Google Anchors Africa's AI Ambitions in South Africa at First Cloud Summit

New Infrastructure and Programmes

Google announced a new South African Digital Exchange point in the Eastern Cape, tied to its Umoja subsea cable, strengthening the country's role as a connectivity hub. The company also launched what it called Africa's first applied AI lab and introduced an AI-focused accelerator for South African startups.

On skills, Google expanded AI education programmes to universities across six African countries, including deeper partnerships with the University of Pretoria and the University of the Witwatersrand, and support for research labs in Kenya and Ghana. More than one million eligible students across Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Zimbabwe will get free access to the company's advanced AI tools.

According to TechCabal, James Manyika, Google's senior vice-president for research, labs, technology and society, warned that Africa risks a new form of inequality if it does not build AI capabilities locally. "The AI opportunity for Africa is significant, and Google is committed to doing our part working with Africans to help Africa realise it," he said, adding that new investment is targeting infrastructure, African-led innovation, and education. Manyika noted the company has already exceeded its $1 billion commitment to Africa's digital transformation ahead of schedule.

A Push for Local Production

Ramaphosa framed the summit as a chance for Africa to shift from consumer to producer of globally competitive AI businesses and intellectual property. "For far too long, Africa has had to play digital catch-up with the world's leading and most industrialised economies," he said. "We are now presented with a unique opportunity to be in the driving seat of our own industrialisation and growth."

The summit also spotlighted the creative sector. Google partnered with Akuna Group, the media venture founded by British actor Idris Elba, to launch an AI storytelling initiative for creators across sub-Saharan Africa, backed by more than $1 million from Google's philanthropic arm. Speaking via video link, Elba said the programme would equip creators with AI skills and access to storytelling tools.

"Africa is bursting with untold stories," Elba said. "But too often the barrier isn't a lack of vision, it's a lack of access." He described the effort as one focused on turning creative talent into sustainable businesses rather than simply producing content.

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