DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Acceleration announces the opening of a sub-Saharan Africa operation

By our News Team | 2023

WPP-owned business aims to help advertisers connect media strategy, data practices, and technology investments with their marketing goals.

Acceleration – a global specialist in digital technology, media modernisation and digital transformation – has announced the launch of a local operation to serve sub-Saharan Africa. 

Acceleration is part of media buying company Group M. It, in turn is owned by London-based WPP, the world’s largest advertising company.

 

Digital Transformation

Nick Jackson (right) speaking at the launch of Acceleration SSA. On screen is Stephan Pretorius, Chief Technology Officer at WPP. Photo credit: Acceleration

It offers clients access to a global network of consultants, data scientists, technologists and practitioners. The aim is to help advertisers to build “seamless connections” between media strategy, data and privacy practices, technology investments and their marketing goals.

In a statement released to African media, Acceleration describes itself as enabling “the always-on transformation of marketing organisations, co-creating solutions that unlock the value of data, technology, and human potential through deep expertise in strategy and transformation, data science and automation, technology and data architecture, measurement, and advanced analytics”.

The new Acceleration SSA business is being headed by Nick Jackson as Managing Director. His previous experience includes working as Partner Development Manager for Google, based in Ireland, where he worked with Google Partner agencies in sub-Saharan Africa.

Data and technology deliver strong value in Africa

“The power of data and technology in delivering value in Africa is remarkable. This, not only for business but for our stature as a player in the global economy,” says Jackson.

“Always-on transformation is rapidly accelerating the role technology is playing in driving consumer value, enabling the next biggest population of active network participation, globally.”

He continues: “Acceleration’s responsibility lies at the intersection of this value. Through our fantastic network of GroupM and WPP Partners, Google technologists and clients, we’re embracing a responsibility in catalysing value across the continent – fundamentally changing the role Africa plays in a global network economy. I’m privileged and incredibly excited to play a part in this ambition.”

According to Grant Keller, Acceleration Global CEO, the business now operates in 14 markets worldwide. 

“With the expansion into sub-Saharan Africa, we continue to build momentum and add to our network the expertise of Nick and his talented team of consultants, helping more clients grow their business results through an always-on-transformation of their media capabilities,” Keller stated.

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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.