Google has chosen six digital news platforms in Nigeria to take part in its Emerging News Voices Growth Lab. This multi-month program aims to assist independent newsrooms in strengthening the
Google has chosen six digital news platforms in Nigeria to take part in its Emerging News Voices Growth Lab. This multi-month program aims to assist independent newsrooms in strengthening their operations and creating more sustainable business models.
The Nigerian participants are The Republic, More Branches TV, Onlinebanker, Adetunji Films, Wearegst and Iswellthecapitalist.
They are part of a wider cohort of about 20 emerging news creators from across Sub-Saharan Africa taking part in the virtual programme, which runs until late September 2026.
The program comes at a time when creator-led platforms and social-first news channels increasingly serve as vital sources for younger Nigerians to access news. Many organisations behind these platforms work with smaller teams and fewer resources compared to traditional media companies.
Through the Growth Lab, participants will work with Google trainers and product specialists on four areas intended to address some of those challenges.
One focus is the application of artificial intelligence in newsroom operations. Participants will receive hands-on training on tools such as Gemini, NotebookLM, Google Trends, and SynthID for functions including research, transcription, translation, and verification.
The programme will also cover video and audience growth, with participants developing strategies for using YouTube Shorts and long-form video to reach wider audiences.
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Another area is building direct relationships with readers through newsletters and the open web, allowing publishers to develop first-party audiences rather than relying entirely on social platforms for distribution.
Revenue is also a major part of the programme, with sessions covering monetisation, product differentiation and strategies for developing sustainable audience-based business models.
Part of Google’s wider media investmentThe Growth Lab started from the Global News Gap Project. This project, done with Project Oasis and Code for Africa, aimed to understand the needs of independent news creators in Africa.
Marianne Erasmus, who leads Google’s News Partnerships for the Middle East and Africa, explained that the program helps new newsrooms gain practical skills in areas like AI, video, audience development, and making money.
Wale Lawal, the founder and editor-in-chief of The Republic, said the program is helping his publication combine insights about audiences, product thinking, and responsible use of AI. This will support a more sustainable model for journalism.
More Branches TV editor-in-chief and co-founder Nasir Achile Ahmed said the program has given the newsroom new tools, practical resources, and access to experts and other journalists.
Google mentioned that this program is part of its ongoing support for Nigerian media. Since 2018, Google has funded projects to improve newsrooms through the Google News Initiative. They have also helped publishers make money through programs like Ad Manager Academy. Since 2024, they have trained over 1,500 Nigerian journalists and editors in areas such as online safety, search, digital verification, and audience analytics.
This new program shows that Google is increasingly focused on helping smaller, creator-led news organisations as digital platforms change how people find and consume news.
