Sama (company)

Sama, formerly known as Samasource, is a for-profit company focused on providing data annotation and training data services for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Sama differentiates itself by employing a primarily East African workforce and emphasizing its commitment to ethical AI and poverty alleviation through digital employment.

The company's services include image annotation, video annotation, natural language processing, and other data-related tasks that are crucial for developing and improving AI algorithms. Sama works with a variety of clients, including companies in the automotive, retail, and technology industries.

Sama's operational model involves establishing delivery centers in countries like Kenya, Uganda, and India, providing training and employment opportunities to individuals from underserved communities. By paying fair wages and offering skills development programs, Sama aims to create a positive social impact while simultaneously providing high-quality data annotation services.

The company's business model is often cited as an example of impact sourcing, where business processes are outsourced to intentionally create social benefits. Sama has received recognition for its social impact initiatives and its commitment to responsible AI development.