Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a
business of Cassava Technologies, a leading pan-African technology group, has signed
a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Zambia to accelerate
the country’s digital transformation and provide reliable and affordable
connectivity to all Zambians.
The agreement builds on
Liquid’s already extensive investments made since it opened its doors in Zambia
in 2011.
In the MOU, Liquid Zambia has
committed to launching a new data centre that can respond to increasing
data-hosting needs from local businesses and hyperscalers establishing their
presence in Zambia.
Planned expansion of
Liquid’s fibre network will see the connection of more towns across the
country, and the physical infrastructure needed to connect schools and clinics
along Liquid’s network will also be deployed. The group will also be working
with the government to offer public and private cloud, and cyber security
solutions to support the digitisation of government services. These activities
and investments, coupled with further expansion of the network across Zambia’s
borders will position Zambia as a strong hub of digital activity in the region.
According to the Zambia Inclusive Digital Economy Status Report 2022,
only 53% of Zambians are digitally-included. The lack of connectivity and the
impact it has on the country’s socio-economic development is the main reason
why the Zambian government has prioritized the country’s digital
transformation.
Speaking during the ceremony signing ceremony,
the President and Group CEO of Cassava Technologies, Hardy Pemhiwa said “We recognize the significant efforts that
the Zambian government is making to accelerate the country’s digital
transformation and share His Excellency, President Hichilema’s vision for the
development of Zambia’s digital economy. Given the conducive investment environment,
we are committed to further investments in Zambia’s digital infrastructure.”
Mark Townsend, Chief Executive
Officer of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Zambia also noted in his remarks
that “The Liquid Zambia team is excited
to be continuing our partnership with the Zambian government. Zambia is our
home, and we are committed to seeing the country thrive. Being able to
contribute meaningfully to its socio-economic growth and infrastructural
development by sharing our knowledge and skills, and through the provision of
the infrastructure and services needed by Zambian in this growth phase is
important to us.”
The MOU was signed by Hon. Felix Mutati, Zambia’s
Minister of Technology and Science, and Nic Rudnick, Group Deputy Chairman of
Liquid Intelligent Technologies, during the Fifth United Nations Conference on
the Least Developed Countries (LDC5), which took place in Doha, Qatar.
With the signing of this
MOU, Liquid Zambia reaffirms its commitment to Zambia’s digital transformation
and economic growth, which is part of its broader mission to connect Africa and
bridge the digital divide across the continent, leaving no African left behind.
