Google to build four Africa infrastructure hubs to anchor sew subsea cables

Google plans to establish four new infrastructure hubs across Africa to anchor its latest subsea fibre-optic cables, the company’s Africa managing director, Alex Okosi, has said.

The hubs — which typically include landing stations and data centres — will connect to the continent’s north, west, south and east, though Google has yet to disclose which cities will host them. It also remains unclear whether any Nigerian location will be included.

“The funding will be coming from Google,” Okosi told Bloomberg TV, declining to disclose costs but noting the investment was fresh spending and that the company had already “surpassed” the $1 billion it pledged for Africa in 2021.

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The new facilities are expected to enhance internet access across the continent, where connectivity remains patchy, costly, and vulnerable to disruptions when subsea cables are damaged.

Google expects to land its two newest cables, Equiano and Umoja, in Africa this year, with the hubs scheduled for completion within three years. Okosi said the infrastructure could make it cheaper for telecom operators such as MTN Group and Vodacom to deliver broadband to customers.

Africa, home to the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population, is seeing surging demand for advanced digital services, including artificial intelligence. Microsoft is already expanding its footprint, with a $1 billion geothermal-powered data centre planned in Kenya and a $300 million investment in AI infrastructure in South Africa.

“For us it is how do we make sure that we are investing in Africa to make sure that the AI opportunity is realised,” Okosi said.