This archive report was first published on 6 October 2021.
On October 6, 2021, Google announced a $1 billion investment to enhance internet access in Africa, a continent with significant potential for digital growth.
According to the World Bank, only about a third of Africa's 1.3 billion people have access to broadband internet, despite the continent's rapidly growing population.
Google's investment aims to address this issue by supporting digital transformation and improving connectivity across the continent.
As part of this initiative, Google will partner with telecoms giant Safaricom in Kenya to launch affordable Android smartphones for first-time users.
The project will later be rolled out across the continent with other carriers, including Airtel, MTN, Orange, and Vodacom.
Google's Africa managing director, Nitin Gajria, emphasized the importance of empowering Africa's young developers and startup founders to solve the continent's biggest problems.
Google's Sundar Pichai noted that while significant progress has been made in recent years, more work is needed to make internet accessible, affordable, and useful for every African.
