Empowerment Initiative by Liquid in Eastern Cape, South Africa: Fibre TechCelerate Programme Boosts Small Businesses and Students
The Liquid Fibre TechCelerate Programme, a groundbreaking transformation and skills development initiative, is making waves in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This programme, implemented by Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Africa - a subsidiary of Cassava Technologies - in partnership with the Eastern Cape Provincial Government and Cortex Hub, is designed to empower local Black-owned small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to thrive in the country's digital economy.
The programme offers comprehensive and sustainable business development and ICT training to SMMEs, equipping them with critical technical, business, and digital skills. These skills are honed through structured training modules, including business management, fibre optics installation, occupational health and safety, digital skills, and mentorship.
One of the key ways the Liquid Fibre TechCelerate Programme empowers SMMEs is by providing practical skills and industry certification to build business capacity. This equips enterprises to actively participate in large-scale projects such as the Eastern Cape’s fibre and broadband rollout, fostering inclusive economic growth and digital inclusion.
The programme also supports participation in government infrastructure projects, thereby generating employment and economic opportunities. The current fibre rollout in the Eastern Cape has created over 7,000 jobs, making a significant impact on the region's workforce.
Moreover, the programme particularly focuses on youth and women entrepreneurs to promote equality and transformation within the digital sector. This focus is crucial in ensuring a diverse and inclusive digital economy.
The Liquid Fibre TechCelerate Programme also prepares enterprises for long-term success in South Africa’s growing digital economy, ensuring that communities are not left behind in the country's digital transformation.
The first cohort of the 2024 Fibre TechCelerate Programme consisted of 20 SMMEs and 10 female ICT students from Walter Sisulu University. A graduation ceremony was facilitated in East London to award certifications to the first cohort. The programme has been successfully completed in South Africa, and 25 new SMMEs were welcomed into the 2025 Fibre TechCelerate Programme.
Liquid's involvement in the Fibre TechCelerate Programme reflects its commitment to providing best-in-class connectivity and digital solutions to local enterprises, government, and individuals in the Eastern Cape. The programme is more than a local enterprise and supplier development programme; it acts as a catalyst for systemic transformation, strengthening local digital ecosystems by empowering SMMEs to become active contributors and beneficiaries of South Africa’s digital economy.
Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a business of Cassava Technologies, is a global technology leader of African heritage. The Cortex Hub, the implementing partner for the Fibre TechCelerate Programme, is led by Dr Andile Ngcaba as its Patron. Ziaad Suleman serves as the CEO of Cassava Technologies for South Africa and Botswana.
The Liquid Fibre TechCelerate Programme aims to ensure a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind. It is a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in South Africa and beyond, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous digital economy.
- The comprehensive training offered by the Liquid Fibre TechCelerate Programme includes modules in technology, business management, and digital skills, enabling participants to contribute effectively to South Africa's digital economy, particularly in the fibre and broadband rollout.
- The Liquid Fibre TechCelerate Programme is not just about local enterprise development; it is a catalyst for systematic transformation, promoting equality and digital inclusion by focusing on education-and-self-development for women and youth in the digital sector, contributing to the creation of a diverse and inclusive digital economy.
