Google Cloud has projected that its Johannesburg Cloud Region will contribute an additional $90.6 billion to Africa’s economy and support nearly 315,000 jobs by 2030 as the technology giant accelerates investments in artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure across the continent.
The projection was announced during Google Cloud’s first Africa Cloud Summit in Johannesburg, where the company introduced five new artificial intelligence initiatives aimed at strengthening digital transformation, expanding connectivity and supporting innovation across African markets.
The latest expansion builds on Google’s existing $1 billion investment commitment to Africa, with Brandspur Brand News reporting that the company is increasing support for startups, developers, educational institutions and digital infrastructure to drive long-term economic growth.
Among the new projects is the establishment of a Digital Exchange Port in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, which will improve internet resilience by connecting Africa directly to Australia through the Umoja subsea cable while also providing a new subsea link to India. The facility will be the first of four planned connectivity hubs across the continent.
Google also announced the launch of Africa’s first Applied AI Lab in Accra, Ghana, where startup founders will work with Google researchers and gain early access to the company’s latest artificial intelligence models to develop solutions tailored to sectors including business, education, software development and the creative economy.
The company further revealed that applications for the 2026 South African Google for Startups Accelerator will open on July 21. The programme will admit 15 startups for AI-focused mentorship, technical training and equity-free support as part of Google’s broader target of assisting 50 African startups by 2028.
To strengthen digital skills development, Google will partner with WeThinkCode to establish a three-million-rand Digital Innovation Centre at South West Gauteng TVET College in Soweto. In addition, Google.org has committed more than $1 million to expand artificial intelligence education through The Akuna Group, with a focus on increasing access for underrepresented African creators.
The latest investments reflect Google’s strategy to deepen Africa’s digital economy by expanding cloud infrastructure, improving connectivity, supporting AI innovation and creating opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs to compete in the rapidly evolving global technology landscape.
