Google Launches WAXAL AI Dataset for African Languages

Google, in collaboration with African academic and community organizations including Makerere University, the University of Ghana, and Digital Umuganda, has launched Google===WAXAL, a large-scale, openly accessible speech dataset. Developed over three years with Google's funding, Google===WAXAL provides 1,250 hours of transcribed speech and 20+ hours of studio recordings for 21 Sub-Saharan African languages. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide for over 100 million speakers by enabling the development of inclusive AI technologies. Aisha Walcott-Bryant, Head of Google Research Africa, emphasized its role in empowering African innovators. Concurrently, Google has opened applications for the 10th cohort of its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, an 'AI First' program supporting African startups focused on deep-tech innovation and societal benefits. Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa, noted the program's success in supporting over 180 startups, raising over $350 million, and creating 3,700+ jobs.