Latest news with #APOGroup
Zawya
4 hours ago
- General
- Zawya
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Expresses Solidarity with Nigeria and Conveys Condolences Over Victims of Flood
The United Arab Emirates has expressed its solidarity with the Federal Republic of Nigeria following floods that submerged the town of Mokwa in Niger State, in the north of the country, resulting in dozens of deaths and substantial damage to property. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Nigeria over this tragedy. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
APO Group Celebrates Africa Day with a Bold Reminder: We've Been Leading Strategic Communications across the Continent for Almost Two Decades
Africa Day is here, bringing with it the flood of inspirational quotes, curated pan-African playlists, and the sudden resurgence of brands eager to celebrate the continent, if only for a day. But for some of us, Africa is not a campaign. It's not a market. It's home. At APO Group, we don't just 'show up' for Africa Day. We've been here, every day, for almost two decades, amplifying African stories, building brands and reputations, and connecting the continent to the world. Africa is not a monolith. It is 54 nations, over 2,000 languages, and countless nuances that demand deep respect. Understanding it takes commitment. And APO Group, the leading, award-winning pan-African media relations and communications consultancy, has it. APO Group has helped thousands of African CEOs land global coverage, launch pan-African unicorns, and turn local brands into international headlines. This Africa Day, we're not launching a campaign. We're just reminding everyone that if you want to do communications in Africa, it helps to know Africa. At a time when global PR firms headquartered in the USA are announcing their new Africa-focused teams — complete with four pins on a map and a flurry of buzzwords — APO Group is celebrating the one thing no one can copy overnight: authentic, home-grown, on-the-ground experience. From Dakar to Dar es Salaam, Cairo to Cape, APO Group's pan-African team has been delivering real impact across the continent; not just in press releases, but in powerful results. With expert consultants in every region, local insights and expertise, and a reputation built on trust, APO Group is more than a communications consultancy. It is Africa's most established strategic communications powerhouse. 'Africa Day is a reminder of what makes this continent extraordinary – its people, its voices and its unstoppable momentum', said Rania El Rafie, Vice President of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at APO Group. 'Africa is more than a continent to us — it's our home, our expertise, and our commitment.' 'While others are hiring team members for Africa, our people are already embedded in the culture, language, and industries that drive the continent forward.' With clients spanning multinational corporations, African companies and organisations, public sector institutions, NGOs, and other stakeholders, APO Group has earned its reputation as the leading communications partner of choice for organisations serious about Africa. What sets us apart is our remarkable performance: A network that spans all 54 African countries, with local experts in every region; Strategic guidance grounded in local insight; A legacy of hundreds of successful campaigns, from strategic communications to crisis response; Longstanding media partnerships that foster transparency, credibility, and positive storytelling. 'We believe great communication in Africa starts with listening, not just broadcasting. And it takes consistency, not just campaigns,' said Laila Bastati, Chief Commercial Officer at APO Group. 'This is why we've built trust with stakeholders from all over, by showing up year after year, and delivering every time.' While others are just mapping out how to enter Africa's fast-moving markets, APO Group is already there — co-creating growth stories with African businesses, institutions, and communities. 'For us, Africa isn't a new frontier — it's the centre of everything we do,' added Bastati. 'Our track record speaks for itself. This Africa Day, we're building on a legacy.' APO Group is reflecting on a proven track record and preparing for the next decade of growth and storytelling that elevates Africa on the global stage. 'This Africa Day, we're not launching — we're reaffirming,' said Bastati. 'Reaffirming our commitment to the continent, to our clients, and to the people and stories that shape Africa's future.' Work with the team that's already there! Happy Africa Day. From Africa's strategic communications leader. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group. About APO Group: Founded in 2007, APO Group ( 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 in 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, the Davos Communications Awards 2025 awarded us the Gold Award for Best PR Campaign and the Bronze Award for Special Event. 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.
