Google Officially Announce Plans for Google Cloud Data Center in South Africa
A new Google Cloud region will be launched in South Africa; this is according to the US-based internet search giant Google. As part of its plans to invest in the construction of a cloud infrastructure area in the medium- to long-term, Google had previously stated its intention to establish a data center in South Africa in September.
The announcement was made today at the second Google for Africa event, and according to the firm, it is the latest example of how Google is delivering on the $1 billion investment commitment made by the company’s CEO, Sundar Pichai.
Pichai stated that Google would spend $1 billion over the course of five years to support the digital transformation of Africa last year. Google’s decision to launch its local area follows rivals Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, who took the initiative to create data center facilities in South Africa.
Google claims that the new cloud region will assist users, developers, companies, and educational institutions throughout Africa in moving more information and tools online, enhancing customer access options, and ultimately generating jobs. According to study conducted by AlphaBeta Economics under contract with Google Cloud, the South African cloud region will boost GDP by more than $2.1 billion (R37 billion) in total, and will support the creation of more than 40 000 jobs by 2030.
Niral Patel, director of Google Cloud Africa said that Google believes in growing an open and healthy ecosystem of technological solutions to support Africa’s ambitions for digital transformation, which opens up more economic prospects.
“It is part of our company-wide ethos to respect the environment, which is why we operate the cleanest cloud in the industry, supporting sustainable digital transformation. Along with the cloud region, we are expanding our network through the Equiano subsea cable and building dedicated cloud interconnect sites in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Lagos and Nairobi. In doing so, we are building full-scale cloud capability for Africa,” said Patel.
In order to create better goods for Africans and the rest of the world, Google earlier this year announced plans to launch its first African product development center in Nairobi. For its three million local clients to shop online in South Africa, Google Cloud already collaborates with retailer Takealot.
Deputy minister of communications and digital technologies Philly Mapulane, says: “Our National Development Plan 2030 calls for stimulating growth in the information, communication and technology (ICT) sector and innovation by driving public and private ICT investment, especially in network upgrades and expansion.
“Google’s recent efforts in this regard have been particularly encouraging. The Equiano cable landed in Cape Town recently, and the improved speed and reduced internet costs that this can deliver has the potential to drive much fuller internet participation for many more South Africans.”