Liquid’s C2 cloud unit claims to be the first provider in Africa to support hybrid network connections to Google Cloud
Pan African service provider Liquid Intelligent Technologies (LIT) has announced that its cloud and security services Liquid C2, has become the first Google Cloud Interconnect provider on the continent. The move comes only one week after Google announced it was partnering LIT to build the terrestrial section of its new Umoja cable that will link Africa to Australia for the first time. The pan-African network operator and techco has a presence in 21 countries, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa.
The strategic partnership with Google Cloud adds significant capacity to the cloud solutions that Liquid C2 already offers its customers across Africa through its Cloud Connect portfolio. The two companies signed their first MoU in November 2023 around cybersecurity and cloud offerings and in March Liquid C2 announced collaborations with Google Cloud and Anthropic (pictured above) to deliver advanced cloud and generative AI capabilities to African businesses across the continent.
Cloud Interconnect extends organisations’ external networks directly to the Google Cloud network through a private, high-availability, low-latency connection. As a Google Cloud Interconnect provider, Liquid C2 can offer its customers direct access to Google Cloud services.
“Being the first Google Cloud Interconnect provider on the continent is a significant milestone on our journey to becoming the leading provider of cloud solutions in Africa,” said Liquid C2 chief executive officer Oswald Jumira. “By partnering with Google Cloud, we can leverage the strengths of both organisations to offer solutions that address the needs of the African market. Direct access to the Google Cloud network will bring about the enhanced security and operating efficiencies that our customers in wholesale, enterprise, and government are seeking.”
“This collaboration demonstrates the value of strategic partnerships in enabling a more connected and digitally inclusive continent, as well as our mutual goal of providing access to the technology that drives business growth,” said Google Cloud managing director Turkey, Middle East & Africa Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiban.
Orange partnership in Morocco
C2’s parent Liquid Intelligent Technologies has partnered with Medi Telecom, part of the Orange Group in Morocco to bring extended network coverage and enhanced services to Liquid Dataport clients in the region. The partnership positions Liquid as a single supplier of its full range of digital services in Morocco, eliminating the need for multiple supplier networks.
Medi Telecom, which offers its customers telecommunications and digital services under the Orange brand, gains access to Liquid’s connectivity network, making it a preferred supplier able to support high availability that can be passed on to customers.
“This strategic partnership with Medi Telecom will enable easier access to connectivity for our international customers, along with access to Liquid’s full portfolio of services, including our extensive pan-African fibre network, LEO/MEO/GEO satellite solutions and Liquid C2’s innovative cloud and cyber security solutions,” said LIT chief executive Ahmed El Beheiry.
“The choice of Medi Telecom as a preferred partner in Morocco builds on our longstanding relationship with Orange in several African countries, solidifying the existing business relationship and unlocking new possibilities for both to expand their network reach,” he added.
Last week, Orange Middle East & Africa (OMEA) and Amazon Web Services, announced they are bringing AWS Wavelength to Morocco and Senegal later this year.