Cotonou, November 10, 2025
The Government of Benin, through the l’Agence des Systèmes d’Information et du Numérique (ASIN) and the Institute for Inclusive Digital Africa (IIDIA), under the supervision of the Ministry of Digital and Digitalization (MND), with the support of the Gates Foundation and the support of Sèmè City – Innovation and experimentation hub dedicated to training, research and entrepreneurship, proceeded this Monday, November 10, 2025 to Novotel Hotel de Cotonou at the official launch of the national project “I love my language”.
This event marks the effective start of the Beninese voice collection phase, a pioneering initiative aimed at building a sovereign voice base to train artificial intelligence (AI) models capable of understanding, promoting and speaking the local languages of Benin.
An ambitious vision: inclusion, sovereignty and digital identity
The J’aime ma langue project is part of the Beninese Government’s vision of making digital technology a lever of sovereignty, inclusion and national cohesion.
It extends the reforms initiated since 2016 in terms of data governance, digital infrastructure and public innovation, while promoting the linguistic wealth of the country.
“With I love my language, we are choosing human digital, rooted in our identity.
This project reflects our desire to build a future where every citizen, regardless of their level of education or language, can interact with technology in their own language.”
Marc-André LOKO, Director General of ASIN
Benin thus becomes a model of cultural and technological inclusion on the continent, by laying the foundations for an African AI, anchored in local realities.
A platform accessible to all: give your voice in 3 clicks
Accessible on www.jaimemalangue.bj, the J’aime ma langue platform offers a fluid experience, designed for all audiences.
In just three simple steps, every citizen can give their voice and participate in building the national base:
- Register: enter your name, your Mobile Money telephone number and choose your language (Fon, Goun, Yoruba, Mina, Dendi, Bariba, etc.).
- Speak: read or repeat a sentence offered on the screen in your local language.
- Validate: the recording is automatically saved and added to the national voice database hosted by the ASIN.
Each contribution helps build inclusive artificial intelligence, while preserving Benin’s linguistic heritage.
This initiative places citizens at the heart of digital progress, by transforming their voice into useful data for the collective future.
The launch on November 10: A symbolic and interactive moment
Under the theme “Benin speaks to the future”, the ceremony on November 10, 2025 at the Novotel brought together institutional, academic, technical and cultural actors.
More than a simple presentation, the launch was intended to be experiential and participatory: guests were able to test the platform, record their first voices and attend the screening of the short institutional film “My Voice, My Heritage”, a true manifesto for the digital and cultural sovereignty of the country.
The highlight – the “I give my voice” act – marked the symbolic start of the national collection campaign.
Each recorded voice embodies a step towards a future where technology will finally speak the languages of Benin.
“I love my language, it’s our way of saying that our future is also built with our words.
When technology finally speaks like us, that’s when true innovation begins.”
Mahuna AKPLOGAN, Head of the Springboard service – Sèmè City
A fair and inclusive valorization program
Beyond the collection, J’aime ma langue is setting up a citizen promotion program in order to recognize the participation of all:
- Symbolic remuneration for each vote validated via Mobile Money,
- Official digital certificate for each contributor,
- National recognition of the 1,000 largest participants,
- “Our Voices Shape the Future” campaign to mobilize citizens across the country.
These mechanisms strengthen popular support and reflect Benin’s desire to build shared, inclusive and sustainable innovation.
“By building a sovereign voice base, we are laying the foundations of an artificial intelligence that understands, values and speaks our languages.”
Ambassador Makarimi Abissola ADECHOUBOU, Chairman of the Board of Directors – IIDIA
An avant-garde African project
I love my language positions Benin as one of the first countries in Africa to build a national vocal base.
This initiative opens the way to new perspectives: development of voice assistants in local languages, multilingual educational tools, accessible administrative interfaces and inclusive solutions in health or finance.
It illustrates the country’s capacity to produce sovereign data while promoting its cultural heritage.
“What we build today will serve tomorrow an entire generation connected to its roots.”
Ambassador Makarimi Abissola ADECHOUBOU, Chairman of the Board of Directors – IIDIA
About the “I love my language” project
I love my language is a national initiative supported by the Government of Benin through ASIN and IIDIA, with the support of the Gates Foundation and the support of Sèmè City – Hub for innovation and experimentation.
Its ambition: to allow each citizen to give their voice to build a digital future that speaks our languages and values our identities.
The project aims to collect 10,000 votes by the end of 2025, paving the way for a common African linguistic base.
About ASIN
Created in 2020, the Information Systems and Digital Agency (ASIN) is a unified government agency for Benin’s digital sector, aiming to strengthen synergy, visibility and coherence in this area.
Mission: The ASIN’s mission is to ensure the operational implementation of programs and projects as part of the development strategies of secure information services and digital systems in Benin.
Role: ASIN coordinates and implements digital development initiatives in Benin, promoting a secure and coherent digital ecosystem
About Institute for Inclusive Digital Africa (IIDIA)
IIDiA’s mandate is inclusive digital economies in Africa. The institution works to promote digital transformation in Africa by improving access to digital infrastructure and inclusive financial services for individuals, businesses and governments.
Mission: Through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions, IIDiA works to reduce the digital divide and promote sustainable economic development.
Role: IIDiA acts as a catalyst for digital inclusion, leveraging partnerships and technology to empower communities and drive economic growth across the continent.
About the Gates Foundation
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation supports initiatives promoting equity, access to health, education and technology.
In Benin, it supports programs aimed at reducing the digital divide and strengthening local capacities for innovation, particularly through J’aime ma langue, the symbol of digital technology serving cultural and linguistic diversity.
Press contacts
Jean-Eudes AWANVOEKE
Project Manager – IIDIA
eawanvoeke@iidia.org | +229 01 66 30 16 75
Nelsone HOUENHA,
Press relations manager (IIDiA)
nhouenha@iidia.org
Closing quote
“Our voices no longer die out. They become the language of the future.”
