Nigel E. Basarokwe
BSc Computer Systems Engineering
Midlands State University, Zimbabwe
I fell in love with computers and technology during my secondary school days and have been trying to create impact ever since. I mostly learn by doing, building projects that solve real problems. When I'm not tinkering with computers, I enjoy walking around and exploring new ideas.
Fun fact: I love rockets and space like every nerd out there! 🚀
My Vision for African AI
"I envision a future where Zimbabwean and African native AI models embrace our Africanness, help address societal issues, and preserve our indigenous practices, culture, and languages."
Preserve Culture
Document and protect our indigenous languages and traditions through technology.
Solve Local Problems
Build AI that understands African context and addresses our unique challenges.
Inspire Innovation
Create a foundation for African technologists to build upon.
About the Inzwi Project
Inzwi (meaning "voice" in Shona) is my research project to create Zimbabwe's first comprehensive, open-source Shona speech dataset. This dataset will enable the development of AI systems that can understand and speak Shona naturally.
Currently, major AI systems like ChatGPT, Siri, and Google Assistant have limited or no support for Shona. This leaves over 15 million Shona speakers without access to voice AI technology in their native language. Inzwi aims to change that.
The project uses a community-driven approach where native speakers contribute translations and voice recordings. This ensures the dataset captures authentic language use across different dialects (Zezuru, Karanga, Manyika, Ndau, Korekore) and speaking styles.
Open Source
All data and models will be freely available for researchers and developers.
Academic Research
Part of my Computer Systems Engineering degree at Midlands State University.
Get in Touch
Interested in supporting the project, collaborating, or just want to say hello? I'd love to hear from you!