Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a business of Cassava Technologies, has announced a new collaboration to deliver internet access to 20 million underserved people in Africa by the end of 2025. Working together with Microsoft through its Airband Initiative, the new collaboration will initially target regions that include but are not limited to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Tanzania, and Zambia. Additionally, the partnership will allow for increased proliferation of high speed connectivity to remote parts of Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. Working together, the companies will empower individuals and businesses to help bridge the digital divide and assist in transitioning more African countries into the digital economy.
Microsoft’s Airband Initiative partners with a wide ranging ecosystem of organisations to design, implement and support programmes that deliver unique connectivity solutions designed for local communities and their challenges. This includes working with broadband providers, local ISPs, energy partners, international organisations and local governments to deliver internet access in unserved or underserved communities worldwide.
‘Access to high speed connectivity is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. With a fibre backbone of over 100,000km across the continent, Liquid is uniquely positioned to bring high speed connectivity to the remotest of communities,’ said Nic Rudnick, Group Deputy Chairman of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, adding: ‘Our vision is to create a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind, and this is just one more investment from us to realise the vision.’