Google South Africa has officially launched a $109 million Google Cloud region in Johannesburg, enhancing local access to advanced data warehouse technology. This initiative is expected to generate $2.1 billion for the South African economy and create over 40,000 jobs by 2030. Additionally, the project supports Africa’s burgeoning internet economy, provides crucial training programs for stakeholders, and reinforces Google’s commitment to the continent’s digital transformation efforts.
On March 16, 2025, Google South Africa announced the launch of a new Google Cloud region in Johannesburg, marking a significant investment in business and technology transformation for South Africa and the broader African continent. This initiative provides local businesses access to the world’s leading data warehouse platform and connects South Africa to Google Cloud’s vast global network, which includes 40 regions and 121 zones worldwide, serving over 200 countries.
Ferdinand Steenkamp, Co-Founder of Cape Town-based data company Tregter, stated, “Bringing Google Cloud services closer to our local customers will enable them to innovate and securely deliver faster, more reliable experiences to their own customers. This will contribute a cumulative US$2.1 billion to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product and support the creation of more than 40,000 jobs by 2030.”
With Africa’s internet economy projected to reach $180 billion by 2025, comprising 5.2% of the continent’s GDP, Google South Africa’s secure, high-performance cloud services aim to position South Africa at the forefront of this technological advancement on the continent. This investment is part of Google’s commitment to inject $1 billion into Africa’s digital transformation, which is crucial for nurturing local tech talent and enhancing the startup ecosystem.
Google South Africa has also implemented various training programs for students and business owners, including Cloud OnBoard, Cloud Hero, and Google Hustle Academy. These initiatives focus on technology education, covering topics such as generative AI, machine learning, application modernization, data analytics, and digital marketing.
The introduction of Google Cloud will complement other initiatives aimed at supporting African startups, including the Black Founders Fund Africa and Google for Startups Accelerator Africa. These programs have collectively supported 106 startups in 17 African countries, raising over $263 million in funding and generating more than 2,800 direct jobs.
Steenkamp concluded that Google South Africa will significantly contribute to creating a fairer environment for African tech entrepreneurs, providing extensive benefits across various business sectors and serving as a launchpad for the growth of Africa’s tech landscape.
In conclusion, the launch of the Google Cloud region in Johannesburg marks a transformative milestone for South Africa and the African continent. It establishes South Africa as an integral part of Google’s global infrastructure, fostering innovation and economic growth while creating thousands of jobs. The initiative is poised to enhance the local tech ecosystem and provide crucial support to startups, underscoring Google’s commitment to bolstering Africa’s digital transformation and tech talent development.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