Business Insider
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
APO Group celebrates Africa Day with a bold reminder: We've been leading strategic communications across the continent for almost two decades
But for some of us, Africa is not a campaign. It's not a market. It's home. At APO Group, we don't just 'show up' for Africa Day. We've been here, every day, for almost two decades, amplifying African stories, building brands and reputations, and connecting the continent to the world. Africa is not a monolith. It is 54 nations, over 2,000 languages, and countless nuances that demand deep respect. Understanding it takes commitment. And APO Group, the leading, award-winning pan-African media relations and communications consultancy, has it. APO Group has helped thousands of African CEOs land global coverage, launch pan-African unicorns, and turn local brands into international headlines. This Africa Day, we're not launching a campaign. We're just reminding everyone that if you want to do communications in Africa, it helps to know Africa. At a time when global PR firms headquartered in the USA are announcing their new Africa-focused teams — complete with four pins on a map and a flurry of buzzwords — APO Group is celebrating the one thing no one can copy overnight: authentic, home-grown, on-the-ground experience. From Dakar to Dar es Salaam, Cairo to Cape, APO Group's pan-African team has been delivering real impact across the continent; not just in press releases, but in powerful results. With expert consultants in every region, local insights and expertise, and a reputation built on trust, APO Group is more than a communications consultancy. It is Africa's most established strategic communications powerhouse. 'Africa Day is a reminder of what makes this continent extraordinary – its people, its voices and its unstoppable momentum', said Rania El Rafie, Vice President of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at APO Group. 'Africa is more than a continent to us — it's our home, our expertise, and our commitment.' 'While others are hiring team members for Africa, our people are already embedded in the culture, language, and industries that drive the continent forward.' With clients spanning multinational corporations, African companies and organisations, public sector institutions, NGOs, and other stakeholders, APO Group has earned its reputation as the leading communications partner of choice for organisations serious about Africa. What sets us apart is our remarkable performance: A network that spans all 54 African countries, with local experts in every region; Strategic guidance grounded in local insight; A legacy of hundreds of successful campaigns, from strategic communications to crisis response; Longstanding media partnerships that foster transparency, credibility, and positive storytelling. 'We believe great communication in Africa starts with listening, not just broadcasting. And it takes consistency, not just campaigns,' said Laila Bastati, Chief Commercial Officer at APO Group. 'This is why we've built trust with stakeholders from all over, by showing up year after year, and delivering every time.' While others are just mapping out how to enter Africa's fast-moving markets, APO Group is already there — co-creating growth stories with African businesses, institutions, and communities. 'For us, Africa isn't a new frontier — it's the centre of everything we do,' added Bastati. 'Our track record speaks for itself. This Africa Day, we're building on a legacy.' APO Group is reflecting on a proven track record and preparing for the next decade of growth and storytelling that elevates Africa on the global stage. 'This Africa Day, we're not launching — we're reaffirming,' said Bastati. 'Reaffirming our commitment to the continent, to our clients, and to the people and stories that shape Africa's future.' Work with the team that's already there! Happy Africa Day. From Africa's strategic communications leader. About APO Group: Founded in 2007, APO Group ( 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 in 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, the Davos Communications Awards 2025 awarded us the Gold Award for Best PR Campaign and the Bronze Award for Special Event. 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.
Zawya
4 days ago
- General
- Zawya
APO Group Reveals its Role as Architect Behind Catholic Church in Africa's Groundbreaking Communications Volunteer Programme
APO Group ( a leading award-winning pan-African public relations and communications consultancy, has strategically unveiled a volunteer communications programme comprising experienced communication professionals to support the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) ( the governing body of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa. This groundbreaking initiative, developed and launched by APO Group aims to enhance the Roman Catholic Churches ability to communicate effectively and engage with communities across the African continent. The Catholic Church operates 82,235 Catholic Schools in Africa, educating 30,629,476 pupils. Its extensive network of care includes 13,880 facilities such as hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, leprosy centres, homes for the elderly and chronically ill, centres for disabled people, orphanages, kindergartens, and marriage counselling centres. APO Group and SECAM, the governing body of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa, first entered into their partnership in May 2022 with the shared goal of enhancing media and public relations support for the Catholic Church in Africa. Not only did APO Group conceive the volunteer programme but it also assembled a team of elite, well-experienced African communications professionals. The professionalization of SECAM's communications capabilities extends beyond standard capacity-building. This initiative includes the development and delivery of a strategic communications framework that aligns with SECAM's core mission and long-term objectives. The effort also builds upon APO Group's previous collaborations with the Church, which include the creation and roll-out of a comprehensive communications curriculum and tailored training programme for Catholic institutions across Africa. The volunteer communications team will focus on key priorities, such as: Crafting and executing a long-term communications strategy for SECAM to strengthen the voice of the Roman Catholic Church and increase awareness of its work across Africa. Enhancing media relations to amplify the Church's presence. Designing effective visibility tools to connect with diverse stakeholders across Africa and beyond. Several talented professionals have already joined the SECAM Communications Volunteer Programme, bringing a wealth of expertise and a shared