Liquid Intelligent Technologies, part of the pan-African technology group Cassava Technologies, has renewed its strategic partnership with the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCPG) to further expand its digital connectivity projects across the province. This collaboration, announced at the Africa Tech Festival 2024 in Cape Town, represents a significant investment of over $111 million (R2 billion) over the next seven years, aimed at accelerating the province’s digital transformation.
The initiative focuses on increasing access to high-speed connectivity, supporting the WCPG’s ‘Citizen-centric Digital Transformation’ project. The goal is to harness the power of digital technology to improve living standards and enhance government services, benefiting millions across the province. This partnership is a milestone in Liquid’s commitment to creating a digitally-connected Africa empowered through robust connectivity solutions.
Deon Geyser, CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Africa, highlighted the success of the partnership, noting that Liquid has already established 1,600 free public Wi-Fi hotspots across 26 municipalities, benefiting nearly four million citizens. In addition, the company has connected over 2,000 critical sites, including schools, hospitals, clinics, and libraries, providing these facilities with free, high-speed internet access.
The public Wi-Fi network, offering 6GB of data per device per month at speeds up to 20 Mbps, is an essential tool for digital transformation, allowing citizens to connect for mobile learning, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities. The ongoing project will continue to ensure that government websites remain permanently free to access, supporting equitable access to information and services for all citizens, regardless of their resources or location.
Dr. Harry Malila, Director-General of the Western Cape Government, expressed appreciation for the fruitful partnership with Liquid and the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), noting the significant impact of the broadband ‘1.0’ initiative. The collaboration has already delivered enhanced connectivity across government buildings, schools, and rural libraries, creating a positive change in the lives of residents, especially disadvantaged youth.
With over 110,000 km of fibre broadband network and satellite connectivity across Africa, Liquid Intelligent Technologies is well-positioned to continue driving the digital agenda across the continent. The company is also expanding its service offering with cloud and cybersecurity solutions, strengthening its partnerships with global leaders to further support Africa’s digital growth.
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