Google Expands AI and Cloud Infrastructure Across Africa to Boost Digital Access

Google is accelerating its African digital infrastructure push with four new subsea cable hubs spanning the continent's cardinal regions. The initiative targets 500 million cloud service users by 2030, building on existing projects like the Johannesburg cloud region and Equiano/Umoja cable systems. Connectivity improvements aim to catalyze GDP growth while future-proofing Africa's workforce.

The tech giant is prioritizing youth upskilling programs, anticipating the continent's under-25 population will surpass 830 million by mid-century. Language accessibility forms another pillar of the strategy, with Google Translate's African language support expanding from 30 to 50+ tongues within a year.

James Manyika, Google's SVP of Research, positions AI as a transformative lever for continental development. The infrastructure rollout coincides with growing cryptocurrency adoption across African markets, where decentralized finance solutions increasingly complement traditional banking gaps.