Goloka Analytics Partners with Meta on African Language Technology Project

Goloka Analytics Partners with Meta on African Language Technology Project

Goloka Analytics, a spin-off of Dataphyte, is announcing a new partnership with Meta to collect data in five Nigerian local languages for the training of Meta’s Multilingual AI models and to promote digital inclusivity worldwide. This initiative is part of Meta’s Local Language Partnership Program. Through this collaboration, Goloka Analytics, a technology company focused on point-of-interest data and insights using native intelligence, mobile, and geospatial tools, is contributing to an AI ecosystem where data is shared intentionally, owned by communities, and made to serve their interests. Joshua Olufemi, founder of Goloka Analytics, explained that the core aim is to strengthen the presence of indigenous Nigerian languages in AI-driven speech recognition and machine translation systems. “By applying our hyperlocal data collection model, we intend to provide high-quality linguistic datasets that help build more accurate and inclusive technologies. This effort aligns with our commitment to democratising data and supporting the use of indigenous languages in digital spaces. We are focused on collecting data that reflects local realities and promotes fair representation for communities that have long been underrepresented in digital technologies.” Through this partnership, GOLOKA™ will contribute data in Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Fulfulde, and Urhobo. The goal is to support AI localisation and expand the role of local languages in technology tools and platforms across the Global South. The project builds on Goloka’s wider mission of providing hyperlocal insights that support development work and private sector innovation across Africa. The collaboration with Meta will facilitate the ethical collection of local language data to power new tools for speech recognition and machine translation. These include multilingual AI models and systems that can reflect indigenous knowledge and improve access to information. “We look forward to working with Meta to engage communities, support data contributors, and ensure that the data we collect tells a true story,” said Joshua Olufemi. “Our goal is not just to build AI systems about people, but to build them with people.” Offering more insight into the partnership, Oluseyi Olufemi, Country Lead at Dataphyte, noted that the project aligns with the three L framework of Goloka and Dataphyte: language, learning, and localisation. “When Meta initiated this partnership, we had already begun work to collect language data across the continent. It made sense to join forces. We are currently collaborating with universities and language technologists in Nigeria to gather authentic, community-validated data. The language datasets generated through this project will be integrated into broader AI systems, supporting equitable and relevant use across sectors.” As this project unfolds, Goloka and Dataphyte invite stakeholders from the public, private, and civic sectors to join in shaping a future for AI that is inclusive, decentralised, and grounded in local realities.