A new report has confirmed that Google’s products and services are helping to support South Africa’s digital evolution.
A Google commissioned economic impact report, led by Public First, has confirmed that Google’s products and services have contributed an estimated R118 billion to the South African economy.
The report highlights Google’s significant investment in the country’s digital growth, including infrastructure development, support for startups, and the introduction of innovative tools and services.
According to the report, South Africa continues to be at the forefront of Africa’s technological revolution, with the country seeing significant growth in internet usage over the past decade and estimates that by 2030, internet adoption could reach about 87% of the population.
Google SA Interim Country Director, Paul Mayanja, is thrilled by the results of the research which confirms Google’s continued role in improving the lives of South Africans.
“It’s part of our mission to ensure that Google’s products and services are helping to fast track the country’s digital evolution, thereby increasing the number of people with access to technology tools. By prioritising affordable access for all local users, Google has empowered millions to connect to the internet for the first time and equipped thousands of businesses and creators,” he says.
The research was based on questions asked to online adults, who identified Google Search, Google Maps, Google Workspace and YouTube as among the ten most helpful innovations of the last few decades.
According to some of the respondents, Google Search is an indispensable resource for learners. Whether it’s researching facts, comparing prices, troubleshooting technical problems, staying updated with the news or performing basic calculations.
The report estimates that in 2023, Google Search alone created a consumer surplus for the average online adult in South Africa worth R575 a month, or almost R6,900 a year. It also mentioned that 82% of the respondents had used Google Search in the last year to look for a new job.
When it comes to travelling efficiently, mobile apps like Google Maps, simplify navigation across South Africa, 46% of online adults reported using Google Maps to look for public transportation routes or time, while 57% of online adults used it to avoid traffic congestion.
More importantly, the research found that South Africa’s youth are particularly eager to participate in the digital economy. An impressive 93% of online young adults recognize the importance of digital skills for their future careers.
As a result, many have turned to Google Search to develop their technical expertise. According to the research, over 300,000 young adults aged 18-24 acquired new digital skills through Google Search in 2023, leading to an estimated R5 billion increase in national productivity.
Moreover, over 4000 individuals in South Africa have graduated from a Google Career Certificate Programme since 2018, with 77% of graduates experiencing positive career advancements within six months of completion.
Another highlight was the use of Google’s tools by young startups, with many respondents confirming that internet tools such as Google Search, Gmail, Google Docs and Google Workspace had helped to significantly reduce startup costs.
To this end, Google is taking significant steps to champion ambitious young people across the country, helping them to overcome the challenges associated with starting a new business:
● Google for Startup’s Black Founders Fund has supported 135 entrepreneurs in Sub Saharan Africa since 2021, with over R167 million of funding.
● Google Startups for Sustainable Development programme has supported entrepreneurs from over 100+ startups across 20 African countries.
● Google’s Hustle Academy has supported 4,000 SMBs from across South Africa since 2022. In 2022, over 75% of South African Hustle Academy graduates reported a positive career outcome (e.g. new job, promotion, or raise) within six months of completion.
Other highlights from the report include:
● Google Search and Google Workspace help knowledge workers save over 2.5 million hours a week, equivalent to a R72 billion improvement in productivity for the country’s economy. ● Cloud computing could increase South Africa’s economy by an estimated R167 billion. ● Artificial intelligence could increase South Africa’s economy by an estimated R172 billion.
You can access the full report here!