The facility is a result of a landmark collaboration between Cassava Technologies, led by Strive Masiyiwa, and American chipmaker Nvidia, one of the world’s most valuable technology firms.

The project has already received its first delivery of Nvidia’s high-performance graphics processing units (GPUs), which are essential for AI computation.

Cassava Technologies plans to install 3,000 of these GPUs in its South African facility by June.

Over the next four years, the company aims to expand the initiative by deploying another 9,000 GPUs across additional hubs in Kenya, Nigeria, Morocco, and Egypt.

Masiyiwa, who co-chaired the 2025 Global AI Summit on Africa held in Kigali, emphasized the importance of the initiative.

He said the partnership with Nvidia brings the computational strength required to foster homegrown AI innovation and digital self-reliance on the continent.

He also noted that the AI factory is not just a facility—it represents a critical digital infrastructure necessary for Africa’s role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The long-term goal is to give startups, small businesses, and researchers access to powerful AI tools directly within Africa, eliminating the need to depend on external platforms.

Cassava is considering investing up to $720 million in this AI expansion.

Nvidia, on its part, will equip the factory with its advanced AI software frameworks through its Cloud Partner reference architectures. This support will help build scalable solutions suited to African developers and organizations.

Masiyiwa added:

“This AI Factory creates opportunities for Africans to build and test their ideas locally. We are preparing young people to develop apps, launch startups, and create solutions using infrastructure that is based on the continent.”

Hardy Pemhiwa, President of Cassava Technologies, highlighted that the AI factory is just the beginning of a broader regional rollout.

He said the goal is to unlock Africa’s potential in AI, accelerate technological advancement, and drive economic development through digital transformation.

The initiative positions Africa as a serious player in the global AI ecosystem and sets the foundation for widespread innovation led by Africans, for Africans.