logo
APO Group Wins Gold at 2025 SABRE Awards for Canon Central and North Africa Campaign, Secures Five Finalist Placements

APO Group Wins Gold at 2025 SABRE Awards for Canon Central and North Africa Campaign, Secures Five Finalist Placements

Zawya5 days ago
APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, has been recognised with top honours at the prestigious 2025 SABRE Awards Africa, winning gold for its pioneering World Unseen Experience at GITEX Africa campaign with Canon Central and North Africa. The campaign showcased Canon's innovative efforts to make photography accessible to people with visual impairments through tactile imagery, transforming the way art and visual storytelling are experienced.
APO Group was also shortlisted as a finalist in five other categories, reinforcing its position as the communications partner of choice for some of the continent's most impactful and purpose-led organisations. The finalist placements include campaigns for:
GITEX Africa 2024, Africa's largest tech and startup show;
Africa's Business Heroes 2023, a flagship philanthropic programme in Africa to support entrepreneurs;
The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI); and
Canon Central and North Africa's 10 Years of Miraisha: A Decade of Empowerment campaign
'We are incredibly proud to see the impact of our clients' campaigns being recognised at such a high level. Winning gold for Canon's World Unseen is particularly meaningful as it demonstrates how communications can drive accessibility and inclusivity. Additionally, our finalist placements across such diverse categories reflect the strength, creativity, and dedication of our team, and our commitment to sharing Africa's positive narratives,' said Bas Wijne, Chief Executive Officer at APO Group.
The SABRE Awards are globally recognised for celebrating superior achievement in branding, reputation, and engagement. The World Unseen campaign's success at the SABRE Awards Africa 2025 follows its earlier win this year at the 2025 Davos Communications Awards, where APO Group secured gold and bronze for its innovative approach to inclusive brand experiences. Read more about the Davos wins here (http://apo-opa.co/4kHb5lV).
'These accolades are a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation in everything we do. It is an honour to partner with clients who trust us to tell Africa's most compelling stories with authenticity, impact, and purpose,' added Rania El-Rafie, APO Group's Vice President: Public Relations&Strategic Communications.
This latest industry recognition further cements APO Group's position as the continent's only 360-degree public relations and strategic communications consultancy, with its own proprietary press release distribution service, Africa Newsroom (http://apo-opa.co/4kEukMY).
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 a 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. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards.
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 a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, 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.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

El Sisi meets Centcom chief in Cairo and reaffirms strong US-Egypt ties
El Sisi meets Centcom chief in Cairo and reaffirms strong US-Egypt ties

The National

time12 hours ago

  • The National

El Sisi meets Centcom chief in Cairo and reaffirms strong US-Egypt ties

US Central Command (Centcom) chief Gen Michael Kurilla met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi in Cairo on Sunday, with both reaffirming the strategic partnership between their countries despite recent strained relations. A statement from the Egyptian presidency underscored the 'strategic depth' of US-Egyptian relations and highlighted that President Donald Trump's attitude towards Cairo was well-intentioned. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral military and security co-operation, and addressing regional challenges, including efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and to allow sustained humanitarian aid to the enclave, the presidency said. The meeting, attended by Egypt's Defence Minister Abdel Meguid Saqr and US ambassador Herro Mustafa, also touched on broader regional issues, with Mr El Sisi discussing Egypt's water security and developments in the Horn of Africa. The high-level visit comes after months of uncertainty over US-Egypt relations, exacerbated by disagreements over Israel's war on Gaza. Mr Trump's controversial demand for Egypt to resettle Palestinians from Gaza in its Sinai Peninsula was met with a firm rejection from Cairo, which called the proposal a threat to national security and the Palestinian cause. The US President then ruffled feathers again in April with a demand that American vessels should transit the Suez Canal free of charge. Pro-government Egyptian media dismissed the idea as 'preposterous' and it fuelled speculation over Cairo's growing frustration with Washington's policies. At the same time, Egypt has deepened its ties with other global powers, particularly China, with which it conducted a joint military exhibition at the Giza pyramids in April and May. Cairo also purchased a number of Chinese military hardware. Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang visited Cairo this month to expand economic and military co-operation, including infrastructure investment and joint military drills. He met government officials, including Mr El Sisi, and business leaders. Egypt's involvement in the Brics bloc and growing reliance on Chinese and Russian arms have signalled a broader shift in its foreign policy. Despite the apparent political discord, US-Egypt economic ties remain significant. In May, the US-Egypt Policy Leaders' Forum highlighted Cairo's efforts to attract American investment, including a proposed US industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone. US companies have invested more than $47 billion in Egypt in the past 20 years and the two sides continue to prioritise trade and investment, even as political tension persists. Gen Kurilla's visit may also indicate Washington's intent to preserve its $1.3 billion annual military aid package to Egypt, a cornerstone of their relationship since the 1970s. Following the perceived row, questions were raised over the continuation of the military aid package, especially in light of larger funding cuts introduced by Mr Trump's administration since he came to power again in January. His predecessor Joe Biden had halted 10 per cent of the annual aid package to Cairo over Egypt's failure to comply with human rights standards set by the aid agreement. The aid was restored the following year.

