First AI Factory Powered by Nvidia Launched in South Africa
A milestone for Africa’s tech ecosystem as Altron introduces a locally hosted AI platform that blends Nvidia’s world-class technology with South African innovation and data control.
Altron has stepped into a new chapter of innovation in South Africa with the launch of the country’s first fully operational Artificial Intelligence Factory.
This is a move to bring AI closer to home while keeping control of local data firmly within national borders.
Built on Nvidia’s powerful computing and AI software, the Factory offers everything a business needs to explore and develop AI solutions, including infrastructure, consulting and support. It also gives South African companies access to global-level technology that operates entirely within the country.
With five early adopters, including Dataviue, Lelapa AI, and MathU, already on board, the facility is hosted in an Nvidia-ready data centre at Teraco, one of South Africa’s most advanced technology environments.
Altron’s Chief Technology Officer, Dr Bongani Andy Mabaso, described the move as a defining step for South African innovation. He said the platform is designed to help businesses build and deploy AI-driven solutions faster and smarter, tailored to local challenges and opportunities.
The platform’s design tackles a long-standing concern, such as keeping sensitive data within the country. By hosting everything locally, Altron ensures that businesses meet regulatory standards and maintain privacy while enjoying high-speed AI capabilities.
According to Teraco’s Head of Channel and Public Sector, Di Buijs, the partnership bridges a critical gap between performance and compliance. She said industries like banking, financial services, and the public sector can now adopt AI with confidence, knowing their data never leaves South Africa.
Dataviue’s Managing Director, Pieta Heyns, added that the platform removes the worry of offshore data storage, offering a safe and powerful environment for clients’ AI needs.
What sets this platform apart is how it removes cost barriers that have long limited enterprise adoption of AI. Altron’s AI-as-a-Service model provides affordable access to Nvidia-powered computing resources, giving startups and large corporations the freedom to scale AI projects at their own pace.
MathU’s founder, W.A. Burger, shared that his company is now using the same level of infrastructure that global tech giants rely on, but within a local and cost-effective ecosystem. This, he said, allows them to innovate faster without facing the high costs of building infrastructure from scratch.
Beyond technology, Altron is providing the human expertise to back it up. Its AI Factory merges global technology with local knowledge through consulting, managed services, and end-to-end support. This full-stack approach helps businesses deploy AI solutions quickly and efficiently without long setup times or foreign dependencies.
Mike Wright, Executive for Data and AI at Altron Digital Business, explained that companies no longer have to wait months to get started. The foundation is already laid out for them to plug in and start building.
Dr. Mabaso reinforced the vision, noting that South Africa no longer has to choose between global excellence and local relevance. Both can exist in one ecosystem. The AI Factory gives businesses the chance to create and consume world-class AI solutions while maintaining full sovereignty.
Among the launch partners, Lelapa AI is already using the platform to build solutions for African languages that are often overlooked in global AI development. Chief Commercial Officer Mbali Ndandani said the infrastructure gives them the boost needed to develop language models that serve African users directly.
Built in partnership with ASUS and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, the AI Factory is designed to evolve with the continent’s growing digital ambitions. It signals a new phase in South Africa’s tech journey, one where innovation, data protection, and accessibility work hand in hand.