Dennis Maina, the founder of the digital marketing agency, Suss Digital Africa, has been recognized among the Forty Under 40, 2024, under the Media (Digital and Social) category. The prestigious event was hosted at Radisson Blu, Upper Hill, Nairobi, Kenya, and saw an impressive turnout of 119 nominees from 26 countries, all vying for recognition of their remarkable contributions to various sectors.
The Forty Under 40 Africa Awards, now in its third edition, aims to identify, honor, and celebrate a diverse group of the continent's most influential and accomplished young business leaders under the age of 40. These individuals demonstrate a commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and community service, showcasing their ability to rise through the ranks of their industries at a relatively young age.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Richard Abbey, the founder of the Forty Under 40 Africa Awards, emphasized the importance of recognition and the drive for performance. He highlighted the rigorous selection process, involving public nominations, data collection, and vetting by a competent jury, ensuring that only the most deserving candidates receive recognition.
Launched in 2021 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Suss Ads, a 360-degree marketing and communications agency rooted in technology and data, provides innovative solutions beyond traditional advertising approaches. Maina identified a gap in the digital advertising landscape while working as a Digital Marketing Professional across Africa, recognizing both the challenges and opportunities present in the dynamic world of digital marketing.
Suss Ads' success can be attributed to its Programmatic Platform, a full-stack demand-side platform developed in-house. This platform prioritizes data in marketing, leveraging insights into consumer behavior and trends to revolutionize brand connections in the evolving landscape of information consumption.
The agency has adopted Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure real-time brand safety and precise distribution based on demographics and interests, maximizing effectiveness. With over 100 brands served across 54 markets globally, Suss Ads has executed over 10,000 campaigns, served 40 billion impressions, and delivered 500 million clicks.
Some of Suss Ads' notable clients include the Government of Kenya (Ecitizen), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), Bio foods, SportPesa, Betika, Nivea, Unilever, Mozilla, LG, and Huawei. Its innovative ad formats and precise targeting capabilities have set it apart in the competitive digital marketing landscape.
Maina expressed his gratitude and credited the agency’s success to the dedicated Suss Digital team, clients, and partners, emphasizing their commitment to innovation and creativity in the ever-changing digital world.
Inclusion in the Top Forty under 40 aligns with the increasing impact of local innovation on the global digital stage. As Kenya continues to progress in the digital landscape, individuals like Maina and agencies like Suss Digital Africa play a crucial role in shaping the industry’s future, garnering recognition on both national and global scales.
Suss Ads recently partnered with 1Stop Translations, a premier provider of translation and localization services, to support iGaming, sportsbook, and online casino companies interested in expanding into the African market. This collaboration aims to offer new entrants a seamless entry into the African iGaming landscape, further showcasing Suss Ads' commitment to innovation and market expansion.
Established in 2021, Suss Digital Africa is revolutionizing the way brands enhance their digital footprint in Africa. Through its integrated digital marketing and communication platform, coupled with Pan African corporate intelligence, Suss Digital Africa offers tailored and data-driven advertising solutions, setting new standards for advertising in the region.