Monthly Archives: January 2025

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is proud to announce that Rania El-Rafie, Vice President, Public Relations and Strategic Communications has been awarded a Bronze Stevie® Award in the ‘Most Innovative Woman of the Year’ category of the sixth annual Middle East&North Africa Stevie® Awards, sponsored by the RAK (Ras Al Khaimah) Chamber of Commerce and Industry, one of the oldest chambers in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Established to promote trade and investment, the RAK Chamber of Commerce and Industry plays a key role in supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth, serving as a vital hub for regional commercial development.

Hailing from Egypt, in January 2024, Rania became the first person to be promoted to VP of Public Relations and Strategic Communications from within APO Group and the youngest person to hold this key strategic role. Rania, who has been with APO Group since 2020, leads a high-performing team of PR and strategic communications experts. Under her leadership, her team represents some of Africa’s most influential brands. Their portfolio includes high-profile clients such as Canon, Nestlé, TikTok, the Jack Ma Foundation, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Marriott, Afreximbank, GITEX, MSD, and Western Union, amongst others.

The Middle East&North Africa Stevie® Awards are the only business awards programme to recognise innovation in the workplace in 18 nations in the Middle East and North Africa. The Stevie® Awards are widely considered to be the world’s premier business awards, conferring recognition for achievement in programmes such as The International Business Awards® for 23 years. Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word for “crowned,” the awards will be presented to winners during a gala event on 22 February at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.

As a winner in the ‘Most Innovative Woman of the Year’ category, Rania joins several prominent figures shaping the business landscape in Africa and the Middle East, including Dr. Rasha Abousamra, Doctor of Business and Researcher at Higher Colleges of Technology Sharjah, and Latifa Saleh AlShehhi, Director of Investment Data Department at the UAE Ministry of Investment.

“I am deeply honoured to receive the Bronze Stevie® Award as one of the most innovative women of the year in the Middle East and North Africa. This recognition is a testament to the power of creativity and resilience of excellence in public relations and strategic communications. At APO Group, we are driven by the belief that innovation is the key to unlocking potential and making a lasting impact. This award is not just a personal milestone but a reflection of the incredible team and partners who inspire and support our vision every day. Together, we will continue to break new ground and shape the future of communications in the region.”

Celebrating the win, APO Group Founder and Chairman Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard added: “Our purpose at APO Group is to champion Africa’s narratives, amplify Africa’s voices, and bridge Africa and the world. We do this by crafting narratives aimed at transforming how the world sees Africa, showcasing its cultural diversity, empowering its people, and celebrating its collective and individual achievements. APO Group is a strong proponent of innovation, as well as gender empowerment, and we are so proud to see the Stevie® Awards recognise Rania’s professional achievements as she continues to make an incredible mark on the industry.”

This year, over 1,100 nominations from organisations across the Middle East and North Africa were considered in various categories. Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie® Award winners were determined by the average scores of 118 executives around the world acting as judges on five juries.

Read more about the Middle East&North Africa Stevie® Awards at http://MENA.Stevieawards.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading, award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally. Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including the PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award, multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards, and World Business Outlook Awards in 2023. We were also acknowledged as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa by Brands Review Magazine and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year by World Business Outlook in 2024. APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, TikTok, Emirates, the UNDP, the WHO, and Coca-Cola, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With teams on the ground in numerous African countries, we offer unmatched insights and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences. For more information, please visit our website: www.APO-opa.com

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is proud to announce its partnership with the Nairobi Chamber Chorus (NCC), a world-renowned Kenyan choral ensemble recently invited to join the US tour of legendary film composer Hans Zimmer. Zimmer, celebrated for his iconic scores in The Lion King, Gladiator, Dune, and Inception, is a two-time Academy Award® winner, a three-time Golden Globe® Award winner, a five-time Grammy® Award winner, and has also earned an American Music Award, a Tony® Award, and six Emmy® nominations.

As part of this collaboration, APO Group will provide pro bono public relations services to amplify the choir’s story on the global stage. This initiative reflects APO Group’s dedication to supporting African talent and showcasing the continent’s remarkable contributions to the arts. By amplifying the extraordinary journey and achievements of the Nairobi Chamber Chorus, APO Group aims to inspire the youth of Kenya and Africa, encouraging them to pursue their dreams, believe in their potential, and demonstrate that they, too, can achieve global success and thrive on the international stage.

The Nairobi Chamber Chorus’ remarkable achievements, including performing alongside the legendary film and music composer Hans Zimmer, serve as a powerful showcase of Africa’s immense talent. By performing on a global stage with one of the industry’s best, the choir has proven that African artists can compete and excel at the highest levels of international performance.

