After 12 years of leading and driving transformative digital initiatives in Google as Country Director for Nigeria and Director for West Africa, Dr. Juliet Ehimuan recently resigned from the technology giant Google. Her departure marks a significant transition for Google in Africa, as she has been an instrumental leader in its regional growth and a respected figure in the tech industry.
In an announcement made via LinkedIn, Ehimuan stated her intent to take on a broader role within the regional tech landscape by collaborating with corporate executives, global investors, African governments, and startup founders to drive growth, excellence, and digital transformation within the African tech ecosystem and the broader business landscape.
During her time in Google, Ehimuan led her team in launching several initiatives that have had a profound and far-reaching impact on the region’s tech ecosystem. These include the successful Get Nigeria Businesses Online project, strategic partnerships, and the deployment and localization of key products like Google Maps, Streetview, and YouTube.ng.
Ehimuan’s significant contribution to the ICT policy and strategy has also played a vital role in fostering investment and infrastructure growth in the Nigerian tech ecosystem. Her leadership in key committees like the National Economic Summit Group (NESG) and the Presidential Committee that created the national broadband plan in 2019 has been instrumental in shaping the ICT strategy of the region.
One of the most pivotal moments under Ehimuan’s leadership was the inaugural Google for Africa event in Lagos in 2012. During the event, Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced a landmark commitment to train 10 million Africans in digital skills, 100,000 developers in-depth web and mobile development skills, and a Google for Startups accelerator for Africa to support African tech entrepreneurs. These initiatives underscore Ehimuan’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of technology leaders in Africa.
Despite Ehimuan’s departure being a huge loss for Google, the African tech ecosystem is the prime beneficiary of her decision to take on a broader role in the region. As one of the most prominent African women in technology, Ehimuan’s experience and expertise in driving growth and excellence in the African tech ecosystem are vitally essential. They will undoubtedly go a long way in nurturing the next generation of technology leaders and advancing digital transformation in Africa.
Over the last 12 years, Africa has become increasingly important to Google’s global strategy and a destination for significant investment. With Ehimuan’s leadership in the execution of high-priority access projects such as the expansion of the Google Station program in Nigeria and the landing of Google’s Equiano fiber cable in Lagos, millions of people in Nigeria and beyond now have more accessible and affordable internet access.
In early 2020, Google committed $50 million for growth-stage startups through the Africa investment Fund and, in 2021, $1 billion towards Africa’s digital transformation. With Ehimuan’s departure, it is an opportune time to foster and accelerate the growth of the African tech ecosystem. Her decision to take on a broader role in the regional tech landscape is a promising development for Africa.
