Google, a global tech giant, on Wednesday said it will invest one billion dollars to improve Africa’s digital transformation.
This was according to the Chief Executive Officer of Google, Sundar Pichai, during the Google for Africa virtual event on Wednesday.
Pichai said the billion-dollar investment, which will run for five years, is geared towards improving a range of initiatives in Africa and funding startups.
Pichai said, “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.”
Managing Director for Google in Africa, Nitin Gajria, stated that African developers and startup founders are capable of solving Africa’s biggest problems, hence the need for investment.
Gajria said, “I am so inspired by the innovative African tech startup scene. In the last year, we have seen more investment rounds into tech startups than ever before.
“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. We look forward to deepening our partnership with, and support for, Africa’s innovators and entrepreneurs.”