ATLANTA (Running Africa) — Google has exceeded its $1 billion, five-year investment commitment to Africa, unveiling a new wave of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and digital infrastructure projects aimed at accelerating innovation and economic growth across the continent.
The announcement was made during the inaugural Africa Cloud Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, building on the launch of Google’s Johannesburg cloud region in 2025.
As part of its latest expansion, Google revealed plans to establish its first African connectivity hub in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. The facility will connect Africa to Australia through the Umoja subsea cable while creating a new digital route to India, strengthening the continent’s global internet infrastructure and improving connectivity.
Google also announced the launch of Africa’s first Applied AI Lab in Ghana, where startups and developers will gain direct access to Google researchers, advanced AI tools and technical expertise to help scale locally developed solutions.
To support Africa’s creative economy, Google is partnering with actor and entrepreneur Idris Elba’s Akuna Group, investing more than $1 million to train underrepresented creators in AI-powered storytelling and digital content production.
In South Africa, Google and WeThinkCode will invest R3 million to establish a digital innovation centre in Soweto, creating new opportunities for technology education, entrepreneurship and digital skills development.
The tech giant also announced that its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program will support 15 South African startups, contributing to its broader target of backing 50 African startups between 2024 and 2028.
Google said the latest investments are designed to strengthen Africa’s digital economy, expand high-speed connectivity, foster AI innovation and equip entrepreneurs with the tools needed to compete in the global technology landscape.
The announcement underscores the growing importance of Africa in Google’s long-term strategy as the company increases investments in cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence and digital talent development across the continent.
