Google Cloud made history in Africa. After months of planning, the company officially launched its first cloud region on the continent this week. Right in Johannesburg, South Africa.
What does this mean? Faster internet, better AI tools, and a massive boost for African businesses.
And according to Google, that’s just the start.
Google Cloud launches in Johannesburg
The event kicked off on a high note with a performance by The Mzansi Youth Choir.
This was followed by a message from South Africa’s minister of communication, Solly Malatsi.
Malatsi extended his appreciation to Google for “this investment in South Africa’s digital future.” He said it “signals trust in our economy and supports our ambition to position South Africa as the tech heart of Africa.”
“Google’s investment strengthens our digital backbone, enhancing connectivity, data security, and computational power.”
He said it will enable businesses, entrepreneurs, and public institutions to operate more efficiently and scale their innovations globally.”
What Google Cloud brings to Africa
According to an independent study, the new cloud region could add around R38 billion to South Africa’s economy by 2030.
This could also create around 40,000 jobs.
That’s just part of Google’s R18 billion commitment to Africa’s digital future. Setting up a Google Cloud Region is a big step toward making that happen.
Google is also actively training learners and business owners through programs like:
- Cloud OnBoard & Cloud Hero: Deep dives into generative AI, machine learning, and cloud tech.
- Google Hustle Academy: Helping entrepreneurs sharpen their digital skills and scale their businesses.
Some of Africa’s biggest companies (FNB, Travelstart, and Pepkor, to name a few) are already using Google Cloud to run their operations.
And for the rest of us?
Better, faster internet
Google is laying down high-speed fibre, including a new undersea cable linking Kenya to Australia.
That, combined with existing networks, means faster and more reliable internet for businesses and consumers.
AI and machine learning for businesses
Companies now have direct access to Google’s advanced AI and data analytics.
This helps speed up processes, cut costs, and build smarter tools without relying on servers in Europe or the US.
A boost to local startups and jobs
For startups, it’s even better. The support from Google’s Startup Accelerator Africa programme is already paying off.
They’ve backed 106 startups across 17 African countries, which have collectively pulled in nearly R5 billion in funding and created over 2,800 direct jobs.
The tricky questions…
Google’s director for strategic missions and partnerships, Clayton Naidoo, acknowledged South African data centre providers the company partnered with to collocate its cloud capacity
But he declined to say who those partners were due to security concerns.
Naidoo did say the data centre capacity is collocated in Johannesburg in a facility with “robust infrastructure.”
Naidoo, along with Google managing director for SSA, Alex Okosi, and EMEA president Tara Brady also dodged questions about how much it all cost.
Concept clarified: Collocation is when a company rents space in a data centre to house its servers and hardware. In this case, that company happens to be Google.
AI for social good
Unanswered questions about partnerships aside, Google said it won’t just stop at business tools and benefits.
Their AI is also helping predict and respond to floods in Africa, providing cash aid to vulnerable communities, and improving healthcare access.
In Kenya, for example, Google is working with health organisations to improve maternal care and expand access to ultrasounds.
In short, this move lays the groundwork for Africa’s digital future – a future with faster internet, smarter AI, and more opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs.
