- New Johannesburg center aims to train partners and expand AI capabilities
- Focus on moving local firms from resellers to solution developers
- The initiative targets Africa's growing cloud market and talent shortage
Google Cloud and Liquid C2 have opened a new hub in Johannesburg that aims to expand access to artificial intelligence and cloud technologies across South Africa.
Launched on April 8, the facility is the first Google Cloud-supported partner experience center on the continent. It is designed to help local companies build and deploy digital solutions tailored to African markets.
The center targets local partners, encouraging them to move beyond basic reselling of digital services. It offers a structured training path to Google Cloud certification, as well as access to a technical environment where companies can design, test, and deploy solutions.
Businesses will be able to experiment with advanced tools like Gemini Enterprise and Gemini Playspace, which support the development of AI applications. The goal is to help companies move from testing to real-world deployment with direct support from specialized engineers.
Beyond training, the center is set up as a co-innovation space. Startups, developers, companies and public sector actors can collaborate to create sector-specific solutions, particularly in finance, healthcare and commerce. Once developed, these solutions can be distributed through Liquid C2's network, creating new revenue opportunities for partners.
The launch comes as Africa's cloud market is growing rapidly due to increasing demand for digital services and technical skills. According to Statista, the continent's cloud market could reach more than $15 billion by 2025 and $29 billion by 2030.
However, growth is hampered due to lack of qualified talent. The International Finance Corporation estimates that Africa could need more than 230 million digital jobs by 2030, far exceeding the current supply of skilled professionals.
With this new hub, Liquid C2 aims to help create a local ecosystem capable of addressing both challenges: bridging the skills gap and providing cloud and AI solutions customized for African markets. The move also strengthens its position in a market where major cloud providers are increasing investment, particularly in South Africa, the continent's leading technology hub.
Sameera Njoya