Google expands connectivity and AI investments to power Africa’s digital future

Google has unveiled a new subsea cable hub in South Africa as part of its broader Africa Connect programme, alongside fresh investments in AI education and research support. The initiatives reinforce the company’s $1 billion commitment to the continent’s digital growth.

Google is strengthening its presence in Africa’s digital landscape with the launch of a subsea cable hub in South Africa, a move that forms part of its continent-wide Africa Connect programme. The new hub is one of four being developed to enhance connectivity both within Africa and between Africa and the rest of the world.

The initiative builds on Google’s earlier investments, including the Umoja and Equiano submarine cables and the Johannesburg Google Cloud region. Umoja, named after the Swahili word for “unity”, will link South Africa directly with Australia, while Equiano connects Africa with Europe, bringing multi-billion-dollar contributions to GDP across Nigeria, South Africa, and Namibia.

Beyond connectivity, Google is introducing free one-year subscriptions to its Google AI Pro plan for college students in eight African countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya. The subscription provides access to advanced AI tools such as Gemini 2.5 Pro, designed to support research and academic work.

The company also pledged an additional $9 million in funding for African universities and research institutions, while extending its digital skills training programme. To date, Google has trained over seven million Africans and aims to reach another three million students, educators, and young professionals by 2030.

Alex Okosi, Managing Director of Google in Africa, highlighted the potential of the region’s digital economy: “Today’s announcements, spanning AI education, advanced tools for students and expanded connectivity, are a unified investment in the upward trajectory of the continent. We are committed to providing the infrastructure, tools and support that Africa’s youth need to innovate, lead, and build a thriving digital world.”