Google: The giant search engine plays a significant role in Africa's business
Africa's unstable economy and continuous ethnic conflicts are major causes that prevent its development. Many potential investors do not trust or have any confidence when it comes to business in regard to Africa.
Despite the continent, low internet connectivity and obstacles in the infrastructure, Google, one of the world's internet giants, wants to expand its services to Africa.
Even though Africa lags far behind other big emerging markets in the internet market and despite the expense of internet service, Google executives say Africa represents one of the fastest growth rates for the internet in the world.
According to the World Bank and research sites, Nigeria already has 24 million users. Other big users are South Africa and Kenya.
The amount of money invested by Google in its effort to get more people on the line is yet to be known. But Google says it has around 40 employees working on Africa-focused projects.
Among the first major plans of Google on the continent, since setting offices there three years ago, Google Maps was the expansion of google maps. Five years ago, detailed online maps weren't very available. There are now Google maps of 51 African countries.
Other technology companies are also targeting the continent's market. Microsoft Corporation, International Business Machines Corp, Cisco Systems Inc, and Hewlett-Packard Co have sales offices throughout Africa, selling office equipment and software to
fast-growing companies.