In a major shift toward localising its technology, Samsung has officially rolled out support for Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo languages on four of its latest Galaxy devices in Nigeria. The Galaxy S25, A56, A36, and A26 will now feature these languages as system options, offering millions of Nigerian users the chance to interact with their phones in their mother tongue.
This development reinforces Samsung’s effort to close the digital divide in Africa, particularly by recognising language as a barrier to technology access. By offering these language options, the brand hopes to make its devices more relatable and usable for a broader segment of the Nigerian population.
Cultural Fusion at the Launch Event
To mark the launch, Samsung hosted a press briefing infused with traditional music, native dishes, and vibrant displays of Nigerian fashion. Guests arrived in Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa attire, celebrating the cultural diversity the tech giant aimed to honour with this update.
The event wasn’t just about aesthetics. Samsung also used the opportunity to announce its plans to expand local language support to even more devices. This expansion aligns with its long-term strategy to make tech more inclusive and rooted in the cultural realities of its users.
Improved Accessibility for Everyday Users
The highlight of the update is not just in the inclusion of Nigerian languages but in how intuitive it is to use. Stephen Okwara, Head of Product Management at Samsung Electronics West Africa, noted that users can switch to any of the three local languages by navigating through Settings > Language & Input > Select Language.
“The new local language feature is designed to deliver a seamless user experience, allowing customers to easily switch between languages,” he said.
Oge Maduagwu, Samsung’s Head of Marketing for West Africa, added, “At Samsung, we understand that technology is most powerful when it is accessible to all. 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.”
On-Site Experience and What Comes Next
The new feature is already live in Samsung Experience Stores and retail outlets across Nigeria, allowing users to explore the update firsthand. For those curious to test the feature, the models supporting the languages are already on display for public interaction.
This move isn’t just a marketing ploy; it signals a growing awareness among tech companies of the need to tailor products for local relevance. By integrating native languages, Samsung is not just selling phones — it’s selling identity, connection, and inclusion.
Samsung’s local language integration also sets a precedent for other global tech firms hoping to expand in Africa, making it clear that localisation isn’t optional — it’s essential.
