Top Empowerment: Digital Transformation of the Year Award Winner - Deon Geyser, CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Africa

By Raine St.Claire

As a crucial financial contributor, Liquid Intelligent Technologies plays a vital role in the telecommunications and technology sectors of the country. The company is committed to fostering economic transformation by increasing the participation of previously disadvantaged groups. Dedicated to Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE), the company has continuously invested in enterprise and skills development programs, with a particular emphasis on empowering the youth and supporting small and medium enterprises over the years.

With an impressive B-BBEE Level 1 status of 135%, the company has diligently worked towards achieving this distinction since expanding its operations in South Africa through the acquisition of Neotel in 2017. Recognising its role as a transformative leader in 2023 with The Top Empowerment Award, this prestigious accolade serves as an inspiration for South Africa’s corporate leaders, acknowledging their innovative leadership and substantial impact on communities and society.

In an interview, Deon Geyser, CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Africa, chats about the company’s success and vision to broaden their reach and influence in the years ahead.

Congratulations on the remarkable achievement of winning the Top Empowerment: Digital Transformation of the Year Award. Can you share the key initiatives or strategies implemented by Liquid Networks South Africa that contributed to winning this prestigious award?

As a leading pan-African technology leader, we have been at the forefront of empowering individuals and businesses that use technology and innovation as tools for building Africa’s digital future. We are enabling social mobility and the economic prosperity of individuals and businesses across the continent through increased access to the internet and technology. As Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Africa, we have been investing extensively on digital technology infrastructure as a strategic priority to bridge the digital divide, thereby significantly reducing poverty, inequality, and unemployment. Overall, our focused investments in South Africa have facilitated widespread internet access, supported public services, and helped bridge the digital divide, thereby contributing to the nation’s digital economy. This has contributed to winning this prestigious award.

Liquid Networks is part of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, contributing to Africa’s digital future. Please unpack the services offered by both companies and how they relate to each other.

Liquid Intelligent Technologies (Liquid) which is a business of Cassava Technologies comprises of three Business Units, i.e. Liquid (under which the Networks portfolio sits), Liquid C2 and Liquid Dataport. We service the market through our in-country sales teams for these three Business Units, and work with our broader counterparts like Africa Data Centres etc. to ensure we offer a comprehensive set of products to the broader market.

Our rebrand from Liquid Telecom to Liquid Intelligent Technologies in 2021 was to highlight that in addition to our extensive fibre backbone across the African continent (110,000 km), we also offer Cloud services, Managed Security services, Unified Communications, Managed Network Services, Applications, professional services. All purpose-built for increased business enablement throughout Africa. We provide tailor-made digital solutions to businesses in the public and private sector across the Continent, fully aligning with its corporate vision of enabling a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind.

Liquid C2 revolutionises the way businesses connect with their mobile and digital customer base by providing flexible, streamlined, and scalable solutions and elevating business operations to new heights. Through Liquid C2’s strategic partnerships with global technology leaders we are delivering on our strategy to deliver top-tier cybersecurity solutions.

Through Liquid Dataport, we manage our international wholesale business and take the lead in developing and implementing a diverse and robust network strategy. The company’s role is pivotal in fostering collaborations, partnerships, and initiatives that contribute to the resilience and efficiency of international wholesale connectivity. Boasting over 64,000km of subsea cables that we have strategically invested in, Liquid has become a consortium member of prominent networks, including WACS, TEAMS, SAT3/SAFE, EASSY, and fibre on EQUIANO.

Liquid Dataport extends its reach beyond traditional terrestrial networks through global satellite connectivity. This satellite service expands the company’s footprint, enabling connectivity in remote and underserved areas. It underlines their dedication to inclusivity and providing connectivity solutions where they are needed most.

Read the full article in the 23rd edition of Top Empowerment: