Google’s new R2.5 billion cloud project in South Africa

Google South Africa has launched a new R2.5 billion Google Cloud region in Johannesburg.

The global internet giant announced the launch on 16 March 2025, but the infrastructure has been open for customer use since January 2024.

The official ‘launch’ is the group’s celebration of the region’s opening and showcase of its transformative potential for businesses across the continent.

It also marks a significant investment in South Africa’s business and technology infrastructure and is a big boost for the content.

The project is the first in Africa and will see South Africa join Google Cloud’s global network of 40 regions and 121 zones.

These regions deliver Google Cloud services to more than 200 countries and territories

The investment is expected to add around R38 billion to South Africa’s GDP and support the creation of 40,000 jobs in the country by 2030.

Google has committed R18 billion to boost Africa’s digital transformation, and setting up a Google Cloud Region is a big step in that direction.

According to South African data company Tregter, the Cloud Region investment is valued at R2.5 billion.

In addition to the infrastructure investment, Google South Africa has also hosted training for learners and business owners in various programmes.

These include Cloud OnBoard, Cloud Hero and Google Hustle Academy, which cover technology topics like generative AI (gen AI), machine learning (ML), application and infrastructure modernisation, data and analytics, and digital marketing.

The launch of Google Cloud will also boost Google’s other programmes and startup support.

The company has already supported 106 startups across 17 African countries, which have collectively raised close to R5 billion in funding and created over 2,800 direct jobs.