Cassava Technologies Enhances Cloud Resiliency in Africa
Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader, is significantly advancing its cloud resiliency capabilities across Africa through its subsidiaries, Africa Data Centers and Liquid C2. The recent appointment of Africa Data Centers as a Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute Metro peering location in Johannesburg marks a pivotal development for the continent’s digital infrastructure and cloud ecosystem. This achievement underscores Cassava’s role as a crucial enabler of secure, resilient, and high-performance digital services in Africa.
Introducing Secure CloudConnect
Liquid C2, the cybersecurity and cloud branch of Cassava, is leveraging its unique position as the only provider with an on-net presence in both Johannesburg and other key locations to introduce Secure CloudConnect. This fully managed service integrates robust private cloud connectivity with advanced cybersecurity solutions, ensuring organizations have a secure channel to access Microsoft Azure.
Significance of Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute Designation
Ziaad Suleman, Senior Vice President of Cassava Technologies for South Africa and Botswana, emphasized the importance of their designation as a Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute Metro peering location. He described this milestone as a critical moment not only for Africa’s data centers but also for the overall digital infrastructure on the continent. It reflects the increasing confidence in Africa’s capacity to support cutting-edge cloud and AI-driven services, all while adhering to Cassava’s unified operational model.
Johannesburg Joins the Global Tech Hub Network
As the first ExpressRoute Metro location in Africa, Johannesburg now joins an elite group of global technology hubs offering advanced levels of cloud resiliency and security. The JHB1 facility operated by Africa Data Centers will serve as the second peering location in the Johannesburg metro area, providing local ExpressRoute Metro capabilities. This innovative arrangement routes a single connection through two peering sites within the same metro, delivering built-in redundancy essential for mission-critical workloads.
Addressing Regulatory Demands
This development comes at a time when regulators are intensifying their focus on operational resiliency, business continuity, risk management, and data protection. Liquid C2’s Secure CloudConnect directly addresses these pressing needs: helping organizations mitigate disruption, bolster security measures, and simplify the complexities of cloud management—all while complying with regulatory and governance requirements. Clients benefit from partnering with a single, trusted provider capable of supporting essential business functions.
South Africa’s Role in the AI Era
Vukani Mngxati, CEO of Microsoft South Africa, highlighted South Africa’s proactive approach to shaping the AI landscape rather than simply waiting for it to unfold. He noted that the introduction of Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute Metro in Johannesburg enables organizations throughout the country to establish more secure and resilient cloud pathways for their critical workloads. By building a reliable foundation, businesses can accelerate their operations, enhance competitiveness on a global scale, and translate South Africa’s digital aspirations into tangible economic benefits. Mngxati expressed pride in the collaboration with Cassava Technologies to achieve these goals.
Advancing Digital Transformation Across the Continent
This milestone represents a significant leap toward the digital transformation of African enterprises. By integrating hyperscale infrastructure with managed cloud security services, Cassava Technologies is proactively preparing businesses across the continent for the future. The firm is ensuring that organizations possess the speed, agility, and protection necessary to thrive in the increasingly competitive global digital economy.
