Vambo AI partners with Cassava Technologies to develop african-language AI models

By combining Vambo AI’s deep expertise in language technology with Cassava’s advanced compute infrastructure, the partnership aims to deliver AI systems that address real African needs across sectors, including education, health, fintech, and government services.

Ahmed El Beheiry, CEO of Cassava Intelligence. Portal ERP South Africa. 

Vambo AI, a platform focused on African language technology, has joined forces with Cassava Technologies to develop large language models (LLMs) trained on data from across the continent. The goal is to build AI systems that reflect the linguistic, cultural, and social diversity of Africa.

Announced on June 13, the partnership marks a shift in Africa’s role in the global AI landscape. Rather than relying on imported technologies, the continent is taking active steps to create models rooted in local contexts. Vambo AI brings its experience in language processing, while Cassava contributes infrastructure and computing capacity across Africa.

The project aims to create models capable of understanding and generating content in African languages and dialects, addressing gaps in representation found in many mainstream systems. As AI use expands globally, concerns have grown over bias and inaccuracies, especially in underrepresented regions. This initiative addresses those challenges by prioritizing data that reflects African realities.

The effort also responds to broader infrastructure limitations. Historically, a lack of regional data centers and processing power has restricted AI development within Africa. By training and hosting models locally, the partnership supports data sovereignty and regional innovation. Cassava Technologies will provide the computing resources needed to support this shift.

Initial models are expected to be released soon. They are designed to improve how users engage with digital tools in sectors such as education, healthcare, finance, and public services. The collaboration reflects a broader move to expand access to relevant and reliable AI across the continent.

“Cassava is pleased to partner with Vambo AI, an African start-up making an incredible contribution to the continent’s AI ecosystem. Our advanced compute power and AI capabilities, combined with Vambo AI’s goal of enabling the first Africa-native large language model series, reflect both organisations’ commitment to Africa’s digital advancement, and to positioning the continent as a key contributor to global AI innovation,” said Ahmed El Beheiry, CEO of Cassava Intelligence.