Google Appoints Nigerian Alex Okosi MD For Africa

Alex Okosi has been named as Google's Managing Director for Africa. He was previously the Managing Director of YouTube's Emerging Markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). Okosi was in charge of steering the platform's expansion in Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey.

In his new position at Google, he will oversee the firm's operations across the continent, including initiatives to promote business and economic growth, as well as expanding accessibility and offering tools to attract a larger user base to Google's various platforms.

Commenting on the appointment, Meir Brand, vice president, EMEA Emerging Markets at Google said “Alex is a proven leader with a wealth of experience in the media and technology industries. He has a deep understanding of African countries and a passion for using technology to empower people and businesses.”

While the new Managing Director expressed his excitement on his new role, “I am excited at the prospect of leading Google’s team in Africa and the opportunity to be an even closer part of this diverse and dynamic region, which is so close to my heart.”

“I’m a firm believer in the potential for technology and, in particular, the internet to improve people’s lives and to help individuals and businesses in Africa to thrive,” he added.

Alex Okosi’s Records

Alex Okosi is a successful global business and brand builder with over 20 years of experience in media, entertainment, and technology.

He was Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Viacom/CBS Networks Africa BET International before joining YouTube in 2020. His professional career began in New York with the MTV Trade Marketing team, followed by moves to Affiliate Sales and, finally, the International Strategy & Business Development team, where he contributed in both Los Angeles and London. In 2003, he created the business strategy for ViacomCBS' first channel venture in Africa, MTV Base. This was a watershed moment in his career. Subsequent to its launch in 2005, Alex undertook the leadership role, successfully expanding the business into a robust 10-channel, pan-African multiplex with an extensive viewership exceeding 100 million.

Okosi, as Managing Director of YouTube EMEA Emerging Markets, was instrumental in securing YouTube's $100 million Black Voice Fund in EMEA. In addition, he collaborated with Idris Elba to launch the annual Africa Day Benefit Concert. He also served as an executive member of the Google and YouTube committees dedicated to advancing and fulfilling the companies' racial equity commitments across the EMEA region.

Google has been active in Africa for more than a decade, with offices in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Its products and services are used on a daily basis by millions of people across Africa.