Liquid C2, the cloud and cybersecurity subsidiary of pan-African technology group Cassava Technologies, has partnered with Google Cloud to establish Africa’s first Google Cloud-powered Partner Experience Center in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Housed within the offices of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, this center will provide partners and resellers with hands-on experience using Google’s cutting-edge enterprise AI tools, such as Gemini Enterprise and Gemini Playspace, designed specifically for rapid prototyping.
The facility not only facilitates access to technical training from both Liquid C2 and Google but also acts as a collaborative hub where partners can work alongside expert engineers to develop tailored solutions.
Once these innovative solutions are finalized, they will be marketed through Liquid’s extensive distribution network, enhancing the reach and impact of the technology.
Liquid C2 emphasized that this initiative not only cultivates new commercial opportunities for partners but also stimulates significant job creation and accelerates the development of Africa’s technology landscape.
Inauguration of Africa’s pioneering cloud and AI experience center
At the center’s inauguration in Johannesburg, Cassava Technologies’ president and group CEO Hadi Pemuhiwa highlighted its potential to enhance AI accessibility across Africa.
He noted that this center represents the first of its kind in not just South Africa, but throughout the African continent. “We encourage our customers to bring their challenges to us so we can collaboratively find solutions in real-time,” Pemuhiwa stated.
The Partner Experience Center offers hands-on access to Google’s enterprise AI tools. (Source: Liquid C2)
Strive Masiyiwa, founder and chairman of Cassava Technologies, indicated that the center aims to tackle the infrastructure and skills gaps that inhibit technology adoption throughout the continent.
He emphasized the center’s role in showcasing AI applications in vital sectors, including financial services, healthcare, and retail.
“The time for discussion about AI is behind us. We must now invest in infrastructure and create the digital framework necessary for AI services to thrive and enhance operational efficiencies,” he added.
Masiyiwa stressed, “AI requires action and investment from businesses and policymakers to lay the groundwork that will facilitate its development.”
A commitment to skills development
At the launch of the Partner Experience Center, South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, characterized the facility as a significant investment in skills development and job creation for the local market.
Malatsi remarked that the initiative embodies confidence in the region’s trajectory, demonstrating that meaningful investment can be attracted.
Tara Brady, President for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) at Google Cloud, stated that this center aligns with Google Cloud’s broader strategy to foster partner-led innovation across Africa, underscoring the importance of a robust partner ecosystem.
Ziaad Suleman, CEO for South Africa and Botswana at Cassava Technologies, noted that Africa’s digital transformation depends on an ecosystem that melds global innovations with localized expertise and infrastructure.
“The Partner Experience Center, powered by Google Cloud, provides a practical environment for organizations to explore, test, and scale solutions that yield substantial business benefits,” he stated.
Suleman further added, “By combining our infrastructure, expertise, and continental reach with Google Cloud’s advanced technology, we are equipping businesses across Africa to harness AI and cloud capabilities effectively.”
