Tech News
Emmanuel Oyedele
Liquid C2, a subsidiary of Cassava Technologies, has partnered with Google Cloud to launch Africa’s first Partner Experience Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa — a major milestone in the continent’s growing artificial intelligence and cloud computing ecosystem.
The new facility is designed to speed up the adoption of AI and cloud-based solutions by allowing technology partners to build, test, and deploy enterprise applications tailored specifically for African markets.
Boosting Africa’s Digital Transformation
The initiative comes at a time when demand for digital transformation services is rapidly increasing across Africa, driven by the expansion of fintech, enterprise digitisation, and data-driven business operations.
Cassava Technologies President and CEO, Hardy Pemhiwa, described the centre as a breakthrough for practical AI development on the continent.
“This is the first cloud and AI experience centre of its kind in Africa. Customers can bring real business challenges and work with us to develop solutions in real time,” he said.
AI Infrastructure Push Expands Across Africa
Founder and Executive Chairman of Cassava Technologies, Strive Masiyiwa, said the project reflects the importance of infrastructure investment in unlocking Africa’s AI potential.
He noted that the company’s broader strategy includes expanding AI infrastructure across the continent, with planned facilities in Cape Town, Kenya, Nigeria, Morocco, and Egypt.
According to him, artificial intelligence growth will depend on practical infrastructure rather than discussions alone.
Skills Development and Innovation Hub
The Partner Experience Centre will also serve as a training and innovation hub, giving developers and businesses access to advanced tools such as Google’s Gemini AI platform.
The facility is expected to support innovation across key sectors including finance, healthcare, and retail, while also addressing Africa’s shortage of skilled AI and cloud professionals through training and certification programs.
Cassava Technologies senior vice-president, Ziaad Suleman, said the initiative integrates infrastructure, skills, and distribution to strengthen Africa’s digital ecosystem and lower barriers for enterprise adoption.Economic and Industry Impact
Google Cloud’s regional president, Tara Brady, said the partnership is expected to stimulate new economic opportunities by accelerating technology-driven innovation across Africa.
Industry experts believe the centre could help localise cloud services, reduce reliance on foreign infrastructure, and improve competitiveness for African businesses.
Strategic Shift for Cassava
The development signals a strategic transformation for Cassava Technologies as it evolves from a telecom-focused company into a full-scale digital infrastructure and cloud services provider, positioning itself at the heart of Africa’s emerging AI economy.
