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APO Group Reveals its Role as Architect Behind Catholic Church in Africa’s Groundbreaking Communications Volunteer Programme

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APO Group

ACCRA, Ghana, May 27, 2025/APO Group/ —

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), 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) (www.SECAM.org), 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.

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

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 (https://apo-opa.co/3HapeKg), Head of Marketing and Strategy, who plays a role in shaping long-term plans to strengthen the Church’s visibility; Nyarai Chapingidza (https://apo-opa.co/4myd1PT), Digital MarComm Manager, who drives efforts to boost SECAM’s online presence; Lucy Kimani (https://apo-opa.co/4mxTKhp), Director of Communications and Advocacy, who steers impactful storytelling and advocacy campaigns; and Eunice Chege (https://apo-opa.co/4dw97mi), Communications Advisor, who contributes her extensive experience in developing and implementing communication strategies. Additionally, professionals joining in the business support functions include Majina Mwasezi (https://apo-opa.co/45pvSq3), Project Coordinator; Pauline Lugalia (https://apo-opa.co/4mAchd2), Executive Assistant to the Head of the Catholic Church in Africa; and Anne Nasumba (https://apo-opa.co/3ZBRqMp), Marketing and Communications Coordinator.

Rose Thuo (https://apo-opa.co/4dDCMu0), 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: https://apo-opa.co/4dTxLxL.

“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 (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), 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

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The 6th Cross-Strait Sun Yat-sen Forum Successfully Held in Zhongshan, Guangdong

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Sun Yat-sen Forum

ZHONGSHAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – As 2026 marks the 160th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the 6th Cross-Strait Sun Yat-sen Forum was held in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province—the hometown of the great pioneer—from June 27 to 29 under the theme “Carrying Forward Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Spirit of Endeavor and Working Together for the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation”. This year’s forum was the largest in its history, attracting the broadest participation from Taiwan compatriots and the highest proportion of young participants to date. Around 2,000 representatives from across the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao attended the event. Centered on cultural heritage and driven by economic and trade cooperation, the forum established a multi-level platform for cross-strait exchanges and collaboration while fostering broader consensus on integrated cross-strait development.

Distinguished guests from both sides of the Taiwan Strait attended the opening ceremony and noted in their remarks that Dr. Sun Yat-sen is a revered national pioneer shared by compatriots on both sides of the Strait. His vision of rejuvenating China remains a common spiritual legacy, and people across the Strait should carry forward his ideals and work hand in hand toward national rejuvenation. During the opening ceremony, Zhongshan Municipal People’s Government and the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland signed the Strategic Framework Agreement on Deepening Zhongshan-Taiwan Economic and Trade Cooperation to Promote Integrated Development, laying a solid institutional foundation for long-term industrial cooperation across the Strait.

A series of cultural exchange activities also took place throughout the forum. Participants enjoyed an evening tour of the century-old Sunwen West Road Arcade Pedestrian Street, immersing themselves in Zhongshan’s rich historical heritage and the vibrant cultural and tourism scene of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. They also visited the Museum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, where they studied revolutionary historical archives, bowed before Dr. Sun’s bronze statue to pay homage, and gained a deeper appreciation of his enduring ideals of “All Under Heaven Belong to the People” and “Revitalize China”. Many participants remarked that these activities provided an excellent platform for sustained exchanges among young people across the Strait and that their shared cultural roots and common heritage form a solid foundation for advancing cross-strait spiritual integration.

To further strengthen cross-strait economic cooperation and advance industrial integration between Shenzhen and Zhongshan, the forum also featured the “Taiwan Businesses Gather in Zhongshan, Industries Glow in the Greater Bay Area” 2026 Guangdong-Taiwan Economic and Trade Exchange Conference and Investment Promotion Event Celebrating the Second Anniversary of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link. A total of 19 industrial projects were signed during the event. The first group comprised seven Taiwan-invested projects spanning semiconductor supporting industries, electronic components, smart home products, high-end fitness equipment, and medical devices. The second and third groups included 12 Shenzhen-Zhongshan collaborative projects covering new energy vehicle components, industrial robotics, memory chip packaging, advanced specialty materials, and integrated cultural, tourism, and commercial developments.

During the investment promotion event, Taiwan business representatives spoke highly of Zhongshan’s business environment. Zhang Congyuan, Chairman of Huali Industrial Group, which has operated in Zhongshan for more than two decades, praised the city’s enterprise service philosophy of “staying out of businesses’ way when everything runs smoothly while providing prompt support whenever needed”. He noted that this business-friendly environment has helped the company grow into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of athletic footwear.

