• Opera Mini, boasting more than 100 million global users, now introduces AI-powered features within its web browser.
• Based on the Opera survey, 89% of Nigerians expressed interest in using an AI-powered tool within their web browser.
• Opera Mini now provides all its smartphone users with its own free built-in browser AI, Aria, including AI chat, Ask Aria and image generation, responding to the demand of 86% of Nigerians to use AI from a trusted brand
• 59% of Nigerians say data is too expensive, so Opera offers its users free data packages in Nigeria to allow people to browse more, and Aria is a part of that offer
• In reaction to the increase in data costs in Nigeria, Aria is included in the Free Data offerings. This allows users to reduce their data consumption while using AI services.

Lagos, Nigeria – April 16, 2025 – Opera is introducing its free browser AI, Aria, to Opera Mini, which is widely used across millions of devices in Nigeria. With this enhancement, users will gain access to robust AI features including real-time online data retrieval, research support, condensed content summaries, and image creation—all within the app without extra charges.

"AI is quickly turning into a fundamental aspect of everyday online interactions, and there’s significant enthusiasm for AI-driven solutions amongst Nigerians. As such, introducing Aria to Opera Mini is a logical enhancement for our top downloaded browser. By incorporating our integrated AI system, Aria, we're enthusiastic about discovering new ways this technology can improve the features relied upon daily by our Nigerian user base," stated Jørgen Arnesen, Executive Vice President of Mobile Operations at Opera.

Opera Mini is celebrated for various distinctive features such as live football score updates and the integrated digital wallet, MiniPay. Now, it also includes Aria.

Tackling data expenses - a key concern for Nigerian consumers

As internet accessibility continues to grow in Nigeria, approximately 55% of the nation's populace still lacks online access. Additionally, the expense of internet services is disproportionately high relative to average incomes or GDP per capita. In recent times, data costs within Nigeria have escalated significantly—by about 40-50%. This increase can be attributed to newly implemented local communication guidelines and tariff adjustments. For instance, prices for certain data packages like 15GB jumped from ₦4,500 to ₦6,500, whereas 20GB bundles went up from ₦5,500 to ₦7,500. A study conducted by Opera in March 2025 revealed that 59% of Nigerians consider data pricing excessive, with over half (55%) stating they frequently exhaust their monthly data allotment prior to month-end; thus, managing data usage persists as a major issue in the region.

Opera Mini has long been instrumental in providing internet access throughout Nigeria. Its advanced turbo data-saving feature can decrease data consumption by as much as 90%, outperforming many leading web browsers. Over the last three years, Opera has helped Nigerian users save approximately $27 million worth of data—equivalent to around 60 million gigabytes—thanks to this distinctive data compression capability. Free data initiatives launched in 2020 have enabled Opera Mini users in Nigeria to receive 1.5GB monthly at no cost; these resources can be utilized for various purposes such as engaging with Aria. Starting in 2022, Opera committed significant funds toward these free data programs in Nigeria, aiming to close the digital gap and ensure broader accessibility to information.

By integrating Aria into Opera Mini, users can enjoy the advantages of this sophisticated AI tool without using up valuable data. Designed with low data consumption in mind, Aria comes as part of Opera’s complimentary daily data allowances in Nigeria—making it perfect for the 46% of Nigerians who stated they would utilize AI tools solely if doing so wouldn’t increase their data usage.

Aria - The Built-In AI of Opera

The Aria browser AI has been integrated into Opera’s desktop and mobile browsers, enabling a convenient chat-based interface with artificial intelligence capabilities. This enhancement allows better user interactions via features such as information retrieval, text/code creation, and image generation/analysis. Powered by Opera's proprietary Composer AI engine, which leverages technology from both OpenAI and Google AI, Aria delivers pertinent responses efficiently. Additionally, it incorporates image generation using Google’s quick Imagen3 model. Following this latest release, Aria can be accessed throughout all versions of Opera browsers. Among Nigerian respondents—where 47% reportedly utilize AI tools multiple times daily and 67% depend on them academically—the integration of Aria inside Opera Mini makes these functionalities more readily accessible and cost-effective. Importantly, utilizing Aria comes at no charge.

Exciting and distinctive features are heading to Opera Mini shortly – including several designed specifically for football enthusiasts in Nigeria!

To utilize Aria in Opera Mini, download or update through the Google Play Store .

About Opera Mini

Opera Mini was introduced in 2005 and stands out as a compact yet robust web browser. Notable for its distinctive functionalities like Data Squeezing, Off-the-Grid Content Transfer, and an integrated advertisement blocker, this application gained significant traction among Android smartphone owners who opted against using default browsing options available on their devices. Available via the Google Play Store, Opera Mini boasts over one billion downloads and holds a commendable four-point-six-star average based on reviews from more than eight million global users.

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