(NAIJA TV/FMG) – Google has expanded its AI-powered Search capabilities to include Yorùbá and Hausa, enabling millions of Nigerians to access AI Overviews and conversational search features in their native languages.
The Thursday announcement adds two of Nigeria’s most widely spoken languages to Google’s AI Search ecosystem, which now supports 13 African languages.
Students in Kano can now research in Hausa, while traders in Ibadan can make inquiries in Yorùbá through text or voice.
“This goes beyond simple translation,” said Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s Communications Manager for West Africa. “Building a truly global Search requires a nuanced understanding of local information. With our custom Gemini model integrated into Search, we’ve made huge strides in language understanding, making AI capabilities locally relevant.”
The update allows users to access AI Mode through the Google app on Android or iOS devices, typing or speaking questions in their preferred language.
The 13 supported African languages now include Yorùbá, Hausa, Afrikaans, Akan, Amharic, Kiswahili, and isiZulu, among others.
Google emphasised the expansion reflects its commitment to ensuring technology serves Africa’s diverse cultural and communication needs.
