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7 Insights From the UN AI Report: Why Language Inclusion Matters for Safer AI

7 Insights From the UN AI Report: Why Language Inclusion Matters for Safer AI The UN just released a big AI report. Almost 60 pages, dozens of scientists, tons of data. Sounds dry, right? It’s not. Buried in there is some of the clearest evidence you’ll find anywhere that language work isn’t a “nice extra” for AI. It’s the thing that decides whether AI actually works or actively hurts people. If you’re a translator, interpreter, or language advocate, here are 7 things from that report you need to know. 1. AI can turn “antibiotics” into “insecticides.” Literally. This one stopped me. In Tigrinya, a language spoken by 7 to 9 million people in Eritrea and northern Ethiopia, machine translation has mistranslated smallpox as syphilis, gonorrhoea as diabetes, and “you have been given intravenous antibiotics” as “you have been given intravenous insecticides.” Read that last one again. In a medical setting, that’s not a funny glitch. That’s a patient getting the wrong treatment because a machine guessed wrong. This is exactly why “AI can translate now, who needs interpreters” is such a dangerous take. 2. There’s a map, and it’s not pretty The report includes a map from something called the EquATE Language AI Readiness Index. It shows how much AI data and how many AI models exist for the language most people in each country actually speak at home. Big parts of Africa show up at the bottom of that scale. Not because African languages are somehow harder or less “AI ready” in some fixed sense, but because almost nobody has invested in building the data and tools for them. It’s a funding map disguised as a technology map. 3. More than 1,000 languages are ready to go. Nobody’s building for them yet. Here’s the hopeful part buried in the bad news. The report says over 7,000 languages exist worldwide, and current AI barely touches most of them. But it also says more than 1,000 languages already have the social, digital and data foundations needed for real inclusion in AI systems. Translation: the technical excuse doesn’t hold up anymore. The tools to include way more languages already exist in seed form. What’s missing is the decision to actually fund and build them. 4. This isn’t just an “access” problem. It’s a power problem. A lot of people assume the fix is simple: get more people phones and internet, problem solved. The report pushes back on that hard. It says the real “AI divide” is about who has the capacity to shape how AI gets built, not just who gets to use it afterward. That capacity has four parts: having your own computing infrastructure, having your own trained talent, having governance capacity to regulate the tech, and having real investment in your own data. Miss any of these and you’re stuck consuming AI built by and for someone else’s language and context. This is why “just add more translation” isn’t a fix on its own. It has to come with real investment and real seats at the table. 5. Low-resource languages aren’t just lower quality. They’re less safe. This is the part that should worry you as a professional, not just interest you. The report states plainly that AI models produce unsafe outputs more often in low-resourced languages, and that safety safeguards built for English don’t automatically work elsewhere. One example given: AI-powered scams in East Africa running through mobile money platforms, in local languages, where safety filters built somewhere else just don’t catch them. Another: AI companion chatbots offering mental health support in other languages through rough machine translation, losing exactly the cultural nuance that keeps people safe. Bad translation here isn’t an inconvenience. It’s a real risk to real people. 6. Governments are mostly not even in the room Want a stat to bring up next time someone says “AI will fix itself eventually”? According to the report, 118 countries, mostly in the global South, are not part of the major AI governance conversations happening right now. Less than a third of developing countries even have a national AI strategy. This matters for language advocates because governance is where language requirements get written into law, into procurement contracts, into public services. If your country isn’t at the table, decisions about how AI handles your language get made without you. 7. The report itself says the fix has to be deliberate Here’s the honest part. The report doesn’t say this gap will close on its own as the technology matures. It says the opposite, that the performance gap between dominant and underrepresented languages isn’t narrowing even as AI generally gets better. Closing it takes actual choices: targeted investment in datasets, benchmarks built for local languages and cultures, testing before deployment in high-stakes settings like health, and yes, keeping trained human translators and interpreters in the loop instead of assuming raw machine output is good enough. Why this matters for you specifically If you’re a translator or interpreter, this report basically hands you the evidence base for an argument you’ve probably been making for years: that your work isn’t a cost to cut, it’s a safety layer. Quote the Tigrinya example next time someone suggests replacing an interpreter with an app in a clinic. Quote the East Africa scam example next time someone says local-language safety just isn’t a priority yet. If you’re a language advocate or policy person, this gives you real numbers to push with: the governance gap, the investment gap, the fact that over 1,000 languages are sitting there ready for inclusion if anyone would just fund it. And if you work in African languages specifically, there’s a growing research community, groups like AfricaNLP, already doing exactly this kind of work. This report is proof that what they’re building matters at the highest levels of global policy, not just in academic papers nobody outside the field reads. Read the report. Pull the numbers. Use them. You can download it here: https://www.un.org/independent-international-scientific-panel-ai/en/preliminary-report

Certification for African Language Professionals

Africa’s linguistic diversity is one of its greatest assets — and professional language services require skilled, qualified practitioners who understand the linguistic and cultural contexts they work within.

