
Search is fragmenting – credibility and trust create the new visibility
Online search behaviour has changed significantly with the rise of AI. How can African brands adapt to this new marketing landscape?
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
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.
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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