Ehimuan: My Exit from Google Offers Opportunities to Explore New Initiatives

Google’s first West Africa Director, Juliet Ehimuan, opens up on why she exited the company after 12 years of service. She also gave insight into the impact of emerging technologies on organisations and economies, as well as the expectations from the next Minister of Communications and Digital Economy. Emma Okonji presents the excerpts:   

You recently announced on LinkedIn, your exit from Google, a global technology company, after 12 years of service. What informed your decision to exit when you were already at the peak of your career?

My decision to exit Google after 12 years of service was not made lightly. While I had an outstanding and impactful career at Google, I felt a deep desire to take on a broader role within the tech ecosystem and make a broader impact across Africa. I wanted to leverage my experience, expertise, and network to contribute to the growth and development of the tech industry across the continent.

Throughout my career, I have been passionate about driving digital transformation and empowering businesses and individuals with technology. As I leave Google, I am able to explore new avenues and pursue initiatives that align even more closely with my vision and mission. This decision represents a natural progression in my journey, allowing me to extend my impact further. 

My passion for helping individuals reach their full potential has led me to extend my work into various leadership development and support initiatives. This includes executive coaching services and the “30 Days of Excellence” program based on my book of the same name, which I have been rolling out at Google and will continue to do; and expand to other organisations. These efforts are all aimed at helping leaders unlock their own potential and that of their organisations. 

These three pillars form the bedrock of my journey beyond Google, underscoring my commitment to driving growth, innovation, and excellence within the African tech ecosystem and the broader business landscape. 

As Google’s pioneering West Africa Director, how will you describe some of your accomplishments at the global tech company?

As Google’s pioneering West Africa Director, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to drive several initiatives within the company along with my colleagues.

We led efforts to localise Google’s products and services, making them more accessible and relevant to users in West Africa. For example, we ensured that Google Maps, Street View, and YouTube, were launched in the region, updated with local content, and catered to the specific needs of the region This involved empowering developers and collaborating with local content partners and creators – there are now 150 active Google Developer Groups and 100 Developer Student Clubs in Sub-saharan Africa and more than 6,000 YouTube content partners monetising on the platform. And let me tell you what that really means: Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa all have at least 300 channels with more than 100,000 subscribers and Nigeria has 45 with more than 1 million subscribers. About 75 per cent of Nigerian content is consumed by a global audience. These platforms that we localised are creating direct access to global markets for Nigerian products and services. The top YouTube creator in Nigeria brought in over $4m on the platform in 2022. The potential is significant.

Additionally, we championed initiatives aimed at supporting Nigerian startups and fostering digital skills development. We have trained over 6 million people in Africa in digital skills, 100,000 developers in in-depth web and mobile development skills, and empowered over 200 African startups through the Google for Startups Accelerator program. Some of those 200 startups have gone on to raise over $1 billion, and include some unicorns.  

And finally, we championed high-priority access projects such as the expansion of the free wi-fi in public spaces program in Nigeria and the landing of Google’s Equiano fibre cable in Africa, from Europe. The Equiano cable is one of the Google’s largest submarine Internet cables, spanning 15,000 km from Portugal through the coast of West Africa to South Africa; with landing points in Togo, Nigeria, Namibia, and St Helena These initiatives have played a significant role in making the internet more accessible and affordable for millions of people in Nigeria and beyond.

From the successful Get Nigeria Businesses Online project, to strategic partnerships and deployment and localisation of key products like Google Maps, Streetview, and YouTube.ng, which you enabled at Google, speaks volume of your achievements . How do you feel leaving these successes behind?

Leaving behind the successes achieved at Google inspires a mix of emotions. On one hand, I feel a sense of pride and fulfilment for the impact we made and the positive change we brought to businesses and individuals in Nigeria.

The ‘Get Nigeria Businesses Online’ project was instrumental in helping local businesses establish an online presence, expand their reach, and tap into the digital economy. In the first three months of running this project, we saw the highest number of local .ng domains created. The strategic partnerships we formed enabled us to localize key Google products and services, making them more relevant and accessible to Nigerians.

The projects and initiatives I was involved in at Google were close to my heart, and I will always cherish the memories and the collaborative efforts that made them possible.

However, I am excited about the new opportunities that lie ahead.  I am embarking on a new chapter in my journey, one that allows me to contribute to the growth and development of the tech ecosystem in broader and more impactful ways. I am committed to leveraging my expertise and experience to continue driving positive change in Africa’s tech landscape, and inspiring leadership and personal excellence.

As a Nigerian woman, how were you able to rise to the peak in a technology industry that is dominated by men?

When I pursued my undergraduate degree in computer engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, I was one of only two girls in a class of over forty students. I was very conscious and deliberate about pulling my weight and giving my best. I did not give into stereotypes and worked hard in the department of computer engineering, graduating with a first-class honours degree. That laid the foundation for my journey in the technology industry. It taught me belief in my capabilities, perseverance, and the limitless possibilities that come with setting a clear vision for yourself, and pursuing it relentlessly. 

Throughout my career, I prioritised continuous learning and skills development. I sought out opportunities to enhance my technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership capabilities. By staying current with industry trends and acquiring new skills, I effectively navigate the ever-evolving technology landscape. I have also been blessed to learn from incredible individuals and mentors along the way 

People can shine the torch for us and it is also important to be our own champions –  believing in yourself, being deliberate about creating a vision for what you aspire to, and going after it with courage and commitment. I have come to see that irrespective of gender, our capacity for growth and success is beyond the limits we often impose on ourselves or what we think possible. That’s actually the driving force behind the “Beyond Limits” initiative.

