But the continent, where nearly half the population is under
18, is a promising market.
According to Google and Alphabet boss, Sundar Pichai
"huge strides" have been made in recent years, but more work is
needed to make "internet accessible, affordable and useful for every
African".
The investment will support digital transformation by
ensuring improved connectivity and access, he said in a statement.
The funds will, among other things, go towards
infrastructure development including the Equiano subsea cable that will connect
South Africa, Namibia, Nigeria and St Helena with Europe.
The deal expands Google's pledge announced four years ago to
train around 10 million young Africans and small-scale businesses in digital
skills.
"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," said Google's Africa managing director Nitin Gajria.
Internet access is also hampered by the affordability of
smartphones.
Google said it will partner with Kenya's telecoms giant
Safaricom to launch affordable Android smartphones for first time users.
The project will later be rolled out across the continent
with other carriers such Airtel, MTN, Orange and Vodacom.
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