Continental digital transformation steaming ahead
Google Cloud celebrates first cloud region in Africa
Google Cloud last week officially celebrated the opening of its first African cloud region in Johannesburg – a significant milestone in Google's U$1 billion investment pledge to help accelerate Africa's digital transformation.
Operational since January 2024, the Johannesburg cloud region directly supports African businesses and multinational corporations operating on the African continent by providing access to cutting-edge technologies: innovative AI and machine learning, powerful data analytics and comprehensive security solutions. This enables organisations to improve operational efficiency, build groundbreaking tools, and ultimately unlock new growth opportunities.
Google Cloud’s region builds on wider infrastructure investments into the continent.
In May 2024, Google Cloud announced a new fibre optic cable route from Kenya to Australia – Umoja – which will join Equiano and now the Johannesburg Google Cloud region to form an initiative called Africa Connect that will enhance network access, making it faster, more reliable and more affordable.
These infrastructure investments are crucial for bridging the digital divide and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their location, can benefit from the digital revolution.
Speaking about the milestone, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa said that the Google Cloud region in Johannesburg is a valuable investment in South Africa, “fostering innovation across our economy. 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.”
Commitment
Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud said: “Google's longstanding commitment to Africa takes a significant step forward with the launch of the Johannesburg cloud region. By bringing cutting-edge cloud and AI technologies closer to the business and developers that are fuelling the local economy, we hope to accelerate African innovation, bringing sustainable growth across the continent.”
The launch featured keynote addresses from industry and government leaders, including Tara Brady, President of Google Cloud Europe, Middle East and Africa; Alex Okosi, Managing Director of Google Sub-Saharan Africa; and Solly Malatsi, South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, demonstrating the revolutionary potential of cloud technology for African businesses and individuals.
Business and technical tracks, along with a partner expo, provided attendees with valuable insights and hands-on experience with Google Cloud's advanced technologies. The event also showcased Google Cloud’s extensive partner network, featuring over 20 sponsors and exhibitors.
Premier sponsors included Accenture, ADG, Deimos, Deloitte, Digicloud and Liquid C2.
The agenda also highlighted customer success stories and executive insights from the likes of 4G Capital, FNB, the Government of Benin, Healthbridge, Jaguar Land Rover, Moniepoint, Openserve, Pepkor, Salus, Smollan, Syft, Travelstart, and Vodacom.
Enablement
Further demonstrating its commitment to Africa, Google Cloud provides people and businesses with enablement and training on the latest cloud technologies and sustainable business practices.
Programmes like Cloud OnBoard, Cloud Hero and Google Hustle Academy are equipping learners and business owners across the continent with critical skills in generative AI, machine learning, application and infrastructure modernisation, data and analytics, and digital marketing.
Since 2022, Hustle Academy has successfully trained over 15 000 SMBs in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa and the 2025 edition will continue to emphasise AI-powered business training.
Google Cloud is also a driving force behind Africa's vibrant start-up scene. Through programmes like Google for Start-ups Accelerator Africa, Google Cloud has been instrumental in supporting over 260 start-ups across 17 African countries.
Participating start-ups in the Accelerator Africa programme can receive up to U$350 000 in Google Cloud credits to build and scale their businesses. These start-ups have achieved remarkable success, collectively raising over U$600 million in follow-on funding, surpassing funding levels seen by other start-ups in the African tech sector.
This support has also translated into tangible growth, with a 31% increase in employment and a 25% increase in monthly recurring revenue among the participating start-ups.
According to a Public First digital impact study released in September 2024, Google Cloud, together with Google Search, Google Play, YouTube and Google advertising tools delivered U$16 billion of additional economic activity for Sub-Saharan businesses, non-profits, publishers, creators and developers in 2023.
Public First found that every U$1 invested in digital technology in the region will generate over U$2 in economic value by 2030, with an even greater return in front-runner nations.
Google Cloud’s region builds on wider infrastructure investments into the continent.
In May 2024, Google Cloud announced a new fibre optic cable route from Kenya to Australia – Umoja – which will join Equiano and now the Johannesburg Google Cloud region to form an initiative called Africa Connect that will enhance network access, making it faster, more reliable and more affordable.
These infrastructure investments are crucial for bridging the digital divide and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their location, can benefit from the digital revolution.
Speaking about the milestone, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa said that the Google Cloud region in Johannesburg is a valuable investment in South Africa, “fostering innovation across our economy. 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.”
Commitment
Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud said: “Google's longstanding commitment to Africa takes a significant step forward with the launch of the Johannesburg cloud region. By bringing cutting-edge cloud and AI technologies closer to the business and developers that are fuelling the local economy, we hope to accelerate African innovation, bringing sustainable growth across the continent.”
The launch featured keynote addresses from industry and government leaders, including Tara Brady, President of Google Cloud Europe, Middle East and Africa; Alex Okosi, Managing Director of Google Sub-Saharan Africa; and Solly Malatsi, South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, demonstrating the revolutionary potential of cloud technology for African businesses and individuals.
Business and technical tracks, along with a partner expo, provided attendees with valuable insights and hands-on experience with Google Cloud's advanced technologies. The event also showcased Google Cloud’s extensive partner network, featuring over 20 sponsors and exhibitors.
Premier sponsors included Accenture, ADG, Deimos, Deloitte, Digicloud and Liquid C2.
The agenda also highlighted customer success stories and executive insights from the likes of 4G Capital, FNB, the Government of Benin, Healthbridge, Jaguar Land Rover, Moniepoint, Openserve, Pepkor, Salus, Smollan, Syft, Travelstart, and Vodacom.
Enablement
Further demonstrating its commitment to Africa, Google Cloud provides people and businesses with enablement and training on the latest cloud technologies and sustainable business practices.
Programmes like Cloud OnBoard, Cloud Hero and Google Hustle Academy are equipping learners and business owners across the continent with critical skills in generative AI, machine learning, application and infrastructure modernisation, data and analytics, and digital marketing.
Since 2022, Hustle Academy has successfully trained over 15 000 SMBs in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa and the 2025 edition will continue to emphasise AI-powered business training.
Google Cloud is also a driving force behind Africa's vibrant start-up scene. Through programmes like Google for Start-ups Accelerator Africa, Google Cloud has been instrumental in supporting over 260 start-ups across 17 African countries.
Participating start-ups in the Accelerator Africa programme can receive up to U$350 000 in Google Cloud credits to build and scale their businesses. These start-ups have achieved remarkable success, collectively raising over U$600 million in follow-on funding, surpassing funding levels seen by other start-ups in the African tech sector.
This support has also translated into tangible growth, with a 31% increase in employment and a 25% increase in monthly recurring revenue among the participating start-ups.
According to a Public First digital impact study released in September 2024, Google Cloud, together with Google Search, Google Play, YouTube and Google advertising tools delivered U$16 billion of additional economic activity for Sub-Saharan businesses, non-profits, publishers, creators and developers in 2023.
Public First found that every U$1 invested in digital technology in the region will generate over U$2 in economic value by 2030, with an even greater return in front-runner nations.
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