INFO TECH

GOOGLE ROLLS OUT AI-POWERED SEARCH MODE IN NIGERIA, KENYA & SOUTH AFRICA
Google has officially launched its new AI Mode in Search for users in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, bringing a smarter and more intuitive way to search online.
The new feature, powered by a special version of Google’s Gemini 2.5 model, is designed to help users ask more complex, multi-part questions and get deeper, more meaningful results in a single search.
“AI Mode helps people in the region tackle complex questions, from planning trips to learning new concepts. We’re reimagining Search so users can easily find answers while exploring a wider range of content,” said Alex Okosi, Managing Director of Google Africa.
Unlike traditional search, AI Mode can:
Break down your query into subtopics for broader results.
Handle text, voice, or image-based searches — so you can speak your question or even upload a picture.
Provide AI-generated answers while also showing web links so you can explore further.
For example, instead of doing three separate searches to plan a weekend getaway, you can simply ask AI Mode a single detailed question — and it will compile the information for you.
Google also noted that the system will fall back to regular search whenever confidence in the AI response is low, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
The feature is rolling out today and will be available as a tab on the Search results page as well as inside the Google app on Android and iOS.
With this update, users in Africa’s biggest tech markets can now experience a more personalized, faster, and smarter search experience.
"This represents a significant development in our ongoing coverage of current events."— Editorial Board