Masakhane is a grassroots organisation whose mission is to strengthen and spur NLP research in African languages, for Africans, by Africans. Despite the fact that 2000 of the world’s languages are African, African languages are barely represented in technology. The tragic past of colonialism has been devastating for African languages in terms of their support, preservation and integration. This has resulted in technological space that does not understand our names, our cultures, our places, our history. 

Masakhane roughly translates to “We build together” in isiZulu. Our goal is for Africans to shape and own these technological advances towards human dignity, well-being and equity, through inclusive community building, open participatory research and multidisciplinarity.

Masakhane

Jade Abbott

This department focuses on advancing research and applications in natural language processing technologies.

Natural Language Processing

This department focuses on conducting scientific research and developing innovative solutions to advance knowledge and technology.

Research and Development

This department focuses on fostering relationships and interactions within communities, promoting engagement and collaboration among members.

Community Engagement

This department focuses on creating and refining datasets through annotation and translation to support various data-driven projects.

Data Annotation

This department focuses on guiding the overall strategic direction and management of the organization.

Executive Leadership

This department manages and coordinates language-related projects and research initiatives.

Masakhane

Org chart

Teams

Natural Language Processing

Research and Development

Community Engagement

Data Annotation

Executive Leadership

Language Services

Offices

Masakhane

Org chart

Teams

Natural Language Processing

Research and Development

Community Engagement

Data Annotation

Executive Leadership

Language Services

Offices

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