From Smartphones to Feature Phones: Lessons from Akili AI on Inclusive AI Adoption in Low-Connectivity Settings

Author

Moses Ismail, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Published in

IST-Africa 2026 Conference Proceedings

ISSN: 2576-8581

ISBN: 978-1-905824-76-2

DOI: https://doi.org/10.67725/IST-Africa.2026.PJAN7605

Publisher

IST-Africa Institute and IIMC International Information Management Corporation Ltd

Published in Ireland

Abstract

This paper presents a case study of Akili AI, a Swahili-language AI assistant delivered via SMS. Over a 5.5-month period the service attracted 3,994 unique users in Tanzania and recorded 19,879 meaningful interactions. We analyse user demographics, query categories, temporal patterns and engagement levels. Results show that young people (15-25 years) form nearly half the user base and that educational support, general knowledge and personal guidance dominate usage. The assistant achieved a 38.7 % retention rate, demonstrating that low-tech AI deployments can deliver real value and become a trusted information source for underserved communities. Lessons are offered for designing AI services that operate on feature phones and local languages.

Keywords

Akili AI, Artificial Intelligence, Connectivity, Feature phones

Cite this paper

M. Ismail (2026) "From Smartphones to Feature Phones: Lessons from Akili AI on Inclusive AI Adoption in Low-Connectivity Settings", IST-Africa 2026 Conference Proceedings, Miriam Cunningham and Paul Cunningham (Eds), IST-Africa Institute and IIMC, 2026, ISSN: 2576-8581, ISBN: 978-1-905824-76-2, https://doi.org/10.67725/IST-Africa.2026.PJAN7605

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