and development, the hippo house has been temporarily closed to visitors so the zoo’s keepers can closely monitor the calf and her mother during these crucial early days. “The first 30 days are critical for her development,” said Jonny Appleyard, the hoofstock team leader at Edinburgh Zoo. “Haggis is doing really well so far, and it’s amazing to see her personality beginning to shine already,” he added.

Haggis joins her older sister, Amara, born in 2021, who was relocated to London Zoo last year as part of the European breeding program to help conserve this endangered species. Pygmy hippos are elusive creatures, known for their solitary nature, and efforts to raise awareness of their plight are essential, particularly as habitat loss and hunting continue to threaten their populations.

Edinburgh Zoo’s new addition follows the global popularity of Moo Deng, a pygmy hippo calf born in Thailand earlier this year. Moo Deng’s viral fame has brought attention to her species through videos shared online by her keepers at Khao Kheow Open Zoo. “While Thailand’s Moo Deng has become a viral global icon, it is important to remember that pygmy hippos are incredibly rare,” Appleyard emphasized, expressing hope that Haggis can serve as Edinburgh Zoo’s ambassador to inspire visitors to learn more about the challenges pygmy hippos face in the wild.

As visitors eagerly await a chance to see Haggis, her birth serves as a heartwarming reminder of the ongoing conservation efforts needed to protect endangered species and their natural habitats.