Cassava Technologies partners with NVIDIA to launch Africa’s first AI factory, providing cutting-edge AI computing for businesses and researchers. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Cassava Technologies has announced its plans to establish Africa’s first AI factory—an advanced, highly secure data centre equipped with NVIDIA AI computing technology

This initiative aims to provide African enterprises, governments, and researchers with state-of-the-art AI computing resources, enabling them to enhance AI-driven solutions, optimise processes, and maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving landscape. The facility will supply the necessary supercomputing power and software for AI training while ensuring data remains within Africa.

Cassava intends to implement NVIDIA’s accelerated computing and AI software through NVIDIA Cloud Partner (NCP) reference architectures at its South African data centres by June 2025, with future expansions across Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria. The AI Factory will integrate Cassava’s high-speed, low-latency fibre-optic network with its energy-efficient data centres to deliver AI as a Service (AIaaS). These sustainable data centres are designed to minimise energy consumption while supporting AI workloads.

Next-gen AI power 

Powered by NVIDIA GPU-based supercomputers, the AI Factory will facilitate rapid AI model training, fine-tuning, and advanced inference. As an NCP, Cassava aims to introduce these cutting-edge computing platforms to Africa, positioning itself as a key player in the continent’s AI landscape.

The AI Factory will provide businesses and researchers with the computational resources needed for scaling AI applications, increasing efficiency, and driving innovation. With this secure, high-performance AI environment, African enterprises and governments can develop localised AI solutions while adhering to both global and local data regulations.

“Building digital infrastructure for the AI economy is a priority if Africa is to take full advantage of the fourth industrial revolution. Our AI Factory provides the infrastructure for this innovation to scale, empowering African businesses, startups and researchers with access to cutting-edge AI infrastructure to turn their bold ideas into real-world breakthroughs — and now, they don’t have to look beyond Africa to get it,” said Strive Masiyiwa, founder & chairman of Cassava. “Collaborating with NVIDIA gives us the advanced computing capabilities needed to drive Africa’s AI innovation while strengthening the continent’s digital independence.”

“AI is helping innovators solve our greatest challenges in agriculture, healthcare, energy, financial services and many other industries creating opportunity in Africa,” said Jaap Zuiderveld, vice-president EMEA at NVIDIA. “As an NVIDIA Cloud Partner, Cassava is providing essential infrastructure and software to help pioneering companies and organizations accelerate AI development to foster innovation across the continent.”

Cassava’s AI Factory represents the latest step in the company’s longstanding commitment to delivering cutting-edge digital solutions, reinforcing its dedication to responsible AI adoption, technological advancement, and productivity growth throughout Africa.

WIOCC partners with iColo to enhance ISP growth, improve interconnectivity, and strengthen Kenya’s digital infrastructure through colocation solutions. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

WIOCC, a leading wholesale connectivity provider in Africa, has entered a strategic colocation partnership with iColo, a carrier-neutral data centre provider and part of Digital Realty

This collaboration aims to accelerate the expansion of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Mombasa and across Kenya by enhancing digital infrastructure, fostering interconnectivity, and creating new market opportunities—ultimately strengthening Kenya’s growing digital economy.

As a key driver of Africa’s digital transformation, WIOCC has successfully implemented the Mombasa Metro Network, linking major data centres and submarine cable landing stations. This state-of-the-art infrastructure is now seamlessly integrated with iColo’s advanced carrier-neutral data centres, enabling an efficient peering ecosystem that delivers low-latency, high-performance connectivity solutions for ISPs.

Unlocking growth for Kenya’s ISP market

“The collaboration with iColo is a game-changer for Kenya’s ISP community,” said James Wekesa, chief commercial officer at WIOCC Group. “Through our high-capacity metro network and peering solutions, we are providing ISPs with the scalability, reliability and efficiency needed to serve the evolving needs of Kenyan businesses and consumers.”

This partnership is set to address a key challenge for ISPs: expanding network reach while maintaining cost efficiency. By leveraging WIOCC’s carrier-grade metro and national network, ISPs can extend their services beyond Mombasa, reaching new regional and national markets without significant capital investment.

iColo’s data centre campuses in Nairobi and Mombasa provide ISPs with access to high-capacity subsea cable systems, Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), and Cloud Service Providers (CSPs). This neutral data centre ecosystem facilitates seamless connectivity across Kenya and the broader East African region.

Strengthening Kenya’s digital infrastructure

Digital Realty, iColo’s parent company, has been recognised in Cloudscene’s 2024–2025 Data Centre Ecosystem Leaderboard as the top data centre provider in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. This recognition underscores the strength of its infrastructure, which will play a crucial role in supporting Kenya’s increasing demand for cloud services, content distribution, and high-speed internet access.

“With increased digital adoption across Kenya, businesses need network solutions that are highly reliable and scalable. Through our continued investments and partnerships, WIOCC remains committed to driving digital transformation and economic growth in the country,” added Wekesa.

For ISPs looking to elevate their services, this collaboration presents a valuable opportunity to future-proof their operations, enhance service quality, and expand their market presence with minimal risk. Industry stakeholders, ISPs, and technology leaders are encouraged to engage with WIOCC and iColo to explore further opportunities in strengthening Kenya’s digital infrastructure.

This initiative aims to link the Southern European Data Gateway with Atlantic Africa via a 24-fiber pair submarine cable system. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

AFR-IX Telecom, a leading telecom and infrastructure operator in Africa, has received new funding from the European Commission to advance the MEDUSA AFRICA Submarine Cable System under the CEF Digital programme

This investment represents a major step in strengthening digital connectivity between Europe and Africa, fostering economic growth and technological advancements across the region.

