AKELLO Library, a pioneering online education platform, is transforming the African publishing landscape with its innovative approach to digital distribution.
As the powerhouse behind the recent Business of Books (BOB) conference, Akello Library is bridging the gap between content creators and the vast potential of digital distribution.
Speaking to NewsDay Life & Style, Musa Muleya, Akello Library’s chief operations officer, said: “Our goal is to bridge the gap between content creators and the vast potential of digital distribution, ensuring that African voices are not only heard but celebrated globally.”
Akello Library offers digital access to a wide range of up-to-date, carefully curated academic and non-academic books targeted at primary and secondary school learners, as well as other avid readers.
The platform caters to the unique needs of the African market, providing a vital outlet for local authors to reach global audiences.
At the BOB conference, Muleya highlighted Akello Library’s commitment to accessibility, including initiatives to cater for individuals with disabilities.
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“We’ve been very intentional around how we can build platforms that are easily accessible, even for people that have disabilities,” he noted.
“The platform’s innovative features include speech-to-text functionality, enabling students to access learning materials through audio.
“Akello Library is also developing Ask Akello, an AI [artificial intelligence] chatbot with multilingual capabilities, allowing students to converse in local languages and access localised content.”
To address connectivity challenges in remote areas, Akello Library has partnered Liquid Intelligent to provide free access to connectivity.
The platform also installs mirror servers for offline access, ensuring that students in remote areas can access content without relying on internet connectivity.
Akello Library’s collaboration with the Primary and Secondary Education ministry has enabled the platform to provide free access to remote areas, leveraging on solar-powered schools and computer initiatives driven by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.