Zimbabwean billionaire Strive Masiyiwa’s Cassava Technologies launches AI business unit

Timilehin Adejumobi -

Key Point

  • Cassava Technologies unveils Cassava AI as a dedicated unit to advance its artificial intelligence initiatives, reflecting Generative AI’s growing prominence.
  • Cassava AI forms key alliances with tech giants like Microsoft and Google, expanding its systems integration and support services worldwide.
  • Headquartered in London, Cassava AI aims to extend its services to over 40 markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Cassava Technologies, a leading pan-African technology firm owned by Zimbabwean billionaire Strive Masiyiwa, has officially unveiled Cassava AI as a distinct business unit dedicated to advancing its artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives. This strategic move aligns with the growing prominence of Generative AI, a field poised for significant expansion.

Key partnerships and global reach

Cassava AI has secured strategic partnerships with some of the biggest names in technology, including Microsoft, Google, AWS, Anthropic, Oracle, Atlas AI, Cerebras, and Palo Alto Networks. These collaborations will enable Cassava AI to offer premier systems integration and support services to enterprise clients across major global markets.

Hardy Pemhiwa, President and CEO of Cassava Technologies, stated, “Cassava AI is headquartered in London and is prepared to extend its services to over 40 markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, regions where Cassava Technologies has a significant presence. Ahmed El Beheiry, a seasoned executive in technology and telecom, will helm this new business unit.”

AI to enhance digital services

Founded by Masiyiwa, whose net worth is estimated at $1.9 billion, Cassava Technologies envisions a digitally connected future. The company aims to leverage technology to enhance social mobility and drive economic growth. Its ecosystem of integrated digital solutions includes Data Centres, Cloud services, Cyber Security, Fibre Connectivity, and Renewable Energy, catering to both multinational and local enterprises.

Under Masiyiwa’s leadership, Cassava Technologies has effectively trained and deployed over 200 members of its 5,000-strong workforce to support customers in utilizing Generative AI services from leading global vendors. This initiative follows the merger of Econet’s fiber networks, data centers, and other assets into Cassava Technologies in November 2021.

With its new AI unit, Cassava Technologies is poised to enhance its technological capabilities and expand its service offerings, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and excellence in the digital space.