Latest news with #panAfrican
Morocco World
11 hours ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Kasada Seeks 2026 Hotel Deal in Morocco
Rabat – Hospitality investment platform Kasada is eyeing a hotel deal in Morocco, Bloomberg reported today. The company expects to make its entry into North Africa's tourism industry in the first half of 2026. The same source added that the company has already started to take action, opening of an office in Casablanca to explore opportunities present in Morocco. Kasada's managing partner and co-Chief Executive Officer, Olivier Granet, acknowledged the group's priority is North Africa, especially Morocco, which is now the number one tourism destination on the African continent. 'For us to be the leading platform, we have to become pan African,' Granet told Bloomberg. Morocco has been breaking records on the continent, with millions of arrivals secured in all seasons. Morocco welcomed 17.4 million tourists, with arrivals representing a 20% increase compared to 2023. The data is unprecedented in Morocco and has exceeded the target set by the country for 2026. The number of arrivals also made Morocco the most-visited country in all of Africa. 'Over the five years, Morocco has averaged USD 3.5 billion in FDI annually across all sectors,' UN Tourism said recently, noting that $2.2 billion was allocated to the sector between 2014 and 2023. Reports also stressed how Morocco is outpacing Egypt to become a regional leader in the industry. Bloomberg joined the chorus emphasizing Morocco's tourism appeal, recalling the country's assets, alongside the upcoming international competition it is hosting, like the AFCON in 2025 and the FIFA World Cup 2030. David Damiba, Kasada's managing partner and co-chief executive officer, echoed Granet's remarks, stressing how Africa presents enormous opportunities. 'We think that there's scope to increase the scale of what we've built already by a factor of two to three times fairly easily in these markets while being concentrated to take advantage of our scale in core cities,' he said. Beyond its interest in Morocco, Kasada is ambitious to grow its business and presence across luxury hospitality in different areas in sub-Saharan Africa, Bloomberg added. Tags: 2019 tourismAfrican tourists
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Continental Reinsurance Group announces key leadership transitions to drive strategic growth
Continental Reinsurance Group has announced several key leadership changes that reflect the company's continued evolution into a pan-African holding structure and its commitment to robust governance and strategic growth. In the latest appointments, Mr Lawrence Nazare has been named Group Managing Director of Continental Reinsurance Holdings, headquartered in Botswana. His transition follows the completion of his tenure as Managing Director/CEO of Continental Reinsurance Plc, Nigeria, in December 2024. In this new capacity, Mr Nazare will oversee the Group's pan-African operations and long-term strategic direction. Joining him on the Board of Continental Reinsurance Holdings are two distinguished Non-Executive Directors: Mr Paul Kokoricha, former Chairman of Continental Reinsurance Plc, now appointed Chairman of the Board at Group level, and Mr Steve Iwenjora, formerly a Non-Executive Director at Continental Reinsurance Plc, who has now been appointed a Non-Executive Director at Group level. According to the company, these appointments reinforce the Group's leadership as it executes the next phase of regional integration and strategic oversight. Reflecting on his transition to the Group Board, Mr Kokoricha said, 'It has been an honour to serve as Chairman of Continental Reinsurance Plc, Nigeria, where we achieved significant milestones in growth and governance. As we now pivot to a consolidated Group structure, I am excited to continue supporting the company at this higher level—working with the leadership team to sustain our pan-African momentum and long-term ambition.' Mr Nazare added, 'It's been a privilege to lead our Nigeria business and support the broader Group's evolution. As I now focus fully on the Group-level role, I remain committed to driving Continental Re's strategic vision across Africa.' To lead the Nigeria entity in charge of Anglophone West Africa operations, Dr Fatai Kayode Lawal has been appointed Managing Director/CEO of Continental Reinsurance Plc, Nigeria, effective April 2025. Dr Fatai Kayode Lawal brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Insurance from the University of Lagos, an MBA from the same institution, and a Doctorate in Management (Leadership and Organisational Management) from the University of Phoenix, Arizona. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute of London and Nigeria (FCII, FIIN). He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Directors. Dr Lawal's impressive career includes his most recent position as Managing Director/Chief Executive of Sterling Assurance Nigeria Ltd from January 2007 to December 2023, where he successfully integrated three merging companies and significantly grew sales. Prior to this, he served as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Universe Reinsurance Co. Limited, where he improved profitability and expanded markets. His earlier career also includes a leadership role at Refuge Insurance Company Limited and a pioneering management role at Continental Reinsurance Co. Ltd. Dr Lawal has a proven track record in leadership, strategic development, market expansion, and team building. Strengthening the Nigeria Board, the Nigeria entity also welcomes three new Non-Executive Directors, whose appointments have received regulatory clearance from the National Insurance Commission: Mr Segun Adebanji – Chairman of the Board, Non-Executive Director. Mr Adebanji is a veteran finance professional and Fellow of both the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. His international career includes leadership positions within UAC, Unilever, Nigerian Breweries, and Heineken, with postings in South Africa, Ghana, Namibia, and the Netherlands. He currently chairs Fidson Healthcare Plc and Filmhouse Group Ltd. Mrs Funmilayo Omokhodion – Non-Executive Director. A Chartered Insurer with 36 years of experience in reinsurance, Mrs Omokhodion rose through the ranks at Africa Re, serving as Regional Director for West Africa and in other senior roles. She holds a BA in English and Linguistics and an Executive MBA in Insurance, and is a member of the Council of the Africa Reinsurance Foundation. Mrs Eno Atoyebi, CFA – Non-Executive Director. With over 25 years in investment management, Mrs Atoyebi is a Chartered Financial Analyst and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. She is currently the Managing Director of ValuAlliance Asset Management and oversees strategy for two mutual funds, and her earlier experience includes senior roles at Afrinvest and ExxonMobil. These appointments coincide with Continental Re's 40th anniversary, a milestone that reflects the Group's enduring legacy, resilience, and readiness for the future. The management said that with a strong leadership team in place across both Group and operational levels, Continental Reinsurance is well-positioned to deepen its impact across Africa's reinsurance landscape. ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Zawya
7 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.
