New platform launches virtual African language classes taught by cultural custodians, beginning with Swahili, Twi, Yoruba and Shona.

ACCRA, GHANA / NAKURU, KENYA – As Africa’s influence continues to grow across business, culture, innovation and global affairs, a new initiative is asking an important question: Why are African languages still treated as an afterthought in conversations about Africa’s future? She Speaks Africa a n d Ujamii Culture Hub are proud to announce the launch of Afro Language Grove (ALG), a platform dedicated to making African language learning accessible, culturally grounded and rooted in authentic African experiences.

Often grouped together under the name “Khoisan,” they historically consist of two main communities: the Khoikhoi (traditionally pastoralists) and the San (traditionally hunter-gatherers). Though distinct in lifestyle and dialect, they share deep linguistic and cultural ties that make their heritage one of the most unique in the world.

The launch comes at a significant moment for the continent. Africa is home to more than 2,000 languages and is projected to account for nearly one in five people on earth within the coming decades. Yet despite being the most linguistically diverse continent in the world, fewer than 20% of children in many parts of Africa are taught in their mother tongue. For the founders of Afro Language Grove, that reality has contributed to a perception that speaking a foreign language is somehow more valuable than speaking an African one.

“Language is the first story we ever tell,” says Leslie Kasumba, Founder of She Speaks Africa. “Throughout history, there is a reason why colonizers attempted to strip people of their languages and cultures. Language carries identity, memory, worldview, tradition and belonging. As Africa reclaims its place in the world, language must be part of that conversation.”

Afro Language Grove was created from the belief that language and culture cannot be separated. While many language-learning platforms focus primarily on vocabulary and grammar, ALG takes a different approach by connecting learners with cultural custodians who not only speak the language, but understand the humour, etiquette, traditions, social norms and lived experiences that give the language meaning.

The platform launches with virtual classes in Swahili, Twi, Yoruba and Shona, with plans to expand into additional African languages as the community grows. Students from anywhere in the world will be able to learn directly from instructors who bring the culture behind the language into every lesson, creating an experience that goes beyond translation and into genuine cultural understanding.

“Africa is one of the most linguistically rich places on earth, yet many of us grew up believing that speaking a foreign language somehow made us more intelligent than speaking our mother tongue,” says Rahab Kamotho, Founder of Ujamii Culture Hub. “That perception has to change. Our languages carry knowledge, culture, identity and history. Through Afro Language Grove, we want people to learn African languages with pride and to understand the culture that lives within them.”

Afro Language Grove is designed for Africans interested in learning languages from other regions of the continent, members of the diaspora seeking to reconnect with their heritage, professionals doing business across African markets, travellers looking for deeper cultural experiences, and language enthusiasts eager to explore Africa’s rich linguistic diversity. The platform also seeks to challenge perceptions around the value of African languages in a rapidly changing world.

“If millions of people proudly say they are learning French, Spanish, Italian or Mandarin, why shouldn’t it feel just as natural to say, I’m learning Twi, I’m learning Yoruba, or ‘I’m learning Swahili?’” adds Kamotho. “Africa is becoming increasingly central to the global story. As that happens, understanding African languages and cultures will become more important than ever. Our languages are not relics of the past. They are living systems of knowledge, identity and connection that deserve their place in the future.”

Beyond the classroom, Afro Language Grove aims to build a global community around African languages, culture and connection through digital content, cultural conversations and community engagement. Registration for classes is now open. With free masterclasses available as an introductory special offer.