by AKANI CHAUKE
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – ZIMBABWEAN-BORN billionaire and tech mogul Strive Masiyiwa has unveiled a landmark $720 million investment to establish five artificial intelligence (AI) factories across Africa, a move expected to transform the continent’s digital economy.
Masiyiwa, Founder and Executive Chairman of Econet Group (which includes Cassava Technologies and Econet Wireless), said the initiative would provide Africa with its own AI infrastructure, reducing dependency on foreign technologies and advancing digital sovereignty.
The first factory is set for South Africa, with Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco identified as the next hubs.
According to Masiyiwa, the facilities will be equipped with advanced Nvidia processors, placing Africa among the world’s frontline adopters of AI supercomputing capacity.
“If Africa is to fully participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it must control part of the technology stack. These factories will help us build African solutions for African challenges,” Masiyiwa said.
The investment underscores the growing global race for AI dominance. Currently, the technology is concentrated in North America, Europe, and Asia, with Africa largely positioned as a consumer rather than a producer.
Analysts say Masiyiwa’s bold move could reposition the continent as an emerging hub for innovation, research, and AI-powered entrepreneurship.
Cassava Technologies has already rolled out major infrastructure projects, including Liquid Intelligent Technologies, which operates one of Africa’s largest fibre networks.
Leveraging this backbone, the AI factories are expected to support industries such as healthcare, agriculture, fintech, education, and security, while also creating thousands of high-skill jobs.
Africa’s AI market is projected to grow exponentially, with McKinsey forecasting digital transformation could add $300 billion to the continent’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030.
Masiyiwa’s announcement signals Africa’s intent not to be left behind in shaping the future of technology.
– CAJ News