The Vision Behind Cassava Technologies
This initiative is spearheaded by Strive Masiyiwa through his company, Cassava Technologies. The organization consolidates a range of businesses aimed at creating and managing the systems that facilitate Internet operations across the continent.
Building Africa’s Digital Backbone
Cassava’s endeavors encompass the installation of fiber optic cables, the establishment of data centers, and the provision of cloud computing services. Together, these efforts constitute one of the strongest digital infrastructures in Africa.
Extensive Fiber Network Across the Continent
Through its subsidiary, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Cassava operates over 100,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables, spanning more than a dozen African countries. This extensive network is vital for carrying Internet traffic between urban centers and extending connectivity to millions of people, businesses, and public services.
Data Centers Supporting Diverse Industries
In addition, Cassava manages the Africa Data Center, which hosts some of the continent’s largest data storage and processing facilities. These centers serve a multitude of organizations, including banks, businesses, hospitals, schools, and government agencies, by providing varied internet services and cloud solutions.
Providing Local Cloud Computing Solutions
Cassava’s cloud services, offered through Liquid C2 and Cloudmania, deliver secure digital platforms that empower African businesses and public institutions to operate locally, reducing reliance on foreign providers. This comprehensive infrastructure has taken years to develop, giving Masiyiwa a unique competitive advantage by controlling multiple facets of the digital ecosystem.
Pioneering the AI Revolution in Africa
As Africa approaches a new age of artificial intelligence, Masiyiwa is leveraging this infrastructure to establish AI factories across the continent. The first of these has been constructed in South Africa, equipped with approximately 3,000 powerful Nvidia graphics processors, which are essential for training and running AI systems. Many universities, researchers, and start-ups in Africa have already expressed interest in accessing this computing power.
Collaborating with Global Tech Leaders
Strive Masiyiwa has gained international recognition; in 2025, he was featured in the TIME100 AI list for his transformative contributions to Africa’s digital landscape. His vision, the Sovereign AI Cloud, aims to enable African entities to develop and deploy their own AI systems within the continent. The International Finance Corporation has also invested in Liquid Intelligent Technologies to support the expansion of data centers and fiber networks across key African nations.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain. Issues such as unstable electricity supplies in various African nations and the need for trained professionals pose obstacles to growth. Furthermore, while global tech giants such as Amazon and Microsoft establish their presence in the region, Masiyiwa’s initiative stands out for being locally driven and pan-African in scope. With a solid groundwork laid over the years, Masiyiwa aims to connect Africa not only to mobile technology but also to the emerging realm of artificial intelligence.