commitment to advancing the Church's mission across Africa. Among them are Catherine Njoroge ( Head of Marketing and Strategy, who plays a role in shaping long-term plans to strengthen the Church's visibility; Nyarai Chapingidza ( Digital MarComm Manager, who drives efforts to boost SECAM's online presence; Lucy Kimani ( Director of Communications and Advocacy, who steers impactful storytelling and advocacy campaigns; and Eunice Chege ( Communications Advisor, who contributes her extensive experience in developing and implementing communication strategies. Additionally, professionals joining in the business support functions include Majina Mwasezi ( Project Coordinator; Pauline Lugalia ( Executive Assistant to the Head of the Catholic Church in Africa; and Anne Nasumba ( Marketing and Communications Coordinator. Rose Thuo ( who joined the programme as Chief of Marketing and Communications, said: 'We are witnessing a remarkable convergence of talent and purpose. Each volunteer brings something unique to the table, and together, we are building a communications foundation that will serve the African Catholic Church for years to come.' There is an urgent and immediate need for candidates with HR and recruitment, as well as Graphic Design and website management experience to join the Roman Catholic Church in Africa's volunteer programme. Individuals with this expertise are encouraged to apply and support the Church's mission by strengthening its operational capacity across the continent. Interested volunteers are encouraged to apply through the official link: 'This pro bono initiative reflects APO Group's commitment to supporting impactful organisations across Africa. Many high-impact organisations (including NGOs) in Africa face financial barriers to establishing strong communication systems. This should never impede their ability to be seen and heard,' said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard ( Founder and Chairman of APO Group. 'Through initiatives like this volunteer programme, we strive to bridge that gap—delivering professional support to elevate their messaging and outreach at the highest possible level.' 'Africa is now the future of the Roman Catholic Church,' said Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, the President of SECAM. 'As our communities continue to grow, it becomes ever more important to amplify our voice and share our mission with the world. 'We are grateful to APO Group for their support and expertise in making this vision a reality. Their role in designing and implementing this initiative has been invaluable. APO Group's dedication to empowering impactful organisations aligns perfectly with our mission, and their contribution will undoubtedly leave a legacy in the Church's journey toward greater visibility and engagement worldwide.' As part of its ongoing partnership with the Roman Catholic Church in Africa, APO Group has delivered a comprehensive range of support initiatives, including complimentary pan-African press release distribution and media monitoring, extensive online and in-person media training for over 22 communication professionals across the continent, and the provision of Zoom licences to Episcopal and Regional Episcopal Conferences. APO Group Founder and Chairman has personally led training sessions and held strategic meetings with Church dignitaries in several African countries to assess further areas of support. Furthermore, a volunteer programme launched in 2024 is now active, enhancing operational assistance for the Church throughout Africa. According to recent data from the Vatican, there are 1.39 billion Catholics worldwide, representing around 18% of the world's population. Africa's 236 million Catholics already make up about 20% of the global Catholic population, but they are also the fastest-growing region in the world. By 2050, the World Christian Database estimates that African Catholics will make up 32% of the global Catholic population. According to the United Nations' 2022 State of the World's Volunteerism Report, there are an estimated 862.4 million volunteers globally. Engaging in volunteerism offers individuals a unique opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience, enhance their professional profiles, and develop valuable skills through impactful service. This is a joint press release from APO Group and the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM). Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group. Media contact: marie@ About APO Group: Founded in 2007, APO Group ( 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, the Davos Communications Awards 2025 awarded us the Gold Award for Best PR Campaign and the Bronze Award for Special Event. 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. About the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM): The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) ( was born out of the decision of the African Bishops during the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) to establish a forum in which they could speak with one voice on matters pertaining to the Church in Africa. The establishment of SECAM is therefore the result of the Bishops' resolve to build a continental structure in order to bring forth the African vision to the whole Church. Seeing the importance of such an Association for Africa, the Congregation for the Evangelisation of the Peoples invited the Presidents of the Regional Episcopal Conferences for consultations in 1968. Consequently, the first visit of a Pope to Africa, in modern times, was seen as a very opportune occasion for the launch of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar. This was therefore done during the visit of His Holiness Pope Paul VI in Kampala (Uganda) in July, 1969. Thereafter, it was agreed to establish the Headquarters / Secretariat of SECAM in Accra, Ghana. There are three official languages of SECAM, namely, English, French and Portuguese. SECAM functions through eight regional conferences, each made up of a cluster of national episcopal conferences.
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
FIND Statement Regarding Livestream Hack at the World Health Assembly (WHA) Diagnostic Day Event
We are sorry that FIND's Diagnostic Day event ( livestream at the World Health Assembly was interrupted by hackers today. The goal of the meeting is to bring together world leaders together to discuss the future of diagnostics, a mission that is critical in a world at increasing risk of disease outbreaks and pandemics. To ensure that this crucial conversation continues, FIND sent a new livestream link to participants. We appreciate partners' patience and look forward to driving forward momentum around FIND's efforts to drive innovation and access to diagnostics. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FIND.
