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American tech giant Google has revealed plans to set up its first-ever Africa product development hub in Nairobi.
The new product development centre, which is part of the California-based multinational’s Sh115.5 billion investment on the continent over the next five years, is expected to create transformative products and services for people in Africa and around the world.
Google says the hub will offer employment opportunities to visionary engineers, product managers, UX designers and researchers to lay the foundation for significant growth in the coming years.
“Google’s mission in Africa is to make the Internet helpful to Africans and partner with African governments, policymakers, educators, entrepreneurs and businesses to shape the next wave of innovation in Africa," Google vice president for products Suzanne Frey said on Tuesday.
"Today I am excited to welcome all Africans passionate about improving the digital experience of African users by building better products to apply for the open roles at our first product development centre in Africa.”
The official said that the company is already hiring engineers, product managers, user experience designers and researchers to work at the Nairobi centre.
Last year, Google committed to invest Sh115.5 billion as part of its Africa digital transformation program whose aim is to increase access to cheap and fast internet, support local entrepreneurs and SMEs and help non-profit organizations.
The announcement of Google’s new investment in the Kenyan capital comes barely a month after Microsoft launched the Africa Development Centre (ADC) in Westlands, Nairobi.
The $27 million (Sh3.1 billion) facility, the first of its kind in Africa, will house the engineering, design, research, and innovation teams, as well as the Microsoft Garage—an incubation hub launched as part of the ongoing efforts to boost tech innovation on the continent.
Microsoft Vice President Joy Chik said the new facility is geared towards training world class engineers, who will create global products and services. She divulged that the centre has already employed more than 450 engineers in Kenya as well as 500 employees in other areas since its inception in Nairobi in 2019.
President Kenyatta said the opening of the Microsoft engineering hub underscored Kenya’s place as Africa’s leading technology powerhouse.
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My thoughts exactly.
Time will tell companies like google,microsoft etc promote diversity in their workforce
That's a positive move forget about racism..even in America if you have the right skill the job is yours regardless the race its about making money for your employer ..your input is what counts.
It sounds good on paper but I can guarantee there will be complaints of exploitation of Kenyan workers by management, racism, and lack of upward mobility. Mark my words.