Google Aims to Connect 500M Africans to AI by 2030, Hosts ETIH Innovation Awards 2026
Google has announced ambitious plans for Africa, aiming to boost connectivity, skills, and access to AI tools. The tech giant also revealed it will host the prestigious ETIH Innovation Awards 2026, celebrating excellence in global education technology.
Google's Senior Vice President, James Manyika, has outlined a series of initiatives for the continent. By 2030, Google aims to reach 500 million Africans with AI-powered tools. This includes providing free one-year subscriptions to Google AI Pro for eligible African students.
To enhance connectivity, Google will establish four subsea cable connectivity hubs in Africa. This follows the addition of 110 new languages to Google Translate, with over 30 from Africa, making it easier for people to communicate and access information online.
Google's AI research teams in Kenya and Ghana are working on innovative projects. These include flood forecasting and improving crop resilience, demonstrating the company's commitment to using AI for societal good.
Google's plans for Africa are multifaceted, focusing on improving connectivity, expanding access to AI tools, and fostering innovation. The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026, to be hosted by Google, will further recognize and support excellence in global education technology.
