Nvidia and Zimbabwean billionaire Strive Masiyiwa’s Cassava to built AI Factory in Africa

Africa Makes a Bold Leap into AI with Groundbreaking Partnership

Africa is on the verge of a technological transformation, thanks to a remarkable partnership that could change the continent’s future in artificial intelligence. On March 24, Zimbabwean billionaire Strive Masiyiwa’s Cassava Technologies revealed its collaboration with tech giant Nvidia to establish Africa’s very first AI factory. This initiative represents a significant leap beyond the standard data center, focusing instead on specialized capabilities designed exclusively for AI computing.

Set to launch in South Africa by June 2025, this cutting-edge facility will utilize Nvidia’s advanced AI technology, with plans for expansion into Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria, although specific timelines for these developments have yet to be announced.

The AI factory will harness Nvidia supercomputers equipped with powerful graphics processing units (GPUs), enabling Cassava to offer “AI as a service” across the continent. This will be facilitated by a robust fiber-optic network and energy-efficient data centers, addressing the urgent need for improved computing resources in Africa.

What is an AI Factory?

Imagine an AI factory as the industrial revolution for artificial intelligence—a term coined by Nvidia’s visionary CEO, Jensen Huang. These specialized environments are designed to seamlessly manage the entire AI life cycle, transforming raw data into trained AI models.

According to Chinasa Okolo, a technology innovation fellow at the Brookings Institution, AI factories consolidate data pipelines, algorithm development, and model experimentation into a cohesive ecosystem. This integration allows companies to innovate rapidly and securely, translating AI concepts into workable solutions with exceptional efficiency.

Africa’s Computing Crisis

However, the continent has been grappling with a significant computing power shortage, which has stifled its potential in the AI arena. Currently, Africa accounts for only a tiny fraction—just 0.1%—of the global computing capacity. Shockingly, only 5% of Africa’s AI talent has access to the computational resources critical for performing complex tasks, as reported by the UNDP.

Furthermore, Africa remains underrepresented in global AI training data sets, restricting meaningful participation in the AI revolution. Cassava’s partnership with Nvidia aims to address this glaring gap and empower the continent to reclaim its place in the tech landscape.

Why This Partnership is Game-Changing for Africa

According to Silas Adekunle, founder of the AI company Awarri, this partnership marks a critical turning point for Africa’s tech ecosystem. Companies like Awarri can leverage these advanced technologies to scale their solutions in vital areas.

The implications are wide-ranging:

• Localized AI Development: With homegrown resources, Africa can reduce its reliance on foreign cloud platforms, allowing startups to train and run AI models locally at competitive prices.
• Academic Advancements: Universities, like the Durban University of Technology, can finally access the previously unaffordable Nvidia technology, paving the way for groundbreaking research and experimentation.

Colin Thakur, a professor at the Durban University of Technology, expressed optimism: “This will democratize research and experimentation,” providing greater access to tools critical for innovation.

The Visionary Behind the Initiative

So who is Strive Masiyiwa? The Zimbabwean telecommunications giant has built a remarkable career spanning four decades and various industries. Starting from humble beginnings, Masiyiwa launched Econet Wireless, a telecom powerhouse with millions of users across Africa. He then founded Liquid Intelligent Technologies, the continent’s largest independent fiber network.

Cassava Technologies reflects Masiyiwa’s ambitious vision, with endeavors ranging from mobile payments to renewable energy. Despite his base in the U.K., Masiyiwa continues to invest in initiatives across Africa, Europe, India, Latin America, and the Middle East. His foray into AI infrastructure could turn out to be a monumental legacy, positioning Africa more prominently in the global tech arena.

The Path Forward

While the partnership between Nvidia and Cassava signifies a pivotal moment for Africa, it marks merely the beginning of the continent’s AI journey. To truly harness this breakthrough, the infrastructure must be complemented with talent development, research investment, and effective policy frameworks. For the first time, Africa has a foundation to build upon, paving its way to contribute to the global AI narrative.

Okolo concludes with a note of caution, stating, “There is still much work needed for African countries and companies to become significant stakeholders in the global AI race.”

The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.