Latest news with #StrategicCommunications
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Energy, tech, and finance sectors feel comms pressure in Africa
Strategic communications is under pressure. Regulation is accelerating. Investors are scrutinising more closely. And public backlash now lands in hours, not days. Across industries, communications is no longer just about visibility – it's about viability. For leaders in Africa's most dynamic sectors, comms has become a frontline function for managing regulatory complexity, investor expectations, and social trust. It's no longer optional. It's operational. In Africa, where younger regulatory systems can be fragmented and enforcement uneven, this shift is sharper. A missed message doesn't just weaken reputation but risks investor confidence, compliance, and public trust – making strategic comms no longer optional. It's operational. In PRCA Africa and APRA's 2024 report on the state of PR and ethics in Africa, risk preparedness comes out as a leading communications challenge across the continent. It's an insight echoed in APO Group's own client data. In the first half of 2025, demand for reputational crisis support rose significantly. A dipstick poll of our 57,000+ LinkedIn network also flagged energy and sustainability, and tech and digital as sectors in need of attention in Africa. The takeaway: visibility alone is no longer enough. Here are three sectors where the pressure is most acute. 1. Energy and sustainability: ESG expectations without the guardrails With COP30 approaching and ESG frameworks being reassessed globally, African energy players are under the pump. The EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) has been delayed, while the US SEC has scaled back ESG disclosure rules. Meanwhile, the UN's 2025 SDG Progress Report shows that only 15% of goals are on track. In this vacuum, the narrative is up for grabs. From Nigeria's diversification strategy to South Africa's unbundling reforms and Namibia's green push, communicators must now translate ambiguity into trust-building messaging. And sustainability communications must stand up to activist, investor, and local scrutiny without the cushion of global consensus. 2. Tech and digital: AI moves faster than the messaging In Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana, AI adoption is racing ahead of legislation. This puts PR teams on the front line: managing deepfake risk, public confusion over AI applications, and the reputational implications of algorithmic bias – all before regulatory frameworks are finalised. Without this certainty, legal and compliance voices are prone to shaping communications more conservatively. The next frontier is electoral interference: with several African nations holding elections in 2025, concerns are mounting that AI-generated misinformation, including deepfakes, could be used to manipulate public sentiment or discredit political figures. Already, the African Union and Kenya's National Cohesion and Integration Commission have raised early warnings about AI-driven disinformation campaigns seeded through social media networks. For PR teams, this means that election-year communications strategies must now include real-time fact-checking, media training to counter visual manipulation, and crisis protocols for false attribution. Meanwhile, Kenya's Data Protection Act and other regional privacy laws are reshaping how companies communicate consent and transparency. Cybersecurity threats are now regular boardroom topics, and PR teams must respond with proactive, trust-driven messaging strategies. 3. Financial services: Rebuilding trust in a high-friction regulatory era As Africa's fintech sector matures, communications leaders are navigating not just launch PR, but investor confidence issues and consumer trust erosion. The Central Bank of Nigeria's mobile money rules and the East African Community's cross-border payments integration are prompting firms to localise trust messaging in real time. In Ghana, the Bank of Ghana suspended the operations of several digital lenders in 2024 over breaches of consumer protection rules. This came after a spike in complaints about predatory loan terms and data privacy violations. The fallout damaged public trust and exposed a gap in crisis preparedness: many brands lacked clear communication during enforcement and struggled to rebuild credibility. In 2025, those that recovered best were the ones who treated communications as a regulatory ally, not an afterthought. What next: Strategy, not sentiment From image-building to operational discipline, comms leaders across sectors must recalibrate. High-performing teams embed communications into policy forecasts, regulatory roadmaps, and investor dialogues – not just campaigns. And responses must be turned around in hours, not days. Done well, communications can be an organisation's operating system for trust, alignment, and action – and in 2025, the difference between proactive and reactive comms is reputational survival. APO Group's work across 54 African markets shows: comms delayed is opportunity lost. The question is no longer whether to elevate comms, but whether you've waited too long. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Regulatory Risk, Reputation, and the New Role of Comms in Africa (By Laila Bastati)
