by Google has officially launched its cloud region in Johannesburg, marking a significant milestone in its ambitious $1 billion investment plan to transform Africa’s digital landscape. This cloud region in Johannesburg has been operational since January 2024 and is now ready for customer use, providing businesses across the continent with high-performance, secure, and low-latency cloud services.
The thriving startup environment in Africa is also fuelled by Google Cloud. Google Cloud has played a key role in helping more than 260 startups in 17 African nations through initiatives like Google for Startups Accelerator Africa.
Participating startups in the Accelerator Africa program can get up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits to help them establish and scale their businesses. Together, these businesses have raised over $600 million in follow-on capital, more than other startups in the African digital sector.
Enhancing Digital Transformation
The cloud region in Johannesburg empowers African businesses and multinational corporations by offering cutting-edge technologies such as AI, machine learning, data analytics, and comprehensive security solutions. This enables organizations to streamline operations, create innovative tools, and unlock new growth opportunities. Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, stated that the launch of the Johannesburg cloud region is a big step forward in Google’s long-standing commitment to Africa.
“By bringing cutting-edge cloud and AI technologies closer to the business and developers that are fueling the local economy, we hope to accelerate African innovation, bringing sustainable growth across the continent,” Kurian said.
Economic Impact
An independent economic impact study estimates that the cloud region in Johannesburg will contribute a cumulative $90.6 billion to South Africa’s gross economic output between 2025 and 2030, supporting the creation of over 314,900 jobs by 2030. President Cyril Ramaphosa praised the investment, highlighting its potential to transform nearly every part of the economy through AI.
“Google’s growing presence will benefit the people of South Africa and the rest of Africa by allowing firms and entrepreneurs to access the powerful potential of AI, transforming nearly every part of the economy,” Ramaphosa said.
Infrastructure Investments
The cloud region in Johannesburg is part of a broader initiative that includes significant infrastructure improvements across Africa. Google has announced new fibre optic cable routes, such as Umoja, which connects Kenya to Australia, enhancing network access and making it faster, more reliable, and affordable. This interconnected infrastructure is crucial for bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to digital advancements across Africa.
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