Nigerian Text-to-Speech Startup YarnGPT Acquired by Bluechip Technologies
Pecohub Bluechip Technologies Limited has acquired YarnGPT, a Nigerian-built text-to-speech AI model capable of translating English and other foreign languages into Nigerian accents and at least four indigenous languages, including Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba.
The acquisition was announced by Bluechip Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Kazeem Tewogbade on the main stage of the Bluechip Data and AI Summit 2026, held at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos under the theme “The Future, Now: AI-Driven Transformation for Africa.”
YarnGPT was created by Saheed Azeez, a University of Lagos alumnus who placed first runner-up at the Bluechip Data and AI Hackathon in 2023, making the deal a rare instance in Nigeria’s AI ecosystem of a hackathon project progressing directly to acquisition by an established technology company.
Tewogbade said the acquisition fits into Bluechip’s broader strategy of expanding its product ecosystem through both internal development and targeted acquisitions.
- “Bluechip has acquired a text-to-speech model called YarnGPT,” Tewogbade announced to huge applause from the audience at the AI summit.
- “So, going forward, we’ll be building and we’ll be acquiring. People that are entrepreneurs and startup owners should expose their products and services for more investments and even buyouts.” he added
Following the groundbreaking announcement, YarnGPT creator, Saheed Azeez, was brought up on stage to meet the co-founders and pose for photographs, and for a chance for the audience to have a glimpse of him.
Apart from YarnGPT, Tewogbade also announced other new Bluechip products at the event. These products include the Bluechip Data Platform, Cribro, BluPrime, and CashComplete.
Tewogbade explained that Bluechip Technologies will continue to build and acquire products that serve its customers.
Beyond its commercial value, the acquisition is being viewed as a milestone for Africa’s emerging AI ecosystem.
Industry leaders at the summit said the acquisition serves as strong validation of the innovation coming out of the continent and highlights the growing global relevance of African AI startups.
