March 2025

Africa Tech Festival Appoints Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder of APO Group, to Leadership Council

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the award-winning Pan-African communications consultancy and leading press release distribution service, is proud to announce that its Founder and Chairman, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), has been appointed as a member of the Africa Tech Festival Leadership Council.

The Africa Tech Festival (www.AfricaTechFestival.com) is the continent’s largest and most influential tech and digital connectivity conference, featuring flagship events such as AfricaCom, AfricaTech, AfricaIgnite, and the AI Summit Cape Town. The festival celebrates Africa’s vibrant tech community, attracting hundreds of exhibitors, over 450 speakers, and more than 15,000 delegates annually.

The Leadership Council of the Africa Tech Festival is a prestigious assembly of senior leaders from across the continent, tasked with shaping the future of this premier technology event. This select group provides strategic guidance, shares industry insights, and supports the development of the festival to ensure it remains a cornerstone of Africa’s rapidly evolving tech ecosystem.

In his role on the Leadership Council, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard will validate and provide feedback on the direction, themes, and features of the Africa Tech Festival, while participating in discussions to address key challenges facing the African tech industry. He will shape the event’s content, experiences, and strategic direction to ensure it meets the needs of stakeholders across the continent, as well as influence the format and structure of the festival to maximize its impact and relevance. Additionally, he will engage in analyst-led discussions and working groups tackling critical industry challenges and network with major stakeholders in African tech to foster collaboration and innovation.

Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Africa Tech Festival Leadership Council. His vast network across industries, governments, and institutions, combined with his deep understanding of Africa’s media and technology landscapes and extensive business experience, will play a pivotal role in ensuring the event continues to drive innovation, collaboration, and growth across the continent.

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.

“I am honored to join the Africa Tech Festival Leadership Council and contribute to shaping the future of this iconic event. Africa’s tech ecosystem is brimming with potential, and the festival plays a critical role in unlocking opportunities for growth and innovation. This new engagement also aligns with my commitment to participating in changing the narrative about Africa, showcasing the continent as a hub of creativity, resilience, and technological advancement,” said APO Group’s Founder and Chairman, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard.

Other members of the Leadership Council include Ravi Bhat, Chief Technology and Solutions Officer of Microsoft Africa, Charles Murito, Regional Director, Government Affairs&Public Affairs, Sub Saharan Africa of Google, Brelotte Ba, Deputy CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa of Orange, and Nomsa Chabeli, Group Chief Executive Officer of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

For more information about the Africa Tech Festival Leadership Council, please visit: https://apo-opa.co/3RblJF2

For more information about the Africa Tech Festival, please visit: www.AfricaTechFestival.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 and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy in Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024.

APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, 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 Strengthens Market Presence with the Promotion of Senegalese Papa Chimere Diop, to Director of Strategic Growth & Market Development

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading pan-African media relations and communications consultancy, is pleased to announce the promotion of Papa Chimere Diop to Director of Strategic Growth&Market Development at Group level. This appointment, effective from 1 March 2025, highlights APO Group’s commitment to strengthening its commercial leadership and driving expansion across Africa.

Chimere, who previously served as Senior Sales Director and later Senior Growth Director, has been instrumental in shaping APO Group’s business development strategies. His transition into this role reflects the company’s dedication to empowering its top talent while reinforcing its leadership in the African communications industry.

Bas Wijne, CEO of APO Group, said, “As a key driver of APO Group’s commercial success, Chimere has consistently secured high-impact opportunities and built strong client relationships across the continent. His promotion to a Group-level role is a natural progression in our strategy to deepen partnerships, enhance market intelligence, and accelerate sustainable growth in key regions. His leadership will be vital as we continue to expand our footprint across Africa.”

In his new role, Chimere will focus on identifying strategic opportunities, strengthening client engagement with senior decision-makers, and driving sustainable revenue growth. He will also lead initiatives to expand APO Group’s presence in high-growth industries and regions, deepen relationships with senior executives to unlock new opportunities, and utilise market intelligence to reinforce the company’s leadership in Francophone and Lusophone Africa. Additionally, he will represent APO Group at major industry events, enhancing the company’s thought leadership and brand visibility across the African communications landscape.

“I am honoured to take on this expanded role at APO Group, building on the momentum we have created over the years,” said Chimere. “Our team is a reflection of Africa itself—rich in cultural and geographic diversity, with deep expertise and an extensive understanding of the continent’s media and business landscape. As we continue to be the trusted communications partner for leading organisations across Africa, we also welcome fresh perspectives and creative contributions that can help drive meaningful growth and reinforce our presence in all African markets.”

