Google announces an investment of one billion dollars to promote fast and affordable access to the Internet and financial support for local start-ups.

According to World Bank (WB) estimates, less than a third of Africa's population is currently connected to high-speed internet, of which half of the population is under the age of 18. Faced with this market, Google is aiming for an investment plan of one billion dollars over five years. Google's funding intervention segments are: improving internet access and digital products, support for start-ups, business empowerment and support for non-profit associations. As far as improving internet access is concerned, Google is currently deploying the Equiano submarine cable which will cross South Africa, Namibia, Nigeria and Saint Helena to connect the continent to Europe. Google also announces the availability of Plus Codes, a free and open source addressing system, making it possible to provide addresses and facilitate access for the population to various online services, in particular e-Commerce.