AFRICA – Cassava Technologies, Africa’s first integrated tech company, has announced that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mitsui and Co, one of Japan’s largest global conglomerates, to develop digital infrastructure across Africa, with a particular focus on data centres.
Cassava, which owns Africa Data Centres, has been on an expansion drive and has since secured an investment of almost R4 billion (approximately US$250 million).
It operates Africa’s largest network of interconnected, carrier- and cloud-neutral data centre facilities.
The company, which was recently created by Pan-African telecoms group Econet, houses the group’s fibre broadband networks, data centres, cyber security, fintech and digital.
The new tech firm, headquartered in London, aims to empower individuals and businesses in Africa through digital inclusion to drive a digitally-connected future.
With the launch, Cassava Technologies is now among parent company Econet’s established technology brands, including Africa’s largest fibre company Liquid Intelligent Technologies.
Liquid owns and operates over 70,000 fibre-optic route kilometres across 13 central, eastern and southern African regions, in addition to South Africa, five data centres and satellite earth stations.
The tech firm says the partnership will bring together the technology, expertise and networks of both organisations to accelerate digital transformation on the continent.
In a statement, Cassava says, in terms of the MOU, Mitsui will assist it by providing access to Mitsui’s global network, “advanced technologies and helping to identify potential sources of financing” to support future growth and investment.
The Japanese firm has global experience in developing, investing in and operating businesses in the digital, infrastructure and energy sectors.
“This MOU accelerates our shared objectives to foster digital transformation across the African continent. The partnership with Mitsui allows Cassava Technologies to access Mitsui’s deep global experience in developing digital infrastructure,” says Hardy Pemhiwa, president and CEO of Cassava Technologies.
“With Mitsui’s global network and experience, paired with our local market knowledge across Africa, we will work together to accelerate innovation and expand access to digital services for enterprises and consumers.”
Mitsui has extensive global experience developing, investing in and operating businesses in the digital, infrastructure and energy sectors, and through this partnership, will further expand its business activities in Africa.
Mitsui will assist Cassava Technologies by providing access to Mitsui’s global network, advanced technologies and helping to identify potential sources of financing to support future growth and investment.
The fibre company offers services across wholesale data, enterprise, wholesale voice and retail segments, as well as new technology solutions.
Cassava Technologies now operates the largest independent Pan-African terrestrial fibre broadband network, covering more than 300 towns and cities across Africa.
Other Econet companies that will be housed under Cassava Technologies are Africa Data Centres, Liquid Cloud, Sasai Fintech, Vaya Technologies and Distributed Power Technologies.
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