Our latest blog explores certification for African language professionals, why professional certification matters, and how it can contribute to quality, credibility, and greater recognition within the language industry.

Why Africa’s Interpreters Need Accreditation, Not Just Training

Why Africa’s Interpreters Need Accreditation, Not Just Training Last week, after a multilingual conference at Movenpick Hotel in Ghana, I spoke with one of the interpreters. She had spent days studying the agenda, building glossaries and coordinating with her booth partner, then interpreted two full days of speeches and panels under sustained cognitive pressure. Her fee barely reflected any of that preparation. Had the African Union, ECOWAS or a UN agency hired her for the same work, she would likely have earned several times more. This gap is not a Ghanaian problem. It runs through nearly every conference interpreting market on the continent. Institutional buyers like ECOWAS, UN, World Bank and African Union representations, who test and accredit before they hire, pay professional rates. Everyone else negotiates in a market with no reliable way to tell a trained conference interpreter from a fluent bystander. Africa has spent two decades building genuine training capacity. What it has not built, at comparable scale, is an independent system for certifying who among its graduates is ready to work, and a market that knows to ask for that certification. That gap, between education and accreditation, is what keeps a skilled professional’s rate hostage to whichever client happens to be booking her. The stakes are no longer abstract. The African Continental Free Trade Area brings together 54 countries, over 1.5 billion people and a combined  GDP exceeding US$3.4 trillion, making it the largest free trade area in the world by number of participating states. Every negotiation, arbitration and ministerial meeting under that agreement depends on accurate multilingual communication. Language is infrastructure for that project in the same way roads and broadband are. The difference is that roads are visible when they are missing. Interpretation is invisible until it fails. The diploma is not the licence The confusion at the centre of this problem is a category error common to professions in transition: treating a degree as proof of readiness to practise. A master’s degree trains someone. Certification tests whether that training produced a competent professional, against a standard set independently of the school that did the training. Europe’s interpreting market makes the distinction unavoidable. Universities recognised by the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC) produce strong graduates, but AIIC membership does not follow automatically from a diploma. Candidates need sponsorship from interpreters who have themselves held AIIC membership for at least five years, followed by peer review. Interpreters seeking work with the European Union or the United Nations face a separate hurdle again: competitive institutional accreditation examinations that ignore where the candidate studied. Africa’s flagship training pipeline illustrates this well: PAMCIT (Pan-African Consortium for Master’s Degrees in Translation and Conference Interpreting) is implemented by a network of universities designed to equip African language professionals for work in international organisations, the AU, ECOWAS, and other multilingual institutions, and to reduce dependence on training abroad. This is excellent training infrastructure. It is not, on its own, a certification system. There are currently, no PAMCIT-wide accrediting body tests and licenses graduates the way AIIC or the UN does. Medicine offers the same architecture. Medical schools educate doctors. Medical councils license them. Law school’s educate lawyers. Bar associations admit them to practice. Conference interpreting, wherever it has matured into a recognised profession, has drawn the same line. African interpreting has not yet drawn it consistently, and the cost of that gap is not merely bureaucratic. Why the distinction is not academic It is worth being precise about what is actually being tested, because “just speaking two languages” is a genuine and damaging misconception about this profession. Conference interpreting is among the most cognitively demanding tasks ever studied in a professional setting. A simultaneous interpreter listens, understands, analyses, predicts, reformulates and speaks, while continuously monitoring and correcting their own output, all at once, in real time. Research by scholars including Barbara Moser-Mercer and Daniel Gile has shown this places extraordinary, sustained demand on working memory and executive attention, which is why professional interpreters work in pairs and rotate every twenty to thirty minutes. No pilot flies twelve consecutive hours without relief; a conference organiser who does not know this will not understand why a certified team costs more than a single fluent volunteer. This is also why institutions such as the UN and the African Union pay considerably more than the open market. They are not paying for language skills alone. They are paying to manage risk: a single inaccurate rendering can distort a treaty clause, a court finding or an investment negotiation. The interpreter is not transmitting words; she is protecting meaning under pressure the client rarely sees. Institutions that test rigorously before hiring are pricing that risk correctly. Markets that do not test at all are pricing it at zero. Markets, not ministries, set the bar A common misreading of our industry is that it is unregulated. It is more accurate to say it is regulated by buyers rather than by governments. The EU, the UN, federal courts in the United States and international financial institutions all function as gatekeepers: an interpreter cannot walk into those booths on a transcript alone. In US federal courts for example, I know that certification is a precondition for practice, not a credential acquired afterwards for prestige. Africa already has working versions of this model. ECOWAS runs its own recruitment, training and evaluation process before adding freelance interpreters to its roster. The African Union applies a comparable competitive procedure. Both are evidence that African institutions already understand quality assurance in principle. What they lack is portability. An interpreter who clears the AU’s bar today may have to clear a separate, unrelated bar for ECOWAS tomorrow, and again for a regional economic community after that, despite the underlying competence being identical Voluntary accreditation does not solve this on its own South Africa is usually held up as the continent’s most mature language services market, and the evidence bears that out only partway. The South African Translators’ Institute (SATI), founded in 1956, is