By Laila Bastati, Chief Commercial Officer, APO Group ( Strategic communications is in a pressure phase. Regulation is moving faster. Investors are watching harder. And public backlash arrives in hours, not days. Across industries, communications is no longer just about visibility – it's about viability. For leaders in Africa's most dynamic sectors, comms has become a frontline function for managing regulatory complexity, investor expectations, and social trust. It's no longer optional. It's operational. In Africa, where younger regulatory systems can be fragmented and enforcement uneven, this shift is sharper. A missed message doesn't just weaken reputation but risks investor confidence, compliance, and public trust – making strategic comms no longer optional. It's operational. In PRCA Africa and APRA's 2024 report on the state of PR and ethics in Africa, risk preparedness comes out as a leading communications challenge across the continent. It's an insight echoed in APO Group's own client data. In the first half of 2025, demand for reputational crisis support rose significantly. A dipstick poll of our 57,000+ LinkedIn network also flagged energy and sustainability, and tech and digital as sectors in need of attention in Africa. The takeaway: visibility alone is no longer enough. Here are three sectors where the pressure is most acute. 1. Energy and sustainability: ESG expectations without the guardrails With COP30 approaching and ESG frameworks being reassessed globally, African energy players are under the pump. The EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) has been delayed, while the US SEC has scaled back ESG disclosure rules. Meanwhile, the UN's 2025 SDG Progress Report shows that only 15% of goals are on track. In this vacuum, the narrative is up for grabs. From Nigeria's diversification strategy to South Africa's unbundling reforms and Namibia's green push, communicators must now translate ambiguity into trust-building messaging. And sustainability communications must stand up to activist, investor, and local scrutiny without the cushion of global consensus. 2. Tech and digital: AI moves faster than the messaging In Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana, AI adoption is racing ahead of legislation. This puts PR teams on the front line: managing deepfake risk, public confusion over AI applications, and the reputational implications of algorithmic bias – all before regulatory frameworks are finalised. Without this certainty, legal and compliance voices are prone to shaping communications more conservatively. The next frontier is electoral interference: with several African nations holding elections in 2025, concerns are mounting that AI-generated misinformation, including deepfakes, could be used to manipulate public sentiment or discredit political figures. Already, the African Union and Kenya's National Cohesion and Integration Commission have raised early warnings about AI-driven disinformation campaigns seeded through social media networks. For PR teams, this means that election-year communications strategies must now include real-time fact-checking, media training to counter visual manipulation, and crisis protocols for false attribution. Meanwhile, Kenya's Data Protection Act and other regional privacy laws are reshaping how companies communicate consent and transparency. Cybersecurity threats are now regular boardroom topics, and PR teams must respond with proactive, trust-driven messaging strategies. 3. Financial services: Rebuilding trust in a high-friction regulatory era As Africa's fintech sector matures, communications leaders are navigating not just launch PR, but investor confidence issues and consumer trust erosion. The Central Bank of Nigeria's mobile money rules and the East African Community's cross-border payments integration are prompting firms to localise trust messaging in real time. In Ghana, the Bank of Ghana suspended the operations of several digital lenders in 2024 over breaches of consumer protection rules. This came after a spike in complaints about predatory loan terms and data privacy violations. The fallout damaged public trust and exposed a gap in crisis preparedness: many brands lacked clear communication during enforcement and struggled to rebuild credibility. In 2025, those that recovered best were the ones who treated communications as a regulatory ally, not an afterthought. What next: Strategy, not sentiment From image-building to operational discipline, comms leaders across sectors must recalibrate. High-performing teams embed communications into policy forecasts, regulatory roadmaps, and investor dialogues – not just campaigns. And responses must be turned around in hours, not days. Done well, communications can be an organisation's operating system for trust, alignment, and action – and in 2025, the difference between proactive and reactive comms is reputational survival. APO Group's work across 54 African markets shows: comms delayed is opportunity lost. The question is no longer whether to elevate comms, but whether you've waited too long. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group Insights. About APO Group: Founded in 2007, APO Group ( is the leading 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, 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.
