A group of five Rwandan graduates specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) from universities in Europe and the United States have introduced a new digital platform called Ejochat, designed to make it easier for Kinyarwanda speakers to access information and simplify everyday tasks.
The platform was developed under their startup Ejo Labs, after the founders noticed that many global AI tools, including ChatGPT, often struggle to deliver accurate responses in Kinyarwanda.
Ejochat is an AI-powered assistant trained specifically to understand and communicate in Kinyarwanda. It allows users to ask questions, receive explanations, and get personalized responses—going beyond pre-programmed answers.
The platform functions similarly to global AI tools but places Kinyarwanda at its core, while still supporting other languages when needed.
One of the co-founders, Protegène Hahirwabayo, explained that the idea was to create a tool that serves Rwandans without language barriers.
“We wanted to use AI to provide fully accessible services to Rwandans—so anyone can log in and ask for information in their own language without relying on others,” he said.
He added that the platform has the potential to support multiple sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, and business.
For example, a user can ask how to apply for a visa to the United States or seek advice on improving crop yields, and the system provides tailored guidance.
Hahirwabayo emphasized that the platform is still evolving and encouraged users to actively engage with it.
“We want people to use it so we can improve it together. There may be some errors at the beginning, but that’s how we’ll refine it and make it better for everyone.”
Another team member, Hugues Gashugi, noted that Ejochat is just the first step, with plans to expand into more AI-driven services tailored to Kinyarwanda speakers.
“Our goal is to ensure that every Kinyarwanda speaker has access to AI tools that understand their language, culture, and daily realities,” he said.
The creators believe Ejochat could play a key role in ensuring Rwanda does not fall behind in the global AI revolution—especially by making advanced technology accessible to everyday users.
As development continues, the platform aims to become a reliable digital companion across sectors like health, education, farming, and commerce—all without requiring users to switch to foreign languages.
KIGALI TIMES