Google Cloud has officially expanded its reach in Africa with the launch of a new cloud region in Johannesburg, South Africa. Niral Patel, the Director of Google Cloud for Africa, expressed excitement about how this move would accelerate the African tech ecosystem. He emphasized the region’s potential to provide resources for organizations to scale, innovate, and compete globally.
Patel highlighted that businesses across the continent now have access to high-performance, secure, and low-latency cloud services. The addition of Johannesburg brings Google’s cloud network to a total of 40 cloud regions and 121 zones, extending its services to over 200 countries and territories worldwide.
The Johannesburg region is connected to Google’s secure network, utilizing a system of high-capacity fiber optic cables globally. This includes the Equiano subsea cable system connecting Portugal with Togo, Nigeria, Namibia, South Africa, and St. Helena. The infrastructure aims to ensure robust and reliable connectivity for the region.
Quoting International Finance Corporation (IFC) statistics, Patel pointed out that Africa’s Internet economy is projected to reach $180 billion by 2025, constituting 5.2% of the continent’s GDP. Google’s commitment of $1 billion over five years, starting in 2021, aligns with the goal of boosting Africa’s digital transformation.
Google’s cloud joins the investment strides of other global hyperscalers like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure in South Africa region in Johannesburg. Microsoft Azure and AWS had previously established data centers in Johannesburg and Cape Town, respectively.
Beyond infrastructure, Google is committed to providing training on the latest cloud technologies and sustainable business practices. Programs like Cloud OnBoard, Cloud Hero, and the Google Hustle Academy aim to empower individuals and businesses with essential skills. Google has also invested in initiatives supporting African startups, such as the Black Founders Fund Africa and Google for Startups Accelerator Africa
Google Cloud will host a launch event for the Johannesburg cloud region later in the year. This event aims to showcase the transformative potential of the cloud region for businesses across the continent
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