Cassava Technologies and AXON Networks Form Strategic Alliance
Cassava Technologies, a leading global technology firm rooted in African heritage, has announced a strategic partnership with AXON Networks, known for its advanced intelligent network platforms. Together, they plan to develop, deploy, and manage Africa’s inaugural end-to-end Operator-as-a-Service (OaaS) platform, marking a significant milestone for the continent.
Enhancing AI and Digital Connectivity in Africa
This collaboration aims to catalyze Africa’s AI and digital landscape, enabling customers and service providers to utilize AXON’s real-time, AI-driven, multi-tenant platform. Leveraging Cassava’s extensive high-speed fiber backbone, this initiative is poised to connect millions of people and businesses across the continent, paving the way for new economic opportunities and innovations.
Announcement at Kaunder Conference 2026
The partnership was unveiled during the Kaunder Conference 2026 held in Cape Town, South Africa. As the flagship event of Kaunder’s Visionary Leadership Network, it is expected to attract 500 global investors, family office leaders, and corporate executives, making it a landmark gathering for international private capital focused on the Global South.
Transforming Network Solutions for Businesses
“As organizations increasingly digitize their processes, the demand for cost-effective, flexible, and high-performance network solutions grows,” stated Hadi Pemuhiwa, President and Group CEO of Cassava Technologies. “Our collaboration with AXON Networks allows us to transcend traditional hardware-based infrastructures, creating a programmable, AI-managed network that reduces operational costs and enhances access for our clients. This transformation treats our transcontinental fiber network as a dynamic digital platform, enabling near real-time provisioning and modification of customer networks. Our goal is to go beyond mere connectivity, actively participating in our customers’ digital transformations.”
Empowering African Businesses with AI Technology
The AI-first connectivity platform aims to accelerate the digital transformation of businesses on the continent, including other telecommunications providers. The OaaS platform offers a secure, private, high-speed data infrastructure that empowers mobile network operators, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite providers, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to achieve unmatched agility, intelligence, and reach. It is designed to assist these service providers in unlocking new growth opportunities and embracing AI adoption.
Visionary Leadership and Economic Growth
Martin Manniche, CEO and Founder of AXON Networks, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting Cassava’s unmatched fiber infrastructure and investments in AI-powered data centers. “We are not merely replicating networks; we’re virtualizing our entire infrastructure into a live AI-driven ecosystem that leverages this extensive backbone. This collaboration holds transformative potential, laying a foundational platform for sustainable economic growth and redefining Africa’s future,” he noted.
Driving Collaboration for Meaningful Impact
Michel Weiss and Leonard Stiegeler, founding partners of Kaunder, remarked on the significance of Counder Conference 2026 as the venue for this groundbreaking announcement. “This partnership exemplifies the kind of trusted connections Kaunder aims to foster—bringing visionary leaders together to inspire collaboration and generate tangible outcomes. The convergence of world-class organizations in Cape Town showcases the power of unity in addressing critical market initiatives and emerging trends,” they stated.
Innovative Network Solutions for the Future
AXON’s OaaS solution creates a living model of Cassava’s fiber network, which comprises over 110,000 kilometers of terrestrial and subsea fiber, satellite capacity, and wireless connectivity. This integration of digital twin technology is set to revolutionize network management, transforming systems into self-learning, autonomous entities that enhance service efficiency, reduce operational complexity, and ensure resilient connectivity at scale.
