Technology

The partners have identified the increasing demand for AI-ready infrastructure across Africa. (Image source: Exclusive Networks)

Supermicro, a leader in application-optimised total IT, has sought to expand its footprint across Africa by appointing Exclusive Networks Africa, a trusted cybersecurity specialist, as a distributor for the region

“The African market is marked by its rapid adoption of cutting-edge technology, largely due to a reduced dependence on legacy infrastructure. Exclusive Networks Africa’s strong presence across East and West Africa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Indian Ocean Islands makes it an ideal partner to drive our growth ambitions,” remarked Wynand Möller, regional manager – sub-Saharan Africa at Supermicro.

“In a vast and diverse market like Africa, having a partner with the pedigree of Exclusive Networks Africa is critical. The company’s precision focus on security and data centre technologies aligns perfectly with our emphasis on next-generation solutions.”

All eyes on AI

The two have a shared commitment to advance AI technologies and, to this end, Supermicro’s advanced graphical process unit (GPU) solutions will play a pivotal role. The GPU-driven innovations are designed to deliver robust, scalable and flexible infrastructure for AI acceleration, helping enterprises unlock new possibilities in AI deployment and data centre operations.

Möller added, “As the world’s third largest supplier and consumer of technology, behind only Microsoft and Meta, Supermicro’s GPU offerings play a key role in AI acceleration. This technology will form the cornerstone of the partnership with Exclusive Networks Africa, with a strong focus on GPU and data centre-related technology.”

“Organisations in Africa are increasingly repatriating their digital assets – such as data, applications or entire business processes – from public cloud environments to on-premises data centres, motivated by the need for greater control, performance, security and cost-efficiency,” commented Stefan van de Giessen, general manager for Africa at Exclusive Networks Africa.

“This trend is further driven by global geopolitical uncertainties and currency fluctuations impacting cloud costs. Exclusive Networks Africa is thrilled to collaborate with a company like Supermicro, a leader in advanced GPU technology, thanks to the growing AI market.”

Sustainability at the core

Supermicro has also explained that sustainability is a key cornerstone of the new partnership, with the company’s products designed for free-air cooling, liquid cooling-readiness and to reduce e-wastage.

“Very importantly for a region like Africa though is the focus on reducing power consumption,” said Van de Giessen. “Supermicro achieves this by sharing fans and power supplies, resulting in a more optimised operation, something that the business claims can reduce electricity use by an estimated 10%.”

The compact and modular design of the NEWgenerator makes it easy to transport, install and commission on site. (Image source: WEC Water)

WEC Water, a leading mechanical and electrical EPC contractor, has supplied and installed 15 NEWgenerator off-grid sanitation systems in a number of Eastern Cape schools

The contractor undertook this work in light of the undignified and unsafe sanitation that posed a major problem to some schools in Eastern Cape. According to Ntwanano Mandlazi, project engineer at WEC Water, many had previously relied on unsafe and unhygienic pit latrines while being located in areas where water is scarce and electricity is unreliable.

Safe and efficient water treatment

In order to meet such challenges, WEC Water proposed the NEWgenerator that treats blackwater from toilets and basin water through biological, physical and chemical processes to a quality suitable for reuse as flushing water in a virtually closed loop system.

According to the company, each NEWgenerator is built into a 6 m refurbished shipping container and consists of an anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR), membrane filtration, a nutrient capture system (NCS) and disinfection. The systems also allow for remote monitoring by the WEC Water team and each unit is powered by 10 solar panels.

Each NEWgenerator is reportedly capable of treating 1,250 l of wastewater per day and nutrients can be recovered from the NCS for conversion into fertiliser. Further, the biogas which can be produced from the treatment process can be captured for cooking.

An impact in South Africa

The systems have now been deployed to 15 schools in the region.

“Once the WEC team has built, installed and commissioned the units, we also have a five-year operations and maintenance contract,” Mandlazi surmised. “This highlights our dedication to supporting these schools with the ongoing operation and upkeep of these units. We are particularly proud of our association with the NEWgenerator technology as it enables Africa to overcome the major challenges of access to safe flushing water and sanitation, ultimately restoring a greater sense of dignity to its people. The technology not only benefits schools but also informal settlements, and small businesses.”

The GSMA unifies the mobile ecosystem to drive innovation that promotes positive business environments and societal change. (Image source: Hayo)

The GSMA, a global member-led organisation representing the mobile industry, has welcomed Hayo to its community

Bringing more than three decades of experience delivering communications services and digital solutions to Africa, the Middle East and around the world, Hayo has an overarching mission of closing the digital gap in Africa. It aims to do this by bringing technology and digital solutions to underserved rural areas, as well as urban developments.

As such, its voice will be a welcome addition to the GSMA. Already the organisation comprises nearly 700 mobile network operators and more than 450 companies ranging from technology providers to enterprises from vertical industries. As a new addition to these ranks, Hayo and GSMA community experts will work together to solve industry challenges and accelerate innovation to positively impact the future of mobile technology.

“Joining the GSMA is a key milestone for Hayo and represents a very exciting opportunity to accelerate digital transformation across the mobile ecosystem on a global scale,” remarked Feraz Ahmed, CEO at Hayo. “We have a wealth of experience not only in telecoms, but also digital solutions, to deliver on-the-ground innovation that has a positive impact on local people’s lives. We’re looking forward to connecting with other GSMA members to collaborate and maximise the potential of new, existing and emerging technologies for businesses and consumers alike.”

“We are pleased to welcome Hayo as an industry member and look forward to their valuable insights and collaboration on GSMA initiatives that help shape the mobile ecosystem,” said Colin Bareham, general manager, membership, GSMA. "Our members represent a truly diverse group of organisations, including many different vertical industries, and together, we have the power to transform businesses and societies around the world.”

The signing ceremony took place during the 28th Cairo ICT Exhibition and Conference. (Image source: Cassava)

At the 28th Cairo ICT Exhibition and Conference, eFinance Investment Group and Cassava Technologies signed an agreement to identify opportunities for collaboration and expansion across Africa

Cassava boasts an extensive portfolio stretching from fibre broadband networks, satellite communications, data centres, renewable solutions, financial technology, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, as well as cloud and cybersecurity services.

eFinance, as a developer of digital payments infrastructure, has penetrated all corners of Egypt’s digital market and has established a portfolio of subsidiaries that has enabled its growth across multiple markets, supporting the country’s digital economy.

The new collaboration will initially target the Egyptian market and will leverage both parties’ respective strengths. Cassava will bring to the table its extensive African footprint, infrastructure and experience, while eFinance will utilise its market presence and reputation as a leader in Egypt’s digital transformation.

“eFinance has a track record of success in driving digital transformation in Egypt which is truly commendable,” said Hardy Pemhiwa, president & group CEO of Cassava Technologies. “This collaboration between Cassava Technologies and eFinance Group will accelerate the adoption of digital solutions in Egypt and the MENA region. eFinance’s experience across key sectors in Egypt make them an ideal partner for us as we expand our presence in Egypt and the region. This partnership further enhances our ability to deliver on our vision of a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind.”

These sentiments were also echoed by Ibrahim Sarhan, chairman and CEO of eFinance, who expressed his pride at partnering with Cassava. He added that the collaboration represents a significant milestone in offering a unique range of joint services across the African continent, with a particular focus on the Egyptian market.