Google to Launch Four Africa Infrastructure Hubs to Boost Internet Access and AI Growth
Google is set to transform Africa’s digital landscape with the establishment of four new infrastructure hubs across the continent. The announcement was made by Alex Okosi, Google’s Africa Managing Director, who revealed that these hubs will anchor the company’s latest subsea fibre-optic cables. Each hub will feature landing stations and data centres, designed to improve internet connectivity in Africa’s rapidly growing digital markets.
While Google has not yet disclosed the specific cities for the hubs, they are expected to cover Africa’s north, west, south, and east regions. Okosi confirmed that the investment is fully funded by Google, noting that the company has already surpassed the $1 billion commitment it pledged to Africa in 2021. Costs for the project remain undisclosed, but the spending represents fresh investment in the continent’s digital infrastructure.
The new facilities are aimed at addressing Africa’s connectivity challenges, where internet access remains limited, expensive, and prone to disruptions when subsea cables are damaged. By enhancing network resilience, the hubs could make it cheaper for telecom operators like MTN Group and Vodacom to deliver faster broadband to millions of customers across the continent.
Google plans to land its two newest subsea cables, Equiano and Umoja, in Africa within the year, with the infrastructure hubs expected to be completed within the next three years. The project is part of a wider effort to strengthen Africa’s digital ecosystem and support the growing demand for advanced services, including artificial intelligence applications.
Africa, home to the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population, is rapidly embracing technology, with global tech giants expanding their presence on the continent. Microsoft, for example, is investing $1 billion in a geothermal-powered data centre in Kenya and $300 million in AI infrastructure in South Africa. “For us, it is how we make sure that we are investing in Africa to ensure that the AI opportunity is realized,” Okosi said.
source: business day