Ghanaian tech professionals develop SMS-based AI tool for non-smartphones

A Ghanaian startup called Funza AI has created an artificial intelligence service enabling those without smartphones, internet, or mobile data to communicate with AI through simple text messages. The idea was developed by young tech professional Klenam Tamakloe and his team. The service will allow users to receive AI-generated responses via SMS without the need for a smartphone, Wi-Fi, or data plan.

Klenam predicts the offline AI service will be available for use starting November 2026. The startup aims to bridge the digital divide that excludes millions of Africans from emerging technologies due to poor internet access and affordable smartphones. Users such as farmers seeking agricultural advice, students needing school assistance, and small business owners can use the service via SMS.

Funza AI is inspired by the success of mobile money, which provided financial services to millions of people without requiring smartphones or traditional banking infrastructure. The team aspires to replicate this success for AI, making it accessible to everyone regardless of their technology. The initiative also highlights the need for government support for locally developed tech in Ghana.

With the growing potential of AI to transform education, agriculture, business, and other aspects of society, Funza AI seeks to ensure that access to AI is not limited to those with smartphones or internet connectivity.