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Image: Supplied
Google is rethinking the way people search. The company announced the rollout of AI Mode in Search for users in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, marking a new chapter in how Africans interact with information online.
At its core, AI Mode is about making search smarter, more intuitive, and more conversational, according to Google.
Instead of typing multiple fragmented queries, users can now ask complex, multi-part questions and receive context-rich responses powered by Google’s custom version of its latest Gemini 2.5 model.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring AI Mode to our users in the region,” said Alex Okosi, Managing Director, Google Africa.
“We know that people in this region are curious and have complex questions about everything from planning a trip to understanding a new concept. With AI Mode, Google is reimagining the Search experience.”
One of AI Mode’s most powerful features lies in its advanced reasoning system.
Using a technique called query fan-out, the tool dissects a question into subtopics and runs multiple searches simultaneously.
The result? Hyper-relevant answers that go beyond surface-level information, helping users explore deeper corners of the web.
This isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about discovery, Google said. The responses prominently feature links to web sources, ensuring that users can dive into original content and engage with a broader range of perspectives.
AI Mode also reflects the way people naturally interact with technology today. Users can search by text, voice, or image.
According to the search engine, tapping the microphone or uploading a photo opens up entirely new ways of asking questions, whether it’s identifying a plant, exploring travel options, or breaking down a complex academic problem.
Google emphasised that AI Mode is built with the open web in mind. While AI responses are designed to be reliable, the system defaults back to traditional web results in cases where confidence is low.
Early data from its AI Overviews feature shows that AI-powered search drives users to a wider diversity of websites and encourages longer engagement.
AI Mode began earlier this month as a new tab in Search results and will also be accessible in the Google app for Android and iOS.
For Africa, this launch isn’t just about better search; it’s about expanding access to knowledge in ways that match the region’s unique needs and curiosity.
As Okosi put it, users won’t just be finding information more easily, they’ll be “empowered to explore a wider range of content from across the web.”