Viamo, a Canadian mobile phone service, has introduced a groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) platform in Nigeria, enabling access to technology without requiring internet connectivity.
This innovative service has already made a significant impact on individuals like Kehinde Olutubosun, a visually impaired geography and animal enthusiast in Nigeria, who previously struggled to access information due to the lack of a smartphone, as reported by Reuters.
Functioning akin to an AI chatbot, the service utilizes conventional handsets to connect to local mobile networks, enabling users to send commands or request information via SMS or voice calls.
Its user-friendly interface, operable via voice prompts, makes it accessible even to illiterate individuals, and its cost-effectiveness is a significant advantage.
Kehinde Olubotusun, residing in Alimosho local government district in Lagos, Nigeria, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “For people who are not financially well-off, they still have the opportunity to benefit from this service by spending as little as 10 naira to ask numerous questions. I am truly delighted.”
Initially launched in Zambia, the device aims to serve the world’s poorest and most remote communities, with plans for expansion into Pakistan, India, and Tanzania, according to the company.
Supported by development agencies from the United States and the United Kingdom, among others, Viamo’s initiative has garnered significant attention.
Furthermore, in partnership with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Viamo provides vital information on HIV, tropical diseases, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene, underscoring its commitment to addressing pressing global issues.
