Google Cloud has officially launched its first African cloud region in Johannesburg, marking a major milestone in its $1 billion commitment to accelerating Africa’s digital transformation. Operational since January 2024, the new region provides AI, machine learning, analytics, and security tools to enhance efficiency and drive innovation across African businesses.
The launch builds on Google’s broader infrastructure investments on the continent, including the Umoja subsea cable linking Kenya to Australia, part of the Africa Connect initiative. These efforts aim to boost connectivity, lower internet costs, and bridge Africa’s digital divide.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa praised the investment, stating the Johannesburg region will “foster innovation across our economy” and expand the transformative power of AI.
Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, added: “By bringing cutting-edge cloud and AI technologies closer to businesses and developers, we hope to accelerate African innovation and sustainable growth.”
The launch event, held in Johannesburg, brought together global and regional leaders, customer success stories, and partners including Accenture, Deloitte, Digicloud, and Liquid C2. Enterprises such as FNB, Openserve, Pepkor, and Moniepoint shared how Google Cloud is powering their digital transformation journeys.
Beyond infrastructure, Google Cloud continues to invest in talent and startups. Programs like Cloud OnBoard, Hustle Academy, and Google for Startups Accelerator Africa have supported thousands of SMBs and over 260 startups across 17 countries—generating over $600 million in follow-on funding and driving job creation and recurring revenue.
A 2024 study by Public First estimated that Google services contributed $16 billion in economic activity to Sub-Saharan Africa in 2023 alone. The report projects a return of over $2 in value for every $1 invested in digital technologies by 2030.
Industry leaders hailed the launch as a game-changer:
Strive Masiyiwa, Chairman, Cassava Technologies: “A catalyst for African businesses… laying the groundwork for Africa’s digital future.”
Vukani Mngxati, CEO, Accenture Africa: “A significant leap forward… empowering businesses with agility and scalability.”
Joe Eshun, CEO, Deloitte East Africa: “Access to world-class AI and cloud services will drive a new wave of innovation.”
With its Johannesburg region, Google Cloud strengthens its position as a key enabler of Africa’s digital economy, offering scalable, AI-powered infrastructure to support innovation across sectors.
The move also intensifies competition among global cloud providers. Microsoft launched a data center in Johannesburg in 2019 and plans to expand with new facilities in South Africa and Kenya. Amazon Web Services (AWS) followed with its first African region in South Africa in 2020. Now, Google Cloud joins the fray with its Johannesburg region, further heating up Africa’s cloud computing landscape.
