Strive Masiyiwa Partners with Nvidia to Launch Africa’s First AI Factory
Zimbabwean billionaire Strive Masiyiwa’s Cassava Technologies has announced a strategic partnership with Nvidia, the global leader in AI computing. Together, they are set to establish Africa’s first dedicated artificial intelligence factory.
Strive Masiyiwa, a prominent figure in the telecommunications industry and a staunch advocate for technological advancement in Africa, emphasized the importance of developing robust AI infrastructure across the continent.
“Building digital infrastructure for the AI economy is a priority if Africa is to take full advantage of the fourth industrial revolution. Our AI Factory provides the infrastructure for this innovation to scale, empowering African businesses, startups and researchers with access to cutting-edge AI infrastructure to turn their bold ideas into real-world breakthroughs — and now, they don’t have to look beyond Africa to get it,” he said.
Collaborating with NVIDIA gives us the advanced computing capabilities needed to drive Africa’s AI innovation while strengthening the continent’s digital independence.”
According to a statement released on Cassava’s official website, the company plans to integrate Nvidia’s state-of-the-art computing and AI software into its data centres located in South Africa by June 2025. Cassava’s AI Factory will leverage the company’s pan-African high-speed, ultra-low-latency, fibre-optic network with sustainable data centres to deliver AI as a Service (AIaaS). Cassava’s world-class data centres are designed to be energy efficient, using less electricity to power AI computing workloads.. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the region’s technological advancement, positioning Africa as a key player in the global AI landscape.
The initial phase of the project will focus on South Africa, with plans for further expansion into other key markets, including Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria. This strategic rollout is expected to foster a robust AI ecosystem, enabling businesses and governments to utilize advanced data analytics, machine learning, and AI-driven solutions to address local challenges and drive sustainable development.
This state-of-the-art facility, designed exclusively for AI computing, marks a significant leap forward in Africa’s digital transformation journey. As the continent increasingly embraces innovative technologies, the AI factory is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of tech in Africa, driving economic growth and fostering local talent in the rapidly evolving AI sector.
Jaap Zuiderveld, Vice President of EMEA at Nvidia, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in his statement:
“AI is helping innovators solve our greatest challenges in agriculture, healthcare, energy, financial services, and many other industries, creating opportunity in Africa.” This partnership marks a significant step towards fostering innovation and technological advancement on the continent.
With the AI factory set to launch in the coming months, the world will be watching closely as Africa takes bold steps to redefine its role in the global tech landscape.
