Google cashes in as Africa’s web future on the line
Google will build four infrastructure hubs across Africa to support its newest underwater fiber-optic cables, according to Alex Okosi, the company’s managing director for the region. The facilities will link cables arriving at landing points in the northern, western, southern and eastern parts of the continent. Okosi told Bloomberg TV that Google will fund the projects, which represent fresh capital beyond the $1 billion the technology company committed to Africa in 2021 for five years. He confirmed that spending has surpassed that initial pledge but declined to share specific cost figures.
The infrastructure aims to enhance internet connectivity throughout Africa, where service remains inconsistent, costly and vulnerable when subsea telecommunications cables sustain damage. Google expects to bring its Equiano and Umoja cables to shore this year, with hub construction wrapping up within three years. The developments could lower costs for telecommunications partners like MTN Group and Vodacom Group when providing broadband services.
Okosi highlighted Africa’s potential in artificial intelligence, given its rapidly expanding and youthful population. Microsoft has announced plans for a $1 billion geothermal data center in Kenya and nearly $300 million in AI infrastructure investments in South Africa. Okosi emphasized Google’s commitment to ensuring Africa capitalizes on AI opportunities through strategic investments.
