The Kayode Alabi Leadership and Career Initiative (KLCI) launched Rafiki AI, Africa’s first generative AI career advisor and counselor for underserved and displaced youth available on WhatsApp 24/7 and it became a sensation, and one of the fastest growing AI for education or social good solutions on the African continent.
In just three months, Rafiki AI has served over 5200 users, exchanged more than 54000 messages, and answered nearly 25,000 career-related questions across 50 countries and 5 continents. The majority of users are based in Nigeria, underlining the continent’s urgent need for inclusive and scalable career guidance tools.
According to global benchmarks, a typical career counseling session costs approximately $50. Rafiki AI has already saved families and schools over $260,000.
If all 5200 users successfully complete their career pathway plans, their combined income could potentially increase by $1.6 million, underscoring the economic impact of scalable, digital career support. On the strategic partnership driving real impact, one of Rafiki’s most significant collaborations has been with SEED Care & Support Foundation.
Founder/Executive Director, Mrs. Olanrewaju Oniyitan after personally testing the Rafiki AI platform recognized its potential and promptly introduced it to school leaders within her community of affordable non-state schools.
From 1 day of Training of school leaders to 340 transformed teachers and students. On May 9, 2025, SEED hosted a transformative training session where 27 school owners were trained to effectively deploy Rafiki AI in their schools.
.Mustapha Lawal, Project Coordinator at KLCI, during the training emphasized the structural barriers many African students face:
“Unlike many developed countries with integrated career guidance systems, many African students often make critical education decisions in isolation—leading to course mismatches, missed JAMB requirements, and institutional transfers. These challenges frequently lead to students being ineligible for their initial course selections, necessitating changes to their field of study or even institution. ” Rafiki AI is helping to bridge that gap by providing accessible, responsive, and personalized support.”
School leader feedback
“With Rafiki AI, career counseling becomes easier and more personal.” — Mr. Opeyemi Olatunji, Gleam Stars Schools
“It’s friendly, easy to access, and provides immediate and satisfactory guidance.” — Mrs. Omowunmi Oyewole, Jochebed School
“Rafiki helps students develop critical 21st-century skills—confidence, communication, critical thinking, and creativity.” — Mr. Olukayode Okanrende, all round positive school.
On impact stories, after the training session the 27 school leaders were given specific assignments to carry out in their various schools in order to scale this initiative to as many people as possible. The assignment include: retraining other teachers in their various schools, and introducing
RAFIKI AI platform to students both in school and at home.
Students engage with RAFIKI AI in school and at home to develop career plans.
Out of these 27 schools, ten (10) schools completed the assignment by retraining an additional 70 teachers (55 female and 15 male), Introducing RAFIKI AI to 276 students (160 Female and 116 Male).
Students from Glomat Blossom Schools engaged with the Rafiki AI platform, developing personalized career plans. Identified career interests notably include, Nursing and acting Chartered Accountancy.
Looking ahead, KLCI and SEED are committed to expanding the reach of Rafiki AI to ensure that no student is left without guidance, especially those in low-income and displaced communities. With a shared mission to democratize opportunity, this partnership marks a powerful example of technology for social good in Africa.
