By Adedapo Adesanya

Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group, has partnered with Google to expand access to Gemini, Google’s advanced AI model, to millions of people across Africa.

The partnership aims to make cutting-edge artificial intelligence more inclusive, affordable, and accessible to users, entrepreneurs, and communities across the continent.

Through this collaboration, users in select African countries will enjoy data-free access to the Gemini app and extended trial periods of Gemini Advanced via Cassava’s network of partner operators and service providers.

According to a joint statement, the companies noted that the initiative reflects their shared vision of bridging the digital divide and empowering Africans with the tools and knowledge to thrive in an AI-driven world.

The initiative also supports Africa’s growing AI ecosystem, contributing to local innovation, infrastructure development, and capacity building.

It also aligns with Cassava’s broader commitment to investing in digital education, data infrastructure, and cloud technologies that will position Africa as a competitive player in the global digital economy.

Some of the benefits include a six-month extended trial of the Google AI Plus plan, provided by Google. This plan includes more access to Google’s most capable Gemini models, 200 GB of storage, video generation, Gemini in Gmail and Docs and higher limit for image generation.

Also, it comes with data-free access to the Gemini app as Cassava will work with its extensive network of technology service providers to ensure that eligible users can use the Gemini app without consuming any of their mobile data.

Speaking on this, Mr Hardy Pemhiwa, President & Group CEO of Cassava Technologies said, “We’re proud to partner with Google to democratise access to digital solutions that empower people and businesses. This partnership underscores a shared vision to make AI more inclusive, accessible, and impactful across Africa’s rapidly digitising economies. It’s about shaping a smarter, more connected, and more competitive Africa.”

“Our goal is to make Gemini helpful for everyone. By partnering with Cassava, we’re removing significant barriers to AI adoption across Africa—specifically cost and connectivity. This collaboration should help bring the full potential of Gemini to millions of people, empowering them to learn, build, and create without worrying about data consumption,” added Mr Josh Woodward, VP, Google Labs, Gemini, & AI Studio.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A new high performance data centre is expected to be built by Equinix in Lagos. It will be named LG3, a statement from the digital infrastructure company disclosed.

The project, it was revealed, will gulp about $22 million. The data centre will support global connectivity to West Africa with Equinix Fabric.

It is the first phase of an ambitious investment plan of around $100 million aimed at transforming Africa’s digital landscape over the next two years.

Set to open in Q1 2026, the new site will deliver vital new infrastructure to Nigeria empowering local businesses to scale, while drawing international companies to the country in this strategically positioned hub for global connectivity.

The addition of the new LG3 data centre in Nigeria also brings the incorporation of Equinix Fabric into the metro, enabling businesses to securely connect their physical and virtual infrastructure to cloud service providers, partners, and other companies to other Equinix locations all around the world.

Nigeria is the second-largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is home to a vibrant and increasingly tech-savvy population. Lagos, in particular, is at the epicenter of Africa’s digital transformation, recognised as the only African city in the Global Top 100 Startup Ecosystems.

The Managing Director for West Africa at Equinix, Mr Wole Abu, said, “LG3 marks a significant milestone in Equinix’s long-term commitment to bridging Africa’s digital divide.

“As Lagos emerges at the crossroads of talent, innovation, and global connectivity, this facility is accelerating access to technologies like cloud, AI, and the next wave of startups.

“We’re not just building data centers, we’re fostering growth, empowering innovation, and laying the groundwork for an interconnected African economy ready to lead on the global stage,” he stated.

Also, the Managing Director of Cedarview, Mr Olawale Owoeye, said, “Equinix’s Lagos data centre will provide us with the robust and resilient platform our customers demand to expand our digital footprint. The unparalleled reliability and access to a global ecosystem empower us to deliver high performance solutions to our customers and the new LG3 data center in Lagos is key step in ensuring we remain at the forefront of businesses connecting Africa.”

The Vice President for EMEA Growth & Emerging Markets at Equinix, Aslıhan Güreşcier, said “Africa’s digital transformation is accelerating, driven by a young population, rising internet access, and increasing demand for secure data infrastructure.

“With the opening of our newest data centre in Lagos, Equinix is proud to invest in this dynamic region, supporting our customers’ growth with world-class data centres that power everything from banking and education to emergency services and commerce.”

With a footprint spanning over 270 data centers worldwide, Equinix is continuing to bring its global expertise and infrastructure to the region. This includes harnessing Nigeria’s strategic position as an international hub for global subsea cable connections, linking Africa with Europe, Asia, and beyond.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) computing firm, NVIDIA, has made an undisclosed investment in Cassava Technologies.

NVIDIA joins Cassava’s impressive roster of investors comprising Econet Group, British International Investment, DFC, Finnfund, Fund for Export Development in Africa (Afreximbank/FEDA), Gateway Capital, Google LLC, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Public Investment Corporation and Royal Bafokeng Holdings.

Cassava operates across Africa, the Middle East and Latin America through a strong portfolio of business units comprising Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Africa Data Centres, Liquid C2, Cassava.ai, and Sasai Fintech, all of which are leaders in their respective sectors.

The organisation will continue collaborating with its partners and customers on the continent and beyond, establishing it as a leading technology company of African heritage.

“Cassava is Africa’s leading technology company, driving the continent’s digital transformation with digital infrastructure and digital services.

“Securing this investment is an important milestone that we expect to unlock additional value from and catalyze the further expansion of our digital infrastructure and services to bridge the digital divide on the continent,” the chief executive of Cassava, Mr Hardy Pemhiwa, stated.