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In a world increasingly shaped by technology, access to opportunities in the digital economy has become more critical than ever.
In a significant step towards narrowing the digital divide, Sama, a leading provider of data annotation and model validation solutions, has unveiled an ambitious plan to hire and train 2,000 young individuals, with a special focus on women, to participate in computer visioning projects for Fortune 500 companies.
This initiative not only aligns with Kenya’s economic transformation goals but also underscores Sama’s commitment to empowering underserved communities in the digital age.
Sama’s Vision for Kenya’s Digital Transformation
Sama’s endeavour to nurture a skilled AI workforce is part of its broader mission to extend opportunities to those who have been traditionally marginalized in the tech industry.
By investing in the education and development of young Kenyan talents, Sama aims to foster an inclusive AI ecosystem where everyone has the chance to contribute meaningfully to the global tech revolution.
Annepeace Alwala, Sama’s Vice President of Global Service Delivery, emphasized the transformative power of the digital economy.
She stated that Kenya is well-positioned to become a hub for AI development, and Sama’s initiative seeks to provide marginalized youth and women in Nairobi with the tools and skills they need to thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape.
Through this initiative, Sama not only creates job opportunities but also positions Kenya as a key player in shaping the future of AI.
Training and Impact
The first 600 participants in Nairobi have already been onboarded and are currently undergoing training. The remaining 1,500 will join the team in the coming weeks.
These individuals will be trained in computer vision and data labelling services, an area in high demand among AI developers and Machine Learning (ML) engineers worldwide.
Their work will involve labelling images and videos to support machine learning algorithms, a crucial step in building the foundation of AI systems.
Sama’s impact on the community is substantial. To date, the company has enabled over 65,000 individuals to lift themselves out of poverty and establish sustainable careers in the tech industry. With the addition of 2,000 more trainees, Sama is poised to make an even greater difference.
Government Support and Future Growth
Sama’s efforts are in line with the Kenyan government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for the private sector to drive digital transformation.
Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, Principal Secretary of the State Department of ICT and the Digital Economy commended Sama’s dedication to nurturing Kenyan youth in the AI value chain. He emphasized that this initiative is a step towards a future where talent and technology combine to create opportunities for the nation’s brightest minds.
Sama also aims to expand its impact further by availing more work opportunities to Kenyan youth through its global partnerships. The company envisions the possibility of doubling its workforce in the coming months, aligning with the government’s goal of creating digital jobs.
Economic Impact and Global Significance
The importance of technology-intensive industries in generating higher wages and fostering sustainable development cannot be overstated.
According to a UNCTAD report, facilitating an environment for such industries to establish and grow in African countries can significantly raise wages, contributing to economic growth and prosperity. Sama’s initiative plays a vital role in this equation by equipping Kenyan youth with the skills to excel in technology-driven fields.
Comprehensive Training Program
Sama’s training program covers a wide range of areas, including computer vision, machine learning, and data annotation. In addition to technical skills, participants also receive training in soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, making them well-rounded professionals.
Sama’s Commitment to Social Responsibility
Sama has a proven track record of delivering high-quality services while creating sustainable employment opportunities for underserved communities in Kenya, Uganda, and India. For the past 15 years, Sama has been a key player in Kenya, providing data annotation services for more than 25% of Fortune 50 companies, supporting industries like self-driving cars, virtual reality gaming consoles, fashion segmentation, and crop disease protection in agriculture.
The Future of AI in Africa
As African countries emerge as the next frontiers for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) growth, Sama’s initiative underscores the pivotal role of the BPO sector in developing AI systems for various industries. With the global BPO market estimated at over US$ 262 billion, Sama’s efforts have the potential to shape the future of AI and drive economic growth in Africa.
