- Google Cloud has officially launched a new cloud region in Johannesburg, South Africa.
- With Africa’s internet economy projected to reach $180 billion by 2025, Google has committed $1 billion to support the continent’s digital transformation.
- Google Cloud’s network now spans 40 regions and 121 zones globally, ensuring robust connectivity.
Google Cloud has officially opened its new cloud region in Johannesburg, South Africa. This expansion is expected to revolutionize the continent’s tech landscape, providing businesses with access to cloud services, encouraging innovation, and contributing to the growth of the internet economy. This announcement happened the same day Oracle announced that it will set up a public cloud region in kenya.
What is Public Cloud?
Before diving into the details of Google Cloud’s latest venture, let’s briefly understand what public cloud entails. In simple terms, a public cloud refers to a computing environment where resources, such as virtual machines, storage, and applications, are hosted on servers owned and maintained by a third-party provider. These services are accessible over the internet, providing scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness for businesses.
A Google Cloud region is a geographical location where Google Cloud Platform (GCP) resources are hosted. Each region consists of multiple data centers that are strategically located to provide low-latency access and high availability for users and applications. These data centers within a region are connected by a high-capacity and low-latency network.
Africa’s internet economy is projected to reach a staggering $180 billion by 2025, contributing significantly to the continent’s GDP. Digital research consultancy firm, Xalam Analytics, reports that demand for cloud computing services in Africa is growing at between 25% and 30% annually.
Key Features of the Johannesburg Cloud Region:
- Accelerating the African tech ecosystem.
- Providing resources for scalability, innovation, and global competitiveness.
- Enhancing connectivity with Google’s secure network and subsea cable systems.
Network Expansion
With the addition of the Johannesburg region, Google Cloud’s network now spans 40 cloud regions and 121 zones, reaching over 200 countries and territories worldwide. The secure network includes a web of high-capacity fiber optic cables, such as the recently-completed Equiano subsea cable system connecting Portugal with Togo, Nigeria, Namibia, South Africa, and St. Helena. This infrastructure ensures robust and reliable connectivity for businesses relying on Google Cloud services.
Beyond infrastructure and services, Google Cloud is actively involved in empowering individuals and businesses through training programs. Initiatives like Cloud OnBoard, Cloud Hero, and Google Hustle Academy cover a spectrum of technology topics, including generative AI, machine learning, application and infrastructure modernization, data analytics, and digital marketing.
Furthermore, Google Cloud operates several programs aimed at supporting African startups. The Black Founders Fund Africa and Google for Startups Accelerator Africa have collectively backed 106 startups across 17 African countries, raising over $263 million in funding and creating over 2,800 direct jobs.
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