Liquid C2, Google & Anthropic partner on cloud, cybersecurity, GenAI

Liquid C2 has announced collaborations with Google Cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) company Anthropic to deliver advanced cloud and cybersecurity solutions as well as generative AI (GenAI) capabilities to businesses across Africa.

Liquid C2 is the cloud and cybersecurity business of pan-African technology group Cassava Technologies and this deal builds on a previous partnership with Google Cloud, which was announced in November 2023 at Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town, South Africa.

Liquid C2 plans to improve its cybersecurity and cloud offerings across the continent while introducing Google Cloud's latest AI, data, collaboration and security solutions.

"Customers of Liquid C2 can expect heightened security measures, access to advanced cloud technologies, and a commitment to securing their digital assets," the company said.

The deal sets Liquid C2 up to be one of Google Cloud's largest managed security service providers (MSSPs) in Africa.

Liquid C2 will also deliver Google Workspace to customers across the continent to facilitate team connections in a cloud-native environment. Google Workspace also features embedded GenAI tools to help employees create content and achieve greater productivity and collaboration in the workplace.

"Businesses are increasingly turning to generative AI to drive operational efficiencies, improve the customer experience, and empower their employees like never before. Building on Google's commitment to investing $1 billion to boost Africa's digital transformation, our collaborations with market leaders like Liquid C2 and Anthropic will help bring GenAI, security, and other cloud technologies to businesses across the continent," said Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud.

In February 2024, Google Cloud launched its first cloud region in Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Growing AI capabilities

Liquid C2 is also working directly with San Francisco-based AI safety and research company, Anthropic, to develop AI solutions for large enterprises that want to use it to improve productivity and revenue growth.

Anthropic already has a strategic partnership with Google Cloud, and Claude – Anthropic's family of foundational AI models – is available in Google Cloud's Vertex AI platform.

Liquid C2 said the partnership with Anthropic presents opportunities to apply GenAI to African businesses irrespective of the industry or organization size.

By integrating AI models and services across various industries, Liquid C2 and Anthropic aim to accelerate growth for clients, further positioning Africa as a global player in the digital landscape.

Strive Masiyiwa, co-founder and executive chairman of Cassava Technologies, said the collaborations with Google Cloud and Anthropic signify a significant step change in the company's journey as a cloud and cybersecurity provider.

"We recognise the importance of responsible AI in enabling access to economic opportunities and empowering individuals and businesses across the continent. Our partnerships with these two leading technology firms will help us deliver AI-powered solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities in Africa's digital transformation journey," Masiyiwa said in a statement.

Daniela Amodei, president of Anthropic, and Strive Masiyiwa, co-founder and executive chairman of Cassava Technologies. (Source: Liquid Intelligent Technologies)

"We're excited to partner with Liquid C2 and Google Cloud, bringing frontier AI to businesses across Africa. Combining Anthropic's safe, steerable AI with Google Cloud's secure, scalable infrastructure means this partnership has huge potential to enable African companies to grow," added Daniela Amodei, president of Anthropic.

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Liquid C2 said that more than 80% of the largest businesses and organizations operating in more than 31 African countries use a broad spectrum of advanced digital technologies from Liquid supplied by global vendors and many are keenly interested in moving AI readiness.

Liquid C2 will remain a multi-vendor provider.

*Top image is of Strive Masiyiwa, co-founder and executive chairman of Cassava Technologies, and Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud. (Source: Liquid Intelligent Technologies)

— Paula Gilbert, Editor, Connecting Africa