Meta has just rolled out its powerful new assistant, Meta AI, directly into WhatsApp and we took it for a spin.
Our Real World Test
Curious about how it works, we tried it ourselves.
We asked Meta AI to summarize WhatsApp chats a feature it claims to support. It politely declined, directing us to third-party tools instead, while warning us about privacy and permission concerns.
When we asked it, “What is your primary function?”, it responded:
The Catch: It’s Not Yet Plug and Play for Businesses
If you’re a Kenyan business using WhatsApp Business, it’s not as simple as turning on a feature.
To integrate Meta AI into your WhatsApp Business account, you’ll need to go through several technical steps:
- Set up the WhatsApp Business API Integrate with a third-party tool or platform
- Possibly configure webhooks or automation tools
- Allow access to customer messages, which involves data and privacy considerations
That means it’s not something you activate in one click. It’s a process and one that might be overwhelming for SMEs with lean teams.
1. Provision the WhatsApp Business API
Before anything else, you must apply for—and be approved to use—the WhatsApp Business API.
- Registration: Submit your business details to Meta for API access
- Verification: Complete Facebook Business Manager verification
2. Integrate with a Third‑Party Platform
Meta AI doesn’t live natively inside the standard WhatsApp Business app. You’ll need a middleware or chatbot platform to bridge your account to the AI engine.
- Choose a Vendor: Look for platforms with African data‑hosting options
- Installation & Configuration: Connect your WhatsApp API credentials
3. Configure Webhooks & Automation Tools
To route incoming messages through Meta AI and back to customers, set up webhooks and automation workflows.
- Webhook Endpoints: Deploy a secure server URL to receive message events
- Message Routing: Define handlers that send chat content to Meta AI and relay responses
4. Address Data & Privacy Considerations
- Granting an AI engine access to customer chats carries legal and ethical responsibilities.
- Compliance: Align with Kenya’s Data Protection Act and industry best practices
- Consent: Update your privacy notice and obtain clear customer permission
- Data Handling: Ensure chats are encrypted in transit and storage
Meta AI is here, and it’s promising. There’s potential for
Final Thoughts
Meta AI on WhatsApp is a step in the right direction, but it needs a bit more polish before it can deliver full value to everyday businesses.
The good news?
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
If you’re curious about what’s possible — or you’d like to start small with smart, affordable automation — we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Let’s help you work smarter, faster, and more efficiently — with the right tools, at the right time.
Adept Technologies
Kamburu Drive, off Ngong Road, Nairobi