Africa News 24 Pretoria Bureau
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — In a landmark move for Africa’s digital transformation, Google South Africa officially launched its new Google Cloud region in Johannesburg on March 16, 2025. The R2.5 billion ($1 billion) investment marks the tech giant’s first cloud region on the continent, positioning South Africa at the forefront of the global digital economy and providing local businesses with access to the world’s leading data warehouse platform.
The Johannesburg cloud region is part of Google Cloud’s expansive global network, which now spans 40 regions and 121 zones across more than 200 countries and territories. By bringing its cloud services closer to African customers, Google aims to enable faster, more reliable, and secure digital experiences for businesses and consumers alike.
The launch of the Google Cloud region is expected to have a transformative impact on South Africa’s economy and the broader continent. According to Ferdinand Steenkamp, co-founder of Tregter, a Cape Town-based data company, the project will contribute a cumulative $2.1 billion to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and support the creation of over 40,000 jobs by 2030.
“With Africa’s internet economy projected to reach $180 billion by 2025, accounting for 5.2% of the continent’s GDP, this investment places South Africa at the cutting edge of the technological revolution,” Steenkamp said. “Google’s secure, high-performance, and low-latency cloud services will empower local businesses to innovate and compete on a global scale.”
The new cloud region is a key component of Google’s $1 billion commitment to boost Africa’s digital transformation, announced in 2021. The initiative aims to build the infrastructure needed to nurture tech talent, enhance the startup ecosystem, and support the development of homegrown tech leaders across the continent.
In addition to the infrastructure investment, Google South Africa has rolled out a series of training programmes designed to equip learners and business owners with cutting-edge digital skills. Programs like Cloud OnBoard, Cloud Hero, and Google Hustle Academy cover topics such as generative AI, machine learning, application modernisation data analytics, and digital marketing.
The launch of the cloud region also strengthens Google’s support for African startups through initiatives like the Black Founders Fund Africa and the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa. To date, these programmes have supported 106 startups across 17 African countries, helping them raise over $263 million in funding and create more than 2,800 direct jobs.
“Google South Africa is playing a pivotal role in levelling the playing field for African tech entrepreneurs,” Steenkamp added. “This investment will benefit businesses beyond the tech sector, serving as a launchpad for broader efforts to power the growth of Africa’s digital economy.”
The Johannesburg cloud region is set to revolutionise how African businesses operate by providing access to Google Cloud’s advanced data analytics, AI, and machine learning tools. These technologies will enable companies to optimise operations, improve customer experiences, and drive innovation across industries such as finance, healthcare, agriculture, and retail.
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For example, local businesses will be able to leverage Google Cloud’s data warehouse platform to analyse vast amounts of data in real time, gaining insights that can inform decision-making and strategy. The low-latency infrastructure will also ensure faster access to cloud services, reducing downtime and enhancing productivity.
The launch of the Google Cloud region in Johannesburg represents a significant milestone in Africa’s journey toward becoming a global tech hub. By investing in infrastructure, skills development, and startup support, Google is helping to unlock the continent’s vast potential and create opportunities for millions of people.
As Africa’s digital economy continues to grow, initiatives like this will be critical in ensuring that the continent remains competitive in an increasingly interconnected world. With Google’s support, South Africa and its neighbours are poised to lead the charge in shaping the future of technology and innovation.
