Google has announced its intention to create its first cloud region in South Africa, representing another major multinational investment in the country’s cloud services ecosystem.

Google said businesses can now gain low latency by leveraging the Cloud Region’s services.

Niral Patel, Director of Google Cloud Africa.

Speaking at Google for Africa 2022, Niral Patel, Director of Google Cloud Africa, said: “Today we are deepening our commitment to investing in Africa’s digital transformation. I am excited to officially announce our intent to open a Google Cloud Region in South Africa, our first on the continent.”

South Africa will become part of the Google Cloud network incorporating 35 cloud regions and 106 zones worldwide.

“The South Africa cloud region will contribute a cumulative US$2.1-billion GDP contribution and will support the creation of over 40,000 jobs by the year 2030,” said Patel, who added: “The new region will allow for localisation of applications and services making it easier and faster for businesses to use our compute, Artificial Intelligence, Machine learning and Data analytics tools to make smarter decisions.”

In April 2020, Amazon launched its first Africa cloud region in South Africa which is comprised of three availability zones.

In January 2022, Oracle also announced the launch of its Cloud Region in Johannesburg, South Africa, to bring its cloud solutions to Africa-based businesses.

Google will also expand its internet and broadband services by building interconnect sites in several African cities.

“Along with the cloud region, we are expanding our network through the Equiano Subsea Cable, 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.

Google also reiterated its commitment to launch the first African product development centre in Nairobi that will support the development and roll out of Africa-focused technology innovation.