Google opens 1st African Cloud office in Johannesburg

Yesterday, Google Cloud officially celebrated the opening of its first African cloud region in Johannesburg. According to the company, the launch is a significant milestone in its $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.

Held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, the launch event featured keynote addresses from industry and government leaders, including Tara Brady, President, Google Cloud Europe, Middle East and Africa; Alex Okosi, Managing Director, Google Sub-Saharan Africa and Honorable Minister Solly Malatsi, South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies.

The event demonstrated the revolutionary potential of cloud technology for African businesses and individuals. It provided attendees with valuable insights and hands-on experience with Google Cloud’s advanced technologies and showcased its extensive partner network, featuring over 20 sponsors and exhibitors.

Speaking at the launch, South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa said that the Google Cloud region in Johannesburg is a valuable investment in his country that will foster innovation across the region.

“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”, he explained.

Also speaking at the event, Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud said that Google’s longstanding commitment to Africa has taken 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 fueling the local economy, we hope to accelerate African innovation, bringing sustainable growth across the continent”, he explained.

The agenda also highlighted customer success stories and executive insights from the likes of 4G Capital, FNB, Government of Benin, Healthbridge, Jaguar Land Rover, Moniepoint, Openserve, Pepkor, Salus, Smollan, Syft, Travelstart, and Vodacom.

Cementing Google’s commitment to Africa

In 2021, Google CEO, Sundar Pichai announced the plan to invest $1 billion over 5 years to support Africa’s digital transformation. In May 2024, it announced a new fibre optic cable route from Kenya to Australia – Umoja.

Umoja is the Swahili word for unity. Anchored in Kenya, the Umoja cable route will pass through Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. It will also pass through the Google Cloud region, before crossing the Indian Ocean to Australia.

The cable joins Equiano in an initiative called Africa Connect. Recall that Google announced the arrival of its mega subsea cable, Equiano to Lagos, Nigeria, just a month after its first African landing in Togo last April. The project has been named after Nigerian-born writer and abolitionist, Olaudah Equiano (also known as Gustavus Vassa).

Now, with the launch of the Johannesburg Google Cloud region, the three projects will 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.

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 modernization, 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 emphasize AI-powered business training.

Google Cloud is also a driving force behind Africa’s vibrant startup scene. Through programs like Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, Google Cloud has been instrumental in supporting over 260 startups across 17 African countries.

Participating startups in the Accelerator Africa program can receive up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits to build and scale their businesses.

These startups have achieved remarkable success, collectively raising over $600 million in follow-on funding, surpassing funding levels seen by other startups 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 startups.

According to a Public First digital impact study released in Sep 2024, Google Cloud, together with Google Search, Google Play, YouTube, and Google advertising tools delivered $16 billion of additional economic activity for Sub-Saharan businesses, nonprofits, publishers, creators, and developers in 2023.

Public First found that every $1 invested in digital technology in the region will generate over $2 in economic value by 2030, with an even greater return in front-runner nations.