Grace Ashiru
As Google Cloud expands its cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence investments across Africa, the company estimates that its Johannesburg Cloud Region will add approximately $90.6 billion to the continent’s economy while supporting close to 315,000 jobs by 2030.
During Google Cloud’s first Africa Cloud Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Maureen Costello, Vice President for UK, Ireland, and Sub Saharan Africa at Google Cloud, revealed the projection while also introducing five new artificial intelligence initiatives designed to accelerate digital transformation across the African continent.
Around 3,000 business executives, software developers, government representatives, and technology partners participated in the event.
According to Maureen Costello, the newly announced initiatives expand on Google’s existing $1 billion investment commitment across Africa.
She explained that businesses across Africa are shifting from experimenting with artificial intelligence to implementing practical AI solutions that enhance operations and fuel business growth.
As part of the announcement, Google disclosed plans to build a Digital Exchange Port in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, a move aimed at strengthening international connectivity and improving the resilience of internet infrastructure.
The facility will become the first of four planned connectivity hubs across Africa, directly connecting the continent to Australia through the Umoja subsea cable while also establishing a new undersea link to India.
Google also introduced Africa’s first Applied AI Lab, which will be established in Accra, Ghana.
Designed to support innovation across business, education, software development, and the creative industry, the facility will give African startup founders direct access to Google researchers and early use of the company’s newest AI models for building locally relevant solutions.
According to Google’s Senior Vice President for Research, Labs, Technology and Society, James Manyika, the latest investments reflect the company’s long term commitment to strengthening AI innovation driven by African talent.
He stated that the initiatives are designed to strengthen partnerships, expand digital infrastructure, and provide innovators with the resources required to develop AI solutions suited to Africa’s distinct challenges.
Google also revealed that applications for the 2026 South African Google for Startups Accelerator are scheduled to open on July 21.
As part of Google’s commitment to support 50 African startups by 2028, the programme will select 15 startups to receive AI focused training, mentorship, and equity free funding.
In a move to advance digital skills development, Google will collaborate with WeThinkCode to establish a three million rand Digital Innovation Centre at South West Gauteng TVET College in Soweto.
Google.org also pledged more than $1 million to support The Akuna Group’s AI education programme, broadening access to digital skills and artificial intelligence training for underrepresented African creators across the continent.
According to Cyril Ramaphosa, Africa is emerging as a key growth market for the global cloud ecosystem, supported by continued investment in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure.
According to Google, the new investments are intended to reinforce Africa’s digital economy by helping businesses, startups, and developers capitalize on emerging artificial intelligence opportunities across the continent.
