Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader, has partnered with Microsoft and South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies to launch a Mobile Digital Lab at the Royal Bafokeng Institute in Phokeng, North West Province.
This initiative showcases the impact of public-private partnerships, combining the strengths of industry and government to bring digital connectivity, skills development, and meaningful economic opportunity directly to the Royal Bafokeng community.
The solar-powered Mobile Digital Lab ensures reliable, sustainable access to technology and learning, even in areas where infrastructure has traditionally been a barrier. This initiative will prepare participants for careers in the digital economy through technical training, professional development, mentorship, and industry-recognised Microsoft certifications. The curriculum will focus on digital literacy and AI foundations, covering Microsoft 365, Teams, Copilot, and AI Fluency.
The current cohort of learners is completing a three-month intensive programme focused on mastering the Microsoft Power Platform, leading to internationally recognised certifications in Power Platform Fundamentals, Functional Consultant, and Developer. This combination creates a ‘Fusion Developer’ profile, one of the most sought-after skill sets in the modern digital economy.
“Digital inclusion must be practical, scalable, and sustainable if it is to create long-term economic impact. The success of our Mthatha Innovation Digital Skills Centre (ISDC) showed us that there is both immense demand and exceptional potential within underserved communities. The Mobile Digital Lab allows us to reach even more young people with meaningful digital learning opportunities. Through this partnership, we are empowering communities with intelligent technologies and skills that support participation in the modern economy,” said Ziaad Suleman, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Cassava Technologies, South Africa and Botswana.
CEO of the Royal Bafokeng Institute, Enki Pitsoe, said the initiative aligned strongly with the institute’s commitment to education and community development. “The Royal Bafokeng Institute has always prioritised investment in people as a foundation for sustainable development. This Mobile Digital Lab brings world-class technology, connectivity, and learning opportunities directly into our community, helping young people build practical digital skills that can support long-term economic participation.”
The launch builds on the success of the IDSC in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, which has, to date, enrolled and trained 515 learners, achieved a 96% pass rate, and helped 149 learners secure employment opportunities directly linked to the digital skills acquired through the programme.
The initiative, together with the resounding success of the IDSC, demonstrates Liquid’s commitment to supporting South Africa’s broader digital transformation and youth employability objectives while reinforcing the role of connectivity in modern education delivery.
The launch of the Digital Mobile lab represents a coordinated effort between Liquid, Microsoft, and the DCDT to accelerate South Africa’s digital transformation while ensuring that no community is left behind. It forms part of the collaborative efforts, through the partnership, to expanding broadband access and enabling digital inclusion in underserved regions
