Digify Africa, in partnership with Meta, has launched the Kitso Learning Chatbot, also known as Gitzo, to promote safer internet use and responsible digital behavior across Africa. The free, mobile-first chatbot is accessible via WhatsApp, enabling millions of teachers, parents, and young learners to gain critical online safety and digital citizenship skills.
A Mobile-First Solution for Safer Internet Use
With mobile phone penetration rapidly increasing across Africa, internet access is expanding at an unprecedented pace. While this growth creates new opportunities, it also raises concerns about digital risks such as privacy breaches, misinformation, and cyberbullying.
Kitso addresses these challenges by offering self-paced learning modules on:
- Managing online identity
- Protecting personal privacy
- Spotting misinformation
- Fostering positive online communities
- Using digital tools effectively for education and social impact
Interactive and Engaging Digital Learning
Unlike traditional e-learning platforms, Kitso is designed for interactive learning. The chatbot features quizzes, gamified badges, certificates of completion, and leaderboards to keep learners motivated and engaged.
By running directly on WhatsApp, Africa’s most widely used messaging platform, Kitso eliminates the need for costly devices such as laptops or PCs. This makes it a data-efficient and affordable solution for digital literacy.
Bridging Digital Literacy Gaps in Africa
Kitso’s accessibility ensures that cost is not a barrier to digital education. Teachers can integrate it into classroom lessons, while parents and learners can access materials anytime on their phones.
Though still in its early stages, the chatbot shows strong potential to reach millions across Africa, empowering communities with the knowledge to navigate the online world responsibly.
By combining accessibility, scalability, and engaging content, Digify Africa and Meta are building a safer digital ecosystem while closing gaps in digital literacy across the continent.
