With a bold idea and a strong will, Danny Manu, a former aerospace engineer, turned a vision into a groundbreaking product: CLiK, the world’s first smart earbuds capable of translating 37 languages in real time — with no Wi-Fi, no data, just pure innovation. As Africa pushes forward in the digital age, Manu’s creation is opening new doors in trade, culture, and connectivity.
In a world still divided by language barriers, innovation can be a powerful bridge. This is the spirit behind CLiK, the intelligent earbuds invented by Danny Manu, a British engineer of Ghanaian descent. These earbuds can translate up to 37 languages in real time — without needing any Internet connection.
From Aerospace to Global Tech
Danny Manu began his career in aerospace engineering before founding Mymanu, a UK-based tech company, in 2014. Realizing that language remained a major hurdle in global communication, Manu set out to design a tool that would eliminate digital dependency.
That vision became CLiK, launched at the CES tech conference in Las Vegas in 2017. Its promise? Real-time translation, offline functionality, and sleek design. Within months, Manu gained recognition as one of the few Black entrepreneurs in Europe leading a global tech innovation.
“I wanted to build a tool that actually breaks down walls, not one that needs an app, a Wi-Fi signal, or your data plan to function,” he shared in a press interview.
Game-Changing Technology
CLiK uses embedded AI with pre-loaded language packs, updated via Bluetooth. It offers zero latency, strong privacy protection, and up to 10 hours of battery life. Languages range from English, French, Arabic, Mandarin, and Portuguese to local African languages like Wolof and Swahili.
The result is a truly inclusive product, designed for seamless, borderless communication.
A Natural Fit for Africa
With more than 2,000 languages spoken across the continent, CLiK holds massive potential for Africa’s multilingual societies. From education to cross-border trade, diplomacy, and tourism, CLiK could become a vital tool for linguistic integration.
Mymanu projects that Africa could account for up to 500,000 units in sales by 2027. Plans are already underway to establish a regional logistics hub in West Africa.
“Africa doesn’t lack innovation. It needs access, trust, and investment. CLiK is a bridge,” Manu said.
A Tool for Cultural and Linguistic Sovereignty
Beyond commerce and convenience, CLiK supports the visibility of minority languages in the digital space. In doing so, it empowers African creators, educators, and communities to assert cultural identity in a tech-driven world.
With many African languages underrepresented on global platforms, CLiK becomes more than a gadget—it’s a statement of digital equality.
Lessons for Africa’s Tech Ecosystem
Danny Manu’s journey underscores a powerful truth: African talent can shape global innovation. Self-funded and later boosted through crowdfunding and industry awards, CLiK is the result of vision, resilience, and smart execution.
His story proves that African entrepreneurs, especially in the diaspora, can lead the charge in deep-tech innovation and build tools that serve real-world needs—on their own terms.
CLiK isn’t just a product. It’s a symbol of what’s possible when ingenuity meets courage. And for Africa’s rising tech generation, it’s a compelling call to think bigger—and build boldly.