Zimbabwean Billionaire, Nvidia Team Up for Africa’s $720M AI Hub

There’s an exciting development brewing on the African continent that’s capturing the attention of both technology experts and curious onlookers. Cassava Technologies is contemplating a significant investment of up to $720 million. Why? They’re planning to partner with Nvidia Corp to develop Africa’s very first artificial intelligence (AI) factory, a decision covered in depth by Bloomberg.

Strive Masiyiwa is the mastermind behind Cassava Technologies. This Zimbabwean telecom mogul has a vision that’s as robust as it is far-reaching. The plan is to leverage Nvidia’s cutting-edge accelerated computing systems and AI software across several pivotal African markets. We’re talking about nations like South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, and Morocco—each brimming with potential and hungry for innovation.

As Hardy Pemhiwa, Cassava’s president and group CEO, mused, “If we don’t take the first step to deploy our capital, however limited it may be, we can’t expect others to go first.” This quote resonates deeply, doesn’t it? It underscores a sentiment that many entrepreneurs can relate to: the fear of being left behind. Pemhiwa’s vision is clear – Africa must stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the world.

South Africa to host Nvidia’s inaugural AI Data Centers

South Africa has been chosen as the pioneering site to host Nvidia-powered data centers. An initial 3,000 graphic processing units (GPUs) are slated for deployment by June. But that’s just the beginning. These operations will soon extend their reach to Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria, promising a cascade of technological benefits.

To further illuminate Pemhiwa’s plan, he stated, “We intend over the next three to four years to install 12,000 of them across Africa, starting with the 3,000 in South Africa.” From these words, it is evident that the GPUs are more than just a technological asset. They’re the foundation upon which a comprehensive AI ecosystem will be built—a digital tapestry woven into Africa’s economic fabric.

Did you know each Nvidia GPU ranges between $45,000 to $60,000? That’s quite an investment! With a commanding 93% share of the global GPU market, Nvidia isn’t just a partner; they’re the gold standard. As Pemhiwa pointedly remarked, “They’re market leaders.” Aligning with Nvidia is a strategic move, setting Cassava at the forefront of the AI revolution in Africa.

Another intriguing aspect of this partnership is the plan to sell any surplus computing capacity to other Nvidia cloud clients worldwide, expanding Cassava’s global footprint.

Strive Masiyiwa, known for his foresight, emphasized that constructing this AI infrastructure is imperative if Africa is to seize the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This initiative isn’t just about technology; it’s a gateway to the continent’s technological and economic rebirth.

But who will benefit from these AI innovations? The scope is vast and inclusive. Cassava’s AI factory will cater to everyone from ambitious university researchers to dynamic start-ups and developers. Whether your interests lie in healthcare, fintech, or governmental initiatives, there’s a space for you in this burgeoning techno-landscape.