Hi Ayodele here,

AI is becoming more visible across the continent, and not just in labs or tech circles. It is shaping media, healthcare and public sector. This week’s roundup brings stories of progress and practical impact across various sectors. A virtual news anchor is giving multilingual broadcasts. A Kenyan AI rollout is reshaping public services. Meanwhile, a Lagos health-tech startup just raised over a million dollars to scale preventive care using AI. These are signposts of a bigger shift.

Let us take a closer look.

Around Africa

TVC Introduces Nigeria's First AI News Anchor

Nigeria’s TVC Communications has just taken a bold step into the future with the launch of Amina, Africa’s very first AI-powered news anchor. Powered by cutting-edge generative AI, Amina delivers the news around the clock in English, Yoruba, and Hausa. It’s a major milestone that could reshape how we access news across the continent. (Yep, they’re setting the bar high!)  

Why it matters?

Africa’s language diversity often makes it hard for everyone to stay equally informed. Amina is changing that by making news accessible in multiple local languages and bringing crucial updates to millions in a way that truly resonates. It’s a game-changer for inclusive media, and a proud moment for African innovation.

Kenya Embraces AI to Transform Public Service

Some weeks ago, Kenya launched its National AI strategy as a sign that AI was a key focus. This week, it is taking a major step to modernize its public sector by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies into government operations. The goal is clear: improve service delivery across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through smarter, faster, and more responsive systems.

The focus is on enabling and not replacing public servants. The government’s three-pronged approach centers on digital skills, workforce intelligence, and a people-first culture. AI pilots are already underway in areas like smart traffic control, biometric health services, digital ID, and waste management.

Kenya’s push toward AI-powered governance marks a significant shift, setting the stage for a more efficient and transparent public service.

Why It Matters:

Kenya’s adoption of AI in public service signals a growing commitment to smarter governance. By using AI to improve efficiency and access, the country is laying the groundwork for more transparent, responsive institutions. This move also positions Kenya as a regional leader in digital transformation, with the potential to inspire similar efforts across the continent. 

Platos Health Secures $1.4M to Scale AI-Powered Preventive Care

Lagos-based health-tech startup Platos Health has raised $1.4 million in pre-seed funding to expand its AI-driven metabolic health platform, Platos Monitor. The round was led by Google for Startups, with participation from Invest International and angel investors affiliated with Google, Tesla, and Unicredit.

Founded in 2020 by Oladimeji Joseph Fakayode, Platos Health focuses on preventive care by enabling users to monitor their metabolic health from home. Its flagship product, the Platos Body Monitor, is a medical-grade device that tracks 49 health metrics, including BMI, heart rate, visceral fat, and hydration levels. The device integrates with platforms like Apple Health and Google Health Connect, providing users with personalized health insights powered by Google's Gemini AI.

Currently available in over 300 pharmacies across Nigeria, including Medplus and Justrite, the Platos Body Monitor aims to address the rising prevalence of lifestyle-related illnesses in the country. The new funding will support the nationwide distribution of the device and further development of the AI-powered platform.

Platos Health's innovative approach to preventive healthcare positions it as a key player in Africa's emerging digital health sector

Why It Matters:

Platos Health is addressing a growing health crisis in Nigeria with AI-powered tools that make preventive care more accessible and personalized. By combining local distribution with global tech partnerships, this funding round supports a scalable model for tackling lifestyle-related illnesses across Africa.

Zindi partners with Cassava Technologies to boost AI talent and innovation in Africa

Zindi, Africa’s leading data science competition platform, has partnered with Cassava Technologies to accelerate AI innovation across the continent. Through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding, Zindi will leverage Cassava’s GPU-as-a-Service infrastructure to support AI solution development and foster talent growth.

The collaboration aims to strengthen African datasets and address local challenges with homegrown solutions. By combining Zindi’s community of over 85,000 data scientists with Cassava’s advanced computing capabilities, the partnership seeks to build skills, create employment opportunities, and showcase African AI innovation. 

This initiative aligns with Cassava’s broader goal of advancing responsible AI adoption and digital transformation throughout Africa.

Why It Matters:

This partnership brings together African talent and advanced infrastructure to tackle local challenges with locally driven AI solutions. By supporting skills development and expanding access to computing power, it helps close critical resource gaps while positioning Africa as a serious contributor in the global AI space.

Around the world

HeyGen’s AI Avatar Tool

A new tool from AI startup HeyGen is taking the internet by storm. With just one photo, you can now create a lifelike digital version of yourself or anyone else. These “instant avatars” look shockingly real and are already being shared all over social media.

But this goes beyond just fun and filters. Think about the possibilities: small businesses could use avatars to make ads that speak directly to their local audience, educators could create engaging lessons in different languages, and content creators might personalize videos without stepping in front of a camera. It's like having your digital twin ready to go in minutes.

NVIDIA’s Parakeet Speech Model Supports 1,000+ Languages

NVIDIA just released a new AI model called Parakeet-TDT 0.6B, and it’s making waves in the speech tech world. Why? Because it can recognize and understand speech in over 1,000 languages including many rare and underrepresented ones.

That’s a big deal for places like Africa, where more than 2,000 languages are spoken. Tools like this could make it easier to develop apps, voice assistants, or learning tools that work in local dialects. For countries like Nigeria that are already working to localize tech and media, Parakeet could be a game-changer.

Upcoming African AI Events

Africa Tech Policy Summit 2025
Dates: May 12–16, 2025
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Theme: "Harmonizing Tech Policies to Foster AI and Emerging Technologies in Africa"
Link: Africa Tech Policy

Data & AI Community Day Johannesburg
Dates: May 24–25, 2025
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Theme: "Building Scalable AI Solutions for Africa"
Link: Data & AI

AI Job Opportunities

• Safaricom – Data Scientist (Generative AI), Nairobi

• Oxygen X – Senior Data Scientist, Lagos

• UN-Habitat – AI for Knowledge Initiative Lead, Nairobi

• Capital Placement – Senior AI Engineer, Nigeria 

• AICO Management Group – ML Engineer Zimbabwe, 

• UNIS – AI Robotics Business Partner, Lagos

Use Case: Create Your Personal Financial Assistant with Zapier Agents

This week’s highlight: building your very own financial sidekick, no coding required. With Zapier’s new AI Agents, you can automate the entire process of organizing your expenses. Here’s how it works: whenever you upload an invoice to Google Drive, your AI agent extracts key info (like amount, date, and vendor), categorizes the expense, and logs it neatly into a Google Sheet. No more manual entry, no more missed receipts just clean, automatic tracking. 

Ready to try it yourself? Here’s a video resource to get started: