Liquid Intelligent Technologies (Liquid), a business of Cassava Technologies and a global technology leader of African heritage, has announced the successful completion of its 2024 Fibre TechCelerate Programme in South Africa.
At a graduation ceremony held in East London, the first cohort of 20 small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and 10 female ICT students from Walter Sisulu University received their certifications. The event also marked the official induction of 25 new SMMEs into the 2025 programme.
The Fibre TechCelerate initiative equips SMMEs with technical, business, and digital skills to participate in projects such as the Eastern Cape Provincial Government’s fibre and broadband rollout. Training modules include business management, fibre optics installation, occupational health and safety, digital literacy, and mentorship.
“As we honour the achievements of the first Fibre TechCelerate graduates and welcome our next intake, we’re reminded that this programme is more than just a skills accelerator; it’s a catalyst for transformation,”
said Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies in South Africa and Botswana.
“We are proud to be empowering local businesses, especially youth and women, and investing in a digitally inclusive future for the Eastern Cape and beyond.”
The programme is implemented in partnership with the Eastern Cape Provincial Government and the Cortex Hub. Dr Andile Ngcaba, Patron of Cortex Hub, emphasised its broader impact:
“The Liquid Fibre TechCelerate Programme is so much more than a local enterprise and supplier development programme. Offering SMMEs comprehensive and sustainable business development and ICT training prepares these enterprises for success in the digital economy.”
Fibre network installation projects in the Eastern Cape have already created more than 7,000 permanent and temporary jobs. Liquid’s ongoing involvement underscores its commitment to public-private partnerships as a driver of South Africa’s digital transformation, aiming for a connected future that leaves no African behind.
