Google South Africa has appointed Alistair Mokoena as country director.

According to Google, Mokoena, who has most recently served as Ogilvy South Africa chief executive officer, has a long history in the South African advertising sector and is well known and respected.

The company adds that Mokoena will take up his new post in April 2020 and will oversee the commercial business for Google South Africa.

Google Africa director Nitin Gajria says: "Google is working hard to bring more Africans online, to unlock economic opportunities through working with local communities, and to make our products more helpful to Africans in the African continent. Mokoena's knowledge and expertise will be key to helping us deliver on these goals in the local market."

Says Mokoena: "The digital economy presents many challenges and opportunities - particularly in developing markets like South Africa's. Technology is mainstream and the online, digital world is no longer a challenger to the offline world. I am looking forward to joining Google South Africa, which is well-positioned to help South African organisations navigate a rapidly changing landscape as the online and offline worlds converge."

Prior to serving as CEO, Mokoena was MD of Ogilvy South Africa, having also worked at Absa, SAB, Tiger Brands, Unilever and Mondelez over the course of his career.

He holds an LLB from Rhodes University, an MBA from MANCOSA and is working towards a PhD from the North West University School of Business, due for completion this year.

He is the Chairperson on the board of the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) South Africa and was recently appointed Professor of Practice by the Johannesburg Business School.

Google Startup Week

In late November 2019 Google hosted its first Google Startup Week in Lagos. Google Launchpad Accelerator Africa graduates, from across Africa, pitch for funding from some of Africa & the UK's top venture capitalists (VCs), and Launchpad Accelerator Africa class 4 graduating from the program.

According to Google, since Launchpad Accelerator Africa was first announced in late 2017, the programme has worked with 47 start-ups on their growth journey.

"These companies have raised millions of dollars in investments and created hundreds of jobs across the continent," the company stated.

All the selected startups receive working space, and access to expert advisers from Google, Silicon Valley, and Africa. Participants also receive travel and PR support during each three-month programme.