Author Archives: Daniel Montile

APO Group’s work with international NGO Mercy Ships is the only wholly-African campaign to be recognised by the PRovoke Media Global SABRE Awards, the largest global awards event for excellence in Public Relations

WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, October 31, 2023/APO Group/ — 

APO Group (http://www.APO-opa.com), the leading Pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is delighted to reveal it has been shortlisted for a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award for its successful Public Relations campaign with international NGO Mercy Ships.

Download the case study: https://apo-opa.info/3MkXPVK

The SABRE Awards are the most prestigious and important awards in the Public Relations industry due to their global reach and comprehensive coverage of diverse PR disciplines. Each year, thousands of campaigns are evaluated by a jury of industry leaders, with the most compelling selected as regional winners for the Americas, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), and Asia-Pacific. The very best of these winning campaigns are then put forward for the Global SABRE Awards to find the truly elite in international PR. 

Having already won an African SABRE Award in May, the Mercy Ships campaign was one of just 40 selected out of more than 5,500 entries submitted to the Global SABRE Awards competition. The ceremony to celebrate the ‘best of the best’ will take place at The Hotel Washington in Washington, D.C. from November 6-8 2023.

APO Group’s Mercy Ships campaign is the only nominee managed by a wholly African-owned agency, and the fact that it has been selected alongside campaigns from some of the most prominent PR agencies in the world is a testament to African storytelling. 

Mercy Ships is an international NGO that operates the largest civilian hospital ships in the world, delivering surgical care and medical training to underprivileged people, and bringing hope and healing to those who need it most. But, before APO Group was engaged to highlight its positive work across Africa, the Mercy Ships story remained relatively unknown.   

By leveraging its unrivalled access to African and international journalists, APO Group was able to amplify Mercy Ships’ visibility throughout the year, raising the profile of its work and bringing awareness to new audiences all over the world. In total, the campaign delivered dozens of interviews and editorial articles, more than 4,000 pieces of online coverage, and a PR value of USD$125 million.

The Global award follows an extremely successful year for APO Group as the SABRE Awards. Three further campaigns for the Jack Ma Foundation, Canon, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) were also recognised in regional categories, reflecting APO Group’s dominant position as Africa’s leading communications consultancy. 

Uniquely, APO Group has teams working ‘on the ground’ in many African countries, meaning they can reach every corner of the continent. This deep knowledge and experience of the complex, fragmented African media landscape cannot be replicated by global agencies operating satellite African offices. For more than 15 years, APO Group has been committed to changing the narrative about Africa, challenging preconceptions and bringing inspiring stories to international audiences for the first time. 

“This is an amazing accolade from the most prestigious Awards panel in international Public Relations,” said Rania El Rafie, Group Account Director at APO Group. “It is hugely exciting to be recognised alongside some of the biggest PR Agencies in the world as it shows that positive African stories can reach the pinnacle of the PR industry. Mercy Ships was the only campaign that was conceived, built, and delivered exclusively by Africans, so in our eyes we are already winners! We are proud to be flying the flag for our continent!”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

The New African Most Influential Africans list is the most authoritative, respected, and consulted list in both Africa and the diaspora

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, January 8, 2024/APO Group/ — 

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the premier award-winning Pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is proud to announce that its Founder and Chairman, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), has been named among the 100 Most Influential Africans.

The New African Most Influential Africans list is the most eagerly anticipated and talked-about annual compilation on the continent, having firmly established itself as the most authoritative, respected, and consulted list in both Africa and the diaspora.

The list, published since 2011, recognizes and celebrates the achievements and contributions of Africans from various fields and sectors who are making a positive impact on the continent and the world.

The New African Most Influential Africans list credits Nicolas as an entrepreneur who is “dominating the African Public Relations landscape” and acknowledges “his mastery of Africa’s media landscape, which has earned him the trust of many prominent business and political leaders globally, making him a key agenda driver on the continent”.

Nicolas sits on several Advisory Boards, Task Forces, and International Committees, including the Senior Advisory Board of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, the Advisory Boards of the African Energy Chamber, the World Football Summit, the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), the Bloomberg New Economy Gateway Africa, the EurAfrican Forum, the Task Force for the FIFA – CAF Infrastructure Development Project, and the International Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). He is also a Special Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa, the governing body of rugby in Africa.

