The continent finally has its head in the (Google) clouds.
According to Moneyweb, the global tech company has launched the first-ever Google Cloud region in Africa, with the official opening of the ZAR2.5 billion Johannesburg cloud region on 16 March, giving local businesses access to the one of world’s leading data warehouse platforms.
The system went live in January, connecting South Africa to Google Cloud’s global network of 40 regions and 121 zones, delivering services to more than 200 countries and territories.
Ferdinand Steenkamp, co-founder at Cape Town-based data company Tregter, explained the importance of the development to Moneyweb. ‘Bringing Google Cloud services closer to our local customers will enable them to innovate and securely deliver faster, more reliable experiences to their own customers.’
He estimated that the Johannesburg Google Cloud region would contribute a total of US$2.1 billion to South Africa’s GDP and support the creation of more than 40 000 jobs by 2030.
‘With Africa’s internet economy estimated to reach $180 billion by 2025, this sector will account for 5.2% of the continent’s GDP. Google South Africa’s secure, high-performance, low-latency cloud service will put South Africa at the cutting edge of this technological revolution on the continent,’ he said.
IT Web reports that the Johannesburg cloud region is part of Google’s commitment to invest US$1 billion over five years, to boost Africa’s digital transformation.
‘Like all Google Cloud regions, the Johannesburg region is connected to Google’s secure network, comprising a system of high-capacity fibre-optic cables under land and sea around the world. This includes the recently completed Equiano subsea cable system that connects Portugal with Togo, Nigeria, Namibia, South Africa, and St Helena,’ Google announced in an online blog.
‘By bringing cutting-edge cloud and AI technologies closer to the business and developers that are fueling the local economy, we hope to accelerate African innovation, bringing sustainable growth across the continent,’ said Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian.
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