Cassava partners with NVIDIA to build Africa’s first AI Factory, accelerating innovation with secure, high-performance computing infrastructure. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Cassava Technologies has announced its plans to establish Africa’s first AI factory—an advanced, highly secure data centre equipped with NVIDIA AI computing technology

This initiative aims to provide African enterprises, governments, and researchers with state-of-the-art AI computing resources, enabling them to enhance AI-driven solutions, optimise processes, and maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving landscape. The facility will supply the necessary supercomputing power and software for AI training while ensuring data remains within Africa.

Cassava intends to implement NVIDIA’s accelerated computing and AI software through NVIDIA Cloud Partner (NCP) reference architectures at its South African data centres by June 2025, with future expansions across Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria. The AI Factory will integrate Cassava’s high-speed, low-latency fibre-optic network with its energy-efficient data centres to deliver AI as a Service (AIaaS). These sustainable data centres are designed to minimise energy consumption while supporting AI workloads.

Africa's AI future begins now!

Powered by NVIDIA GPU-based supercomputers, the AI Factory will facilitate rapid AI model training, fine-tuning, and advanced inference. As an NCP, Cassava aims to introduce these cutting-edge computing platforms to Africa, positioning itself as a key player in the continent’s AI landscape.

The AI Factory will provide businesses and researchers with the computational resources needed for scaling AI applications, increasing efficiency, and driving innovation. With this secure, high-performance AI environment, African enterprises and governments can develop localised AI solutions while adhering to both global and local data regulations.

“Building digital infrastructure for the AI economy is a priority if Africa is to take full advantage of the fourth industrial revolution. Our AI Factory provides the infrastructure for this innovation to scale, empowering African businesses, startups and researchers with access to cutting-edge AI infrastructure to turn their bold ideas into real-world breakthroughs — and now, they don’t have to look beyond Africa to get it,” said Strive Masiyiwa, founder & chairman of Cassava. “Collaborating with NVIDIA gives us the advanced computing capabilities needed to drive Africa’s AI innovation while strengthening the continent’s digital independence.”

“AI is helping innovators solve our greatest challenges in agriculture, healthcare, energy, financial services and many other industries creating opportunity in Africa,” said Jaap Zuiderveld, vice-president EMEA at NVIDIA. “As an NVIDIA Cloud Partner, Cassava is providing essential infrastructure and software to help pioneering companies and organizations accelerate AI development to foster innovation across the continent.”

Cassava’s AI Factory represents the latest step in the company’s longstanding commitment to delivering cutting-edge digital solutions, reinforcing its dedication to responsible AI adoption, technological advancement, and productivity growth throughout Africa.

Brady Corporation unveils the i7500, a 76mm core label printer with auto-calibration, reducing waste and setup time to 40 seconds. (Image source: Brady Corporation)

No calibration, no formatting, no ribbon fumbling, no trial & error, no waste - the new i7500 redefines the 76mm core premium printing experience in electronics, electrical, manufacturing and laboratory industries.

Fed up with old-school high-volume label printing? The new BradyPrinter i7500 reimagines 76mm core high precision label printing.

The identification specialist Brady Corporation’s new BradyPrinter i7500 for 76mm core label rolls automatically adjusts all of its settings when new consumables are loaded. Ready to print in just 40 seconds, the printer also removes all calibration waste by printing the first label right.

Set up, don’t touch?

The approach in most industries to high volume, high precision thermal heat transfer 76mm core (3’’ core) label printing to date has almost always been “set it up and don’t touch”. Crucial for traceability and compliance, yet excruciating to set up and calibrate, the 76mm core label printing experience has been a notorious pain point for many manufacturing, electronics, electrical and laboratory industries.

Watch the i7500 in video >>

Ready in 40 seconds

Not anymore. In a new proprietary printer model, global identification specialist Brady Corporation removed all label printing hassle to redefine the 76mm core label experience. “The new BradyPrinter i7500 does not require users to adjust sensors, heat settings, define label dimensions or waste labels in calibration”, commented Ömer Adisen, product manager benchtop printers & software at Brady Corporation. “We call it LabelSense. The technology reduces the frustrating trial and error of manual printer calibration to print readiness in just 40 seconds. That includes loading Brady consumables, designed so they can only be loaded the right way.”

