In the last decade, artificial intelligence has moved from futuristic fantasy into everyday reality. From Siri and Alexa to customer service bots, voice technology is changing how people interact with brands, businesses, and even governments. But in Africa, where storytelling and oral tradition run deep, the impact of AI voice technology carries even more significance.
At the Laak Richard School of Media and Creative Arts, founder Richard Laak is determined to place Africa at the forefront of this transformation. “Communication has always been our strength as Africans,” Laak says. “Now, we’re blending that heritage with the latest technology so our students can become global leaders in voice AI.”
A School Built For The Future
While many schools still focus on traditional media skills, Laak Richard’s institution has carved out a unique niche: teaching AI-driven communication and voice innovation alongside creative media training. Students aren’t just learning to design graphics, edit videos, or build websites; they’re mastering how to create AI voice agents that can speak in natural, localized dialects, interpret customer intent, and deliver human-like service at scale.
“The future of communication isn’t just text or visuals,” Laak explains. “It’s voice, powered by AI. Imagine banks, airlines, hospitals, and even government agencies using AI voice agents that speak Twi, Yoruba, or Swahili. That’s where we’re heading.”
Why Voice AI Matters In Africa
In many African communities, literacy barriers and language diversity can make text-based communication difficult. Voice, however, has always been universal. By developing AI systems that speak and understand local languages, the Laak Richard School is training students to solve real-world problems:
- Healthcare: AI agents that can explain symptoms and treatments in native languages.
- Banking: Automated assistants that walk customers through transactions securely.
- Education: Voice-driven learning tools that reach students in remote villages.
- Business: Customer support that’s available 24/7, without the frustration of “Press 1 for English.”
“Voice AI is not replacing humans—it’s enhancing human capacity,” says Laak. “We’re preparing our students not just for jobs, but for leadership in industries that don’t even exist yet.”
Students As Innovators
The program’s uniqueness lies in its hands-on learning model. Students work directly with businesses and NGOs, building functional AI voice prototypes that address real challenges. Some recent projects include:
- A tourism assistant bot that narrates Ghanaian cultural history to international visitors.
- A marketplace voice guide for rural traders, helping them set prices and record sales in their local dialect.
- An educational chatbot designed to tutor children using storytelling—a nod to Africa’s traditional folktale heritage.
One student, Ama K., describes her journey this way: “I came to Laak Richard School to study media, but I ended up designing an AI voice agent in Twi. Now I feel like I’m part of building the future.”
Building A Legacy Of Communication
Laak himself is no stranger to innovation. With a background in creative media and AI development, he has merged two worlds that often operate in silos. His vision is clear: to build Africa’s leading hub for creative and technological talent.
“We want our graduates to be globally competitive,” he says. “But we also want them to stay rooted in African innovation. If Silicon Valley can export its tech to the world, why not Accra or Lagos?”
The Bigger Picture
The rise of AI voice technology is not just a technical revolution—it’s a cultural one. For Africa, it could mean greater access, faster growth, and a louder voice on the global stage. And for the students at Laak Richard School of Media and Creative Arts, it’s a chance to be at the center of history in the making.
“Voice AI is storytelling with technology,” Laak concludes. “And Africa is ready to tell its story to the world.”
Editor’s Note:
This is part of our Tech Meets Creativity series, spotlighting innovative approaches to media education in Africa.