Cassava Technologies has entered into a strategic partnership with the South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) to deliver advanced artificial intelligence solutions and GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) capabilities across the African continent. The partnership, formalized through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aims to unlock scalable AI opportunities by improving access to powerful computing infrastructure. This marks a significant step forward in building an inclusive, innovation-driven digital economy in Africa.
Supporting AI Talent with Scalable Infrastructure
Under the agreement, SAAIA’s growing community of over 3,000 AI practitioners—including entrepreneurs, academics, and researchers—will be granted access to Cassava’s data center GPUs. This infrastructure is critical to the development and deployment of AI models, allowing African innovators to build and test solutions locally. The partnership is expected to catalyze new AI initiatives while empowering African startups and institutions to compete in global technology markets.
A Shared Commitment to Responsible AI Growth
Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies South Africa and Botswana, emphasized the importance of expanding AI infrastructure to meet the continent’s growing digital needs. He stated that the collaboration supports a shared vision of empowering business and research communities through access to essential computing power. Suleman added that this initiative will drive meaningful impact not only for both organizations but also for the broader African innovation landscape.
SAAIA’s Role in Shaping Africa’s AI Future
As South Africa’s foremost AI industry body, SAAIA plays a critical role in uniting stakeholders from across the public and private sectors to promote the ethical development of AI. With a strong track record of advocacy, education, and networking, SAAIA is behind Africa’s largest AI event, AI Expo Africa. The organization continues to lead efforts that stimulate investment and accelerate AI growth across the continent’s smart technology sector.
Empowering Startups and Entrepreneurs
Dr. Nick Bradshaw, Founder and Chairman of SAAIA, welcomed the partnership, noting the importance of infrastructure access for emerging AI entrepreneurs. He underscored that GPUaaS is a game-changing resource for startups aiming to launch scalable, real-world applications. Bradshaw affirmed that the collaboration with Cassava represents a foundational step in nurturing South Africa’s AI ecosystem and promoting inclusive innovation.
Expanding Africa’s Digital Capabilities
This partnership complements Cassava Technologies’ broader mission to deliver world-class digital infrastructure and services throughout Africa. The company recently announced plans to build the continent’s first AI factory, positioning itself as a key player in driving AI research, development, and deployment. Through strategic investments and partnerships, Cassava is working to create a thriving digital environment that supports both government and private sector transformation.
A Vision for Africa’s Digital Future
Cassava’s alignment with SAAIA reflects its commitment to responsible AI adoption, capacity building, and sustainable digital innovation. By combining deep infrastructure with ecosystem partnerships, the company is helping African nations unlock the economic and social benefits of emerging technologies. The initiative underscores a growing recognition that local talent, empowered by accessible tools, will shape the continent’s digital future.
The collaboration between Cassava Technologies and SAAIA marks a pivotal moment in Africa’s AI evolution. By enabling access to critical AI infrastructure and fostering cross-sector innovation, the partnership sets the stage for transformative growth across industries. As Africa advances toward a more connected and intelligent future, such alliances will be instrumental in ensuring that technological progress benefits all.