Nicolas’ wholly-owned company, APO Group, is the Pan-African public relations agency of FIFA, NBA, Basketball Africa League (BAL), the World Football Summit, Rugby Africa, Afro Nation (the world’s biggest Afrobeats Music festival), and provides services to 300 clients, including Nestlé, Coca Cola, TikTok, DHL, Marriott Group, Ecobank, Canon, Orange, Jack Ma Foundation, African Development Bank, Afreximbank, Africa Finance Corporation, Islamic Development Bank, Liquid Intelligent Technology, Radisson, Huawei, Boeing, Peugeot, MultiChoice, and many more.

“It’s truly an honour to be recognized among some of Africa’s most influential, prestigious, and inspirational names,” said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and Chairman of APO Group. “However, my 15-year-old son insists that while I may be ‘influential’, I’m still not quite an ‘influencer.’ Apparently, dance moves on TikTok are missing from my repertoire!”.

Other names on the list of the 100 Most Influential Africans include the President of the Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, the President of the Republic of Kenya, William Ruto, the President of the African Development Bank Group, Akinwumi Adesina, the President of Afreximbank, Benedict Oramah, Africa’s richest person, Aliko Dangote, and Afrobeats megastar Burna Boy.

Download the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023 special edition of New African: https://apo-opa.co/4aL1VB7

More information about Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard: www.Pompigne-Mognard.com.

APO Group was named Best PR Agency Africa 2024, Leading Communication Consultancy Africa 2024, and Leading Press Release Distribution Platform Africa 2024

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa , April 17, 2024/APO Group/ — 

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the premier award-winning Pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is proud to announce that it has been named the winner in three award categories by Brands Review Magazine, a renowned UK-based media publication dedicated to covering key industry sectors worldwide.

APO Group was named Best PR Agency Africa 2024, Leading Communication Consultancy Africa 2024, and Leading Press Release Distribution Platform Africa 2024 following a thorough evaluation process. These new accolades mark another milestone for APO Group, solidifying its position as a leader in public relations and communications services across Africa.

Brands Review Magazine is committed to recognising and rewarding excellence in businesses on a global scale. With a primary objective to showcase outstanding work and achievements, the magazine aims to highlight the exceptional contributions of businesses, top brands, and industry leaders from across diverse sectors.

APO Group has consistently demonstrated its commitment to excellence and innovation, earning recognition not only from Brands Review Magazine but also from other prestigious industry platforms. In 2023, APO Group and its clients won a total of 5 African SABRE Awards, surpassing all other firms in the competition. The SABRE Awards are the world’s biggest PR awards programme.

Furthermore, APO Group’s outstanding achievements in 2023 were acknowledged with prestigious awards such as a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and two World Business Outlook Awards. These awards encompassed various categories including Leading Public Relations Firm Africa 2023 and Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa 2023, highlighting the company’s unparalleled excellence and leadership in the industry. Commenting on winning the Brands Review Magazine awards, Rania El Rafie, Vice President of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at APO Group said, “These awards reaffirm our dedication to delivering excellence in media relations and communication services across Africa. They reinforce APO Group’s standing as a leader in the African media and communications industry, highlighting our unwavering commitment to quality and excellence.”

“We are honoured to be recognised by Brands Review Magazine and remain committed to delivering exceptional services to our clients across Africa.”

Originating as a press release distribution service 15 years ago, APO Group has evolved into a pan-African public relations and communications powerhouse, boasting a dedicated team of professionals who drive some of the most compelling campaigns across the African continent. APO Group experienced year-over-year revenue growth of 40% in 2021 and 60% in 2022.

In 2023, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Chairman and Founder of APO Group, was named among the 100 Most Influential Africans. The list, published since 2011, recognises and celebrates the achievements and contributions of Africans from various fields and sectors who are making a positive impact on the continent and the world.

