Latest news with #RaniaElRafie
Zawya
03-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
APO Group Wins Gold and Bronze at the 2025 Davos Communications Awards for Canon Central and North Africa Campaigns
APO Group ( the leading Pan-African communications and media relations consultancy, has earned two major accolades at the prestigious 2025 Davos Communications Awards held on 11 April 2025, in Davos, Switzerland: a Gold Award for Canon's 'World Unseen' campaign at GITEX Africa and a Bronze Award for the '10 Years of Miraisha' celebration. The Davos Communications Awards, presented by the World Communications Forum Association (WCFA), recognise exceptional communications firms, experts, and internal teams that have produced excellence and achieved quantifiable impact worldwide. Canon's World Unseen Experience, which won Gold, was a PR event that broke new ground. It launched at GITEX Africa, enabling individuals who have lost their sight or are visually impaired to experience the power of photography, unlike ever before. By providing an opportunity to engage with photography through various sensory inputs, Canon challenged societal perceptions and broke new ground in the field of inclusive technology. The Miraisha campaign, which earned Bronze, marked 10 years of Canon's youth programme in Africa. It did this through stories, getting people involved and grabbing attention from big media outlets. These awards add to a growing list of international accolades for APO Group in the past year, including: Africa's Leading PR Agency 2025 – Brands Review Magazine Most Innovative Woman of the Year 2025 Bronze Stevie® Awards category – Rania El-Rafie, Vice President, PR&Strategic Communications at APO Group Five Awards at the 2023 SABRE Awards Africa – including wins for excellence in reputation management, brand building, and social media strategy Founder and Chairman of APO Group Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard added: 'From Canon to many other remarkable partners, these accolades reflect the strength of our collaborations and our commitment to promoting positive narratives across the continent. APO Group continues to lead the way in shaping Africa's communications landscape.' Somesh Adukia, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA), commented: "At Canon, we are driven by a purpose that goes beyond imaging—it's about creating stories that inspire, empower, and drive positive change. 'World Unseen' is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity, bringing to light perspectives that are often overlooked, while '10 Years of Miraisha Programme' represents a decade of empowering African talent, nurturing creativity, and providing opportunities across the continent'. 'Our partnership with APO Group has been instrumental in bringing these stories to life. Their deep understanding of the African media landscape, combined with their strategic storytelling approach, has helped amplify our vision and connect with diverse audiences across the region. These award-winning campaigns are not just milestones; they are proof of the impact we can achieve together. 'We are proud of what we have accomplished with APO Group and look forward to continuing this journey, creating initiatives that leave a lasting impact and drive meaningful change for Canon and the communities we serve'. As APO Group continues to elevate African stories to the global stage, these awards strengthen its standing as the top pan-African PR and communications firm, trusted by multinational corporations, organisations, governments, NGOs and the media. 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.
Business Insider
27-05-2025
- 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
14-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Rania El Rafie Appointed to Jury Panel of the 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports Awards 2025/2026
APO Group ( is proud to announce that Rania El Rafie, Vice President of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, has been appointed to the Jury Panel for the 2025/2026 editions of the 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports Awards, an initiative recognising groundbreaking contributions and leadership by women across the African sports ecosystem. Organised by Africa Sports Ventures Group (ASVG) and the Women Sports Africa Network (WSAN), the 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports Awards honour outstanding female leaders, athletes, executives, and changemakers who are reshaping the African sports landscape. The esteemed Jury Panel features professionals from across the continent and the diaspora, including Albert Kyei Frimpong, President of WBSC Africa and Board Member of the Confederation of African Olympic Sports Associations (CASOL), and Dr. Maha Zaoui, an experienced sports management expert currently serving as General Manager of Rugby Africa. 'I'm honoured to be considered for the Jury Panel of the 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports Awards for 2025 and 2026,' said El Rafie. 'This platform plays a vital role in amplifying the voices and achievements of women shaping the future of African sport, and I'm proud to contribute to that mission.' El Rafie is a seasoned public relations executive with over 22 years of experience across Africa and the Middle East. Based in Cairo, Egypt, she currently serves as Vice President of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at APO Group, where she became the first and youngest person internally promoted to this executive role in January 2024. She has led award-winning campaigns recognised by SABRE Awards, Brands Review Magazine, and World Business Outlook, and was recently awarded a Bronze Stevie® Award in the Most Innovative Woman of the Year 2025 category, and was recognised as one of Africa's Top 50 Outstanding Women in Communications. Her experience in sports communication spans the NFL, Basketball Africa League, International Olympic Committee (IOC), and FIFA. She has also driven pan-African communications strategy for major brands such as Canon, Nestlé, TikTok, and Afreximbank. With a degree in Business Administration from the American University in Dubai, Rania brings strategic insight, media expertise, and a passion for sports and empowerment to the jury's mission. The announcement coincides with the official launch of the Awards' new digital platform – ( – a hub dedicated to honouring and celebrating the achievements of African women in sports. The site will serve as the central point for information, nominations, and public engagement in the lead-up to the 2025 Awards ceremony, scheduled to take place on 31 July 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya. All nominations will be reviewed by an independent Selection Committee. This joint initiative marks a landmark moment for African women in sports, aiming to increase visibility, recognition, and opportunities across administration, business, media, technology, and athletics. 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 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.
Zawya
20-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Africa Press Organization (APO) Group Named Africa's Leading PR Agency in 2025 Brands Review Magazine Awards
APO Group ( the leading, multi-award-winning pan-African communication and media relations consultancy, 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 2025, Leading Communication Consultancy Africa 2025, and Leading Press Release Distribution Platform Africa 2025. These accolades mark another milestone for APO Group, solidifying its position as the leader in public relations and communications services across Africa. Brands Review Magazine acknowledges outstanding businesses and industry leaders globally, highlighting organisations that excel in their respective fields. APO Group's achievements in 2025 build on a track record of excellence, having previously received multiple accolades, including the SABRE Awards for Africa, a Global Double Award Win at the 2023 World Business Outlook Awards, and recognition at the Middle East&North Africa Stevie Awards, where its Vice President of Public Relations, Rania El Rafie, was awarded a Bronze Stevie® Award in the 'Most Innovative Woman of the Year 2025 category. Commenting on the awards, Bas Wijne, CEO of APO Group, said: 'These awards confirm our commitment to providing exceptional media relations and communication services across Africa. They strengthen APO Group's position as a trusted leader in the African communications sector, 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.' For over 15 years, APO Group has been at the forefront of strategic public relations and media engagement in Africa, helping clients enhance their brand visibility, build credibility, and connect with key audiences. Originally established as a press release distribution service, the company has evolved into a leading Pan-African communications consultancy, delivering impactful campaigns that shape narratives across the continent. APO Group remains committed to setting new industry standards and driving meaningful engagement for businesses, institutions, and stakeholders across Africa. 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 the PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy in Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year 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 2025. 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 teams on the ground in numerous African countries, we offer unmatched insights 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.
