Google has expanded language support for its artificial intelligence-powered search features to include the Yorùbá language and Hausa language in Nigeria, a move aimed at widening digital access for millions of users who prefer to search for information in their native languages.
The update allows speakers of the two widely spoken Nigerian languages to access AI driven search experiences in their mother tongue, including quick summaries of information and conversational responses to questions.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications and Public Affairs Manager for West Africa at Google. He said the expansion forms part of the company’s broader effort to make artificial intelligence tools more inclusive across Africa.
According to him, the addition of Yorùbá and Hausa increases the number of African languages supported by Google’s AI search features to 13, marking a significant step toward improving digital accessibility on the continent.
Kola-Ogunlade explained that the new capability allows users to interact with search in languages they speak daily, making online information easier to understand and more relevant to local communities.
He noted that the update means a student in Kano can ask academic questions in Hausa while a trader in Ibadan can search for business advice using Yorùbá. The system processes both text and voice queries, allowing users to explore the internet more naturally.
“Building a truly global search goes far beyond translation. It requires a nuanced understanding of local information,” he said.
He added that the AI capabilities are powered by Google’s customised version of Gemini AI integrated into search, which improves language comprehension through advanced reasoning and multimodal features.
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According to him, the technology ensures that AI-generated answers are locally relevant and useful in each language supported.
The company said the expansion is designed to help more Nigerians access information easily, particularly those who are more comfortable communicating in indigenous languages rather than English.
Industry observers say the inclusion of major Nigerian languages in AI-powered search tools could improve digital literacy, support education, and expand the reach of online services across the country.
The move also reflects growing efforts by global technology firms to tailor artificial intelligence platforms to Africa’s linguistic diversity as internet adoption continues to expand across the region.
