Google’s $1bn bet on Africa’s future

Google Cloud celebrated the opening of its first African cloud region in Johannesburg, alongside a $1 billion investment pledge.

While Google Cloud began operating in Johannesburg in January 2024, the event at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on Wednesday, 19 March brought together partners who showcased how they use its infrastructure.

Google Cloud provides access to technologies like its AI, machine learning, data analytics, and security solutions.

At its keynote, Tara Brady, Google’s president of the Europe, Middle East and Africa region said its cloud region is projected to fuel $90.6 billion in economic output within Africa, and create over 300 000 jobs in South Africa by 2030.

Google Africa’s managing director, Alex Okosi says the next decade is set to be Sub Saharan Africa’s ‘digital decade’.

“We are receiving signs of emerging technologies like AI and cloud that are truly accelerating growth on the continent,” said Okosi.

He adds that AI alone can contribute $30 billion to our economies and empower Africans to build world changing technologies.

Our intelligence and security has been designed to scale, thus Google Cloud is well equipped to be able to serve private and public sector organisations in South Africa and across the region, adds Okosi.

Google’s infrastructure and training support

The local cloud region also builds on a wider infrastructure development in Africa.

In May 2024, Google Cloud announced a new Umoja fibre optic cable route from Kenya to Australia, which will join Equiano and now the Johannesburg Google Cloud region to form an initiative called Africa Connect for enhanced network access, making it faster, reliable and more affordable, says Google.

Part of Google’s investment includes training people and businesses on the latest cloud technologies and sustainable business practices.

It offers programs like Cloud OnBoard, Cloud Hero and Google Hustle Academy to equip learners and business owners across Africa with critical skills like generative AI, machine learning, application and infrastructure modernisation, data and analytics, and digital marketing.

Google says since 2022, its Hustle Academy has trainer over 15 000 small to medium businesses in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, and its 2025 edition will emphasise AI-powered business training.