Google Cloud has officially launched its first African cloud region in Johannesburg, South Africa, in a move aimed at accelerating digital transformation across the continent. This landmark initiative, operational since January 2024, brings crucial cloud computing services to businesses and multinational corporations in the region, offering advanced capabilities in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and enhanced security solutions.
This cloud region is part of a wider investment strategy by Google on the African continent, which includes the May 2024 announcement of the Umoja fiber optic cable route connecting Kenya to Australia. This new cable will complement the existing Equiano cable, under an initiative known as Africa Connect, a project aimed at improving network reliability, lowering costs, and facilitating access to cloud services across Africa.
On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the launch event held at the Gallagher Convention Centre, key figures such as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian spoke about the importance of this development. President Ramaphosa noted, "The Google Cloud region in Johannesburg is a valuable investment in South Africa, fostering innovation across our economy. Google’s growing presence will benefit the people of South Africa and the rest of Africa by allowing firms and entrepreneurs to access the powerful potential of AI, transforming nearly every part of the economy.”
Kurian echoed this sentiment, stating, "Google’s longstanding commitment to Africa takes a significant step forward with the launch of the Johannesburg cloud region. By bringing cutting-edge cloud and AI technologies closer to the businesses and developers that are fueling the local economy, we hope to accelerate African innovation, bringing sustainable growth across the continent."
The launch event featured keynotes from various industry and government leaders, as well as business and technical tracks that offered attendees insights and hands-on experience with Google Cloud’s advanced technologies. With more than 20 sponsors and exhibitors, including Accenture, Deloitte, and Liquid C2, attendees received a wealth of knowledge about leveraging cloud technologies.
In a related initiative, Google has also announced the graduation of the first cohort of businesses from its Startups Accelerator: South Africa programme. The announcement was made on Monday, March 24, 2025, featuring 15 start-ups that were selected in November 2024. These start-ups went through a three-month mentorship programme designed to equip founders with the essential tools and skills needed to scale their businesses.
According to Folarin Aiyegbusi, head of the start-up ecosystem for Africa at Google, "This programme is one of our many efforts to support start-ups globally, but in this instance, across Africa, and specifically South Africa. We’re connecting these start-ups with all the best of Google in terms of our people, methodologies, and advanced technologies. We do this to help them grow and scale, and to help them solve the community challenges they face in their respective markets." He also highlighted the long-term impact this programme could have on local economies and communities.
While the South Africa-specific programme began in November, Google has been running broader accelerator programmes across Africa since 2018. More than 1,100 start-ups have benefited from this global initiative, with a remarkable 95% continuing to operate successfully today. Nineteen alumni have reached unicorn status, with valuations exceeding $1 billion, and one start-up has achieved decacorn status, valued at over $10 billion.
As the landscape of technology and business continues to evolve, the new cloud region and the graduate start-ups exemplify Google’s commitment to nurturing innovation within Africa. The support these businesses receive, including free credits for application development on the Google Cloud Platform and tailored funding based on their needs, helps propel them toward success in competitive markets.
Key contributors to this success story include start-ups like AssetShare, Aveade, and Botlhale AI Solutions, among others, each showcasing diverse industries and showing promising financial metrics. For instance, AssetShare has reported $5,000 in funding with a monthly recurring revenue of $1,000 while supporting a client base of 30 users with fewer than five employees.
As we look forward, the launch of the Johannesburg cloud region alongside the graduation of the start-ups offers a glimpse into a brighter, tech-driven future for Africa. Google’s initiatives reflect a burgeoning tech ecosystem ready to drive economic growth and foster innovation in the region.