With this strategic appointment, APO Group continues to solidify its leadership in the African communications industry. Clients, partners, and industry stakeholders are encouraged to engage with APO Group to explore new collaboration opportunities.

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 and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024.

Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA) and APO Group Partner to Promote African Trade and Investment Between Scotland and Africa

The Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA) (www.AfricaScot.com), a membership organisation seeking to facilitate commercial success by connecting Scotland and Africa, and APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, are pleased to announce a partnership in terms of which APO Group will provide strategic communications support to SABA in its activities aimed at fostering business relations and facilitating trade between Scotland and the African continent.

Strategic partnerships between Africa and Scotland are opening new markets in several sectors. The latter’s expertise in renewable energy has seen Scottish businesses active (https://apo-opa.co/4iFLhG6) in 72 countries, including African nations such as Burundi, Cabo Verde, and Mozambique. Collaborations between Scottish universities and African institutions (https://apo-opa.co/4kHgnyU) focus on research, capacity building and knowledge exchange, and there is growing interest in technological collaborations, particularly in areas such as fintech, health tech and agritech.

Turning Scotland-Africa Connections into Commercial Success

SABA was established in response to a need by both African and Scottish stakeholders for streamlined, secure engagement with potential trade and investment partners on the continent. It aims to help deliver tangible commercial outputs that benefit African countries and Scottish companies and institutions by making executing opportunities easier for both sides. With an in-depth understanding of African sectoral needs in the energy, agriculture, education, healthcare, fintech, and other industries, and insight into Scotland’s strengths and capabilities in these sectors, SABA works closely with members, African governments, and its partners and local network to help identify, research, and define specific opportunities and potential funding options.

“At SABA, we are committed to building meaningful connections that drive commercial success for Scotland and Africa. Our partnership with APO Group is a key step in amplifying our aims, ensuring that the opportunities we create reach the right audiences and have a lasting impact. With APO Group’s deep expertise in strategic communications across the continent, we can better support our members and businesses in Scotland, showcase Scotland’s strengths in key sectors, and increase trade and investment that benefits businesses on both sides. Together, we are strengthening Scotland-Africa partnerships and unlocking new opportunities for collaboration and growth,” said SABA Chief Executive Officer, Frazer Lang.

A Commitment to Advancing Excellence in Africa

With a long-standing and accomplished track record of supporting global clients on the African continent, APO Group’s multilingual, multicultural team has extensive experience and expertise in navigating Africa’s complex media and business landscape. The collaboration with SABA aligns with the company’s vision of championing Africa’s narratives, amplifying Africa’s voices, and bridging Africa and the world.

Emphasising the two organisations’ mutual goal of promoting tangible business opportunities on the African continent, APO Group Founder and Chairman, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com) said, “APO Group’s unrivalled network and ecosystem, strong media relationships, and strategic partnerships open doors to diverse markets across Africa. With a shared commitment to showcasing the continent’s innovation and opportunities for economic growth, and telling the many positive stories that exist, our 360-degree consultancy approach brings the best of APO Group to SABA. We look forward to working with SABA to increase Africa’s visibility in the global business landscape while strengthening Scotland’s position as a key player in African economic development.”

In addition to initiatives like the recently launched SABA Briefings (https://apo-opa.co/3FjOGMA), aimed at equipping Scottish businesses with the tools, information, and support to successfully enter and thrive in African markets, SABA offers a diverse range of Africa-focused events (https://apo-opa.co/3XEGwo8) and trade missions to increase trade, collaboration, and business opportunities between Scotland and African markets. APO Group will work with SABA to maximise these opportunities.

“At SABA, our mission is to make doing business in Africa easier and more effective for Scottish companies. This partnership with APO Group will strengthen our ability to support our members as they navigate the opportunities across the continent. By enhancing our reach and engagement through APO Group, we can better connect Scottish and African businesses in these key markets,” added Seona Shand, Chief Operating Officer at SABA.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

Media Contact:
marie@apo-opa.com

About the Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA):
SABA is the preeminent non-political, Africa focussed, members trade organisation with an unrivalled board of experienced directors which promotes trade, investment and knowledge sharing between Scotland’s world class expertise and Africa’s priority sectors including energy, agriculture, the blue economy, healthcare, skills training and education by leveraging extensive commercial, trade, political and government contacts across Scotland and Africa.

As part of this, our team organises private meetings, round tables, seminars, conferences, global trade missions and offers market research, intelligence sharing and consultancy services.

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.

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