⁠African Solidarity Learning Network

KLS was honored to support the African Solidarity Learning Network by providing professional French–English & English- French interpretations during key events and knowledge-sharing sessions.

Our team ensured that every participant—regardless of language—could engage fully in discussions on solidarity, collaboration, and Africa’s development priorities.

Accra Reparations Conference

Client: African Union Commission & Government of the Republic of Ghana.

We provided remote simultaneous interpretation for a series of global webinars focused on  grantmaking and social impact. Our interpreters helped Christian NGOs and CSOs from Africa participate fully in these strategic conversations.

Bridging Theological Scholarship for Global Discipleship

Harvestime acquired an extensive, well-researched English thesis on the doctrine of Christ in the theology of Charles Spurgeon. This document was a goldmine of historical analysis and Christological insight, but its complexity presented a significant barrier. Their primary challenges were:

Seamless Remote Simultaneous Interpretation Services For The RoddenBerry Foundation

The Roddenberry Foundation needed to communicate effectively with its multilingual +1 Awardees during virtual events and meetings. To enable seamless participation and understanding for all attendees and to offer written translation of documents, transcripts, and chat messages from English to French and Kiswahili, they required simultaneous interpretation services.
TRF needed to communicate effectively with its multilingual +1 Awardees during virtual events and meetings. To enable seamless participation and understanding for all attendees and to offer written translation of documents, transcripts, and chat messages from English to French and Kiswahili, they required simultaneous interpretation services.

Call For Contributions – Afrolinguals 3rd Edition: Technology And Innovation In Africa’s Language Service Industry

