Alphabet’s Google has unveiled plans to build four major infrastructure hubs across Africa, aimed at connecting its latest subsea fiber-optic cables and potentially transforming the continent’s digital connectivity.
The hubs, strategically positioned in northern, western, southern, and eastern Africa, will host essential infrastructure including landing stations and data centers.
Google’s Africa managing director, Alex Okosi, said the facilities will be key in linking the company’s new undersea cables, Equiano and Umoja, to local networks.
“The funding will be coming from Google,” Okosi said in an interview with Bloomberg TV, adding that the project marks “new investment” beyond the $1 billion the company pledged for Africa in 2021.
While he did not disclose exact costs, he noted that Google has already “surpassed” its original commitment.
Internet access across Africa is still inconsistent, expensive, and often disrupted when subsea cables are damaged.
The planned hubs are expected to address these issues by improving network resilience and providing faster, more affordable broadband connectivity.
The enhanced backbone infrastructure is also expected to create opportunities for telecom operators like MTN Group Ltd. and Vodacom Group Ltd., potentially reducing costs for end-users.
Google’s Equiano cable, running along Africa’s west coast, and Umoja, designed to link Africa to Australia via the Indian Ocean, are set to land on the continent this year. The hubs are projected to be completed within three years, bolstering digital infrastructure for millions of Africans.
Okosi emphasized that Africa represents a significant opportunity. Reports note that the combination of subsea cable connectivity and local data hubs could provide a crucial foundation for AI deployment, cloud adoption, and digital innovation across the continent.
“For us, it is how do we make sure that we are investing in Africa to make sure that the AI opportunity is realized,” he said.
With stronger infrastructure, both businesses and consumers stand to gain from faster connectivity, improved digital services, and lower costs.
If fully realized, Google’s new hubs could be a turning point for Africa’s digital transformation, enhancing network resilience, lowering internet costs, and positioning the continent as a major frontier for global technology investment.