The young men and women of the Nairobi Chamber Chorus will travel to the US to participate in a world-class production, performing in front of hundreds of thousands of people. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will provide them with invaluable international exposure and the opportunity to showcase their talent on a global stage.

This pro bono partnership with the Nairobi Chamber Chorus is the latest in a long series of initiatives by APO Group aimed at changing the narrative about Africa. By supporting African talent and amplifying positive stories from the continent, APO Group seeks to challenge stereotypes and highlight Africa’s rich cultural contributions to the global stage. Through exclusively pro bono partnerships with organisations making a difference, APO Group continues to showcase the excellence, innovation, and creativity emerging from Africa, inspiring a new generation to embrace their potential and reimagine Africa’s place in the world.

Founded in 2005 by visionary conductor Ken Wakia, the Nairobi Chamber Chorus has become a platform for young Kenyan musicians to nurture their artistic talents. Over the past two decades, NCC has built a reputation as one of Africa’s premier choral groups, representing the continent on prestigious international stages and embodying the rich cultural heritage of Kenya and Africa at large. The choir has mentored and developed over 200 alumni who are now among Kenya’s leading musicians.

Ken Wakia, who was recently named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024, shared his excitement about the collaboration, saying: “We are thrilled to partner with APO Group as we continue to showcase Africa’s musical excellence to the world. Their expertise in communications will help us share our message of peace and cultural unity through music.”

Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and Chairman of APO Group, said: “At APO Group, we are proud to partner with the Nairobi Chamber Chorus as they represent Africa on the global stage. This partnership reflects our commitment to amplifying positive African stories and celebrating the continent’s remarkable contributions to the world.”

In 2025, NCC will celebrate its 20th anniversary. The choir has achieved several remarkable milestones, including becoming the first Kenyan choral group to perform for the late Queen Elizabeth II at her Diamond Jubilee in 2012. By 2019, NCC’s global representation reached new heights, being the only African ensemble invited to perform at the American Choral Directors Association National Conference. Their groundbreaking collaboration with Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer further solidified their legacy, making NCC the first African choral group to feature in both the “World of Hans Zimmer” programme and the prestigious “Hans Zimmer Live” tour.

In addition to their musical accomplishments, NCC is deeply committed to promoting peace and cross-cultural understanding. Initiatives like “A Voice for Peace,” launched in partnership with the Festival Singers of Florida, reflect this commitment. The project united choirs worldwide in performing a traditional Zulu song, “Ukuthula,” as a prayer for global peace.

As Wakia aptly puts it, “What if people all over the world stopped what they were doing just for one minute and sang?”. Through their music and their mission, NCC continues to inspire audiences and reshape narratives about Africa, proving that the continent is a symbol of inspiration and artistic excellence.

As NCC approaches its 20th anniversary, the choir will embark on exciting tours to Austin, Texas on 31 January 2025, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 24 January 2025, further cementing their place on the global stage. They will also be joining Hans Zimmer on his tour of Australia and Asia later in the year.  The collaboration with Hans Zimmer will continue, taking their groundbreaking partnership to new heights as part of the renowned “Hans Zimmer Live” tour.

More information about Hans Zimmer Live: https://apo-opa.co/40DIqrg

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

Media contact:
marie@apo-opa.com

About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including the PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award, multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards, and World Business Outlook Awards in 2023. We have also been acknowledged as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa by Brands Review Magazine, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year by World Business Outlook in 2024.

APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, TikTok, Emirates, the UNDP, the WHO, and Coca-Cola, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With teams on the ground in numerous African countries, we offer unmatched insights and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.

For more information, please visit our website: www.APO-opa.com.

The Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG) (www.CMAGAfrica.com), an organisation dedicated to advancing responsible sourcing and sustainable development of Africa’s critical mineral resources, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. This collaboration aims to raise the global prominence of Africa’s critical minerals sector.

The partnership will leverage APO Group’s public relations and strategic communications expertise and CMAG’s leadership in the sector to showcase Africa’s role in the global supply chain for essential resources, and to elevate the global profile of Africa’s critical mineral sector.

Sub-Saharan Africa is estimated to hold approximately 40% of the world’s proven critical mineral reserves. Minerals like cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements are essential for the global energy transition and advanced technologies. As demand for these resources rises, CMAG is committed to placing Africa at the centre of international discussions on critical minerals and associated supply chains while ensuring that the continent’s mineral wealth benefits local economies.

“This partnership with APO Group marks a key step in our mission to position Africa as a leader in critical minerals,” said Veronica Bolton Smith, CEO of CMAG. “By combining our expertise, we will amplify Africa’s voice in global conversations, influence policy and supply chain discussions, and unlock the full potential of Africa’s critical minerals.”