Afrolinguals 3rd edition: Technology and innovations in Africa’s language service industry. Theme: Transforming Africa’s Linguistic Landscape Through Technology and Innovation ​ The Editorial Team of Afrolinguals is pleased to announce a call for contributions for its 3rd edition , focusing on Language Technology and Innovations in the Language Service Industry across Africa. This edition aims to explore and document how technology is reshaping language services and creating new opportunities for professionals across the continent. We invite language professionals, practitioners, innovators, and thought leaders to share their experiences, insights, and perspectives on the intersection of technology and language services in Africa. About Afrolinguals Afrolinguals is a leading publication that amplifies African voices in the global language industry. Our publication provides a platform for knowledge exchange, professional development, and networking among language professionals across Africa and beyond. Focus Areas & Sub-themes Contributors are invited to address one or more of the following subthemes: 1. AI and Machine Translation Developments The evolution of MT for African languages Post-editing practices for African language pairs AI tools developed for/by African language professionals Ethical considerations of AI in African language contexts 2. Digital Language Documentation and Preservation Technology-driven approaches to documenting endangered African languages Digital archives and databases for language preservation Community involvement in digital language documentation initiatives Open-source tools for language documentation 3. Localization Innovations African-led localization solutions for global products Cultural considerations in localization for African markets Challenges and solutions in localizing content for diverse African audiences Case studies of successful localization projects 4. Interpreting Technologies Remote interpreting platforms and their impact in African contexts Technology-assisted interpreting in multilingual African settings Training and adaptation to new interpreting technologie Access and infrastructure challenges for digital interpreting 5. Voice Technology and Speech Recognition Development of speech recognition for African languages Voice-over technologies and accessibility African voice talents in the global market Text-to-speech applications for African languages 6. Digital Language Learning and Teaching Online platforms for African language learning Mobile applications promoting multilingualism Technology in translator and interpreter training Digital resources for language education 7. Language Data and Corpus Development Building corpora for under-resourced African languages Data collection methods and challenges Privacy and ownership concerns in language data 8. Digital Accessibility and Inclusion Technologies bridging linguistic divides Inclusive design in language technologies 9. Entrepreneurship in Language Technology African startups in the language technology space Business models for sustainable language tech enterprises Funding opportunities and challenges Success stories and lessons learned 10. Future Trends and Opportunities Emerging technologies and their potential impact Preparing the next generation of language professionals African perspectives on global language technology trends Vision for technology-enabled linguistic diversity Submission Formats We welcome contributions in various formats: • Feature Articles (1,500-2,500 words): In-depth analysis of trends, challenges, or innovations • Case Studies (1,000-1,500 words): Detailed examination of specific projects or implementations • Interviews (800-1,200 words): Conversations with industry leaders or innovators • Opinion Pieces (800-1,200 words): Personal perspectives on industry developments • Technical Reviews (1,000-1,500 words): Evaluations of language technologies or tools • Visual Content: Infographics, data visualizations, or photo essays with accompanying text • Short Reports (500-800 words): Brief insights on specific developments or events Submission Process 1. Abstract Submission: Submit a 250-300 word abstract of your proposed contribution along with a author bio (100 words) to languages@kabodgroup.com by 20th May 2025 2. Initial Review: We will review all abstracts and notify contributors by 25th May 2025 3. Full Submission: Selected contributors will submit their full articles by 30th May 2025 4. Peer Review: All submissions will undergo a peer review process by experts in the field. 5. Revision: Authors may be asked to revise their contributions based on reviewer feedback. 6. Final Acceptance: Final notification of acceptance will be sent by 5th June 2025 7. Publication: The 3rd edition of Afrolinguals will be published in end June 2025 Submission Guidelines • All submissions must be original. • Submissions could be in English, French, or Swahili. • Use accessible language that a diverse audience can understand. • Include practical examples of your work as a language professional • Provide high-resolution images, charts, or graphics that enhance your content (if applicable). • Submit files in .docx, .rtf, or Google Docs format. Innovator Profiles For this special edition, we will also be profiling individuals and organisations leading innovative language technology initiatives in Africa. To nominate yourself or someone else for a profile feature, please send: • Name and contact information of the nominee • A brief description (300-500 words) of their innovative work or contribution • Any relevant links to projects, websites, or social media • A high-resolution photo of the nominee (if available) Benefits Of Contributing Contributors to Afrolinguals will enjoy numerous benefits, including: • Visibility: Share your expertise with a diverse, international audience of language professionals, academics, and industry leaders. • Establish yourself as a thought leader in Africa’s rapidly evolving language technology field. • Connect with fellow contributors and readers, potentially leading to collaborations and partnerships. • Receive constructive feedback from peers and experts in the field. • Contribute to and learn from a growing body of knowledge on African language technologies. • Help shape the discourse around language technology in Africa and influence future developments. • Featured contributors will receive a dedicated author profile on our platform. For queries or additional information, please contact: languages@kabodgroup.com

Bright Okyere

Bright Okyere is a highly skilled and results-driven Technical Lead with a strong background in software development, system architecture, and team leadership. With a passion for innovation and problem-solving, he specializes in designing and implementing scalable, high-performance solutions that drive business growth and enhance user experiences

Yoruba GPT: built for Africans, by Africans, to elevate African languages in a digital age

