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Liquid C2 launches Africa's first Google partner experience centre
2 hrs ago |
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Liquid C2, a business of Cassava Technologies, has launched Africa's first Partner Experience Centre powered by Google Cloud in Johannesburg, marking a significant step in the continent's push toward advanced cloud and artificial intelligence adoption.
The facility is designed to move partners and resellers beyond traditional distribution models by offering an immersive environment where they can design, test and deploy cloud and AI solutions tailored to African market needs.
Through the centre, partners will undergo structured onboarding that includes official Google Cloud accreditation and certification, while also gaining hands-on experience working alongside specialist engineers to develop bespoke solutions.
Once developed, these solutions will be taken to market through Liquid C2's established distribution network, expanding access to enterprise-grade technologies across the region.
Cassava Technologies president and CEO Hardy Pemhiwa said the centre is intended to make artificial intelligence more accessible and practical for African businesses.
"This is the first cloud and AI experience centre of its kind on the African continent," he said, adding that clients will be able to "bring us their problems" and co-create solutions in real time.
Founder and executive chairman Strive Masiyiwa said the launch reflects a shift from discussion to execution in Africa's AI development.
"AI is not going to happen because we talk it into being," he said, stressing that investment in infrastructure is essential to building the continent's digital future.
He also pointed to upcoming plans for an AI factory in Cape Town, which he said would be among the largest of its kind in Africa, with additional facilities planned for Kenya, Nigeria, Morocco and Egypt.
The Partner Experience Centre provides access to enterprise tools such as Gemini Enterprise and the Gemini Playspace, enabling rapid experimentation, prototyping and deployment of AI-driven solutions.
Cassava Technologies senior vice-president and CEO for South Africa and Botswana Ziaad Suleman said the centre creates a practical ecosystem for innovation.
"The Partner Experience Centre powered by Google Cloud creates a practical environment where organisations can explore, test, and scale solutions that deliver real business value," he said.
From Google Cloud, EMEA president Tara Brady said the initiative reflects the importance of strong partner ecosystems in driving digital transformation.
The facility also functions as a proof-of-concept hub, offering industry-specific platforms for sectors such as financial services, healthcare and retail, aimed at improving efficiency, reducing risk and unlocking new growth opportunities.
Beyond technology development, the initiative is expected to strengthen Africa's digital skills base by training certified engineers and expanding the continent's pool of AI and cloud professionals.
Cassava Technologies said the project forms part of its broader strategy to expand digital inclusion across Africa through connectivity, cloud, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure solutions.
The facility is designed to move partners and resellers beyond traditional distribution models by offering an immersive environment where they can design, test and deploy cloud and AI solutions tailored to African market needs.
Through the centre, partners will undergo structured onboarding that includes official Google Cloud accreditation and certification, while also gaining hands-on experience working alongside specialist engineers to develop bespoke solutions.
Once developed, these solutions will be taken to market through Liquid C2's established distribution network, expanding access to enterprise-grade technologies across the region.
Cassava Technologies president and CEO Hardy Pemhiwa said the centre is intended to make artificial intelligence more accessible and practical for African businesses.
"This is the first cloud and AI experience centre of its kind on the African continent," he said, adding that clients will be able to "bring us their problems" and co-create solutions in real time.
Founder and executive chairman Strive Masiyiwa said the launch reflects a shift from discussion to execution in Africa's AI development.
"AI is not going to happen because we talk it into being," he said, stressing that investment in infrastructure is essential to building the continent's digital future.
He also pointed to upcoming plans for an AI factory in Cape Town, which he said would be among the largest of its kind in Africa, with additional facilities planned for Kenya, Nigeria, Morocco and Egypt.
The Partner Experience Centre provides access to enterprise tools such as Gemini Enterprise and the Gemini Playspace, enabling rapid experimentation, prototyping and deployment of AI-driven solutions.
Cassava Technologies senior vice-president and CEO for South Africa and Botswana Ziaad Suleman said the centre creates a practical ecosystem for innovation.
"The Partner Experience Centre powered by Google Cloud creates a practical environment where organisations can explore, test, and scale solutions that deliver real business value," he said.
From Google Cloud, EMEA president Tara Brady said the initiative reflects the importance of strong partner ecosystems in driving digital transformation.
The facility also functions as a proof-of-concept hub, offering industry-specific platforms for sectors such as financial services, healthcare and retail, aimed at improving efficiency, reducing risk and unlocking new growth opportunities.
Beyond technology development, the initiative is expected to strengthen Africa's digital skills base by training certified engineers and expanding the continent's pool of AI and cloud professionals.
Cassava Technologies said the project forms part of its broader strategy to expand digital inclusion across Africa through connectivity, cloud, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure solutions.
Source - the herald
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