Togo launches AI initiative to digitise local languages
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Cina Lawson, the Minister of Public Service Efficiency and Digital Transformation, launched a three-year program called Voix du Togo to develop artificial intelligence tools for local languages in Togo.
The initiative aims to help citizens who do not speak French access public services more easily by creating datasets from audio recordings, written transcriptions, and translated texts. The government plans to use an online platform where citizens can contribute recordings and translations to train AI models.
The first phase focuses on the Ewe, Kabiyè, and Moba languages. These datasets will eventually support AI applications in sectors such as healthcare, justice, and government administration, allowing people to describe symptoms or interact with institutions in their native tongues. The Ministry of Public Service Efficiency and Digital Transformation is collaborating with Togo AI Lab to build local AI capacity. This organization already works on applying technology to agriculture and education.
The project began with public tests in the capital city of Lomé to gather user feedback before the full rollout.
