March 26, 2025 – Rabat, Morocco – NVIDIA, a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and computing, is setting its sights on Africa, with Morocco emerging as a key player in its expansion plans. The tech giant will kick off its African venture by building its first AI factory in South Africa by June 2025, followed by further investments in countries like Morocco, Egypt, and Nigeria.
NVIDIA’s African Ambitions Take Shape
The initial project in South Africa stems from a partnership with Cassava Technologies, a conglomerate led by Zimbabwean billionaire Strive Masiyiwa. “Cassava plans to deploy NVIDIA’s AI and computing acceleration software, leveraging NVIDIA Cloud Partner (NCP) architectures, across its South African data centers by June 2025,” the company announced in a statement. Post-launch, NVIDIA aims to expand into additional African markets, including Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria. “Cassava’s AI factory will rely on its pan-African high-speed, low-latency fiber optic network and sustainable data centers to deliver AI as a Service (AIaaS),” the statement added.
This move underscores Africa’s rising status as a land of opportunity, particularly in the AI sector. Abdelilah Kadili, president of the Tamkine Foundation and an AI expert, noted, “This strategic step powerfully demonstrates that Africa is now a hub of major opportunities, especially in a field like artificial intelligence.”
Why Morocco Stands Out
NVIDIA’s interest in Africa is fueled by the continent’s rapid population growth, accelerating digitization, and surging demand for tech solutions. Morocco, in particular, stands out due to its proximity to Europe, attractive tax incentives for tech firms, and a clear goal to become a regional digital hub. “Morocco’s IT and digital sector has significantly matured in recent years, becoming a true driver of economic transformation. National initiatives are positioning the country not just as a regional hub, but as a digital bridge between Europe and Africa,” Redouane El Haloui, president of Morocco’s APEBI tech association, told Challenge magazine.
El Haloui emphasized that being a tech hub goes beyond hosting companies. “It’s about building a robust ecosystem that connects global players to African dynamics. This requires attracting strategic firms like NVIDIA and implementing continent-wide structural strategies,” he said. He believes Morocco can meet NVIDIA’s demands if it supports the African Federation of Digital Enterprises (FADB), established to drive operational support for Africa’s digital transformation goals.
A Game-Changer for Africa
NVIDIA’s expansion promises to reshape Africa’s tech landscape. The South African AI factory will serve as a launchpad, with Morocco and other nations poised to benefit from subsequent rollouts. By tapping into Cassava’s advanced infrastructure, NVIDIA aims to deliver cutting-edge AI services tailored to African needs, from sustainable data centers to high-speed connectivity.
For Morocco, this could cement its role as a gateway for tech innovation, linking Europe and Africa while boosting its digital economy. The challenge now lies in proving it can deliver the infrastructure and support NVIDIA requires to thrive.
