In the bustling city of Cotonou, a groundbreaking innovation is emerging from an unlikely source: a startup called SSaFE. Spearheaded by chemical engineer Marielle Agbahoungbata, this venture is redefining how water purification is approached in Benin, blending artificial intelligence with a deep understanding of local needs.
During a recent conference in Paris, Agbahoungbata captivated an international audience not with abstract technological jargon, but with a tangible solution to a pressing national issue. The centerpiece of her presentation was Watt Air, an AI-driven robotic system designed to transform contaminated water into a usable resource, all while communicating in the region’s native languages.
An intelligent solution for water purification
Watt Air is no ordinary filtration device. It functions as a compact, autonomous laboratory, capable of analyzing water samples and determining the most effective treatment process. Whether the water is destined for irrigation, laundry, or human consumption, the embedded AI system calculates the precise chemical intervention required, eliminating waste and maximizing efficiency.
“This technology doesn’t just save water; it saves time and energy by using only what’s necessary,” Agbahoungbata explains. “It’s like having a specialist who knows exactly how much treatment is needed for each drop.”
Democratizing access through language
The brilliance of Watt Air lies not only in its technical capabilities but in its accessibility. Recognizing that literacy rates in rural areas remain a challenge, the system incorporates a voice-assisted interface that supports multiple local languages, including Fon, Bambara, Swahili, and Wolof. This feature ensures that even those with minimal formal education can operate the device.
Consider the case of a mother in a remote village, where access to education is limited. With Watt Air, she can now safely recycle water used for laundry without needing to read instructions. The AI adapts to her needs, bridging the gap between advanced technology and everyday users.
Sèmè City: A hub for innovation
The development of Watt Air is rooted in Sèmè City, Benin’s premier innovation hub in Cotonou. Thierry d’Almeida, CEO of the center’s research institute, emphasizes the importance of collaboration between mathematicians and chemists in addressing local challenges. “The most effective solutions come from those who understand the ground realities,” he notes.
Supported by a $30,000 grant from UNESCO, the project exemplifies how homegrown innovations can address Africa’s most pressing issues, leveraging local expertise and resources.
A vision for 2027 and beyond
While Watt Air is currently in the prototype phase, the timeline for its deployment is set for 2027. The team at SSaFE is actively seeking partners and investors to transition from laboratory testing to real-world applications. The goal is clear: to make clean water accessible to every household, regardless of location or education level.
Agbahoungbata’s vision extends beyond technical achievement. “Technology must serve humanity, not the other way around,” she asserts. “If our innovations don’t reach the most vulnerable, they lose their purpose.”