Ẹ kú ìṣẹ́, Ọmọlúàbí! In the bustling markets of Lagos, the academic halls of the University of Ibadan, and the sacred groves of Osun-Osogbo, the Yoruba language thrives as a vessel of history, identity, and resilience. Yet, in an era where globalization threatens the vibrancy of Indigenous languages, professionals like you—translators, interpreters, and localization managers—are on the frontlines of preserving Africa’s linguistic heritage. Enter Yoruba GPT ( https://yorubagpt.com ), an AI-powered platform designed not just to translate words but to bridge cultures, empower professionals, and safeguard the Yoruba language for future generations. A. Why Yoruba GPT Matters: A Cultural Imperative UNESCO reports that over 3,000 languages worldwide, including many in Africa, risk extinction by 2100. While Yoruba boasts over 50 million speakers, the dominance of global languages in tech, media, and education poses silent threats. This isn’t just a challenge for language professionals—it’s a call to action. Yoruba GPT answers this call by merging cutting-edge AI with deep cultural intelligence. Imagine a tool that doesn’t just convert “Ẹ kú ìrọ̀lẹ” to “Good evening,” but explains the warmth embedded in that greeting. Àjèjè ọwọ́ kan ò gbẹ́rù karí (A single hand does not lift a calabash to the head) while highlighting its communal ethos. This is the promise of Yoruba GPT: a platform built for Africans, by Africans, to elevate our languages in a digital age. B. Innovative Features Tailored for African Language Professionals 1. It provides a contextual translation Generic translation tools often stumble over Yoruba’s tonal nuances and proverbs. Yoruba GPT, however, is trained on vast datasets of idiomatic expressions, regional dialects (from Ibadan’s “Sèbí” to Lagos’ “Àbí”), and cultural contexts. It goes beyond words to wisdom. For example, if you are translating a Nollywood script? The tool captures the humor in “ọmọ náà fi orí lalẹ̀” (“The child tripped over their head”), preserving its playful absurdity. Localizing a health app? It ensures “Ibà” (malaria) is communicated with culturally relevant analogies. 2. Its ability to provide cultural insights Yoruba GPT acts as a virtual Ìgbìmọ̀ àwọn àgbààgbà (council of elders), offering insights into: History: Detail the legacy of the Oyo Empire or the architectural marvel of Olumo Rock in Abeokuta. Etiquette: Guide users on when to use “ e ku iyaleta” (Good afternoon) versus “e ku asale” (Good evening). Localizationion managers, this means ensuring products respect taboos (e.g., avoiding red in contexts tied to Èṣù, the trickster deity) or align with values like “Ìwà l’ẹwà” (Character is beauty). 3. Speaking the Language of Every Region From the Ekiti’s melodic inflexions to the Ondo’s swift cadences, Yoruba recognizesses over 20 dialects. This is critical for interpreters working at conferences in Abuja or translatiregion literatureure. For instance, a user in Ado-Ekiti might say “Mo fẹ́ran ọ̀gẹ̀dẹ̀” (I love bananas), while someone in Ilorin says “Mo nífẹ̀ẹ́ ọ̀gẹ̀dẹ̀.”  .” The tool adapts seamlessly, ensuring no dialect is left behind. 4. Learning Resources: Building the Next Generation of Experts For professionals upskilling or teaching clients, Yoruba GPT offers: Quizzes on tonal marks (e.g., ṣẹ́ vs. ṣẹ̀). Practiscenariosios for interpreting at weddings (“Ìgbéyàwó”) or business meetings. Grammar Guies tackles complex constructs like “Àṣà” (culture) versus “Àṣẹ” (authority). 5. It amplifies Community Knowledge The platform allows translators to share glossaries, debate regional terms (e.g., “Bọ́ọ̀lù” vs. “Bálù” for “ball”), and crowdsource solutions—a digital “Àpérò” (meeting). C. The Bigger Picture: Economic and Cultural Empowerment Preservation Through Innovation Yoruba GPT isn’t just a tool—it’s a movement. By digitizing proverbs, idioms, and oral histories, it ensures that a child in Porto-Novo can learn Yoruba as fluently as one in Yoruba. For African language professionals, this positions you as custodians of heritage while expanding your service offerings. 2. Driving Pan-AfricBusiness Growth Localizationion managers can leverage the tool to adapt global brands for Yoruba markets. Imagine a farming app using “Àgbẹ̀” (farmer) instead of the French “agriculteur,” or a fintech app explaining blockchain with Yoruba metaphors like “Ìwé ìṣura” (trust ledger). 3. Academic and Government Partnerships The platform aligns with initiatives like Nigeria’s National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), offering resources for policy documents, educational curricula, and cross-border collaboration in ECOWAS nations. D. Stories from the Field A translator in Ibadan uses Yoruba GPT to localizeize a UNESCO report on climate change, ensuring terms like “ayika” (environment) resonate with local farmers. An interpreter in Accra leverages dialect recognition to mediate a land dispute between Yoruba-speaking communities in Ghana. A localization team in Lagos adapts a Chinese e-commerce app, using Yoruba GPT to craft culturally apt product descriptions for Aso Ẹbi (festive attire). E. Join the Revolution: Ẹ Jọ́wá, Let’s Build Together! Yoruba GPT is more than software—it’s a community. We invite you to: Explore: Test the tool’s translation of “Ilé là ń wò kí a tó sọ ọmọ lọ́rúkọ” (“Charity begins at home”). Contribute: Share regional terms or proverbs to enrich the database. Collaborate: Partner with us to train sector-specific models (legal, medical, etc.). As the Yoruba say, “Ìjọṣepọ̀ l’a ń fi ń ṣ’ọ̀rọ̀ ńlá” (“Collaboration breeds greatness”)… doesn’t bring the depth needed. Together, we can ensure the Yoruba language not only survives but thrives in the digital age. Visit Yoruba GPT today at https://yorubagpt.com where technology meets tradition. Ẹ ṣé pupọ̀!

