Google has announced an expansion of its AI Search features, including AI Overviews and AI Mode, to support Yorùbá and Hausa.
However, In a statement released on Thursday, the company explained that this update enables speakers of these Nigerian languages to access AI-driven Search tools in their native tongues. Users can now enjoy quick summaries and conversational interactions in Yorùbá and Hausa.
Although, This move is part of Google’s broader mission to make AI more inclusive across Africa. With this update, Google’s AI Search features now supports 13 African languages.
Why It Matters
Also, Google emphasized that breaking language barriers ensures technology reflects the identity and culture of its users.
“With this expansion, more people can use AI Mode to ask complex questions in their preferred language and explore the web more naturally through text or voice,” the company stated.
Going further, “For Nigerians, this means students in Kano can ask questions in Hausa, and traders in Ibadan can seek advice in Yorùbá using AI-powered Search,” Google added.
Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s Communications & Public Affairs Manager for West Africa, highlighted that the update ensures Nigerians can interact with Search in their mother tongues, making information more accessible and useful for everyone.
Languages Now Supported
The 13 African languages supported by Google’s AI Search features include:
- Afrikaans
- Akan
- Amharic
- Hausa
- Kinyarwanda
- Afaan Oromoo
- Somali
- Sesotho
- Kiswahili
- Setswana
- Wolof
- Yorùbá
- isiZulu
Google explained that these languages were selected based on high search activity across the continent, ensuring AI tools reach the communities that need them most.
What’s Next?
This update is the latest in Google’s efforts to expand AI usage in Nigeria. Last month, the company introduced advanced AI image generation tools in the country. These tools allow users to create high-quality images directly in Google Search and Google Lens by simply describing what they want to see.
