Google Cloud’s new cloud region in Johannesburg, South Africa, is now operational, marking Google Cloud’s first cloud region in Africa and a key step toward digital transformation on the continent. Later this year, a festive launch event is planned in Johannesburg to mark this achievement and showcase the revolutionary influence this cloud region can have on African enterprises.
Africa’s Internet economy is expected to expand at a quick rate and reach $180 billion by 2025, or 5.2% of the continent's GDP. Acknowledging the significance of this expansion, Google Cloud is investing $1 billion to support Africa's digital development. The development of infrastructure, fostering the growing pool of tech talent, and supporting the thriving startup environment are the main objectives of this investment.
It is anticipated that the Johannesburg cloud region would greatly strengthen the African digital sector, giving businesses the tools they need to grow, develop, and contend on a global scale. Google Cloud’s network presently consists of 40 cloud regions and 121 zones, including the Johannesburg area, which together provide Google Cloud services to more than 200 nations and territories globally. Like all other Google Cloud regions, this one is linked to Google's secured worldwide network, which includes the newly finished Equiano underwater cable connection that connects Portugal to many African nations.
Supporting Entrepreneurs in Africa
Google focuses on teaching people and organizations in sustainable business practices and the newest cloud technologies, in addition to infrastructure. This project includes training programs like Cloud OnBoard, Cloud Hero, and Google Hustle Academy, which cover everything from digital marketing to generative AI and machine learning.
Google Cloud has another major area of focus: supporting entrepreneurs in Africa. 106 businesses in 17 countries have benefited from programs like the Google for businesses Accelerator Africa and the Black Founders Fund Africa. Together, these firms have secured more than $263 million in capital and produced thousands of new employment. Another program that gives entrepreneurs the potential to grow their AI solutions internationally is the AI First Accelerator Program.
Both current Google Cloud customers in Africa and other enterprises have warmly welcomed the new cloud area. Businesses that have voiced optimism about the possibilities of this new area to improve their digital offerings include Moniepoint, Pepkor IT, and MTN Group. For these businesses, the new cloud region is a game-changer in terms of improving services for millions of people and using real-time data analytics to transform consumer experiences.
The project is praised by FNB, one of South Africa's most valuable brands, which sees it as a way to speed up the delivery of digital financial products and a major boost to the continent's digital transformation. Liquid C2, Africa Digital Group, and Deloitte Africa concur that the launch of this cloud area would spur long-term expansion and digital transformation in a number of industries, such as telecommunications, retail, healthcare, and financial services.
Beyond just a technical advancement, the new Google Cloud region shows a dedication to enabling African businesses to compete more successfully on a global scale. It's about giving African entrepreneurs access to Google Cloud's cutting-edge technology and building an ecosystem that has a significant positive influence on communities, according to Google itself.
