The Ubuntu philosophy, which was supposed to pivot pan-Africanism, has struggled to become a reality—with certain African countries seeking a protectionist agenda even under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (Afcfta.)
Proponents of Ubuntuism such as South African fallen cleric Desmond Tutu see it as a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity—in this case, all Africans. In Zulu, it means “I am because we are.”
Through its $1 billion five-year investment plan, the company aims to use technology to unite all 55 countries. During its second edition of the Google for Africa event on Oct. 5, the company highlighted that by providing multiple opportunities on the internet, offering training, and adding more African languages to its products, Ubuntiusm can be resuscitated.
“We’re donating $1 million in ad grants on a monthly basis and helping more than 40,000 people collaborate with Google Workspace for nonprofits. Going through this journey, we want to embrace the spirit of Ubuntu. I am because we are,” Nitin Gajria, Google Africa managing director said during the live-streamed event. Gajria added that there will be ongoing Google Career Certificate scholarships to 5,000 more African youth through an additional $1.5 million in funding.
Average internet costs are high, smartphone penetration is low, and the varying levels of progress of internet infrastructure across countries is also a hindrance to Google’s delivery promise—while a few are testing 5G, many others heavily rely on 3G.
But its ‘Ubuntu’ projects make some business sense. Africa’s internet economy is estimated to grow to $180 billion by 2025—5.2% of the continent’s GDP, with 19 of the top 20 fastest-growing economies being in the continent. About 60% of the continent’s population is aged under 25, and by 2050, a quarter of the world’s population will be Africa.
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Ubuntu — Photo by Jumia Travel
