Global tech giant Google has unveiled plans to establish four major digital infrastructure hubs across Africa, a move set to revolutionise internet connectivity on the continent.
The hubs which will include landing stations and data centres will link Google’s subsea fibre-optic cables to the north, west, south, and east of Africa, providing a backbone for faster and more reliable internet.
Alex Okosi, Google’s Managing Director for Africa, confirmed the development in an interview with Bloomberg TV, revealing that the project is fully financed by the company. ,
He noted that Google has already “surpassed” the $1 billion investment it pledged for Africa between 2021 and 2026.
“The focus is on creating resilient infrastructure that enables affordable internet and unlocks Africa’s digital potential,” Okosi said.
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Connectivity in Africa remains uneven, costly, and highly susceptible to disruptions whenever subsea cables are damaged.
The new hubs aim to address these issues, ultimately reducing broadband costs for telecom operators like MTN Group and Vodacom and allowing them to offer more affordable services to millions of users.
Google’s two latest subsea cables, Equiano and Umoja, are expected to land on the continent this year, with the hubs scheduled for completion within the next three years.
The announcement comes amid an accelerating race by global tech firms to secure Africa’s digital future.
Microsoft, for example, is building a $1 billion geothermal-powered data centre in Kenya and investing $300 million to boost AI infrastructure in South Africa.
“For us, it is about ensuring Africa doesn’t miss out on the AI revolution,” Okosi added, underscoring Google’s commitment to supporting innovation and digital inclusion across the continent.
