Zimbabwean billionaire Strive Masiyiwa-backed Liquid C2 unveils Africa’s first Google Cloud AI centre     

Liquid C2, a business of Cassava Technologies, a leading pan-African technology company owned by Zimbabwean billionaire, Strive Masiyiwa, has launched Africa’s first Partner Experience Centre powered by Google Cloud in Johannesburg. 

The centre aims to give local partners and resellers hands-on access to cloud and AI tools designed for the African market. 

The facility offers a structured program that guides partners through Google Cloud accreditation and certification. Beyond technical training, the centre serves as a collaborative space where partners can work with specialist engineers to design custom solutions, which are then deployed through Liquid C2’s extensive distribution network.

The initiative is expected to create high-value jobs and strengthen the continent’s technology ecosystem.

Liquid C2, Google Cloud partner up

The Partner Experience Centre provides access to enterprise-grade technologies, including Gemini Enterprise and the “Gemini Playspace” for AI experimentation. It allows partners to prototype, test, and scale solutions in real-world conditions, helping them overcome common infrastructure and skills challenges. 

“As demand for advanced digital capabilities grows, we want to create a space where enterprises, startups, universities, developers, and public-sector organisations can build solutions relevant to Africa,” said Ziaad Suleman, Senior Vice President of Cassava Technologies and CEO for South Africa and Botswana.

“This centre combines our infrastructure, expertise, and continental reach with Google Cloud’s advanced tools to make AI and cloud services more accessible.” 

Tara Brady, President of Google Cloud EMEA, added, “This is a step toward a more digitally inclusive Africa. By combining our AI capabilities with Liquid C2’s local knowledge, we are not just opening a facility, we are creating a hub for innovation that empowers businesses, supports job creation, and brings digital tools to more people across the continent.”

AI innovation enabled in Gemini Playspaces

The collaboration centers on three main priorities: 

Partner Enablement: The centre acts as a proof-of-concept hub, offering local currency billing, credit solutions, and hands-on technology training. This approach is designed to remove barriers that have historically slowed technology adoption. 

AI and Technology Innovation: Partners can build and deploy AI solutions in dedicated “Gemini Playspaces” and integrated “Solutions Pods,” enabling them to present complete technology stacks for complex enterprise projects. 

Economic Growth and Jobs: By expanding the partner network, the initiative is expected to develop local expertise and create employment opportunities for engineers and tech professionals across Africa.

Liquid C2 expands AI, Cloud access

Liquid C2, a key unit of the broader Liquid Intelligent Technologies group, has been at the forefront of introducing digital technologies to African businesses, both directly and through its partners. The new centre underscores the company’s commitment to enabling organisations of all sizes to access cloud, cybersecurity, and AI solutions. 

The unit operates in 17 African countries and works with global technology providers such as Google Cloud, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services. Masiyiwa, whose net worth Forbes estimates at $2.2 billion, has repeatedly highlighted the importance of digital infrastructure in driving economic growth across the continent. 

Last month, Liquid C2 partnered with CyberCoach to deliver AI-driven cybersecurity training for African businesses, further strengthening digital operations continent-wide.