AFRICACOM: Tech heavyweights collaborate to secure the cloud
Collaboration dominated discussion at this year’s AfricaCom, hosted in Cape Town this week. An example is the announcement by Liquid C2, a business of pan-African technology group Cassava Technologies, and Google Cloud to form a partnership to meet the increasing demand for cloud and security solutions in Africa.
Speaking on the sidelines of the festival, Umesh Vemuri, VP of strategic pursuits, Google Cloud, said there are three components to the partnership – data analytics and AI competency, collaboration to support business, and cyber security.
Vemuri said that Google continues to make good on its commitment to invest in Africa, specifically in data centres; investment in start-ups, NGOs, and non-profit organisations; as well as in cloud and cyber security solutions.
“Our partnership with Liquid C2 will build upon Google for Africa's commitment to invest $1 billion in the region. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate the digital enablement of businesses and governments in Africa with Google Cloud's leading data analytics and AI/ML solutions, communication and collaboration apps, generative AI, and security solutions.”
According to Google, Liquid C2's rapid growth and strong regional presence positions it as an ideal partner.
Oswald Jumira, CEO Liquid C2, said: “Our partnership with Google will enable our enterprise, public and SME customers to harness the power of Google Cloud to enhance their data analytics and security postures and have access to the latest AI-driven tools.
“Our multi-cloud strategy compliments Cassava Technologies’ pan-African data centres and fibre broadband digital infrastructure.”
The partnership aims to ensure that customers will be provided with the cyber security expertise and solutions they need to protect their data and assets.
This extends to wherever their operations are located and will enable customers to utilise the same security tools and practices that Google uses, including Chronicle and Mandiant solutions, the companies added.
Google and Liquid C2 stressed the need for solutions that assist key sectors to digitally transform, while maintaining services and reducing costs.
Jumira said since the partners’ decision to collaborate, there has been ongoing discussion and information exchange to cement objectives, roles, and responsibilities. The plan is to follow a roadmap with regards to solution implementation.
According to Jumira, the partners will focus on this roadmap and in addition to quick wins, the companies will also focus on several tech hubs including Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.
The objective is to empower teams of all sizes to work creatively and productively from any location, with security integrated into the design, the companies added.