Google Cloud has launched its first African cloud region in Johannesburg. This is part of Google’s $1 billion investment pledge to support Africa’s digital growth.
The Johannesburg cloud region has been operational since January 2024. It provides African businesses and multinationals access to advanced computing, data analytics, and security tools. These services help companies build digital products, run applications closer to their users, and improve service delivery.
The cloud region complements Google’s broader infrastructure projects on the continent. In May 2024, Google Cloud announced the Umoja fibre optic cable linking Kenya to Australia. Umoja joins the Equiano cable and Johannesburg cloud region under Africa Connect, a programme designed to improve internet speeds and reliability across Africa.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the investment will support businesses and entrepreneurs accessing emerging technologies like AI to drive economic activity.
Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian said the Johannesburg region brings cloud services closer to African developers and companies driving local economies.
The launch event at Gallagher Convention Centre featured industry and government leaders, including South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi. Business and technical sessions gave attendees hands-on exposure to Google Cloud services. Sponsors included Accenture, ADG, Deimos, Deloitte, Digicloud and Liquid C2.
The event showcased use cases from organisations like 4G Capital, FNB, Government of Benin, Healthbridge, Jaguar Land Rover, Moniepoint, Openserve, Pepkor, Salus, Smollan, Syft, Travelstart and Vodacom.
Google Cloud also runs skills development programs like Cloud OnBoard, Cloud Hero, and Hustle Academy. These initiatives train people across Africa in cloud computing, AI, machine learning, and digital marketing. Since 2022, Hustle Academy has trained over 15,000 small businesses in Kenya, Nigeri,a and South Africa. The 2025 edition will continue focusing on AI-powered business skills.
Google for Startups Accelerator Africa supports early-stage companies with mentorship and cloud credits of up to $350,000. More than 260 startups from 17 African countries have participated, raising over $600 million in follow-on funding. The program has also driven a 31% increase in jobs and a 25% rise in monthly revenue among participants.
A Public First report in September 2024 estimates that Google Cloud, alongside other Google services, enabled $16 billion in economic activity in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2023. The report projects that every $1 invested in digital technologies in the region will generate over $2 in economic value by 2030.