Additionally, Pompigne-Mognard sits on several Advisory Boards, Task Forces, and International Committees, including the Senior Advisory Board of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, the Advisory Boards of the African Energy Chamber, the World Football Summit, the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), the Bloomberg New Economy Gateway Africa, the EurAfrican Forum, the Task Force for the FIFA – CAF Infrastructure Development Project, and the International Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). He is also a Special Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa, the governing body of rugby in Africa.

APO Group works with more than 300 clients, ranging from governments to international institutions, prominent personalities, and companies active in Africa. Some of APO Group’s prestigious clients include Nestlé, Coca-Cola, TikTok, NBA, FIFA, Canon, DHL, Marriott Group, Ecobank, Siemens, Orange, Jack Ma Foundation, African Development Bank, World Health Organization, Islamic Development Bank, Liquid Intelligent Technology, Rotary International, Kaspersky, and Greenpeace.

The company comprises seasoned communication experts and strategists who bring years of invaluable experience in developing and supporting public relations campaigns across Africa and worldwide. Leveraging diverse resources, the consultancy ensures the delivery of robust and coherent messaging to media outlets on behalf of its clients. With a focus on the African market, the company has successfully assisted numerous clients from various sectors in amplifying their brand messaging, elevating their reputation, and establishing meaningful connections with their target audience.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

Rania joins a notable list of female industry leaders who are inspiring and transforming Africa’s communications and media landscape

OHANNESBURG, South Africa, April 25, 2024/APO Group/ — 

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the premier award-winning Pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is proud to announce the inclusion of Rania El-Rafie, Vice President, Public Relations and Strategic Communication, in the 2023-2024 ‘50 Remarkable African Women in Communication and Media’ list.

Known as the #Nzinga50, the annual ‘50 Remarkable African Women in Communication and Media’ list is published by CommsOfAfrica, a pan-African provider of specialist information on the communication, media, and content creation sectors in Africa. Covering the entire African continent, as well as the diaspora, the list consists of exceptional African women who contribute significantly to advancement and innovation in their respective fields. Criteria for inclusion in the list include professional achievements and societal impact, reputation and influence, and creativity and vision.

Rania joins a notable list of female industry leaders who are inspiring and transforming Africa’s communications and media landscape. From corporate and agency PR professionals to independent consultants, journalists, producers, presenters, and TV hosts, all are making a lasting impression in their chosen disciplines.

“It is truly an honour to be included in the list of 50 remarkable African women in PR, together with some of the most influential and recognised names in our industry,” said Rania El-Rafie, Vice President, Public Relations and Strategic Communication at APO Group.

“Promoting diversity, inclusivity, and gender equality in our industry is something that I am deeply passionate about, and it is high on APO Group’s agenda as well. With 67% of our staff being female, and 50% of our management team, our inclusive approach not only enriches our company culture, but promotes innovation and success.

“At APO Group, our purpose is to champion Africa’s narratives, amplify Africa’s voices, and bridge Africa and the world. This goes beyond simple public relations, to redefining perceptions of Africa, including the roles of women. This accolade is another way in which we are demonstrating the progress that has been made in this regard.”

This award follows the recent announcement of APO Group as Best PR Agency Africa 2024, Leading Communication Consultancy Africa 2024, and Leading Press Release Distribution Platform Africa 2024 by Brands Review Magazine, further demonstrating the company’s commitment to excellence in the PR and communications industry.

In January of this year, Rania, who hails from Egypt, became the first person to be promoted to VP of Public Relations and Strategic Communications from within APO Group, and the youngest person ever to hold this key role. Since joining APO Group in 2020, Rania has managed the company’s most prestigious accounts, heading up a team of PR and communications professionals who work with some of the continent’s most influential brands, including Canon, Nestlé, TikTok, Jack Ma Foundation, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Marriott, AstraZeneca, European Investment Bank, Afreximbank, Islamic Development Bank, Vertiv, NBA, Basketball Africa League, Siemens Gamesa, Siemens Energy, GITEX, KONE, Mercy Ships, MSD, Qatar African Business Forum, Western Union, and Rugby Africa.

Download the #Nzinga50 list: Nzinga50 – Edition 2023-2024 – Comms Of Africa (https://apo-opa.co/49QXqU4)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.