Juliet Ehimuan, Google’s first West Africa director resigns

Google’s first West Africa Director, Dr Juliet Ehimuan has announced she is set to depart the company after spending 12 years in various capacities. She made the announcement on LinkedIn where she also expressed her intention to pursue a broader role within the regional technology landscape.

“After an incredible 12-year journey, I have made the decision to embark on a new adventure and embrace a broader role within our region’s tech ecosystem.”

Dr Juliet Ehimuan

Furthermore, she also expressed her profound delight at being a part of the company’s venture in Africa, which has increased the continent’s access to technology, innovation, and limitless opportunities. She says;

“Twelve years ago, I embarked on a journey with Google – a journey that became a mission to help shape Africa’s digital landscape. It has been my privilege to be a part of this remarkable endeavour, which has transformed lives across our continent, made technology more accessible, and opened up limitless possibilities.” 

During her time at the company, Ehimuan championed the inaugural Google for Africa event in 2012. At the event which was held in Lagos, Google CEO, Sundar Pichai announced the company’s commitment to training 10 million Africans in digital skills, 100,000 developers in in-depth web and mobile development skills, and a Google for Startups accelerator for Africa to support tech entrepreneurs on the continent.

Before she was appointed Google’s West Africa Director, she served as the company’s Country Director for Nigeria.

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Juliet Ehimuan’s remarkable feats at Google

Ehimuan joined Google with a background in strategy and technology. She made contributions to its information and communications technology (ICT) policy and strategy. She also played a pivotal role in developing policies that have facilitated investment and infrastructure growth in the Nigerian tech ecosystem. 

While at Google, Ehimuan led transformative digital initiatives, including projects like Get Nigeria Businesses Online and the localization of Google Maps, Streetview, and YouTube.ng. She also facilitated training programs and access projects that enhanced internet accessibility and affordability in Nigeria.

Furthermore, under Ehimuan’s leadership, essential access projects were executed, including the expansion of the Google Station program in Nigeria and the deployment of its Equiano fibre cable, which spans from Portugal to South Africa, connecting Africa with Europe. These initiatives have played a significant role in enhancing internet accessibility and affordability for millions of people in Nigeria and beyond.

Her leadership in committees like the National Economic Summit Group (NESG) and the Presidential Committee are responsible for creating the national broadband plan in 2019 which had been influential in shaping the ICT strategy of the country.

Ehimuan is recognized for her contributions to ICT policy and strategy as well as her leadership in the African tech industry. She intends to use her network and skills to advance digital transformation while concentrating on leadership growth and individual excellence.

“As I turn the page on my time at Google, I look forward to bringing together my passion for tech and leadership in supporting business leaders as they work to drive innovation and digital transformation in their operations, developing the next generation of African tech leaders, contributing to unlocking value in the dynamic African tech space, and continuing my work on leadership and personal excellence through “30 Days of Excellence” coaching and related programs“, she says.

Over the last 12 years, the continent has become increasingly important to Google’s global strategy and a destination for significant investment. Indeed, Google has committed increasing sums to growing Africa’s tech ecosystem – including $50 million for growth-stage start-ups through the Africa Investment Fund in early 2020 and $1 billion toward Africa’s digital transformation in 2021.

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