Reclaim your ancestral languages. Embrace your culture. Reconnect with your roots. African language learning starts here.
NKENNE is an African language learning app built to help you learn, speak, and understand African languages with confidence, cultural context, and modern AI-powered tools. Whether you’re reconnecting with your heritage or discovering a new language, NKENNE brings African languages to life.
Join over 400,000 learners worldwide learning 15 African languages, including Igbo, Yoruba, Swahili, Somali, Lingala, Hausa, Twi, Wolof, Zulu, Amharic, Kinyarwanda, Nigerian Pidgin, Shona, French, and Portuguese.
Why Learn African Languages with NKENNE?
African languages are tonal, expressive, and deeply cultural. NKENNE goes beyond memorization by teaching pronunciation, tone, and real-world usage so you can speak naturally and confidently.
Powered by NKENNEAi, our proprietary African language AI technology, learners benefit from smarter language support built specifically for African languages, not generic translation tools.
Learn Your Way
Start with immersive audio-based African language lessons developed by accredited educators. Then take your learning further with NKENNE LiiVE, our 1-on-1 live tutoring experience with native-speaking instructors. Learn independently or in real time with personalized guidance.
Key Features
• African Language Learning App — learn anytime, anywhere
• 15 African Languages — from widely spoken to underrepresented
• NKENNEAi-Powered Learning — AI built for African languages
• Audio Lessons with Captions — master pronunciation and tone
• Live Tutoring (NKENNE LiiVE) — personalized instruction with native speakers
• TRiiBE Community — connect with learners globally
• Culture-First Content — African music, blogs, and podcasts
• Offline Learning — learn African languages on the go
NKENNE means “mother’s own” because language is personal.
It is identity. It is heritage. It is connection.
Download NKENNE and start your African language learning journey today.
*Some features and offerings may vary by language.
*Terms of Use: https://www.nkenne.com/terms-of-service
I’m glad I found an app where I can learn my native Nigerian language & I’m loving the content so far. There a couple issues I’ve noticed though like the spelling/dialects are not consistent. For example with Igbo, “Sit down” was introduced as “noro ala” then later in a separate course it becomes “nodu ala”. This doesn’t throw me off because I know there are different dialects but others might get confused. Another example is the match quiz in lesson one. How are you can both be “Kedu ki mere” and “Kedu ka idi” but only one of those are accepted as correct & it’s not the version that was thought in the course. I’m also not sure how this Igbo tutor chat works but it doesn’t look like there are any live tutors.
Developer Response
Hi,Thank you so much for your feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you're enjoying learning your native Nigerian language with our app.We appreciate you pointing out the inconsistencies with the spelling and dialects. Both "noro ala" and "nodu ala" mean "sit down" and are part of the Standard Igbo Dialect. We understand that such variations can be confusing, but this variation occurs based on the contextual structure and so we use both versions in our lessons.Regarding the quiz in lesson one, "Kedu ka idi?" (How are you?) and "Kedu ka I mere?" (How are you doing?) are both correct phrases taught in the lessons. This is a small difference and so the correct answer is set accordingly.For the tutor chat, we apologize for any inconvenience. Tutors operate on a first-come, first-serve basis due to the high volume of queries. However, you can request a specific time to chat with a tutor via text and audio messages. Feel free to request time, and they will do their best to accommodate.Thanks again for your valuable input. We're committed to improving your learning experience!Best regards.
Good
mamma odie
When I started using this app I was kinda disappointed because there was no kinyarwanda option, and I'm pretty sure Rwanda is in Africa but if I'm wrong then sorry. Anyway this is a pretty good app afterall but I didn't need it anymore so I deleted it.
Developer Response
Thank you for your feedback! We’re sorry Kinyarwanda wasn’t available when you used the app. We’re constantly adding new languages, and your input helps us improve. We hope you’ll give us another try in the future!
AMAZING!!!
A3amina
I am first generation Igbo American and I did not grow up with the language but would love to incorporate into my personal life and eventually my future family’s. This app is phenomenal with the way they break words/phrases down and make it repetitive in a way that you will genuinely learn and retain the information! Thank you to the creators of this app. May God bless you! 💗
Developer Response
We are pleased that you enjoyed the app. If there is anything we can do for you, just let us know at support@nkenneapp.com! Have a wonderful day!
Informational but very glitchy
James Eriks
Im currently using the app to learn Igbo and for the most part the material is good. The main issue is that the app is very glitchy for me. Often I’ll open the app and the homescreen will be frozen. When I eventually get to play the videos the videos will be unresponsive to when I try to pause and the language on screen also freezes.
Developer Response
Thank you for learning Igbo with us and for your detailed feedback. We sincerely apologize for the glitches you experienced. We’ve released a new update with major performance and bug fixes. Please update to the latest version, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any support at support@nkenneapp.com!
Default language - en-US
Introduced a new onboarding flow including language selection, learning schedule, daily learning duration, age range, education
level, and learning motivation steps.
Added support for selecting African languages to learn during onboarding.
Fixed an issue where the onboarding completion screen appeared before all
onboarding steps were finished.
Version 5.9.5
The developer, ESM Global Productions, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Used to Track You
The following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies:
Purchases
Data Linked to You
The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:
Purchases
Contact Info
User Content
Data Not Linked to You
The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:
Location
User Content
Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More
Information
Seller
ESM Global Productions, LLC
Size
158.9 MB
Category
Education
Compatibility
Requires iOS 15.6 or later.
iPhone Requires iOS 15.6 or later.
iPod touch Requires iOS 15.6 or later.
Mac Requires macOS 12.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later.
