Google Expands AI Search to Support Yoruba, Other Language in Nigeria

Google has expanded language support for its artificial intelligence–powered search features to include the Yorùbá and Hausa languages in Nigeria, a move aimed at widening digital access for millions of users who prefer to search for information in their native tongues.

The update allows speakers of the two widely used Nigerian languages to access AI-driven search experiences in their mother tongue, including quick information summaries 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 Kola-Ogunlade, 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.

He 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.

Under the update, 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, enabling users to explore the internet more naturally.

“Building a truly global search goes far beyond translation. It requires a nuanced understanding of local information,” Kola-Ogunlade said.

He added that the AI capabilities are powered by Google’s customized version of Gemini integrated into search, which improves language comprehension through advanced reasoning and multimodal features.

According to the company, the technology helps ensure that AI-generated answers remain locally relevant and useful in each language supported.

Google said the expansion is intended 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 boost 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 adapt artificial intelligence platforms to Africa’s linguistic diversity as internet adoption continues to grow across the region.