Vodacom Group has entered a strategic collaboration with Google Cloud to accelerate its digital transformation and deploy advanced AI-powered solutions across its African markets. The partnership aims to modernise Vodacom’s core technology infrastructure while enabling the creation of next-generation products designed specifically for the continent’s unique challenges and opportunities.
The collaboration will see Vodacom integrate Google Cloud’s AI and data capabilities — including generative AI models like Gemini, Veo and Imagen — directly into its operations. This will unlock powerful use cases, from real-time data insights to more personalised digital services for millions of customers.
According to the company, the move represents a significant step forward in building a more intelligent, efficient, and future-ready network that can support Africa’s fast-growing digital economy.
“This collaboration is more than a technology upgrade; it is a deep commitment to Africa’s digital revolution… It ensures the transformative power of AI is accessible to millions of customers and businesses across Africa.”
— Shameel Joosub, CEO, Vodacom Group
Maureen Costello, Vice President for UKI and SSA at Google Cloud, added that the initiative will empower Vodacom to build solutions that directly improve the lives of African consumers and businesses.
Three Strategic Pillars of the Collaboration
1. Data Modernisation and Unification
Vodacom will migrate and unify its core data systems onto Google Cloud’s platforms, including BigQuery. This will provide:
- Real-time data insights
- Better governance and security
- A centralised data foundation for deploying AI at scale
This unified approach is crucial for operational efficiency and for powering continent-wide digital services.
2. Accelerated AI Adoption Across Africa
Using Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform and Gemini models, Vodacom aims to quickly integrate intelligent capabilities into its products. Early applications include:
- AI-driven network optimisation
- Personalised customer support
- Advanced fraud detection and risk management
These systems are expected to significantly enhance the quality and reliability of Vodacom’s services.
3. Driving Product Innovation for the African Market
The collaboration also prioritises new product development, particularly in:
- Fintech and financial inclusion
- Enterprise digital transformation
- Consumer applications for content, education and accessibility
These solutions will be designed to address Africa’s fast-evolving digital needs and expand opportunities for businesses and individuals.
Strengthening an Existing Global Ecosystem
The announcement builds on the broader Vodafone–Google Cloud partnership, expanding enterprise-grade security and AI capabilities across Vodacom’s entire footprint in Africa. Together, the companies aim to set a new benchmark for how cloud and AI technologies can be deployed at scale to unlock socio-economic impact across the continent.
