Published: 12 May 2025

Cassava Technologies, a global tech giant of African heritage, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zindi, Africa's largest professional network for data scientists, to jointly deliver cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions and GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) across the continent.

The partnership marks a pivotal moment in Africa's digital evolution, with both organisations committing to bolster the region's AI capabilities through innovation, skill development, and infrastructure.

Under the agreement, Zindi will utilise Cassava's GPUaaS offering—powered by its advanced pan-African data centres—to develop AI models and tackle local challenges. In return, the collaboration will explore cross-platform synergies, leveraging each other's expansive ecosystems to grow Africa's tech and data science talent pool.

"For Africa's AI ecosystem to grow and thrive, it is essential to provide platforms and resources for the continent's developers and start-ups," said Hardy Pemhiwa, President and Group CEO of Cassava Technologies. "Combining our data centres' advanced GPU capabilities with Zindi's innovative data science platform creates a powerful foundation for digital advancement."

Cassava Technologies recently announced plans to build Africa's first AI factory and launched its AI-focused business arm earlier this year, signaling its ambition to lead the continent's AI revolution. The partnership with Zindi is a continuation of that vision, aiming to expand access to high-performance computing and support the responsible development of AI.

Zindi, known for its pan-African data science competitions and community-driven problem-solving approach, works with a range of stakeholders—including private sector firms, NGOs, and governments—to design challenges based on real-world datasets.

"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 Celina Lee, CEO and Co-Founder of Zindi. "This collaboration will not only expose entrepreneurial talent and innovation, but also build skills and create new employment opportunities."

As part of the MoU, the two organisations are set to launch a new AI challenge focused on nurturing African talent, further cementing their shared commitment to inclusive tech development.

The alliance is expected to amplify AI innovation across Africa, ensuring more start-ups, researchers, and developers gain access to critical infrastructure and support to solve pressing social and economic issues—ranging from agriculture and healthcare to financial inclusion and climate resilience.
- herald

You might also want to read this

• Cassava launches Vaya tractor services
• SI 142 force changes on Cassava shareholding
• Cassava ventures into trucking business
• Cassava enters the Zimbabwe market at $3.8 billion
• Cassava makes history
• Cassava Smartech listing on tomorrow
• Cassava modeled around giant Chinese company Tencent
• Cassava, Comviva win the Com Award 2018