Malaysian Reserve
16-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Strategic Communications Introduces JPS TRUST Alliance Co-Sell Program Powered by AWS
LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Strategic Communications, a leader in empowering public sector agencies through advanced cloud, A/V, and IT services, today announced the launch of its JPS TRUST Alliance Co-Sell Program. Powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and backed by the global distributor Ingram Micro, this innovative program creates a unique opportunity for justice and public safety (JPS) software providers to expand their reach while enhancing community safety and operational efficiencies. The JPS TRUST Alliance Co-Sell Program empowers justice and public safety software providers to scale their solutions through AWS's infrastructure while benefiting from Strategic Communications' extensive public sector experience. The program simplifies government procurement processes and provides participating ISVs with direct access to contract vehicles and marketing initiatives. This collaborative approach ensures the seamless deployment of technologies that enhance public safety operations while strengthening community relationships. 'The JPS TRUST Alliance Co-Sell Program represents a significant advancement in how we serve our justice and public safety customers,' said Chris Mills, Chief Revenue Officer at Strategic Communications. 'By building this program with AWS and Ingram Micro, we're enabling software providers to deliver innovative solutions that help public safety agencies enhance their operational effectiveness while maintaining the highest standards of security and reliability.' Strategic Communications designed the JPS TRUST Alliance Co-Sell Program to bridge the gap between innovative technology providers and the public safety agencies they serve. The program creates a collaborative environment where solution providers can better understand the unique challenges facing justice and public safety professionals, while agencies gain streamlined access to cutting-edge technologies that enhance their operational capabilities. This education-first approach ensures that technology truly serves its ultimate purpose: creating safer, more resilient communities. The JPS TRUST program facilitates regular collaboration through our JPS TRUST Roadshows, where technology partners and public safety professionals convene to address industry challenges and explore innovative solutions. These events showcase our commitment to education and partnership in the public safety sector. At the last JPS TRUST Roadshow in 2024, Bill Handley of the National Internal Affairs Investigators Association (NIAIA) described how impactful this alliance has already been, saying, 'It brings people together from all walks of the community, but different aspects of police, the communications, the IT people, what we need and how we can all work together.' The JPS TRUST Alliance Co-Sell Program is Strategic Communications' latest advancement in its work with AWS. Organizations interested in joining the program can begin the enrollment process immediately by visiting About Strategic CommunicationsStrategic Communications is dedicated to empowering public sector agencies through advanced cloud, A/V, and IT services. The company specializes in delivering innovative technological solutions tailored to the unique needs of government entities, educational institutions, and civic organizations. By enhancing connectivity, productivity, and operational effectiveness, Strategic Communications enables these agencies to better serve their communities. With a deep understanding of public sector challenges, the company provides cutting-edge tools and expert support, helping government bodies and public institutions build more efficient, responsive, and resilient community services. For more information, visit or follow Strategic Communications on LinkedIn.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Strategic Communications Introduces JPS TRUST Alliance Co-Sell Program Powered by AWS
LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Strategic Communications, a leader in empowering public sector agencies through advanced cloud, A/V, and IT services, today announced the launch of its JPS TRUST Alliance Co-Sell Program. Powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and backed by the global distributor Ingram Micro, this innovative program creates a unique opportunity for justice and public safety (JPS) software providers to expand their reach while enhancing community safety and operational efficiencies. The JPS TRUST Alliance Co-Sell Program empowers justice and public safety software providers to scale their solutions through AWS's infrastructure while benefiting from Strategic Communications' extensive public sector experience. The program simplifies government procurement processes and provides participating ISVs with direct access to contract vehicles and marketing initiatives. This collaborative approach ensures the seamless deployment of technologies that enhance public safety operations while strengthening community relationships. "The JPS TRUST Alliance Co-Sell Program represents a significant advancement in how we serve our justice and public safety customers," said Chris Mills, Chief Revenue Officer at Strategic Communications. "By building this program with AWS and Ingram Micro, we're enabling software providers to deliver innovative solutions that help public safety agencies enhance their operational effectiveness while maintaining the highest standards of security and reliability." Strategic Communications designed the JPS TRUST Alliance Co-Sell Program to bridge the gap between innovative technology providers and the public safety agencies they serve. The program creates a collaborative environment where solution providers can better understand the unique challenges facing justice and public safety professionals, while agencies gain