MTN Ghana has introduced Abena AI, a groundbreaking voice assistant built to serve the unique needs of Ghanaians, at Digifest 2025. The innovation is designed to transform how people interact with their devices by allowing them to perform everyday tasks in local languages and dialects, making digital technology more inclusive and accessible.
Unlike global voice assistants such as Siri or Alexa, Abena AI is tailored to the Ghanaian context. It allows users to speak in Twi, Ga, Ewe, Hausa, broken English, Fante, and other local languages, bridging literacy gaps and simplifying mobile tasks for people who often struggle with digital tools.
The developer explained that the idea was inspired by personal experiences growing up with his grandmother in Winneba, who faced challenges with basic phone functions such as checking airtime balances or making transactions. What appeared to be simple tasks for many were a recurring burden for her and others with low literacy levels. This sparked the need to create a solution that was both simple and intuitive. With Abena AI, users can launch the assistant with a simple tap on the side of their phone and begin speaking immediately without searching for an app or pressing buttons.
One of the standout demonstrations at Digifest showed that Abena AI works entirely offline, a critical feature for users in rural or remote areas with limited internet access. This ensures that even without connectivity, people can still check balances, make payments, and interact with their devices using natural speech.
The innovation is expected to benefit groups such as the elderly, market women, and individuals with limited literacy skills, making mobile technology more inclusive and empowering. It reflects MTN Ghana’s wider mission to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital era, as echoed by CEO Stephen Blewett’s remarks at the same event.
Abena AI represents a significant step forward for digital inclusion in Ghana, showing how artificial intelligence can be localized to address real challenges. As the developer noted during the launch, innovation is not only about replicating what exists globally but about building solutions that work for people here at home.
