Experienced media executive Alex Okosi will run its operations across the continent
Google has appointed Alex Okosi as its new managing director, Africa, to oversee the firm’s programs aimed at enhancing internet accessibility and promoting business and economic growth on the continent.
He replaces Nitin Gajria who, after four years, has returned with his family to Singapore to take up the role of managing director – APAC publisher partnerships at Google.
Okosi has more than 20 years’ experience in media and technology companies. He was most recently managing director of YouTube for emerging markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa region (EMEA) where he joined in April 2020.
At YouTube, he led strategies to help build YouTube’s lucrative expansion in the region while also bolstering content creators in areas such as music, arts, gaming, and media. He was also pivotal in establishing the $100 million Black Voices Fund within the EMEA region, according to Ecofin.
“My journey, which began in the vibrant world of media and entertainment, has now led me to the heart of the tech industry, from our YouTube to now, our Google Africa business and I couldn’t be more thrilled,” he posted on LinkedIn. “This transition represents more than just a change in job title; it’s a testament of my commitment to the future of Africa, to the untapped potential of its people, and the transformative and positive impact that technology will make on the continent.”
He added: “From laying the groundwork for MTV Base & Viacom Africa, which became a catalyst for transforming African music and content to a global force, to my tenure as [YouTube MD EMEA], where along with our teams we championed the growth of content creators and artists, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible impact of these industries on lives.”
Commenting on the appointment, Google VP of emerging markets EMEA Meir Brand said: “Alex is an established leader with a vast reservoir of experience in media and technology sectors. He possesses an intricate understanding of African nations and exudes a passion for leveraging technology to empower people and businesses.”
A lot to do, a lot of money to invest
Google made a big commitment to the continent in 2021 when CEO Sundar Pichai announced it would invest $1 billion in Africa over five years focused on priorities identified in its “Digital Sprinters” report, including secure, affordable and environmentally sustainable digital infrastructure, a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, skilling to help people prepare for the jobs of the future, and technological innovation that unleashes new opportunities.
Okosi’s appointment is expected to act as a catalyst to kick off many of these projects including finder the partnerships with governments, nonprofits, businesses and communities in a vast continent with a diverse set of priorities.
“Google is a company that is synonymous with innovation, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of a better future,” said Okosi. “Our company’s mission to make technology universally accessible and useful resonates deeply with me. I am excited to work with our awesome Africa and global teams to continue leveraging our products to empower individuals and transform societies, especially on the African continent.”
Part of the investment has already seen the arrival of Google’s Equiano subsea cable which has been under development since 2019 and has so far made four landings — in Togo, Namibia, Nigeria and South Africa. The cable is now a crucial lifeline for data connectivity while repairs are done to the damaged WACS and SAT-3 connections off the Congo coast.
Okosi will also presumably kick off the launch of a cloud region in South Africa, its first in the continent, which although was announced last October, as of July it has still not kicked off. State-owned power company Eskom’s well documented power problems won’t help matters.
At the time it was proposed, Google said it is also building dedicated cloud interconnect sites, which link users’ on-premises networks with Google’s grid, in Nairobi (Kenya), Lagos (Nigeria) and South Africa (Cape Town and Johannesburg).
Google plans to train 20,000 Nigerian women and youth in digital skills and provide a grant of 1.2 billion naira ($1.6m) to help the government create one million digital jobs in the country. Google also recently opened applications for its AI-focused Africa accelerator programme.
The company also recently appointed Olumide Balogun as its new director for West Africa. Balogun was most recently head of head of consumer apps for Sub-Saharan Africa.