How African Linguists Can Embrace MT Without Losing Their Value? ​

How African Linguists Can Embrace MT Without Losing Their Value? The translation and interpreting industry is changing rapidly because. Machine translation (MT) tools like Google Translate, DeepL, and others have reshaped how we work. For freelance linguists, especially those in Africa, this shift can feel intimidating due to rising. Questions about job security, rates, and the value of human expertise. But what if MT isn’t a threat? What if it’s a tool to help African linguists stand out, grow their careers, and meet the rising demand for multilingual content? Let’s explore how embracing MT can become a competitive advantage for African linguists without diminishing their unique value. MT is here to Stay First, let’s acknowledge the facts. MT is not going away. According to CSA Research’s 2022 survey of 393 freelance linguists • 90% of freelancers believe clients will increase their use of MT. • 57% expect most translation work to shift to monolingual MT editing (post-editing machine-translated text in one language). • Only 29% of linguists feel clients will value human translators more in the future. These statistices paint a clear picture, which shows that : MT is becoming a standard part of the workflow. But here’s the catch—clients still need humans. Even the best MT systems struggle with nuance, cultural context, and industry-specific terminology. For African languages, which often have complex dialects, idioms, and oral traditions, raw MT output is rarely “good enough.” For example, a direct MT translation of a Yoruba proverb might miss its deeper meaning. A human linguist ensures the message resonates culturally. This is where African linguists can shine. Challenges and Opportunities In Africa Africa’s linguistic landscape is unique. With over 2,000 languages spoken, the demand for localization is booming. Businesses, governments, and NGOs need content in Swahili, Hausa, Zulu, Amharic, and dozens of other languages to reach local audiences. Yet, many African linguists face hurdles: A South African translator specializing in legal Swahili, for instance, can charge premium rates for refining MT outputs for cross-border contracts. How to Use MT as a Tool, Not a Replacement The key is to position yourself as an expert who enhances MT, rather than competing with it. Here’s how: 1. Specialize in High-Value Niches • Healthcare: Translate patient forms, drug labels, or public health campaigns. • Media and entertainment: adapt scripts, subtitles, or social media content for local audiences. • Legal: Localize contracts, patents, or court documents A South African translator specializing in legal Swahili, for instance, can charge premium rates for refining MT outputs for cross-border contracts. 2. Offer Hybrid Services Clients who want speed and quality services should. Combine MT with your skills as a language translator to deliver both: • MT post-editing: Translators will be able to refine or edit machine-translated text to add a touch of naturalness and ease of understanding. They will also be able to clean up machine-translated text quickly. To reflect the value of their edits, they will charge per hour instead of per word. • Transcreation: Rewrite marketing slogans or ads so they culturally resonate. MT can draft ideas while translators maintain its cultural style, but you’ll make them sing. • Quality assurance: Use MT to handle bulk text, then review it for fluency and accuracy. One Kenyan freelancer doubled her income by offering “MT + Human Touch” packages for e-learning platforms. She uses MT to translate course materials, then spends her time ensuring examples and idioms fit local contexts. 3. Master New Tools CSA Research found that 40% of linguists plan to learn new translation tools. Stay ahead by: • Learning CAT (computer-assisted translation) tools like Trados or MemoQ, which integrate MT. • Using AI-powered glossaries to maintain consistency across projects. • Exploring platforms like Lokalise or Crowdin, which streamline collaboration with global teams. A Nigerian translator shared how using Claude.ai to draft initial translations for tech blogs freed up time to focus on polishing tone and style. Addressing the Elephant in the Room Rates Let’s be honest—MT has contributed to rate stagnation. CSA’s survey shows 72% of linguists worry about good-paying jobs disappearing. But this isn’t just about MT. Inflation, global competition, and client expectations play a role too. To counter this: • Educate clients: Explain why human editing matters. Share examples where raw MT failed (e.g., mistranslated slogans). • Bundle services: Offer MT post-editing plus SEO optimization or desktop publishing. • Target direct clients: Avoid agencies that underpay. Use LinkedIn or local business networks to connect with companies needing African language support. A Ghanaian interpreter increased her rates by 30% after pivoting to remote interpreting for international telehealth providers. She markets herself as a “cultural bridge” for doctor-patient interactions—something MT can’t replicate. Building a Sustainable Career in the MT Era Success in today’s market requires adaptability. Here’s what thriving African linguists are doing: • Upskilling: Take online courses in UX writing, SEO, or voiceover work to diversify income. • Networking: Join groups like Pan African Localization Association or AfroL10n to share resources. • Advocating: Push for fair rates and respect. One Tanzanian translator started a WhatsApp group to warn peers about low-paying clients. CSA Research notes that freelancers who adapt—by specializing, using tech, and diversifying—are more likely to thrive. As one survey respondent put it: “The profession is viable if you’re willing to change. It’s not about translating words anymore. It’s about solving problems.” The Future is Human + Machine MT won’t replace African linguists. But linguists who ignore MT risk being left behind. The winning formula? Use MT to handle repetitive tasks, then focus on what humans do best: • Cultural insight: Ensure translations honor local traditions and values. • Creativity: Adapt humor, metaphors, and slang that MT can’t grasp. • Ethical judgment: Navigate sensitive topics (e.g., gender, politics) with care. As demand for African languages grows, linguists who embrace MT as a partner—not a rival—will lead the market. They’ll deliver faster turnarounds, handle bigger projects, and earn client trust. My final Thoughts The translation industry is at a crossroads. For African linguists, this

