Pan-African technology company Cassava Technologies, in a strategic collaboration with Microsoft, has launched a community engagement initiative focused on South Africa. Through this initiative, the two organisations will establish training hubs for youth in the local communities that will help spur employment opportunities in the renewable energy industry.
By prioritising renewable energy skills development, energy efficiency, and community microgrids, the initiative will empower the next generation to lead in the transition to clean energy. Activities will be focused in Johannesburg and Cape Town, where Cassava and Microsoft operate.
The project’s training hubs will play a vital role in equipping Africa’s women and youth with the skills they need to thrive in the renewable energy industry and ensure that the benefits of the energy transition are realised by all.
Cassava Technologies, through its renewable energy company and co-location companies, will be a key player in this collaboration. Their local renewable energy expertise will ensure that the initiative delivers tangible benefits linked to clean energy jobs and projects to the communities that are involved. Through this initiative, Cassava and Microsoft are supporting community engagement and sustainable development in the region and across the continent, which lays the groundwork for expansion into other African markets.
Finhai Munzara, Chief Corporate Development Officer of Cassava Technologies, said, “We are honoured to collaborate with Microsoft on this project, which ensures that we bring all Africans along as we transition to a digitally connected future using sustainable energy. By leveraging our technological expertise, on-the-ground experience, and Microsoft’s global reach, we are poised to make a lasting, positive impact on South African communities.”
“We are pleased to work with Cassava to support climate initiatives in South Africa that enhance local communities, ensuring that those all have the tools to thrive,” said Markus Swart, Director of Data Centre Operations in South Africa at Microsoft.
Africa Fact: The first Great Pyramid of Giza, the most extraordinary building in history, was a staggering 481 feet tall – the equivalent of a 40-storey building. It was made of 2.3 million blocks of limestone and granite, some weighing 100 tons.
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Roger Boniface is the founder of EDISIM, a training provider that uses simulations to offer real-world learning experiences in the classroom. In under three years, he has managed to integrate his business simulation concept into some of Africa\’s top business schools. He lectures at Wits and GIBS in South Africa and Strathmore Business School in Nairobi. Named as one of the 30 under 30 Africans to watch by Forbes, Boniface is also the founder of Artson, an event company that hosts art and wine tasting experiences, and he took on JCB, a small textile wholesaler. Although he didn\’t launch JCB, he has increased the annual turnover to R13 million in 3 years.