Johannesburg: AfricUpdate – News Desk
The rapid growth of mobile phone use across Africa has significantly expanded internet access, creating new opportunities but also raising concerns about safe and responsible online behavior. To address this challenge, Digify Africa, in partnership with Meta, has launched the Kitso Learning Chatbot, also known as Gitzo. The free, mobile-first platform is designed to equip teachers, parents, and young learners with critical online safety and digital citizenship skills.
Accessible via WhatsApp, Africa’s most widely used messaging app, Kitso eliminates the need for costly devices such as laptops or PCs, making it an affordable and data-efficient solution. The chatbot delivers content in a conversational and interactive style, featuring quizzes, gamified badges, certificates of completion, and leaderboards to enhance engagement and knowledge retention.
Since its rollout, the initiative has recorded impressive milestones. More than 67,000 learners have participated, completing over 650,000 learning topics and exchanging more than 57 million messages through the platform. With a 46% completion rate, Kitso is proving to be highly effective in building awareness and skills for safer internet use across the continent.
The chatbot offers a variety of self-paced learning modules that address everyday digital challenges. These include managing online identity, protecting personal privacy, spotting misinformation, and fostering positive online communities. Learners are also guided on how to use digital tools effectively for education and social impact, equipping them with practical skills for responsible connectivity.
One of Kitso’s key strengths lies in its accessibility. By running on WhatsApp, users do not need to download a separate application or invest in additional technology. The free service ensures cost is not a barrier, allowing teachers, parents, and learners to access materials anytime, whether individually or in classroom settings.
Although still in its early stages, Kitso demonstrates strong potential to reach millions more across Africa. By combining accessibility, scalability, and engaging learning tools, the platform is shaping a safer digital ecosystem. It empowers communities with the knowledge to navigate the online world securely while closing gaps in digital literacy and promoting responsible use of technology.
