Google to invest $1 Billion on Digital Transformation across Africa

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google to invest $1B in sub-saharan africa

Google has announced at its premier virtual Google for Africa event that it will invest $1 billion in over 5 years to promote digital transformation on the continent. The announcement was made by Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google and Alphabet.

“We’ve made huge strides together over the past decade — but there’s more work to do to make the internet accessible, affordable and useful for every African. Today I’m excited to reaffirm our commitment to the continent through an investment of $1B over five years to support Africa’s digital transformation to cover a range of initiatives from improved connectivity to investment in startups.” 

Sundar Pichai

The $1 billion investment will be split across building a global infrastructure that will enable and provide affordable internet access across Africa – Equiano, $50 million to help build products and support small businesses, as well as support entrepreneurship.

Google hopes to provide $10 million in low-interest loans to small businesses across Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. another $40 million will help to support nonprofits.