Top 12 Must-Attend Events in the Localization and Translation Industry in 2025  

Africa’s localisation and translation industry is rapidly evolving, with several key events lined up in 2025 to address linguistic diversity, technological advancements, and translation best practices. Whether you are a translator, interpreter, linguist, or language enthusiast, these conferences and projects provide invaluable opportunities to network, learn, and contribute to the industry’s growth. Here are the ten best events you should attend this year: 1. The Association of Language Companies in Africa (ALCA) Annual Conference premier event that brings together key players in the African language services industry. Held annually, this conference serves as a platform for language service providers (LSPs), industry experts, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss pressing issues, explore emerging trends, and strengthen professional networks. To stay informed about upcoming editions, program details, and registration, visit the ALCA official website. 2. The Next Billion Conference (NBC) organised by Kabod Language Services, is a virtual event dedicated to empowering African language professionals, including freelancers, language companies, and industry stakeholders. It will focus on essential marketing and growth strategies tailored to the African language services sector and offer a platform for networking with industry experts and peers, fostering collaboration and innovation. Registration is free but required to attend. For more details and to secure your spot, visit the official conference page. 3. GALA Conference Whether you work for a language services or technology company, a global enterprise, or a university, you’ll find content and peers that share the challenges that matter to you. Network, meet partners, benchmark, evaluate, get perspective, share experience, and forge alliances. GALA Conference, 13 – 15 April 2025 in Montreal, Canada is the perfect opportunity to learn and network with the localization professional community. 4. Africa International Translation Conference (AITCO 2025) This conference brings together translation and interpretation professionals from across the continent to discuss trends, best practices, and challenges in the field. Expect insightful panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Date: February 7-8, 2025 Location: Hotel Verde, Zanzibar, Tanzania 5. African Languages Conference 2025 Under the theme Harnessing African Languages for Digital Transformation and Social Justice, this conference will explore the role of African languages in technology and societal equity. It is a must-attend for linguists, educators, and tech professionals interested in language preservation and digital inclusion. Date: February 21-28, 2025 Location: University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria & Online (Hybrid) 6. eLearning Africa 2025   Date: May 7-9, 2025Location: Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, TanzaniaAs Africa’s leading conference on digital education, eLearning Africa will include discussions on integrating indigenous languages into online learning and artificial intelligence in translation. 7. The International Congress on Indigenous African Languages It is a significant event dedicated to the preservation and promotion of native African languages. Last year it was hosted by the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, Nigeria, from October 29 to 30. This year it will be held in Windhoek, Namibia. This congress will address language preservation, policy-making, and the integration of indigenous languages in education and governance. 8. African Language Teachers Association (ALTA) Conference The 2025 ALTA Conference will be hosted by the University of Pittsburgh Center for African Studies and the Less-Commonly-Taught Languages Center from April 10–12, 2025. The conference will explore integrating disciplines, professions, and communities to enhance African language pedagogy and will focus on incorporating cultural, social, and professional contexts into language instruction. 9. The South African Translators’ Institute (SATI) Conference   This event plays a pivotal role in supporting language practitioners across South Africa and the broader African continent. In September 2023, SATI hosted its fourth Triennial Conference in Stellenbosch, aligning the event with International Translation Day. A key highlight of the event was the official launch of FIT Africa, an initiative to foster collaboration among translation and interpretation experts across the continent. 