Google has teamed up with leading African research institutions to launch WAXAL, a large-scale open speech dataset aimed at expanding access to artificial intelligence (AI) for over 100 million people across Sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative represents a major step in bridging the digital gap and making AI technologies more inclusive for African communities.
Developed over three years with Google’s support, WAXAL features 1,250 hours of transcribed natural speech and more than 20 hours of studio-quality recordings. This dataset is designed to power accurate voice recognition systems and synthetic speech tools, enabling developers and researchers to create technologies that can understand and respond in African languages.
The dataset covers 21 African languages, including Hausa, Yoruba, Luganda, and Acholi, which have traditionally been underserved in voice-enabled technology. Despite the global boom in AI tools, many African languages lack high-quality speech data, leaving millions of people unable to interact with digital services in their native tongues.
Aisha Walcott-Bryant, head of Google Research Africa, explained that WAXAL is meant to empower students, researchers, and entrepreneurs to innovate in local languages, unlocking economic opportunities across the continent. The project emphasizes local leadership, with African institutions such as Makerere University (Uganda), University of Ghana, and Digital Umuganda (Rwanda) leading the data collection and retaining full ownership of the dataset.
By providing foundational speech data, WAXAL is expected to accelerate the development of AI tools in education, healthcare, financial services, and agriculture, helping millions of Africans access essential digital services. This initiative sets a new standard for community-led and equitable AI development, showcasing the potential of local partnerships in shaping the future of technology in Africa.
source: Business day