Al Baraka Bank Egypt signs two landmark agreements with ICIEC worth $100mln
Al Baraka Bank Egypt signs two landmark agreements with ICIEC worth $100mln

Zawya

time13 hours ago

  • Zawya

Al Baraka Bank Egypt signs two landmark agreements with ICIEC worth $100mln

Cairo – Al Baraka Bank Egypt has announced the signing of two key agreements with the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), with a total value of USD 100 million. The agreements include The Documentary Credit Insurance Policy (DCIP) and The Bank Master Policy (BMP), both designed to strengthen the bank's Islamic trade finance capabilities. The DCIP valued at USD 50 million, is designed to support the export transactions backed by Letters of Credit for Al Baraka Bank's Corporate & SMEs exporters. The policy provides tailored risk-mitigation instruments in de-risking the non-payment risk of overseas banks, thereby enhancing exporters' ability to expand into new markets and increase their cross-border trade volumes. The BMP is expected to support Islamic trade finance transactions worth USD 50 million. It represents a key step toward the development of Islamic finance and enhancing its role in supporting Corporate & SMEs. The signing ceremony was held between Dr. Khaled Khalfallah, CEO of ICIEC, and Mr. Ahmed Atteya, Head of Financial Institutions at Al Baraka Bank Egypt, in the presence of a group of senior international officials. In this context, Mr. Kareem Namek, Chief Financial Markets at Al Baraka Bank Egypt, stated: "These agreements reflect Al Baraka Bank Egypt's unwavering commitment to offering integrated, Sharia-compliant banking solutions that empower our clients to conduct international trade with greater confidence and security. The provision of such advanced insurance coverage is a cornerstone of our strategy to mitigate credit risk, expand our trade finance operations, and contribute to long-term sustainable economic growth. We firmly believe that innovation and transparency in our financial services are essential to strengthening our position as a leading Islamic Financial institution supporting both the national economy and the Islamic banking sector." These agreements are set to enhance the ability of Al Baraka Bank Egypt's corporate and SMEs clients to expand their export activities across global markets, through innovative financial solutions that promote financial stability, attract investment, and support sustainable development. This strategic partnership is aligned with Al Baraka Bank Egypt's vision and complements the pivotal role played by ICIEC in supporting trade and investment across the 57 member countries of the Islamic Development Bank Group. Through Sharia-compliant insurance solutions, ICIEC facilitates development projects in key sectors such as food security, energy, transportation, and infrastructure.

Bridging Africa's financing gaps through better planning
Bridging Africa's financing gaps through better planning

Zawya

time15 hours ago

  • Zawya

Bridging Africa's financing gaps through better planning

With just five years left to meet global and continental development targets, African governments are shifting the way they plan and finance national priorities. The focus is turning toward long-term, integrated planning that links policy ambition with realistic budgeting and resource strategies. This evolving approach was the focus of a side event at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), co-organized by the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), UN DESA and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The session explored how African countries are applying future-oriented planning methods to address persistent financing challenges and accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063. Rather than tackling development bottlenecks in isolation, participants stressed the importance of systems thinking, looking at the broader structures that give rise to gaps in infrastructure, development financing and social spending. Linking planning with budgeting, implementation and institutional capacity was presented as essential for making better use of limited resources 'Long-term planning pushes countries to think beyond the immediate, ensuring that development strategies are more adaptive, coordinated and resilient,' said Nassim Oulmane, Chief of the Green and Blue Economy Section at ECA. Country examples reinforced this message. Ethiopia is implementing a ten-year national plan supported by new tax and revenue measures. Uganda is aligning its national planning processes with the SDGs. Sierra Leone is applying long-term approaches at the sector level, and Nigeria is coordinating development plans across both national and state institutions. All four countries are also participating in follow-up to the Seville Financing for Development (FfD4) conference, where domestic resource mobilization featured prominently. To support these efforts, ECA and APRM are promoting practical tools like the Integrated Regional Planning Toolkit (IRPT), which helps governments embed long-term planning into national strategies and financial frameworks. The session also underscored the broader economic stakes. Africa continues to lose significant capital through leakages and inefficiencies, undermining development even in countries with strong growth potential. By planning more strategically and investing in anticipatory systems, countries can position themselves to mobilize internal resources and build more resilient economies. With global financing under strain and aid flows declining, participants agreed that better planning is not just a technical fix but a strategic necessity. As Africa moves through the Decade of Acceleration, how governments plan, and how effectively those plans are linked to implementation, may well determine the pace of progress. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store