Google announced on Wednesday that it will invest USD1 billion over the next five years to enable faster and more affordable internet access across the African continent.
According to the World Bank, less than a third of Africa’s 1.3 billion population is connected to broadband.
Alphabet Inc. and Google head Sundar Pichai says “huge strides” were made to improve Africa’s internet coverage, however, more work needs to be made, AFP reports.
The investment will support digital transformation by ensuring improved connectivity and access, Pichai said in a statement.
The funds will be invested, among others, in infrastructure development, including the Equiano subsea cable that will connect South Africa, Namibia, Nigeria and St Helena with Europe.
The deal comes after Google pledged 4 years ago to train around 10 million young Africans and small-scale businesses in digital skills.
Despite the continent’s weak broadband connection, it remains a promising market for digital technology, with nearly half the population under 18 of age.
“I am of the firm belief that no one is better placed to solve Africa’s biggest problems than Africa’s young developers and startup founders,” Google’s Africa managing director Nitin Gajria said.
Google also said it will be partnering with Kenya’s telecoms firm Safaricom to launch affordable Android smartphones for first-time users.
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