Ghana’s burgeoning tech scene has a new star: Aya Data, an AI consultancy startup making significant strides in data annotation and building custom AI solutions for businesses. With a recent seed funding round of $900,000, Aya Data is poised to scale its operations and empower not just businesses, but also a new generation of African AI talent.

Founded in 2021 by Freddie Monk and Ama Larbi-Siaw, Aya Data plays a crucial role in the development of large language models like ChatGPT and Gemini. These powerful AI systems rely on vast amounts of meticulously labeled data – images, videos, and text – to function effectively. Aya Data steps in by employing individuals to collect and label this data, ensuring its accuracy and relevance for training AI models.

However, Aya Data’s ambitions go beyond simply collecting data. The company offers a unique value proposition by upskilling its workforce. They train the very individuals involved in data annotation for more advanced technical roles in data engineering and data science. This not only empowers their employees but also fosters a strong talent pool within Ghana for the burgeoning field of AI.

While data annotation is a vital service, Aya Data doesn’t stop there. They offer custom-built AI solutions for businesses, catering to specific needs and challenges. Their two flagship products showcase this commitment to innovation:

• AyaGrow: This AI-powered tool empowers smallholder and commercial farmers with precision agriculture solutions. AyaGrow utilizes data to optimize crop yields, improve resource management, and ultimately enhance farm productivity.
• AyaSpeech: This speech-to-speech solution removes language barriers by enabling seamless communication in local African languages. This technology caters to businesses, consumers, and even governments by facilitating interaction and information sharing within local communities.

Aya Data joins a growing network of companies like Shaip, Sama, iMerit, Cloudfactory, and Dataloop, all playing a critical role in the global development of AI systems. Large tech companies like Meta and OpenAI often outsource data labeling and annotation tasks to these “data labeling factories” in developing economies like India, the Philippines, Kenya, and Lebanon. This global network allows tech giants to access a readily available workforce for the crucial task of data preparation.

Aya Data, however, recognizes the importance of fostering local talent and expertise in Africa. “We are dedicated to building local expertise that can leverage AI to tackle the continent’s most pressing challenges,” states Ama Larbi-Siaw, Aya Data’s co-founder and COO. This philosophy distinguishes them from competitors in the AI consultancy space, such as Brainpool.ai, Deeper Insights, SandTech, Pro AI, and Faculty AI. While these companies offer similar services, they often rely heavily on outsourcing data collection and annotation tasks to external providers.

Aya Data takes a different approach. “Because we control everything in Ghana, we can deliver faster and more efficiently without the risk of involving third parties,” explains Gillian Hammah, Aya Data’s Marketing and Strategy Officer. This in-house control streamlines operations and allows for greater agility in responding to client needs.

Aya Data’s data annotation services have already generated significant revenue – $500,000 in 2023 alone. They currently boast an impressive client list that includes global names like MIT, Seedtag, Unilever, and Labelbox. However, their vision extends beyond international collaborations.

“The majority of our work has been with global clients, but we are increasingly focused on helping African businesses leverage AI to increase their competitiveness,” says Larbi-Siaw. This focus on empowering African businesses with AI solutions ensures that the benefits of this technology are not limited to the developed world.  

With the recent influx of funding, Aya Data has ambitious plans for the future. They aim to train 1,000 data annotators, engineers, and scientists in the coming months. This large-scale training program will significantly expand Ghana’s pool of AI talent. Additionally, the company plans to refine and improve its existing AI products, AyaGrow and AyaSpeech, solidifying their position as leading innovators in the African AI landscape.

Aya Data’s story is more than just a successful startup. It represents a beacon of hope for the future of AI in Africa. By fostering local talent, building bespoke solutions, and empowering African businesses, Aya Data is playing a critical role in democratizing access to AI technology. Their work paves the way for a future where AI serves