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Technology and skills: AWS’s plan for Sub-Saharan Africa

AWS’s investments in Sub-Saharan Africa are reshaping the region’s digital landscape, laying the groundwork for innovation, and addressing critical gaps in technology adoption and skills development. Since launching the AWS Africa (Cape Town) Region in 2018, AWS has invested over R15.6 billion ($819 million) to meet the growing demand for cloud computing across the continent, with an additional R30.4 billion ($1.5 billion) pledged through 2029. This substantial commitment underscores the company’s deep integration into the region, enabling businesses, governments, and individuals to adapt to an increasingly digital world.

“Africa needs investment to accelerate technology adoption,” said Tanuja Randery, AWS’s Managing Director for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), during a recent interview. “It’s not just about the technology but empowering people and communities to use it meaningfully.”

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Building a foundation for growth

AWS’s Cape Town data region, launched in 2017, has become a cornerstone for enabling local organisations to adopt cloud technologies securely and at scale. This infrastructure has been bolstered by additional investments, including $100 million earmarked for an Education Equity Initiative, aimed at providing cloud computing credits and upskilling underserved communities.

Since opening the Cape Town Skills Centre in 2023, AWS has trained over 26,000 South Africans, contributing to a broader initiative that has reached nearly half a million learners across the continent. These programs aren’t limited to urban hubs; partnerships with organisations like Tangible Africa are bringing digital learning to rural areas, ensuring that talent pipelines are inclusive and far-reaching.

Driving innovation with AI

Sub-Saharan Africa has become a proving ground for practical AI applications. AWS’s partnership with Huron AI in Rwanda demonstrates the transformative potential of generative AI. With roughly one oncologist for every 3,200 cancer patients across sub-Saharan Africa, Huron’s cancer care application enables remote monitoring and intervention, addressing a critical gap in healthcare delivery.

Similarly, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange has leveraged AWS technology to modernise its broker-dealer application, improving efficiency in a critical financial system. These projects underscore AWS’s role in enabling systemic improvements across sectors while keeping costs low and performance high.

The importance of localised AI

AWS is also championing the development of local language models, a key step in ensuring that AI solutions are relevant to African contexts. Global datasets often lack the nuances of regional languages and cultures, leading to suboptimal AI performance. “You need to localise to use this technology at scale,” Randery noted, pointing to successful collaborations in Europe and the Middle East that could inspire similar initiatives in Africa.

The startup ecosystem is another area of focus. Although AWS’s most recent accelerator cohort did not include African companies, the company anticipates increased participation as initiatives like the Education Equity Initiative and generative AI investments gain traction.

A vision for sustainability

AWS’s strategy extends beyond immediate business needs, addressing broader challenges like energy efficiency and connectivity. Through Project Kuiper, Amazon’s satellite-based internet initiative, the company aims to bridge Africa’s connectivity gap, bringing digital access to underserved areas.

“The combination of cloud technology, education, and connectivity is how we’ll scale,” Randery affirmed, emphasising that scalability is the only viable path for long-term impact.

AWS’s growing footprint in Sub-Saharan Africa raises an important question: how does a global tech giant balance profit-driven objectives with the pressing needs of a region often defined by inequality and underdevelopment? The company’s investments in infrastructure and education are undeniably impactful, but the true test lies in their longevity and accessibility. Will these initiatives genuinely empower local communities to own their technological futures, or will they simply create new dependencies on external providers?

As Africa’s digital transformation unfolds, the role of companies like AWS will remain both significant and scrutinised. For now, the company’s investments suggest a bet on the region’s potential — not just as a market to tap but as a partner in shaping the global tech landscape. The success of this approach will hinge on whether AWS can continue to innovate in a way that uplifts not just economies, but lives.

Read next: AWS Skills Centre: Empowering South Africa’s Digital Future

 

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