Cassava Empowers Africa with Groundbreaking AI Exchange 2025

Prime Highlights

Cassava Technologies launched the Cassava AI Multi-Model Exchange (CAIMEx), enabling African mobile-network operators to access leading AI systems from OpenAI, Anthropic and Google.
The platform aims to position Africa as an active contributor in the global AI ecosystem, offering operators affordable, world-class AI tools.

Key Facts

CAIMEx is hosted in local and regional data centersto comply with African data laws such as South Africa’s POPIA, Kenya’s DPA 2021, and Nigeria’s NDPR.
In October 2025, NVIDIA invested in Cassava Technologiesto accelerate Africa’s first AI factory, highlighting increasing global interest in the region’s digital infrastructure growth.

Background

Cassava Technologies has launched the Cassava AI Multi-Model Exchange (CAIMEx), a new platform to give more people in Africa access to advanced AI tools. In its pilot phase, the platform lets mobile-network operators use top AI systems from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google through a single interface.

CAIMEx is designed to reduce infrastructure costs and simplify integration for telecom operators. Cassava says it is hosting the platform in local and regional data centers to ensure compliance with Africa’s data laws, including South Africa’s POPIA, Kenya’s DPA 2021 and Nigeria’s NDPR. This local hosting approach also aims to improve data security and reduce latency for users.

Ahmed El Beheiry, CEO of Cassava AI, said the platform reflects the continent’s growing ambition to become an active contributor in the global AI ecosystem. “Africa can be more than a consumer of imported technology. Through CAIMEx, we are helping operators deliver world-class AI tools at an affordable rate,” he said.

The launch aligns with Cassava’s broader plans to expand digital infrastructure across the continent. In October 2025, NVIDIA invested in the company to speed up Africa’s first AI factory. Although the investment amount is not disclosed, it shows growing global interest in Africa’s digital future.

Cassava’s technology partners include Google, which will offer its Gemini AI tools to millions of African users under a new deal. Eligible customers will receive data-free access and six months of Google AI Plus with 200 GB of cloud storage.

CAIMEx integrates multiple AI models, giving operators flexibility to serve both consumers and businesses. Cassava said the system complements other regional AI initiatives and positions itself as the first telecom-focused AI interconnect in Africa.