Google has announced plans to establish four major digital infrastructure hubs across Africa to connect its latest subsea fiber-optic cables, in a move aimed at lowering internet costs and improving connectivity across the continent.
The hubs will be located in North, West, East, and Southern Africa, housing key facilities such as landing stations and data centers. They will connect Google’s Equiano cable, running along Africa’s west coast, and Umoja, linking the continent to Australia via the Indian Ocean.
According to Alex Okosi, Google’s Managing Director for Africa, the project represents a new wave of investment beyond the $1 billion the company pledged for Africa in 2021. While costs were not disclosed, Okosi said Google has already surpassed its initial commitment.
Analysts say the initiative could significantly boost internet resilience across Africa, where access remains patchy and vulnerable to disruptions from cable damage. The hubs are expected to be completed within three years.
The development comes amid growing global interest in Africa’s digital economy. Microsoft recently announced a $1 billion geothermal-powered data center in Kenya and a $300 million plan to expand AI capacity in South Africa.
Experts say the combination of new subsea cables and local data hubs could provide a critical backbone for cloud services, AI deployment, and digital innovation across African markets, unlocking faster and more affordable broadband for millions.
