Google is laying fibre optic cable in Africa to ease access to the internet

Google is scaling up investment in Africa by laying fibre optic cable, easing access to cheaper Android phones, and training a workforce in digital skills as the US technology giant seeks to expand on the continent.

"We laid about 1,000km of fibre in Uganda and we are busy doing about 1,000km in Ghana," Google’s SA head Luke Mckend said. "We want to make sure that we cover all the bases. We want to train people and make sure that they have the devices and are able to connect to the internet. About 1-million people in Nigeria, Kenya and SA have been trained by Google over the past year, yet many had to complete their courses with limited internet access due to unreliable coverage and high data prices."

The Mountain View, California-based company is now turning its attention to web-focused skills training for small businesses across Africa.

Alongside US competitors, including Facebook, Google is seeking to boost connectivity in Africa to prise open a new market for smartphones and services, such as web search and social media. Younger consumers in sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly demanding quicker internet speeds and cheaper phones to go about their business, while local cellular operators, including MTN and Vodacom, see the digital space as their fastest growing market.

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