Google has expanded its artificial intelligence-powered search capabilities in Nigeria by adding support for the Yoruba and Hausa languages, a move aimed at improving digital accessibility and enabling millions of Nigerians to search the internet in their native languages.
The update, announced on Thursday, 5 March 2026, integrates the two widely spoken indigenous languages into Google’s AI Overviews and AI Mode. The development allows users to type or speak complex queries in Yoruba or Hausa and receive AI-generated summaries, as well as engage in conversational search experiences. The expansion follows Google’s recent partnership with the WAXAL Foundation.
With the update, users can now interact with Google Search in their mother tongues, receiving synthesised responses generated by artificial intelligence. The rollout forms part of a broader expansion across Africa, bringing the number of supported African languages in Google’s AI search features to 13, including Swahili, Igbo, and Amharic.
Bridging the language gap in digital search
For years, the global digital divide has extended beyond access to devices and internet connectivity to include language barriers. While voice assistants and generative AI tools have become widely used across the world, many have struggled to accurately process the tonal complexity of Yoruba or the regional variations of Hausa.
Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager for West Africa, said the new feature goes beyond simple translation.
“Building a truly global search goes far beyond translation,” Kola-Ogunlade stated. “It requires a nuanced understanding of local information. This is about ensuring Nigerians can converse with Search in their mother tongues, making information more helpful for everyone.”
The update is powered by a customised version of Gemini, Google’s multimodal AI model, which has been adapted to better understand local context and reasoning.
The new capability has immediate practical value for users. For example, a student in Kano can research complex historical topics using Hausa, while a trader in Ibadan can seek business advice or market trends in Yoruba and receive responses that feel natural and culturally relevant.
Role of the WAXAL Foundation dataset
The launch follows the introduction of WAXAL, a large open-access speech dataset developed by Google in collaboration with African research institutions such as the University of Ghana and Makerere University.
The WAXAL dataset contains more than 1,250 hours of transcribed speech and was designed to train artificial intelligence systems in 21 Sub-Saharan African languages. The initiative aims to address the longstanding shortage of high-quality linguistic data that has left many African languages underrepresented in digital technologies.
By using locally sourced language data, the project adopts a “by Africa, for Africa” approach that supports the development of AI systems capable of understanding African languages and cultural contexts.
The integration of this research into Google Search represents one of the first large-scale consumer applications of the dataset, moving AI language tools from academic research into everyday digital use.
Nigeria’s growing role in AI adoption
The rollout comes at a time when Nigeria is emerging as a global leader in artificial intelligence adoption. According to the “Our Life with AI” 2026 report, Nigeria currently ranks among the most optimistic countries globally about AI, with 66 per cent of young Nigerians intentionally using AI tools for everyday activities, including work and online shopping.
As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand, demand for localised digital tools has increased significantly. Google Search data from early 2026 showed an 80 per cent rise in queries related to “how to start a business”.
By offering AI search features in Yoruba and Hausa, Google aims to make information and digital resources more accessible, particularly for users seeking business guidance, educational materials, and practical knowledge online.
Expanding language access in technology
While the addition of Yoruba and Hausa marks a significant step forward, experts note that Nigeria remains home to more than 200 languages, many of which still have limited representation in digital systems.
However, the success of this initiative demonstrates how collaboration between global technology companies and African academic institutions can help preserve linguistic heritage while advancing modern technology.
As artificial intelligence becomes an increasingly important part of everyday digital life, the ability for people to search the internet and interact with technology in their native language could reshape access to information across Nigeria and the wider African continent.
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