“We are thrilled to partner with the Critical Minerals Africa Group in shaping the future of Africa’s critical minerals industry,” said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and chairman of APO Group. “Despite Africa’s central role in the global critical minerals industry, African policymakers, business leaders, and citizens struggle to influence vital discussions around policy and supply chains. This strategic partnership underscores APO Group’s commitment to advancing Africa’s empowerment and global prominence.”

The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts a sharp rise in demand for critical minerals: nickel demand is expected to double, cobalt demand to triple, and lithium demand to increase tenfold. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), harnessing these resources effectively could boost Sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP by 12% or more by 2050.

This is a joint press release by the Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG) and APO Group.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

Media contact:
marie@apo-opa.com

About The Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG):
The Critical Minerals Africa Group is an advocacy group that seeks to foster deeper relationships between Africa and global markets and put Africa at the heart of international discussions surrounding critical minerals and associated supply chains. CMAG aims to enable the creation of resilient and diversified critical minerals supply chains that benefit the communities in which they are extracted, as well as to accelerate economic development through the capture of value-adding activities.

About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including the PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award, multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards, and World Business Outlook Awards in 2023. We have also been acknowledged as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa by Brands Review Magazine, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year by World Business Outlook in 2024.

APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, TikTok, Emirates, the UNDP, the WHO, and Coca-Cola, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With teams on the ground in numerous African countries, we offer unmatched insights and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.

For more information, please visit our website: www.APO-opa.com.

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the premier award-winning Pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is proud to announce that its Founder and Chairman, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), has been named among the 100 Most Influential Africans for the second consecutive year.

The New African “Most Influential Africans” list is the continent’s most eagerly anticipated and widely discussed annual compilation. Since its inception in 2011, it has earned a reputation as the definitive and most authoritative reference for recognising and celebrating African excellence. The list honours individuals from diverse fields and sectors who have made significant, positive contributions to Africa and the global community.

The 2024 edition of the New African “100 Most Influential Africans” highlights extraordinary individuals shaping the African narrative at home and abroad, whose achievements exemplify the resilience, creativity, and ingenuity of the African spirit, inspiring generations to come.

Alongside Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, the 2024 New African “100 Most Influential Africans” list features prominent figures such as Africa’s richest person Aliko Dangote, actor Idris Elba, King Mohammed VI of Morocco, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, African Development Bank Group President Akinwumi Adesina and Afreximbank President Benedict Oramah.

The New African Most Influential Africans list 2024 credits Nicolas as an entrepreneur who is “advising a number of leaders and institutions and continues to expand his influence across Africa and beyond through a combination of strategic appointments and innovative leadership, elevating Africa’s global profile across sectors ranging from technology to sports and public relations”.

Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, a Franco-Gabonese entrepreneur named among the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023 and 2024, serves on multiple high-profile advisory boards and international committees. These include the Senior Advisory Board of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, as well as the Advisory Boards of the African Energy Chamber, World Football Summit, Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), Bloomberg New Economy Gateway Africa, Sports Africa Investment Summit, EurAfrican Forum, and All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). He is also a strategic advisor to the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal African Society of the United Kingdom, a strategic advisor to the EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce, and a special advisor to the President of Rugby Africa, the governing body of rugby in Africa.

Nicolas’ wholly-owned company, APO Group, is the premier award-winning Pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, providing services to 300+ clients, including Nestlé, Coca Cola, TikTok, DHL, Marriott Group, Ecobank, Canon, Microsoft, Jack Ma Foundation, African Development Bank, Afreximbank, Africa Finance Corporation, Islamic Development Bank, Liquid Intelligent Technology, Radisson, Boeing, MultiChoice, and many more.

“It’s truly an honour to be recognized among some of Africa’s most influential, prestigious, and inspirational names for the second consecutive year,” said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and Chairman of APO Group. “I founded APO Group 17 years ago with a single vision: to influence the narrative about Africa. Today, more than ever, I remain committed to leveraging my influence to fulfil that vision”.

See the list of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024: https://apo-opa.co/40mefVi

More information about Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard: www.Pompigne-Mognard.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

Media contact:
marie@apo-opa.com

About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including the PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award, multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards, and World Business Outlook Awards in 2023. We have also been acknowledged as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa by Brands Review Magazine, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year by World Business Outlook in 2024.

APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, TikTok, Emirates, the UNDP, the WHO, and Coca-Cola, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With teams on the ground in numerous African countries, we offer unmatched insights and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.

For more information, please visit our website: www.APO-opa.com.