Google, the world’s largest search engine, has pledged to invest one billion dollars to improve Africa’s digital revolution.
Sundar Pichai, Google’s Chief Executive Officer, made the announcement on Wednesday during the Google for Africa virtual event.
According to Pichai, the billion-dollar investment would be used to improve a variety of African programs as well as finance businesses during a five-year period.
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 $1billion over five years to support Africa’s digital transformation to cover a range of initiatives from improved connectivity to investment in startups.”
Nitin Gajria, the Managing Director of Google in Africa, remarked that African engineers and startup founders are capable of fixing Africa’s most pressing issues, indicating 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.”
