Swahili, Somali among 13 African languages added to Google AI Search

The move enables millions of users across the continent, particularly in Kenya, to explore, learn, and create online in their own local languages. 

In a press release issued on Thursday, the technology giant said the update upgrades AI overviews, which provide concise AI-generated summaries of search queries, along with reliable links for deeper exploration. 

Google’s AI Mode goes further, allowing users to interact through text, voice, or image to receive more detailed and personalized responses in their preferred language.

The 13 languages were selected based on strong and growing search usage across Africa. The first rollout targets active communities in countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. 

Some of the newly supported languages include Kiswahili, Somali, Afrikaans, Akan, Amharic, Hausa, Kinyarwanda, Afaan Oromoo, Sesotho, Setswana, Wolof, Yorùbá, and isiZulu.

Google said the initiative aims to help students, teachers, and entrepreneurs move beyond simply hearing about AI to actively applying it to solve real challenges in their local communities.

The expansion builds on insights from Google’s Waxal language project, which combines machine learning, linguistic research, and community collaboration to improve AI understanding of African languages. The project’s name, Waxal, means “to speak” in Wolof.

"Together, these updates reflect Google’s long-term commitment to building African-language AI capabilities that are both technically advanced and culturally grounded," the release read in part. 

To use AI Mode in Kiswahili or Somali, users are required to open the Google app on Android or iOS, or via a mobile browser, tap on AI Mode within the search experience and type or speak a question in their preferred language.

Google invited users across Africa to try the new features, provide feedback, and help refine AI interactions in their languages.