Passionate about developing high-impact technological solutions for Africa, he incorporates artificial intelligence and machine learning into his innovations.

Thapelo Nthite (photo) is a South African engineer and tech entrepreneur. He is one of the co-founders of Botlhale AI, a company developing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning solutions to improve lives across Africa.

Founded in 2019, Botlhale AI specializes in natural language processing (NLP) with a focus on African languages. The company’s tools enable businesses to communicate with their customers in familiar and trusted languages. Botlhale AI envisions a future where Africans can use their native languages to access digital services, learn, grow, and interact with the world.

“Through my research and work at Botlhale I want to see people interact with service providers through digital platforms in languages they understand and trust using text and speech,” Nthite explained in 2020.

One of the company’s flagship products is Bua, a suite of NLP tools that simplifies the deployment of conversational AI across various platforms and industries. Botlhale AI also offers Vula, an AI-powered API designed to enhance call center analytics.

Nthite holds a bachelor’s degree in mechatronic engineering from the University of Cape Town, which he earned in 2018. His career began in 2015 at At Lets Meet, a marketing company, where he worked as a mobile developer and web designer. In 2018, he interned at Sasol, a leading chemical and energy company, gaining hands-on experience in engineering.

By Melchior Koba,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji