• African tech giant Cassava Technologies has struck deal with Zindi, a professional network of data scientists with its AI plans in mind.
• The deal with see Cassava leverage Zindi’s network to help give its AI solutions a wider reach.
• Cassava recently announced major forays into its AI business.

Big tech in Africa is working hard not to miss out on the race for Artificial Intelligence and the profits it promises. Pan-African tech firm Cassava Technologies says that it has struck a deal with Zindi, one of the largest professional networks of data scientists in Africa, to increase the amount of AI solutions it can offer across the continent.

According to an announcement from Cassava, which is headquartered in the UK, the collaboration will be a factor “on several initiatives.”

“These include using Cassava’s GPUaaS capabilities for Zindi’s AI solution development and identifying opportunities for both organisations to leverage one another’s platforms and ecosystems,” it writes.

In August last year, Cassava split its AI operations into its own business arm, Cassava.AI. “Cassava already provides services such as Data Centres, Cloud, Cyber Security, Fibre Connectivity, and Renewable Energy to large multinational and local companies,” it said at the time.

“Combining our data centres’ advanced GPU capabilities with Zindi’s innovative data science platform creates a powerful foundation for digital advancement. Cassava is proud to support local stakeholders as they develop digital solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing problems,” explained Hardy Pemhiwa, President and Group CEO of Cassava Technologies, about the recent partnership.

Pemhiwa added that the continent’s developers and startups will require the right resources for develop of generative AI in Africa for Africans.

“Zindi is thrilled at the opportunity to partner with Cassava Technologies to strengthen African datasets, address local problems with locally-developed solutions, and help more African AI builders access the resources they need to succeed,” said Zindi CEO and co-Founder, Celina Lee. 

Cassava recently announced plans to build “Africa’s first AI factory,” as well as appointing Ahmed El Beheiry as the COO and Chief AI Officer for the company. The company also received a $310 million investment at the end of 2024 to support its incoming plans.