Business

Google promises 300,000 jobs in South Africa

South Africa’s official unemployment rate was last reported at 31.9%, with youth unemployment for those aged between 15 and 35 sitting at 44.6%, according to Statistics South Africa’s labour force survey for Q4 2024.

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March 24, 2025

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Google says its investment in data centre infrastructure in Johannesburg, part of a greater R18 billion investment in Africa, should help create 300,000 jobs and contribute R1.7 trillion to the South African economy by 2030.

Mybroadband reports that the tech powerhouse added that South Africa also has the unique opportunity to rapidly develop its nascent artificial intelligence sector to become an AI leader on the African continent and the global stage, given its youth bulge and high unemployment rate.

This is according to Google’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa President Tara Brady, who spoke during a press conference on Wednesday at the launch of the company’s Johannesburg cloud region.

“I do believe that when you have a large number of organisations willing to invest in training, you could leapfrog many other countries and become an AI leader,” Brady said. Brady was commenting on the 300,000 jobs Google said their infrastructure investment in Johannesburg would help create by 2030.

He added that Google has identified a unique advantage in South Africa due to its high unemployment rate, which is not seen in other countries around the world.

“When you have such high unemployment, it means that we can put those people to work, which is an opportunity that we don’t have in other regions,” Brady said.

“So if South Africa wants to, we are prepared to invest in AI together here.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced in 2021 that the tech giant would invest $1 billion (R18 billion) over five years in digital transformation on the continent.

Brady said that while a “large chunk” of this was dedicated to the cloud region, it also focused on skilling people in Africa and aiding tech startups in the region.

South Africa’s minister of communications and digital technologies, Solly Malatsi, who did not attend the event but delivered a prerecorded address, emphasised the importance of these skilling initiatives in the country’s vision of a digital future.

Related Topics:Featured Google jobs Google Jobs South Africa

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Exchange Rates Today, Wednesday 10 June, 2026

Black Market Rates
US Dollar (USD) Buy ₦1,390 Sell ₦1,400
Great British Pound (GBP) Buy ₦1,855 Sell: ₦1, 875
EURO (EUR) Buy ₦1,000 Sell ₦1, 100

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June 10, 2026

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Official CBN Exchange Rates

US Dollar (USD) ₦1,360.55

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EURO (EUR) ₦1,873.61

SWISS FRANC (CHF) ₦1,709. 02

JAPANESE YEN (JPN) ₦8.49

CHINESE YUAN (CNY) ₦200.92

West African CFA (XOF) ₦2.40

West African Unit Account (WAUA) ₦1,856. 66

SAUDI RIYAL (SAR) ₦362. 38

SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR) ₦82.71

Black Market Rates

US Dollar (USD) Buy ₦1,390 Sell ₦1,400

Great British Pound (GBP) Buy ₦1,855 Sell: ₦1, 875

EURO (EUR) Buy ₦1,000 Sell ₦1, 100

South African Rand (ZAR) Buy ₦75 Sell ₦90

UAE Dirham Buy ₦350 Sell ₦370

Chinese Yuan Buy ₦180 Sell ₦200

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West African CFA Buy ₦2,450 Sell ₦2,550

Central African CFA Buy ₦2,320 Sell 2400

Australian Dollar Buy ₦800 Sell ₦900

Credit: CBN I Aboki Forex

Business

Invest in Lagos 3.0 Summit Attracts more than 600 delegates

Ohibaba.com reports that the summit, themed “Lagos: The Business Gateway to Africa,” featured presentations from representatives of the Presidency and the governors of Lagos, Imo, Abia, Plateau, Taraba and Nasarawa states.

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June 10, 2026

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• Representatives of government and private sector delegates at the summit

Invest in Lagos 3.0 Summit attracted more than 600 delegates—including global institutions, sovereign wealth funds, development finance institutions and trade networks.

The host governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, called for increased private sector investment in rail transport, energy, agriculture, agro-processing and water infrastructure.

He said that addressing transportation challenges would unlock Lagos’ economic potential, reduce travel time, boost productivity and improve returns on investment.

Minister of Finance, Dr. Taiwo Oyedele, assured investors of the Federal Government’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment through ongoing fiscal reforms. He said the new tax law has eliminated multiple taxation, improved compliance and provided relief for small and medium enterprises.

Oyedele added that stamp duty collection has been transferred to state governments and commended states that have adopted harmonised tax systems.

Business

UBA wins 2026 ‘Banker Technology’ award for AI innovation

UBA’s recognition centres on integrating Leo, its AI-powered chatbot, with the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), enabling customers to send funds across borders in local currencies via a conversational interface.

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June 10, 2026

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United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has been named the winner of the African category at the 2026 Banker Technology Award

In its assessment of UBA’s winning entry, The Banker noted that “the bank has cemented its status as a leading digital operator by placing technology at the centre of its growth strategy across more than 20 countries, with this approach most visible in its work on cross-border transfers, spanning digital payments, AI-driven engagement, and e-business”

UBA’s Executive Director Designate, Digital Banking, Emmanuel Lamptey, received the award on behalf of the bank.

He emphasised that the bank’s aim to fully digitise banking across the entire continent“.

” Africa’s financial future will not be built on branches or borders. It will be built on intelligence, interoperability, and trust at scale,” Lamptey said.