Efficient, flexible printing

The new BradyPrinter i7500 with LabelSense technology makes high precision 76mm core label printing a lot more intuitive, and efficient. There is no need to maintain multiple printers just to avoid the classic consumable and calibration hassle. “All optimal settings are already preloaded and the printer automatically recognises every Brady consumable. The i7500 offers considerable print flexibility by enabling users to switch from printed circuit board labels to rating plates, raised profile labels and cable sleeves, or between relevant specialised laboratory labels, in just 40 seconds. Even when loading the tiniest 3.18mm QR-coded labels, the i7500 prints the first label right, reducing waste and supporting sustainable label printing practices.”

Open core

In addition to auto-calibration, the BradyPrinter i7500 can print 76mm core labels from any manufacturer in manual mode. “When considering a switch to the new label printing experience provided by the BradyPrinter i7500, there is no need to devalue current label stock. The BradyPrinter i7500 can print any 76mm core labels, from any manufacturer, with great speed and precision.”

Software compatible

When combined with Brady Workstation label design, the software instantly recognises the dimensions of loaded Brady consumables for fast and intuitive label creation. Next to label design protection, Brady Workstation also includes an easy scan to print app and a data automation app to print labels at the right time with the right ERP-system data. The BradyPrinter i7500 supports print languages like ZPL, and can print labels via other label design software.

Premium printing redefined

“The new BradyPrinter i7500 defines a new premium high precision printing experience for 76mm core labels”, Ömer stated. “Fully automated calibration enables printing on different consumables within 40 seconds. Supported by a clear user interface on a large on-board screen, the i7500 prints a wide range of labels without any hassle. We can provide a hands-on demo at your premises to show your teams just how intuitive label printing can be.”

Discover the BradyPrinter i7500 >>

Are you wondering how to choose the right label for your application? Download the free guide now >>

BRADY Africa

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LINX expands in Kenya with a new IXP in Mombasa, enhancing interconnection, reducing latency, and supporting digital growth in Africa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The London Internet Exchange (LINX) has officially launched LINX Mombasa, a new interconnection hub designed to enhance digital connectivity in Africa

Located within iColo’s MBA1 and MBA2 data centres, LINX Mombasa is a multi-site, interconnected Internet Exchange Point (IXP). It provides a resilient, future-ready platform for networks to exchange traffic efficiently, reducing latency and improving overall performance. This peering model ensures data remains closer to end users, offering greater control and reliability.

Strengthening Africa’s digital infrastructure

Mombasa is experiencing rapid interconnection growth and is among Africa’s most globally connected locations. The city is linked to seven submarine cables that connect Kenya to Africa’s coastline, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

Following the successful launch of LINX Nairobi, this expansion marks LINX’s continued commitment to supporting African digital ecosystems. LINX Mombasa will serve both content delivery networks and local ISPs, offering an alternative interconnection point with added services on a robust and redundant network.

Nurani Nimpuno, LINX head of global engagement, stated, "We are thrilled to be extending our synergies with iColo with whom we have had a successful journey at LINX Nairobi. We were seeing a demand for LINX services in Mombasa when we came to Kenya, and I am very pleased we can now start delivering the same value here.”

LINX is the first IXP to establish a presence in both Nairobi and Mombasa. Its technical infrastructure mirrors that of LINX Nairobi, incorporating Nokia switches for seamless connectivity.

Ranjith Cherickel, founder & CEO of iColo, added, "We are delighted to host LINX Mombasa at our highly connected data centre facilities; MBA1 and MBA2. This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing best-in-class infrastructure and services that drive digital transformation in Africa. The new IXP will create significant opportunities for partnerships, innovation, and growth in the region.”

With the addition of LINX Mombasa, peering traffic in the region is set to rise, reinforcing Mombasa’s status as the Gateway to East Africa. 

Also read: Zambia’s digital economy creates youth opportunities