Amazon plans €16bn Germany investment, including €4.8bn for AWS cloud and AI expansion

The 2027 investment will expand Frankfurt's cloud infrastructure, alongside existing initiatives supporting apprenticeships, AI training and more than 20,000 students in Germany

Friedrich Merz, David Zapolsky and Katherina Reiche at the Invest in Germany Summit in Berlin, where Amazon announced plans to invest more than €16 billion in Germany in 2027. Image credit: Amazon

Amazon has announced plans to invest more than €16 billion in Germany in 2027, including €4.8 billion to expand Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud and AI infrastructure in Frankfurt, while continuing its investment in digital skills and technical training.

Announced at the German Federal Government's Invest in Germany Summit in Berlin the investment covers data centers, AI infrastructure, satellite connectivity, logistics and media production. Amazon says it has invested more than €100 billion in Germany since 2010.

The €4.8 billion AWS allocation will support further development of its Europe (Frankfurt) Region, which has operated since October 2014. AWS also operates its European Sovereign Cloud in Germany, which became generally available in January 2026.

AWS currently employs approximately 3,000 people in Germany, within Amazon's wider workforce of more than 40,000 permanent employees in the country.

AWS training initiatives have reached more than 20,000 students

Alongside its infrastructure plans, Amazon is continuing to develop its technical training programs in Germany, including apprenticeships, cloud computing qualifications and university access to AI development tools.

Since 2023, Amazon and Siemens have offered apprenticeships certified by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) for IT and electronics technicians working at Amazon data centers in Hesse and Brandenburg.

Amazon and IHK have also introduced Cloud Business Expert (IHK), described by the company as Germany's first national cloud computing certification.

The qualification forms part of wider digital skills development supported by the AWS Tech Alliance, which Amazon says has reached more than 20,000 students in Germany since launching in December 2023.

Matt Garman, CEO of AWS, emphasized the importance of developing technical capabilities alongside infrastructure investment in a LinkedIn post:

"Infrastructure is only part of what it takes to build with AI. People need the skills and tools to put it to work."

AWS has also introduced Kiro for students, providing a year of free access to its professional agentic AI development environment for students at 132 universities across 18 countries, including Germany.

Berlin robotics research and further infrastructure investment

Amazon is also opening a second robotics and AI research laboratory in Berlin, doubling its research presence in the German capital.

The facility will create specialist roles for applied scientists and robotics hardware, software and systems engineers. Its research will focus on developing collaboration between employees and automated technologies within Amazon's operations.

The wider €16 billion investment includes Amazon Leo, the company's low Earth orbit satellite network, which is designed to provide internet connectivity to households, schools, hospitals, businesses and government agencies in areas underserved by existing networks.

David Zapolsky, Amazon's Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer, says:

"We want German businesses, communities, and creators to have the infrastructure and tools they need to compete and grow."

The company's education and community initiatives also include coding workshops with TecHeroes, a Girls' Tech Day and the Think Big Space in Kelsterbach.

Amazon plans to invest the additional €16 billion during 2027, including the €4.8 billion allocated to further expansion of AWS's Frankfurt cloud and AI infrastructure.

ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 open for entries

The ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 are now open for entries, with 26 categories recognising companies, institutions, projects and individuals making a measurable impact across education technology. The global awards span AI in education, digital learning, higher education, skills and workforce, inclusion, education operations, evidence and impact, with entries managed through ETIH’s new online awards platform.

Entries are open worldwide, with the early-bird deadline on Friday 18 December 2026 and the final entry deadline on Friday 26 February 2027 at 23:59 UK time. 

Explore the 2027 categories and judging criteria, read the How to Enter guide or start an entry through the ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 platform.