The Data Future Labs (DFL) Showcase highlights local builders around the world developing data tools and platforms that prioritize the needs and interests of their communities. In the fast-paced world of AI and data the popular discourse and priorities are set by a small but vocal minority. Through the DFL Showcase we hope to highlight and support a more global outlook on Data Futures and bring together dedicated funders ready to prioritize and invest in those futures.
On September 2023, we hosted in Nairobi, Kenya a showcase of five innovative projects from Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and Ghana. The projects explore how to integrate Natural Language Processing into traditional African languages, disinformation monitoring tools, and more. Mozilla, in collaboration with two partners, awarded participating projects a combined $30,000 USD to continue their data stewardship innovations.
Participating projects:
- Masakhane Web: Catherine Gitau, NLP Engineer (Kenya)
- Living Data Hubs: Regina Opondo, Senior Community Principal, Kounkuey Design Initiative (Kenya)
- Real 411: Nomshado Lubisi Nkosinkulu, Communications Manager, Media Monitoring Africa (South Africa)
- GhanaNLP: Lawrence Adu-Gyamfi, Director of Product, GhanaNLP
- Machine Learning for Agricultural Advisory to Smallholder Farmers in Uganda: Joyce Nabende, Head, Makerere Artificial Intelligence Lab