Liquid C2, the cloud arm of Cassava Technologies, has launched what it says is Africa’s first Google Cloud-powered Partner Experience Centre. The facility in Johannesburg gives partners and resellers hands-on access to Google’s enterprise AI tools, including Gemini Enterprise and a dedicated “Gemini Playspace” for rapid prototyping.
The centre, announced on 8 April, is designed to move the partner ecosystem beyond traditional distribution into solution architecture and deployment. Partners will be guided through Google Cloud accreditation and certification, and can work alongside specialist engineers to build solutions tailored to African markets.
What the centre offers
The facility operates as a proof-of-concept hub with three focus areas: partner enablement (localised training, local currency billing, and credit facilities for resellers), AI innovation (a Gemini Playspace for experimentation and “Solutions Pods” for demonstrating complete technology stacks), and ecosystem development (collaboration between enterprises, startups, academic institutions, and public sector bodies).
Industry-specific platforms are available for financial services, healthcare, and retail, demonstrating how AI can reduce operational risk, improve efficiency, and enhance customer engagement in African contexts.
Why it matters
Google Cloud’s investment in a physical facility in Africa signals a deepening commitment to the continent beyond remote services. The partnership with Liquid’s existing continental infrastructure and distribution network gives the centre immediate reach across multiple African markets.
“The Partner Experience Centre creates a practical environment where organisations can explore, test, and scale solutions that deliver real business value,” said Ziaad Suleman, Senior Vice President at Cassava Technologies and CEO for South Africa and Botswana.
Tara Brady, President of Google Cloud EMEA, described the launch as “a pivotal moment in our commitment to Africa’s digital future” and said the centre would “empower businesses, create jobs, and deliver the benefits of digital transformation to every corner of the continent.”
Leave a Reply