Google Cloud — Johannesburg Africa Region

Google Cloud launched its Africa (Johannesburg) region in 2023-2024, joining AWS and Microsoft Azure in establishing hyperscale cloud infrastructure on the African continent. The Johannesburg region reduces latency for South African and broader sub-Saharan African users accessing Google Cloud AI services including Vertex AI, BigQuery ML, and Natural Language API. Google has also invested in subsea cable infrastructure connecting Africa — including the Equiano cable linking Portugal to South Africa — to improve bandwidth and resilience for African cloud users. The Africa region supports growing demand for AI-powered applications in fintech, agriculture (crop yield prediction, weather models), and healthcare on the continent.