The Google News Initiative (GNI) has chosen six independent Nigerian news platforms to participate in its Emerging News Voices Growth Lab. This program aims to bolster digital newsrooms by offering guidance on artificial intelligence integration, video content strategies, audience expansion, and sustainable financial models.
The Nigerian outlets selected for the Sub-Saharan Africa cohort are The Republic, More Branches TV, Onlinebanker, Adetunji Films, Wearegst, and Iswellthecapitalist. These organizations join approximately 20 other emerging creators from across the region in a virtual initiative scheduled to continue until September 2026.
Google developed this program to assist independent digital publishers who often manage tight budgets despite their significant influence over younger media consumers. Participants are currently learning to use Google AI tools like Gemini, NotebookLM, Google Trends, and SynthID for tasks such as transcription, research, and fact-checking. Furthermore, the curriculum covers YouTube video strategies, newsletter management, and methods for diversifying revenue.
Marianne Erasmus, who leads Google’s News Partnerships for the Middle East and Africa, noted that the initiative provides critical resources to help emerging newsrooms achieve long-term stability. Wale Lawal, the editor-in-chief of The Republic, and Nasir Achile Ahmed of MoreBranches both highlighted the value of the expert access and practical tools provided by the lab in improving their journalistic output.
This project stems from the Global News Gap Project, a collaborative study with Project Oasis and Code for Africa. It reflects Google’s broader commitment to the Nigerian media landscape, which has included training over 1,500 journalists since 2024 and ongoing support through the MTN Media Innovation Programme.
