Google Expands AI Search in Nigeria with Yorùbá, Hausa Language Support

March 6, 2026
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Technology giant Google has rolled out support for the Yorùbá and Hausa languages in its artificial intelligence-powered search features in Nigeria, a move aimed at improving access to online information for millions of local-language users, Prime Business Africa reports.

The company said the update enables users to interact with AI features on Google Search using either Yorùbá or Hausa, allowing them to type or speak queries and receive responses in the same languages.

The expansion covers key AI-powered search tools, including AI Overviews, which provide automated summaries of search results at the top of the page, and AI Mode, a conversational interface that allows users to ask follow-up questions and explore topics more interactively.

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According to Google, the update is part of a broader effort to make artificial intelligence tools more inclusive and accessible across Africa by supporting more indigenous languages.

The company noted that with the addition of Yorùbá and Hausa, its AI-driven search capabilities now support several African languages, including Afrikaans, Akan, Amharic, Kinyarwanda, Oromo, Somali, Sesotho, Kiswahili, Setswana, Wolof and isiZulu.

Google’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager for West Africa, Taiwo Kola‑Ogunlade, said the language expansion reflects the company’s commitment to building AI systems that better understand and serve local communities.

He explained that the new capability allows users to ask complex questions, receive AI-generated summaries and explore search results in a conversational manner using their preferred language.

Industry observers say the development could significantly benefit students, small business owners and rural internet users who may be more comfortable accessing information in local languages rather than English.

Nigeria is home to more than 200 languages, with Yorùbá and Hausa among the most widely spoken across the country. Analysts say the inclusion of the languages in AI search tools could help bridge digital access gaps and expand the reach of emerging technologies.

The rollout also forms part of Google’s wider push to strengthen AI adoption in Africa through language localisation, digital skills training and the expansion of AI-powered services across the continent.

However, some commentators have noted that the rollout did not include Igbo, one of Nigeria’s three major languages, sparking conversations about broader representation of indigenous languages in global technology platforms.

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Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

Amanze Chinonye

Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

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