streamlined access to cutting-edge technologies that enhance their operational capabilities. This education-first approach ensures that technology truly serves its ultimate purpose: creating safer, more resilient communities. The JPS TRUST program facilitates regular collaboration through our JPS TRUST Roadshows, where technology partners and public safety professionals convene to address industry challenges and explore innovative solutions. These events showcase our commitment to education and partnership in the public safety sector. At the last JPS TRUST Roadshow in 2024, Bill Handley of the National Internal Affairs Investigators Association (NIAIA) described how impactful this alliance has already been, saying, "It brings people together from all walks of the community, but different aspects of police, the communications, the IT people, what we need and how we can all work together." The JPS TRUST Alliance Co-Sell Program is Strategic Communications' latest advancement in its work with AWS. Organizations interested in joining the program can begin the enrollment process immediately by visiting About Strategic CommunicationsStrategic Communications is dedicated to empowering public sector agencies through advanced cloud, A/V, and IT services. The company specializes in delivering innovative technological solutions tailored to the unique needs of government entities, educational institutions, and civic organizations. By enhancing connectivity, productivity, and operational effectiveness, Strategic Communications enables these agencies to better serve their communities. With a deep understanding of public sector challenges, the company provides cutting-edge tools and expert support, helping government bodies and public institutions build more efficient, responsive, and resilient community services. For more information, visit or follow Strategic Communications on LinkedIn. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Strategic Communications Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mississippi Names Strategic Communications as a Cloud Services Preferred Vendor Under NASPO ValuePoint
JACKSON, Miss., May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Strategic Communications has been officially designated as a Cloud Services Preferred Vendor (CSVP) under Mississippi's participation in the NASPO ValuePoint Cloud contract. This designation highlights the company's ongoing commitment to delivering secure, cost-effective, and high-performance cloud solutions tailored to meet public sector needs. With Mississippi's selection, Strategic Communications now holds this prestigious designation in seven states out of the 40 participating in the NASPO ValuePoint initiative. The Cloud Services Preferred Vendor distinction allows eligible state entities in Mississippi to utilize Strategic Communications' competitively sourced cloud solutions, including Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). These solutions are essential for enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring robust data security, and achieving cost savings through cooperative procurement agreements. The designation is effective immediately, allowing eligible Mississippi state entities to begin utilizing Strategic Communications' cloud services without delay through the cooperative purchasing agreement. "This designation as Mississippi's preferred cloud services vendor reflects our dual commitment to technical excellence and value-driven partnerships," said Kathy Mills, Chief Executive Officer at Strategic Communications. "We're honored to provide state agencies with secure, reliable cloud solutions that maintain the highest standards of performance while delivering measurable cost efficiencies." About the NASPO ValuePoint Cloud Contract NASPO ValuePoint, a cooperative purchasing program managed by the National Association of State Procurement Officials, streamlines procurement processes by leveraging the combined purchasing power of all 50 states, Washington D.C., U.S. territories, and eligible public entities. Preferred cloud vendors are selected through a stringent, multi-state solicitation process ensuring compliance with top security standards, pricing benchmarks, and proven reliability. Benefits of Using a Cloud Services Preferred Vendor Streamlined Procurement: Avoid separate bids or RFPs with pre-negotiated terms. Cost Efficiency: Take advantage of volume discounts and reduced administrative overhead. Data Security Compliance: Vendors meet rigorous security standards, providing confidence in the integrity and privacy of cloud solutions. Service Variety: Access a broad portfolio of solutions from major providers and their business partners. Mississippi joins six other states in recognizing Strategic Communications' expertise in providing cutting-edge cloud services under the NASPO ValuePoint Cooperative. This milestone not only underscores the company's unmatched technical capabilities but also its ability to drive meaningful value for public sector agencies. About Strategic Communications Strategic Communications is dedicated to empowering public sector agencies through advanced cloud, A/V, and IT services. The company specializes in delivering innovative technological solutions tailored to the unique needs of government entities, educational institutions, and civic organizations. By enhancing connectivity, productivity, and operational effectiveness, Strategic Communications enables these agencies to better serve their communities. With a deep understanding of public sector challenges, the company provides cutting-edge tools and expert support, helping government bodies and public institutions build more efficient, responsive, and resilient community services. For more information, visit or follow Strategic Communications on LinkedIn. Media Contact Madeline Klass Marketing Team Lead 502-272-2350 marketing@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Strategic Communications Sign in to access your portfolio
