Andakia – The AI Bringing Africa's Digital Future to the Neighborhood

Because technology isn't inclusive until it gets you.

The Problem: Tech That Won't Speak to Millions

Binta Kéita, a Dakar childminder, has an Android phone. It has all the apps to make her life easier—pay bills, send money, order necessities—but she can't use most of them.

Why? She is computer illiterate. Like nearly nine million Senegalese, she is left out of the digital revolution—no shortage of devices, but no machines that speak her language.

For a person like Binta, even buying electricity means walking across town to find an intermediary who can help her. And every time, she risks revealing intimate personal information.

Reality is unforgiving: the digital future of Africa cannot be built in French and English only—it has to speak Wolof, Hausa, Pulaar, and the dozens of languages in which millions of individuals communicate each day.

Hello Andakia: AI with an African Voice

Hi there, Andakia. A Senegalese start-up led by Alioune Badara Mbengue and a multidisciplinary dream team of AI experts, linguists, developers, and creatives.

Their best-selling product? AWA — the globe's very first talking and conversing artificial intelligence in perfect Wolof.

Launched in 2024, AWA is a steroids-powered chatbot. It's a voice-controlled digital helper that seeks to eliminate language and literacy barriers—allowing anyone to access online services using simple, natural language.

It can order a taxi, pay the bills, send money, answer questions, or connect you with customer support—all in Wolof.

What Makes AWA So Exceptional?

Sounds Like a Local – AWA's voice sounds human, friendly, and definitely Senegalese, by engaging native speakers and linguists.

Expanding Multilingually – Wolof is just the start. Pulaar, Hausa, and other African languages are forthcoming, from which it shall be a pan-African solution.

Designed for Inclusivity – Operates through mobile apps, web, WhatsApp, or APIs—with no literacy necessary. Even offline and low-bandwidth apps are in progress.

Developer-Friendly – Businesses can integrate AWA into their own platforms to offer customer support in local language.

Privacy First – User data is stored securely on compliant servers, ensuring digital sovereignty.

Impact in Action

Tested by 200+ users before launch

Already being used in events such as Senegal 2050's launch, where AWA explained the national plan in Wolof

Growing use by stores, service providers, and public services

Empowering non-literate customers to bank, pay, and access the Internet without third-party help

The Human Difference

Binta won't need to take long trips around Dakar to perform little tasks.

Abdoul, fruit merchant, is able to send money without needing to worry about who might see his PIN.

Students in rural areas can get answers in their most familiar language.

AWA is not software—it is a gateway to dignity, independence, and opportunity.

What's Next for Andakia

Language Expansion – Pulaar, Hausa, and other African languages

Solutions for Specific Domains – AI usage in health, education, and agriculture

Greater Integrations – Public services, banks, and NGOs collaboration

Cultural AI Leadership – Placing Africa at the forefront of inclusive AI innovation

Andakia's vision is simple but revolutionary: develop technology for Africans, in African languages, by African voices. Because the future isn't digital—it's multilingual, inclusive, and ours.