Artificial intelligence (AI) dominated tech conversations in 2025, capturing headlines and sparking debates on job security, regulation, and safety. While global media focused on these discussions, African developers quietly leveraged AI to solve local challenges, build businesses, and innovate across sectors. From customer service automation to creative tools, the continent saw a wave of AI products that combined global trends with local solutions.
In Kenya, Terp 360 wowed the tech scene by translating speech into Kenyan Sign Language using AI-powered motion-capture and 3D avatars. Its creator, Elly Savatia, described it as “Google Translate for sign language,” and the app earned him a $67,000 prize from the UK’s Royal Academy of Engineering. Similarly, Xara, a WhatsApp-based AI banking assistant from Nigeria, simplified everyday transactions, allowing users to pay bills, send money, and track spending using natural language commands.
Education and app development also saw African AI innovation. AI Examiner, developed by Richard Eradiri, turned study materials into practice tests and flashcards, helping students revise efficiently. Meanwhile, Gebeya Dala enabled developers across Africa to build apps in multiple languages—from Swahili to Amharic—without writing a single line of code, addressing barriers like language, device access, and payment limitations.
Other notable tools included YarnGPT, which dubbed videos into African languages with natural accents, and Curation AI, which tackled misinformation by verifying digital content in real time. For software developers, Thunders automated app testing, reducing manual effort while improving quality. Even teenagers got in on the action—Obinna Chimdi’s ChatATP transformed websites into AI-enabled platforms capable of executing real-world tasks.
Across the continent, these AI products highlight a growing trend: African builders are not just adopting global AI innovations—they are localizing them to solve real problems. In 2025, AI in Africa moved from experimentation to execution, blending technical ambition with practical applications that address local needs. With each innovation, Africa’s AI ecosystem gains credibility, creativity, and a stronger global presence.
source: techpoint