Expanding the Medusa Submarine Cable into West Africa

Originally designed to improve intercontinental connectivity across the Mediterranean, the Medusa Submarine Cable System will now extend deeper into West Africa. This expansion enhances interconnection between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, easing potential network congestion as demand for connectivity surges. Additionally, it will provide improved redundancy and greater resilience for critical digital infrastructure.

A strategic investment in Africa’s digital future

The European Commission, through its Backbone Connectivity for Digital Global Gateways programme (CEF – DIG 2023 – GATEWAYS), has awarded a €14.3 million (approx. US$15.5mn) grant to the MEDUSA AFRICA project. This initiative aims to link the Southern European Data Gateway with Atlantic Africa via a 24-fiber pair submarine cable system.

The project will lay the foundation for a dedicated African connectivity subsystem within the Medusa network. This includes conducting a marine survey for a Branching Unit extending to the Democratic Republic of Congo and exploring potential branching routes along the West African coastline.

EU’s commitment to strengthening global digital connectivity

MEDUSA AFRICA is one of 21 projects selected for funding in the third round of the CEF Digital programme. Another AFR-IX Telecom initiative, ATMED Malta – DG, which integrates Malta into the Medusa network, has been awarded €3.7 million (approx. US$4mn) in funding.

These grants are part of the European Commission’s €420 million (approx. US$455mn) investment in digital infrastructure, with €142 million (approx. US$154mn) specifically allocated to submarine cable projects.

Experts at Kampala workshop push for unified roaming, regulatory alignment, and infrastructure investments to enhance Africa’s digital integration. (Image source: East African Comunity )

Telecommunications leaders from across Africa gathered in Kampala, Uganda, for a Knowledge Exchange and Stakeholder Engagement Workshop focused on the One Africa Network (OAN) and the EAC One Network Area (ONA)

This workshop was a major step toward creating a harmonised telecommunications framework across Africa. Hosted jointly by Smart Africa and the EAC Secretariat, the event brought together policymakers, regulators, mobile network operators (MNOs), and development partners to address key regulatory and implementation challenges hindering Africa’s digital integration.

The OAN and ONA initiatives are designed to make cross-border communication more affordable by eliminating excessive roaming fees, standardising regulations, and promoting intergovernmental cooperation. These efforts aim to accelerate regional integration, boost economic development, and expand digital access for African citizens.

Smart Africa’s senior director of strategy and growth, Didier Nkurikiyimfura, commented, “I take this opportunity to reaffirm Smart Africa’s commitment to fostering an interconnected digital economy on the continent as we strive to attain the ambitions of the Heads of State from Smart Africa’s 40 member countries to accelerate digital integration across the continent.”

Representing the EAC secretary general, Veronica Nduva, the EAC principal information technology officer, Daniel Murenzi, highlighted the region’s progress toward affordable connectivity.

Seamless connectivity unlocked

“In 2015, the EAC Heads of State directed the implementation of a ‘One Network Area’ (ONA), essentially eliminating roaming charges and establishing uniform calling rates within the region. This directive aimed to facilitate increased connectivity and economic activity across the EAC bloc. Today, six (6) out of eight (8) EAC Partner States have adopted aspects of the ONA, significantly lowering roaming costs, with efforts ongoing to include the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia,” said Murenzi.

“The EAC remains committed to digital integration and strengthening collaboration with Smart Africa and other partners as we work towards a Single Digital Market, ensuring affordable communication across Africa,” added Murenzi.

To further advance digital integration, the EAC is working through the World Bank-funded Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP) to develop regulatory frameworks that will expand and finalise ONA implementation.

A strong and reliable network infrastructure is essential for seamless roaming, but disparities in telecommunications investment across countries pose challenges. Some regions lack adequate mobile towers, fibre-optic networks, or sufficient capacity for cross-border connectivity. Addressing these gaps requires significant financial investment, which can be difficult for resource-limited nations.

Additionally, ensuring interoperability between different networks and operators is crucial for an efficient roaming experience. The workshop identified the need for increased investment, regional cooperation, and supportive policies to improve infrastructure development and ensure reliable connectivity.

Creating a unified roaming system also requires collaboration between multiple governments and service providers. One of the major hurdles is aligning policies and technical standards across different countries. Variations in existing regulations, economic conditions, and telecommunications policies make it difficult to establish a single, streamlined framework that benefits both consumers and service providers.

Moreover, differences in national telecommunications regulations can create additional barriers to seamless roaming. Some countries impose high taxes or strict policies that complicate foreign operator service provision. Achieving regulatory alignment across multiple nations requires extensive negotiations and cooperation among governments, regulators, and industry stakeholders. A well-structured regulatory framework is critical for ensuring fair competition, consumer protection, and smooth cross-border connectivity.

Pricing for roaming services remains a key concern. While consumers often face high costs when using mobile networks outside their home countries, service providers must also maintain financial viability. Striking the right balance between affordability for users and sustainable revenue for operators is essential.

The workshop also addressed critical aspects of a unified roaming system, including SIM boxing fraud prevention, regional interconnection gateways, inter-operator settlement mechanisms, dispute resolution, fraud management, and the development of a structured international roaming implementation strategy.

By aligning regional efforts with broader continental digital integration goals and fostering data-driven policy discussions, the event marked a crucial step forward. Consensus was reached on refining regional roaming frameworks using existing structures, paving the way for a more inclusive, sustainable, and forward-looking African telecommunications ecosystem.