Johannesburg is widely considered the economic powerhouse of Africa and continues to attract global businesses that wants to advance their brands.
The city is still a major hub for international trade and is home to numerous multinational corporations.
In the latest business news, multinational payment card services corporation, Visa, has expanded its footprint in Africa, choosing to have its centre right here in the continent's wealthiest city.
The company opened its first data centre in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 23 July.
Visa's head of Southern and East Africa, Michael Berner, announced that the facility was part of a 1 billion rand ($57 million) investment in South Africa over the next three years, according to Reuters.
"Visa continues to be very committed to the growth of the economy on the continent and building the data centre, which is frankly one of very few that are built outside of our core locations, which are the U.S., the UK and Singapore, is evidence of this commitment," Berner said.
Lineshree Moodley, country manager for Visa South Africa, commended South Africa for leading in the adoption and use of digital payments in Africa.
The country is also leading in contactless payments across the continent.
"When we look at South Africa, we really see it as a digital innovator and a digital leader on this continent. So having this data centre here can actually be a launch pad for solutions that we take across the continent," Moodley said.
Visa and travelling
Travellers in and outside South Africa have been using Visa cards for many years.
Visa credit and debit cards are convenient choices for travellers because they are widely accepted for payments worldwide.
They are also more secure than using hard cash. However, it is important to inform your bank when travelling. This helps with potential blocks because of suspected fraudulent activity.