How will you describe the impact of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoTs) and Robotics on organisations and economies?

The potential impact of emerging technologies is immense. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize industries, drive efficiency, and unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.

The impact of AI and machine learning in Nigeria and across Africa is evident in various sectors. Small scale farmers benefit from AI-powered solutions, such as those provided by companies like Agrix Tech, which diagnose crop diseases and identify appropriate solutions. Google Maps and Street View in Nigeria, leveraging ML and AI, generate more accurate maps, improving navigation and urban planning. 

Fintech companies like Flutterwave utilize AI to expand credit access and provide personalized financial solutions. In healthcare, platforms like Kangpe harness AI for improved diagnostics and enhanced access to healthcare services. These examples showcase how AI and ML are driving innovation, empowering communities, and transforming industries across the African continent.

As a Nigerian with global tech experience, how would you describe technology growth among Nigerian startups?

The growth of technology among Nigerian startups has been remarkable. The entrepreneurial spirit and innovation mindset in Nigeria have fuelled the emergence of numerous successful startups across various sectors. 

For example, Nigeria is home to over 100 food delivery and e-mobility startups, like Bolt, and the sector saw a significant surge post-pandemic. The total value of orders was $540 million in 2021 and reached an estimated $725 million by 2022. This reflects clear demand and entrepreneurs in the market making moves to tap into that demand using new and existing technologies. In terms of e-commerce, we’ve seen incredible e-Commerce growth driven by the improved payment-processing landscape, a rise in mobile technology, improved B2B and B2C e-logistics, mobile money tech adoption and more. The total annual spend on consumer goods continues to grow, reaching $7.5 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $9.8 billion in 2022.

So as Nigerian entrepreneurs continue leveraging emerging technologies like AI and machine learning to drive innovation and create impactful solutions to the challenges that people of the nation face every day,  we will see revolutionary, transformative impacts, popping up all around us. 

With continued investment, mentorship, and ecosystem support, Nigerian startups have the potential to become major players on the global tech stage and, the world is watching.

Cloud and data-driven technologies are some of the technologies you championed when you were at Google. How will these technologies impact on the Nigerian economy?

Cloud and data-driven technologies have the potential to significantly impact the Nigerian economy. Cloud computing provides scalable and cost-effective infrastructure, allowing businesses of all sizes to access powerful computing resources without significant upfront investments. This accessibility lowers barriers to entry for startups and enables established organizations to scale rapidly.

Data-driven technologies, on the other hand, empower businesses to extract valuable insights from vast amounts of data. This enables informed decision-making, personalized customer experiences, and the development of innovative products and services. By leveraging cloud and data-driven technologies, Nigerian businesses can increase efficiency, drive innovation, and compete on a global scale.

Furthermore, these technologies can facilitate digital transformation across various sectors, such as healthcare, agriculture, logistics, and finance. They can streamline processes, enhance productivity, and improve service delivery, ultimately contributing to economic growth and creating employment opportunities.

What will be your advice for the next Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, as Nigerians await ministerial list?

As Nigerians await the appointment of the next Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, my advice would be to create a clear and compelling vision and roadmap for growth within the sector over the next few years in collaboration with key stakeholders in the sector. Priorities should include digital infrastructure development, digital skills training, an enabling regulatory environment, digital inclusion, and ongoing collaboration.

Investments in digital infrastructure, such as broadband connectivity, are fundamental to expanding internet access and bridging the digital divide. Efforts should be made to accelerate the deployment of reliable and affordable internet services across the country, particularly in underserved areas.

Digital skills training programs should be prioritised to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and capabilities to thrive in the digital age. This includes technical skills development, entrepreneurship training, and digital literacy programs to ensure inclusivity and empower all segments of the population.

Creating an enabling regulatory environment is essential for fostering innovation, protecting digital rights, and ensuring a level playing field for businesses. Policies should be designed to encourage investment, facilitate ease of doing business, and promote data privacy and cybersecurity.

Digital inclusion should be a core objective, focusing on bridging the digital divide and ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital revolution. Efforts should be made to address affordability, accessibility, and usability barriers, particularly for marginalised communities and remote areas.

Collaboration between government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and industry experts is crucial for driving the digital transformation agenda. This collaboration should focus on creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation, attracts investments, and supports the growth of the digital economy. Regular stakeholder engagement forums are important to ensure understanding of pertinent issues, road blocks, and opportunities for growth. A scroecard and regular feedback loop to provide transparency and accountability would be valuable. 

Technology is an enabler, but some people see it as a threat, with reference to online theft and malware attacks. What do you make of this?

Technology is undoubtedly an enabler, but it also presents challenges and risks, including online theft and malware attacks. It is essential to recognise and address these potential threats to ensure a safe and secure digital environment.

To mitigate the risks associated with technology, organisations and individuals need to prioritise cybersecurity measures. This includes implementing robust security protocols, regularly updating software and systems, and educating users about potential risks and best practices for online safety.

Collaboration between governments, businesses, and cybersecurity experts is crucial for developing effective frameworks and regulations to combat cyber threats. This includes establishing incident response mechanisms, promoting information sharing, and investing in cybersecurity research and development.

It is important to strike a balance between leveraging technology’s benefits while being vigilant about its potential risks. By adopting a proactive and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, we can harness the power of technology while safeguarding against threats.