Cassava and Sand Forge Africa's AI Future with GPU-as-a-Service
In a landmark move set to redefine Africa’s technological landscape, Cassava Technologies and Sand Technologies have announced a strategic partnership to deliver GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) across the continent.
This collaboration aims to democratize access to advanced AI computing resources, enabling African enterprises to harness the power of artificial intelligence without the prohibitive costs traditionally associated with high-performance computing. As the demand for AI-driven solutions surges, African businesses face the challenge of limited access to the necessary computational infrastructure. By offering GPUaaS, Cassava and Sand Technologies provide a scalable, cost-effective solution that allows companies to leverage powerful GPU processing capabilities on demand. This model eliminates the need for substantial upfront investments in hardware, making AI adoption more accessible to a broader range of enterprises.
The partnership focuses on deploying AI solutions across critical sectors, including telecommunications, healthcare, energy, and insurance. By integrating Cassava’s NVIDIA-powered GPU infrastructure with Sand Technologies’ expertise in enterprise AI, the collaboration aims to develop tailored solutions that address sector-specific challenges. For instance, in healthcare, AI can enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient care, while in energy, it can optimize grid management and resource allocation.
Central to this initiative is the development of Africa’s first AI factory, a state-of-the-art facility equipped with NVIDIA supercomputers. Scheduled to commence operations in South Africa by June 2025, with plans for expansion into Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria, the AI factory will serve as a hub for AI innovation. It will provide the necessary infrastructure for training and deploying AI models, fostering a robust ecosystem for AI development within the continent.
By facilitating access to advanced AI capabilities, the Cassava-Sand partnership is poised to accelerate digital transformation across Africa. Enterprises can enhance operational efficiency, develop innovative products and services, and improve decision-making processes. This, in turn, can lead to increased competitiveness in the global market and stimulate economic growth within the region. Both companies emphasize the importance of responsible AI adoption, ensuring that the deployment of AI technologies aligns with ethical standards and regulatory frameworks.
By maintaining data sovereignty and promoting transparency, the partnership seeks to build trust in AI systems and encourage widespread adoption across various industries. The collaboration between Cassava Technologies and Sand Technologies marks a significant milestone in Africa’s journey toward becoming a global player in the AI arena. By providing scalable, accessible GPU-as-a-Service, the partnership empowers African enterprises to embrace AI, drive innovation, and contribute to the continent’s economic development.
Valter Cumbi is a Senior Solutions and Software Architect that is frequently called upon to deliver technical solutions from business needs. As a Team Leader and Project Manager he has proven ability to tackle complex issues and quickly adapt to new situations/demands. His voice of experience contributes to Mozambique's digital development as a Digital Transformation Advisor in the Economic Stimulus Package, and a Work Bank consultant. Valter, blessed with opportunities such as setting up the Mozambique's first mobile TV to designing and implementing the first hybrid pre & post paid bundle system, gained experience in implementing end-to-end sophisticated technical solutions. Compounded with his business involvement and appreciation for telecommunication's potential as a medium for positive change, he brings drive, vision, and experience to his endeavours. This was displayed with an innovative mHealth platform—called PENSA *660#—that he conceived, fundraised, and implemented. It has since turned into one of the most important vehicles for dissemination of health information in Mozambique and has over 60 million consultations from over 4 million users nation-wide. Recently, Valter was recognized as an MIT Solver 2020 and Elevate Prize Fellow 2020 for his social work and impact through the PENSA *660# project.
