Google Africa Awards PR Contract to Africapractice

Posted by Staff Writer on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 10:24pm.

Africapractice will handle Google’s PR in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and South Africa. The assignment comes as Google attempts to deepen its product penetration into Africa, promote online access, and educate audiences about the internet.

The Google Africa account will be managed locally by teams in the six countries, with strategic direction from South Africa and support from Kenya and London. The account is led by Africapractice corporate comms director Alison Merifield.

“PR is going to form a critical element of driving Google’s business in Africa,” said Stefano Hesse, Google Africa’s head of corporate communications and public policy. “Africapractice is perfectly positioned to work with a multinational organisation like Google, with in-depth knowledge of the local markets, coupled with the international perspective and quality of service that we also demand.”

Google already plays a role in the ICT sector in Africa, working in partnership with governments, developer communities, learning institutions and students. The company also recently launched local versions of Google Maps and StreetView in Kenya and South Africa.