Advertisement Microsoft Launches LINGUA Africa Initiative to Boost African Languages in AIMicrosoft Research has launched the LINGUA Africa Open Call for Inclusive AI Language Projects. The initiative aims to expand African language representation in artificial intelligence systems across the continent.The program brings together Gates Foundation, Google.org, and the Masakhane African Languages Hub.The partners will offer funding of between $50,000 and $250,000 to selected projects. In addition, successful applicants will receive cloud computing credits, technical mentorship, and collaboration opportunities.The initiative invites applications from universities, startups, nonprofits, research institutions, and community organizations. The projects must focus on strengthening African language inclusion in digital systems and AI models.Closing Africas AI Language GapAfrica has more than 2,000 languages. However, most modern AI systems mainly support English and other widely used global languages.As a result, millions of Africans risk exclusion from AI-powered services in healthcare, education, agriculture, and public services.The initiatives partners say African communities must actively shape the future of AI technologies. They also believe local languages should play a bigger role in digital innovation.Africas linguistic diversity is one of its greatest strengths, yet many African languages remain underrepresented in AI technologies, said Chenai Chair, Director of the Masakhane African Languages Hub.Through LINGUA Africa, we hope to support the development of inclusive and locally relevant AI systems that better reflect the communities they are designed to serve, she added.The program will support projects in multilingual AI development, African language datasets, and open-source innovation. Furthermore, it will prioritize solutions in healthcare, education, agriculture, food security, and financial inclusion.Microsoft Launches LINGUA Africa Initiative to Boost African Languages in AIFocus on Community-Based AI SolutionsAt the same time, Microsoft Research Africa teams in Nairobi are exploring practical AI solutions for local communities.The researchers are studying how language-aware AI tools can work in low-bandwidth environments and on basic mobile devices. They are also testing how the systems perform in multilingual communities.One example is Project Gecko. Through the project, researchers are adapting tools such as FarmerChat to help agricultural extension workers deliver farming guidance in local languages.Chenai Chair said African communities should not remain passive users of AI technologies.The future of AI must be shaped by the people it serves, she said.Supporting African languages in technology is not just about inclusion, it is about ensuring communities can fully participate in the digital future.Meanwhile, discussions around AI inclusion continue to grow globally. Many experts now warn that language barriers could widen inequality in the digital economy if developers fail to include underserved communities.Applications for the LINGUA Africa Open Call will close on June 15, 2026.Here is the linkThe post Microsoft Launches LINGUA Africa Initiative to Boost African Languages in AI appeared first on Africa Business News.