Google has announced its intention to open a new Google Cloud region in South Africa, the first on the continent.

The announcement, which was unveiled at the second Google for Africa event, is the most recent illustration of how Google is following through on its $1 billion investment pledge made by its CEO, Sundar Pichai, last year.

The new Cloud Region will support consumers, developers, enterprises, and educational institutions in moving more data and tools online, enhancing customer access options, and ultimately generating employment throughout Africa. According to study by AlphaBeta Economics for Google Cloud, the South African cloud region would support the development of more than 40,000 employment and more than a cumulative USD 2.1 billion in GDP by 2030.

Niral Patel, Director of Google Cloud Africa said: “We believe in growing an open and healthy ecosystem of technology solutions to support Africa’s digital transformation goals , which leads to more opportunities for businesses. It is part of our company-wide ethos to respect the environment, which is why we operate the cleanest cloud in the industry, supporting sustainable digital transformation,” he added. “Along with the cloud region, we are expanding our network through the Equiano subsea cable and building Dedicated Cloud Interconnect sites in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Lagos and Nairobi. In doing so, we are building full scale Cloud capability for Africa.”

Google Cloud is already working with customers across the continent – helping them solve business-critical challenges, get online, and access the benefits of digital technology. In South Africa, Google Cloud works with leading retailer TakeAlot to help their three million local customers enjoy a hassle-free online shopping experience. TakeAlot built its e-commerce platform on Google Cloud, which has enabled the business to avoid system crashes during high-traffic periods like Black Friday. While in Kenya, Google Cloud works with Twiga Foods – a technology-driven company addressing and improving food security in Africa – helps them connect 1,000 farmers to 140,000 vendors, delivering 12,000 orders every day and storing two million kilograms of fresh produce.”

Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Philly Mapulane (South Africa): “Our National Development Plan 2030 calls for stimulating growth in the Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) sector and innovation by driving public and private ICT investment, especially in network upgrades and expansion. Google’s recent efforts in this regard have been particularly encouraging. The Equiano cable landed in Cape Town recently, and the improved speed and reduced internet costs that this can deliver has the potential to drive much fuller Internet participation for many more South Africans.”

UPDATES ON EXISTING GOOGLE PRODUCTS

Google announced intentions to open its first African product development centre in Nairobi earlier this year in order to create better goods for both Africans and the rest of the globe.

The Google keyboard, Gboard, now supports voice typing in nine additional African languages: isiNdebele, isiXhosa, Kinyarwanda, Northern Sotho, Swati, Sesotho, Tswana, Tshivenda, and Xitsonga. Additionally, Google Translate now supports 24 additional languages, including Lingala, which is spoken by more than 45 million people in Central Africa.

Google updated Street View with approximately 30,000 kilometres of new imagery in Kenya, South Africa, Senegal, and Nigeria to enhance the usefulness of Maps. This makes it easier for users to digitally explore and navigate neighbourhoods on Google Maps.

GOOGLE SUPPORT FOR AFRICAN ENTREPRENEURS

The internet economy in Africa has the potential to expand to $180 billion by 2025, accounting for 5.2% of the continent’s GDP.

Google continues to support African entrepreneurs in growing and developing their expertise through the Hustle Academy and Google Business Profiles, as well as helping job seekers obtain the skills they need through Developer Scholarships and Career Certifications.

Google has since invested in three companies over the past nine months through its $50 million Africa Investment Fund, which focuses on equity investments in tech startups.

These companies are SafeBoda, a transportation app in Uganda and Nigeria, Carry1st, a South African mobile gaming startup, and Lori Systems, an e-logistics company with headquarters in Kenya.

Nitin Gajria, Managing Director, Google Africa added “We are collaborating with governments, policymakers, NGOs, telcos, business leaders, creators and media so that we can help accelerate Africa’s digital transformation. And it’s the talent and drive of the individuals in the countries and communities of Africa that will power Africa’s economic growth,” he adds.

Milestones achieved include the subsea cable, Equiano, now running through Togo, Nigeria, Namibia and South Africa, which is expected to deliver faster, lower-cost internet to the continent by connecting St. Helena, Togo, Nigeria, Namibia and South Africa with Europe.

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A recent economic impact assessment conducted by Africa Practice and Genesis Analytics found that by 2025, the cable is set to accelerate economic growth with the GDPs of Nigeria rising by USD 10.1 billion, South Africa by USD 7 billion and USD 260 million in Namibia.

During the same time, Equiano should indirectly create 1.6 million jobs in Nigeria, 180,000 in South Africa and 21,000 in Namibia, driven by the expansion of the digital economy and peripheral sectors.

