Pan-African technology group Liquid Intelligent Technologies business Liquid C2 is collaborating with global technology leader Google Cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) company Anthropic to bring advanced cloud, cybersecurity solutions and generative AI capabilities for businesses across Africa.

The partnership with Google Cloud in Africa builds on a November 2023 memorandum of understanding, which will enable Liquid C2 to improve cybersecurity and cloud offerings across the continent while introducing them to Google Cloud’s latest AI, data, collaboration and security solutions.

“Liquid C2 is set to be one of Google Cloud’s largest Managed Security Service Providers in Africa, combining Google Cloud’s leading security solutions with Liquid C2’s expertise and vision in offering comprehensive security consulting,” the company said in a statement, noting that Liquid C2 can offer customers heightened security measures, access to advanced cloud technologies and a commitment to securing their digital assets.

Further, the collaboration enables Liquid C2 to bring the capabilities of both Google Cloud and Anthropic’s AI models to its customers through Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform, which will assist businesses to develop and deploy solutions quickly within their cloud environments.

Liquid C2 will also deliver Google Workspace, which is designed to facilitate team connections in a cloud-native environment and features embedded generative AI tools to help employees create content and achieve greater productivity and collaboration in the workplace, to customers across the continent.

“By fortifying cybersecurity measures and infusing generative AI capabilities, Liquid C2 envisions a future where security, collaboration and innovation go hand-in-hand, creating a safer, more productive digital experience for all.”

Liquid C2 is also working directly with Anthropic, which also has a strategic partnership with Google Cloud, to develop AI solutions for large enterprises that want to use it to improve productivity and revenue growth.

Anthropic’s family of foundational AI models Claude is available in Google Cloud’s Vertex AI.

“By integrating AI models and services across various industries, Liquid C2 and Anthropic aim to accelerate growth for clients, further positioning Africa as a global player in the digital landscape. The collaboration presents opportunities to apply generative AI to African businesses irrespective of the industry or organisation size.

“Businesses are increasingly turning to generative AI to drive operational efficiencies, improve the customer experience and empower their employees like never before,” says Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian, adding that the partnerships build on Google’s commitment to invest $1-billion to bolster Africa’s digital transformation.

“This partnership has the opportunity to transform how African businesses serve and engage their customers as we provide them a foundation for innovation.”

“Our collaborations with Google Cloud and Anthropic signify a significant step change in our journey as Africa’s leading cloud and cybersecurity provider. We recognise the importance of responsible AI in enabling access to economic opportunities and empowering individuals and businesses across the continent,” comments Liquid parent Cassava Technologies executive chairperson and cofounder Strive Masiyiwa.

“Our partnerships with these two leading technology firms will help us deliver AI-powered solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities in Africa’s digital transformation journey. Together, we are setting new benchmarks for these solutions that cater to the complex needs of a diverse clientele.”

Anthropic president Daniela Amodei concludes that the company is excited to partner with Liquid C2 and Google Cloud to bring frontier AI to businesses across Africa.

“Combining Anthropic’s safe, steerable AI with Google Cloud’s secure, scalable infrastructure means this partnership has huge potential to enable African companies to grow.”