10. International Conference on Language Technologies for All (LT4All 2025)  of the International Conference on Language Technologies for All (LT4All 2025) is centered around the theme “Advancing Humanism through Language Technologies.” This year’s conference aims to push the boundaries of language technology while emphasizing community empowerment as a driving force. LT4All 2025 will explore the intricate relationships between technology, language, and the communities they serve from multiple perspectives, including scientific, technical, cultural, linguistic, economic, political, and ethical. More than just advancing technology for its own sake, the conference seeks to harness its potential to enhance human capabilities, foster inclusivity, and empower diverse linguistic communities worldwide. LT4All 2025 is organized by ELRA and SIGUL, the ELRA/ISCA Special Interest Group on Under-resourced Languages, in partnership with UNESCO. It will be held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris from 24 to 26 February 2025 as part of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL 2022-2032) and will commemorate the Silver Jubilee of International Mother Language Day. It will try to bring together scientific and technological solution providers and representatives of linguistic communities. For more, visit the website https://www.lt4all2025.eu/ 11. The Deep Learning Indaba This annual gathering unites the African machine learning and AI community, fostering collaboration and innovation. Since 2017, our mission has been to empower African AI and ensure that Africans play a leading role in shaping the future of AI advancements. It will be held in Kigali, Rwanda, from August 17 to 22, 2025. Attending these events will inform you about industry trends, technological advancements, and policy discussions in the language and translation sector. Whether you want to network, gain insights, or contribute to language preservation, these events offer valuable platforms to engage with professionals and stakeholders. Mark your calendar and make 2025 a year of learning and collaboration in the language industry!

Kabod Language Services is Now Kabod Localization Services​

Kabod Language Services is Now Kabod Localization Services We are thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter in our journey. Kabod Language Services is officially rebranding to . Kabod Localization Services! This change reflects our growth, evolution, and the broader scope of services we now offer to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Why the change? When we first started as Kabod Language Services, our primary focus was on providing high-quality translation and interpretation services. Over time, however, we have expanded far beyond these traditional boundaries to include the creation of localization guides to help international brands who are expanding to African market What Does Localization Mean? Localization goes beyond translation. While translation focuses on converting text from one language to another, localization adapts content, products, and services to align with the cultural, linguistic, and contextual preferences of a specific audience. It is about creating a seamless and authentic experience for users worldwide. What This Means for Our Clients Rest assured, the quality and dedication you have come to expect from us remain unchanged. This rebranding is a commitment to serving you better by offering comprehensive solutions for your global communication needs. Our team’s expertise, passion, and attention to detail will continue to drive every project we undertake. As Kabod Localization Services, we are excited to strengthen our partnerships, embrace new challenges, and expand our impact. Whether you are a business seeking to reach international markets or an organization working to foster cross-cultural understanding, we are here to support your goals every step of the way. Thank You for Your Support! This transformation would not be possible without the trust and collaboration of our clients, partners, and dedicated team members. Your belief in our mission has fueled our growth and inspired us to broaden our horizons. Do you have a localization project in mind? Take advantage of our discounted prices and let us help you bring your vision to life. Contact us today at  languages@kabodgroup.com to get started!