Strive Masiyiwa’s Cassava Technologies launches AI business unit, Cassava AI

HARARE – Cassava Technologies, a leading technology systems integrator, has announced the formation of a new artificial intelligence (AI) business unit, Cassava AI.

Cassava, headquartered in the United Kingdom, was founded by African entrepreneur and billionaire Strive Masiyiwa.

In a statement on Thursday, the company said the unit will operate separately and focus on servicing enterprise customers globally, leveraging partnerships with industry giants such as Microsoft, Google, and AWS.

Cassava AI will be headed by Ahmed El Beheiry, a veteran technology and telecoms executive, who previously served as CEO of Telecom Egypt. The company has already trained over 200 staff members to support clients in adopting generative AI services from leading vendors.

The new business unit will build on Cassava’s existing services, including data centres, cloud, cyber security, fiber connectivity, and renewable energy, which are provided to large multinational and local companies.

Cassava AI will operate in over 40 markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, where Cassava Technologies group of companies have a presence.

According to Hardy Pemhiwa, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Cassava Technologies, Cassava AI will provide services in strategic international markets.

“Cassava AI is headquartered in London and can already provide services in any of the 40-plus markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, where the Cassava Technologies group companies operate.

“Ahmed El Beheiry, a veteran technology and telecoms executive, will lead this business unit,” he said.