Google has introduced Twi, one of Ghana’s most widely spoken languages, to its suite of voice-enabled services, marking a significant expansion of African language support. This update allows users to perform voice searches, type using voice input on Gboard, and use Google Translate’s voice feature in Twi, enabling millions of speakers to interact with technology more naturally.

Developed in collaboration with Google’s AI Research Center in Accra, the feature is part of a broader effort to make digital services accessible to African communities. Alongside Twi, additional West African languages such as Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and Nigerian Pidgin have also been integrated, providing voice access to information for over 300 million people across the continent.

“This technology will make a difference to over 300 million more people across the continent, enabling them to interact with the web with just their voice,” said Alex Okosi, Managing Director of Google Africa. He added that it is part of Google’s mission to develop tools that serve African users and the wider world.

Google’s President for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Matt Brittin, described the initiative as a “key landmark” in what he called “Africa’s digital decade.” Twi is the latest addition to a growing list of African languages supported by Google’s Voice Search and Gboard, which now includes Chichewa, Somali, Shona, and Tswana.

This latest move reflects Google’s ongoing commitment to digital inclusion, providing tools tailored to African languages and cultures and enhancing online accessibility for communities that have historically been underrepresented online.

Source:TheDotNews