TECH DIGEST- Google has officially named Alex Okosi, the current Managing Director for YouTube in EMEA Emerging Markets, as the new Managing Director for Google in Africa.

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Okosi’s appointment reflects Google’s strategic focus on Africa as a key growth market, with a rapidly expanding digital ecosystem and a vibrant tech-savvy population. It underscores the company’s commitment to fostering innovation, economic development, and digital inclusion throughout Africa.

As Google’s new Managing Director for Africa, Alex Okosi will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the digital landscape and driving forward the company’s mission to “organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful” in this dynamic and promising region.

His appointment is poised to mark a new era of innovation and progress for Google in Africa.

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TECHDIGEST – YouTube has said over 500 creators and artists had benefited from its $100m YouTube Black Voices Fund since its inception.

The firm states those beneficiaries had been able to grow their channels and audiences in the process.

It stated this during a two-day event in Nairobi, Kenya to celebrate the 2023 #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund.

In a statement, the firm said over 100 black creators from around the world gathered in Kenya for the event.

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It noted that the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund was created in 2020 with the purpose of investing in talent and presenting fresh narratives that emphasise the intellectual power and authenticity of black voices.

YouTube’s Managing Director of Emerging Markets, EMEA, Alex Okosi, said, “When we announced the $100m fund to amplify Black and African voices and perspectives on our platform, we wanted to create a space where Black people can share their own stories, in their own voices, with the world.

“The fund has, in many ways, created opportunities to amplify, celebrate and cultivate Black artistry for a global audience.

“We are committed to ensuring that Black creators from Africa and around the world find a home on YouTube, and we are investing in strategic partnerships with culturally relevant organisations to ensure that we are able to reach and help even more creators and artists.”

The firm highlighted that the growth of creator channels had been tangible on the continent, adding that as of December 2022, the number of YouTube channels making 100,000 or more in revenue (ZAR) increased by over 30 per cent year-on-year in South Africa.

According to the firm, in Nigeria, there was a 15 per cent y-o-y increase in the percentage of YouTube channels making N100,000 or more in revenue year-on-year; in contrast, in Kenya, the number of YouTube channels making 100,000 or more in revenue (KES) increased by over 25 per cent.

It added, “In addition, in Nigeria, over 45 channels have more than 1 million subscribers, an increase of more than 50 per cent, year-on-year.

“In South Africa, 25 channels reached the 1 million subscriber mark, an increase of over 30 per cent, year-on-year, while in Kenya, over 14 channels have more than 1 million subscribers, an increase of more than 110 per cent.”

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