Samsung Electronics has launched a pioneering initiative to enhance accessibility and inclusivity by integrating Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba as official language options on its latest Galaxy devices.
The feature, rolled out on the Galaxy S25, A56, A36, and A26 smartphones, marks a significant step in Samsung’s mission to make technology more relatable and user-friendly for its diverse customer base in Nigeria. This update allows millions of Nigerians to navigate their devices in their native languages, fostering greater digital inclusion while celebrating the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The announcement was made during a culture-themed press briefing in Lagos, where the smartphone company showcased the new language feature alongside traditional music, local cuisine, and a display of Nigeria’s linguistic diversity. Attendees, including employees and invited guests, donned traditional Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa attire, underscoring the event’s focus on cultural pride. The company also hinted at plans to extend local language support to additional devices in the near future, signalling a long-term commitment to bridging the digital divide across Africa.
Oge Maduagwu, Head of Marketing at Samsung Electronics West Africa, emphasised the importance of this development during the press conference.
“At Samsung, we understand that technology is most powerful when it is accessible to all,” she said. “By incorporating our local Nigerian languages, we are making our devices more intuitive and relatable, ensuring that millions of Nigerians can interact with their smartphones in the language they love and understand best.”
Maduagwu highlighted how this move aligns with the company’s broader goal of enhancing user engagement and empowering communities through innovation.
Samsung, celebrating culture and technology
The integration of Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba, three of Nigeria’s most widely spoken languages, caters to a significant portion of the country’s population. Hausa is predominant in the northern region, Yoruba in the southwest, and Igbo in the southeast, collectively representing a substantial share of Nigeria’s over 200 million population. By offering these languages as system options, Samsung is not only improving usability but also promoting digital literacy among users who may find English less accessible.
Stephen Okwara, Head of Product Management, provided insights into the technical implementation of the feature:
“The new local language option is designed to deliver a seamless user experience, allowing customers to easily switch between languages,” he explained.
Users can activate Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba by navigating to Settings > Language & Input > Select Language on their Galaxy S25, A56, A36, or A26 devices. Okwara noted that this update is particularly beneficial for individuals who prefer their native tongue over English, as it simplifies interaction with smartphone interfaces and applications.
“This enhances digital inclusivity, encourages more users to engage with technology, and supports our vision of a connected, empowered Africa,” he added.
The launch comes at a time when smartphone penetration in Nigeria continues to rise, with millions relying on mobile devices for communication, education, and business. By tailoring its technology to local needs, Samsung is positioning itself as a leader in the African market, where cultural diversity and linguistic variety often pose challenges to tech adoption. Industry analysts have praised the move, noting that it could set a precedent for other manufacturers to prioritise localisation in emerging markets.
Samsung has invited customers to explore the new feature at Samsung Experience Stores and authorised retailers across Nigeria.
As Samsung continues to innovate, this language integration stands as a testament to its commitment to blending cutting-edge technology with cultural relevance, ensuring that its devices truly “speak” to their users.
Read also: Samsung introduces Galaxy A56 5G, A36 5G, and A26 5G with new AI features in Nigeria
Technext Newsletter
Get the best of Africa’s daily tech to your inbox – first thing every morning.
Join the community now!
