Google officially launches its first African cloud ‘region’

Google officially launches its first African cloud ‘region’

  • 20.03.2025 06:56
  • techcentral.co.za
  • Keywords: danger, success

Google has officially launched its first African cloud region in Johannesburg, entering Africa's data center market while competing with Microsoft and Amazon. Although operational over a year ago, Google recently held an event to showcase its investment, following Microsoft's announcement of significant cloud infrastructure spending in South Africa.

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Estimated market influence

Google

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Launched first African cloud region in Johannesburg, competing with Microsoft and AWS. Invested $1 billion across Africa including fibre infrastructure.

Microsoft

Microsoft

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Strong buy

Invested R20.4 billion in Azure data centers in South Africa, announced during an event with President Ramaphosa.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Spent billions on Cape Town data centers to service AWS customers in the region.

Context

Analysis of Google's Launch of First African Cloud Region

  • Google launched its first cloud region in Africa in Johannesburg, marking its entry into the continent's cloud market.
  • The move positions Google to compete with US rivals Microsoft and Amazon Web Services (AWS), which are already investing heavily in South African data center infrastructure.
  • The launch event occurred two weeks after Microsoft announced a significant investment in South Africa, including AI-focused cloud facilities, highlighting the intensifying competition among tech giants.
  • Microsoft has already spent R20.4 billion on Azure data centers in South Africa, while Amazon has also invested billions of rand in Cape Town to service AWS customers.
  • Google has not disclosed its investment in the Johannesburg facilities but is part of a broader pledge to invest $1 billion across Africa, including new terrestrial and subsea fiber infrastructure projects, such as a cable connecting South Africa to Australia.
  • The strategic investments by these tech giants are expected to drive cloud adoption in Africa, enhance connectivity, and support growing demand for digital services.
  • The competitive dynamics in the African cloud market are likely to intensify, with implications for local businesses, startups, and government initiatives relying on cloud technology.
  • These investments also underscore the importance of digital infrastructure development and its potential long-term effects on economic growth and innovation in Africa.