Lessons learned from building language models in Africa: under strict data constraints in non-western environments.
The global proliferation of language models has predominantly followed a Western-centric approach that neglects cultural and environmental sustainability. This talk draws on firsthand experiences building language models in Africa under significant data constraints to challenge prevailing assumptions in AI development, while demonstrating how Big Tech's commoditization threatens both ecological and cultural sustainability.
Through case studies and practical examples, this presentation will show that the "bigger is better" paradigm is reaching diminishing returns while providing attendees with actionable frameworks for creating models that respect both environmental limitations and cultural contexts. Participants will gain practical insights into developing language AI that is more effective, economical, and sustainable, offering a roadmap for implementing human-centered AI solutions that better serve diverse global communities.
Speaker
Jade Abbott
CTO & Co-Founder @Lelapa AI, Co-Founder @Masakhane, With Over a Decade of Experience in Deploying AI Into Production
Jade Abbott is CTO at Lelapa.AI, building language technology for Africa. With over a decade of experience deploying Machine Learning systems into production across diverse sectors, including banking, non-governmental organisations, and startups, she is a recognised leader in the field. She co-founded Masakhane in 2017, a grassroots organisation advancing Natural Language Processing (NLP) research in African languages. Abbott holds an MSc from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. Her accolades include being named one of MIT Technology Review's 35 Innovators Under 35 (2024) and a recipient of Mail & Guardian's 200 Young South Africans Award.
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Date
Monday Apr 7 / 11:45AM BST ( 50 minutes )
Location
Mountbatten (6th Fl.)