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu (Ghana): “This event provides a quintessential platform for us as Africans, together with our partners, to demonstrate the importance of helpful partnerships between governments and the private sector in addressing African challenges. The Ghanaian government is proud of our partnership with Google through several initiatives.”

Google is also supporting nonprofits working to improve lives in Africa with a $40 million cash and in-kind commitment.

Last year, 7,500 career scholarships were disbursed to help young people learn new skills and build their careers while Uganda’s AirQo received a $3 million grant to support the expansion of their work on monitoring air quality from Kampala to ten cities in five countries on the continent.

Recently Google partnered with the UN to launch the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), a global partnership aiming to accelerate Africa’s economic growth and sustainable development.

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The array of flavours and dishes available reflects the cultural melting pot that is Lagos. Outings and partying are also important, as the city’s lively nightlife scene and many attractions show. Keeping up can be tricky.

You know you want to go, but you’re not sure where it is best. Google Maps is turning 15 and, to celebrate, Google Maps has revealed its users’ top 5 most rated bars, restaurants and tourist attractions in Lagos.

Restaurants

Foodies – Patrons love the variety of food and the decor, rating Foodies as good for everything from casual dining with kids to taking a new lady out on a date. The service is also highly-rated, with reviewers commenting on the professionalism of the Foodies team.

Salma’s Authentic Lebanese Cuisine – With authentic and delicious Lebanese food on the menu, Salma’s offers something different. For those with more conservative palates, Salma’s also serves more familiar foods. Whichever you prefer, you’re guaranteed a great dining experience.

Vestar Coffee – Cosy and casual, and reputed to be a favourite of the social media in-crowd, Vestar Coffee is that perfect mix of great place to get some work done as well as a good place to hangout and meet people.

Circa lagos – From breakfast to late night hangouts, Circa lagos is lit. Good food, good service and nice drinks – what more could you want on a Friday night? For those who are not night owls, it does great breakfast and lunch too.

Frozen Rolls Icecream – What is life without ice cream? Frozen Rolls ice cream is open 10am to 9pm to cater for those moments when you just have to have ice cream in your life. Reviewers love the unique tastes and flavours and great decor and service.

Bars

MILIKI – MILIKI is a hangout for the artistic and creative, the intellectuals and the free thinkers. With good cocktails and outdoor seating, it’s a great place to go and talk, relax, watch live music and enjoy the discerning and exclusive atmosphere.

W Bar Lounge – A waterfront bar with ample parking, great decor and good ambience – W Bar is a firm favourite in Lagos. Patrons rate its food, DJs and location – in the middle of Ikoyi. Add it all up and you have a soothing haven, which is well worth a visit.

Circa lagos – Not just popular for its food, Circa lagos is also highly-rated as one of the bars to be at. It serves food late, which is always a plus, and features a classic, elegant decor that invites you to stay a while.

Crossroads – Located in the Eko Hotel, Crossroads serves premium beers, exotic spirits and cocktails to an upmarket crowd. Highly-rated for its musical entertainment and food, Crossroads, some of its patrons say, is definitely the place to be, where there is always something happening.

THE HOUSE Lagos – THE HOUSE is, literally, a house that’s been converted into an entertainment venue. Pick a room that suits your mood, relax and get into the chilled vibe on a Friday night. With good food and a serene ambience, you might even want to hangout during the day when it’s quieter and just soak it all in.

Tourist attractions

Hi-Impact Planet Amusement Park – A family-friendly attraction, Hi-Impact Planet features food, bumper cars, an arcade and go-kart track, guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained. There’s also a resort that offers accommodation, in case you’d like to take your time exploring all the attractions.

Johnson Jakande Tinubu Park – Situated in the heart of the seat of the government of Lagos State in Ikeja, the Park features jumping castles, face painting, ice cream, swings, slides and everything else you need for the perfect day out for you and the kids – even boat rides!

Oba Elegushi Palace – The official residence of Oba Yekini Elegushi, Oba Elegushi Palace is open to visitors daily. It is highly-rated for its historical value and its aesthetic as a modern architectural treat.

Jhalobia Recreation Park & Gardens – A beautiful, lovingly cared for park and gardens that’s perfect for picnics, Jhalobia Recreation Park & Gardens can be booked for events or used by casual visitors. Just don’t forget to call ahead!

Freedom Park, Lago Island, Lagos – A leisure and memorial park, Freedom Park was formerly a prison and now hosts live events from music festivals to stage performances. There’s always something happening at Freedom Park and the exhibition centre is well worth exploring if none of the bands on offer take your fancy.

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