Google Cloud Opens New Google Cloud Region In Johannesburg
Google Cloud Opens New Google Cloud Region In Johannesburg. Google Cloud has announced that the Johannesburg cloud region in South Africa is ready for customer use. Businesses of all sizes across the continent now have access to high-performance, secure and low-latency cloud services. The company will host a launch event in Johannesburg later this year to celebrate the opening of the cloud region and showcase the transformative potential it holds for businesses across the continent.
The Google Cloud region in Johannesburg will accelerate the African tech ecosystem, providing organizations with the resources they need to scale, innovate, and compete in the global marketplace. The company is excited to partner with organizations across the continent and help them discover the advantages of digital transformation.
Africa’s internet economy is estimated to reach $180 billion by 2025, accounting for 5.2% of the continent’s gross domestic product (GDP). Google alone has committed $1 billion to boost Africa’s digital transformation, recognizing that key drivers of the continent’s growth will include investing in infrastructure, nurturing the growing tech talent pool, and enabling a vibrant startup ecosystem.
With the addition of the Johannesburg region, its network now totals 40 cloud regions and 121 zones, which together deliver Google Cloud services to over 200 countries and territories worldwide. Like all Google Cloud regions, the Johannesburg region is connected to Google’s secure network, comprising a system of high-capacity fiber optic cables under land and sea around the world. This includes the recently-completed Equiano subsea cable system that connects Portugal with Togo, Nigeria, Namibia, South Africa, and St. Helena.
Beyond infrastructure and services, the company is committed to providing people and businesses with enablement and training on the latest cloud technologies and sustainable business practices. Learners and business owners have participated in training programs like Cloud OnBoard, Cloud Hero and Google Hustle Academy, which cover technology topics like generative AI (gen AI), machine learning (ML), application and infrastructure modernization, data and analytics, and digital marketing.
Google Cloud also operates numerous programs for African startups, including Black Founders Fund Africa and Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, which has supported 106 startups across 17 African countries — startups that have collectively raised over $263 million in funding and created over 2,800 direct jobs. In the October 2023 cohort of its AI First Accelerator Program, 11 startups will embark on a 10-week journey to scale their AI solutions for Africa and globally, leverage up to $350,000 in Google Cloud Credits, and gain access to Google’s AI expertise and support.
The launch of the Johannesburg region has been met with enthusiasm by organizations, partners and existing Google Cloud customers across Africa. “As a company that’s committed to creating financial satisfaction in emerging markets, we’ve seen incredible scale and impact owing to Google Cloud’s infrastructure. The new cloud region brings our services closer to millions of people who need it, setting the pace for much bigger digital transformation across Africa. Powered by our collaboration with Google Cloud, people experience payments and digital banking differently everyday through our products. We’re excited to scale this impact to more markets with greater support from the new Google Cloud region.” said Felix Ike, Chief Technology Officer, Moniepoint.