Guo Wenhai, secretary of the CPC Zhongshan Municipal Committee, extended a sincere invitation to Taiwan businesses and entrepreneurs to invest and establish operations in Zhongshan. He emphasized that the city offers not only strong industrial infrastructure but also high-quality government services. Zhongshan will continue to provide proactive, efficient, and dedicated support for businesses while continuously improving both its hard and soft investment environment. Leveraging the opportunities created by the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, the city aims to create broader prospects for cooperation and shared growth for enterprises from both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Participants and Taiwan business representatives agreed that, taking the 160th anniversary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s birth as an important milestone, this year’s forum created new channels for both cultural exchanges and industrial cooperation across the Strait. Looking ahead, Zhongshan will continue to organize regular initiatives, including entrepreneurship support programs for young people from Taiwan, youth exchange activities, and Guangdong-Taiwan industrial matchmaking events. By carrying forward Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s spirit, embracing the opportunities of the Greater Bay Area, and strengthening both economic cooperation and people-to-people ties, the city will continue to contribute to a new chapter of integrated cross-strait development.

 

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Toblerone Presents ” The Ultimate Gift “: The Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski

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Swarovski

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – An iconic Swiss chocolate brand meets one of the world’s most celebrated names in crystal artistry to bring ‘Never Square’ to life. Creating something unexpected, something beautiful, and something that gives back: Toblerone today announces The Ultimate Gift.

The centrepiece is the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski: an exceptionally rare series of hand-made crystal replicas of the original Toblerone chocolate bar – the gift many associate with travel. Familiar in form. Remarkable in execution. Individually numbered, certified, and utterly one-of-a-kind.

The Ultimate Gift: A Global Auction for Good

From 1st July to 31st July 2026, travellers passing through some of the world’s most iconic airports (Athens, Delhi, Doha, Dubai, Frankfurt, Madrid, New York JFK, Singapore and Zurich) will encounter a mesmerising pop-up experience celebrating both brands and, above all, will have the chance to bid in person on the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski.

Each auction is linked to the airport’s own established charity partner – organisations already embedded in their local communities and chosen by the airports themselves. 100% of winning bids will be donated to the designated charity at each location.

However, the auction is open to everyone globally. No need to be travelling to take part. Bidding is available online (terms and conditions apply), click here to visit the auction site and here for more information on the charities.

The Story Behind the Crystal Bar

Toblerone was born in Switzerland in 1908. Its triangular shape has made it one of the most recognised silhouettes in the world. For generations of travellers, it has been the gift you bring home: a small but indulgent, reliable piece of Switzerland.

To bring the Toblerone Crystal Bar to life, Toblerone turned to Swarovski. Swarovski delivers a diverse portfolio of unmatched quality, craftsmanship, and creativity. Founded in 1895 in Austria, the company designs, manufactures and markets high-quality crystals and created stones as well as finished products such as jewelry.

The two share more than Alpine geography. They share a belief that quality is not a detail but it is the point. That the things worth making are worth making properly. And that some of the most enduring objects in the world are the ones that manage to be both beautiful and, somehow, completely unpretentious about it.

The result is the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski: Toblerone’s unmistakable triangular form, unapologetically rich on the inside, reimagined as a luxury artefact through Swarovski’s crystal craftsmanship.

Iain Livingston, President Toblerone & World Travel Retail, says: “Toblerone has always been more than a chocolate bar. It’s a ritual, a symbol of travel, and one of the world’s most recognised gifts. Creating the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski feels like a natural expression of who we are: a brand that takes quality seriously but never takes itself too seriously. The Ultimate Gift is exactly that and will raise funds to support brilliant causes that help make the world a better place.”

The Craft Behind the Crystal

Each Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski is exclusively designed and developed using Swarovski’s rich savoir-faire:
Modelled on the original Toblerone chocolate bar & manufactured in Austria
Each weighs 851g and measures 305mm in length
546 individually cut facets per bar
140 hours of development and 65 hours of production – 100% handmade
Crafted with high-precision cutting technology, characterised by unmatched brilliance

The Ultimate Gift Box: Available to All

For those who prefer to take something home immediately, Toblerone is also launching a limited-edition Ultimate Gift Box adorned with Swarovski crystals, available exclusively in World Travel Retail throughout the campaign period across airports globally.

Inside: a Milk Toblerone bar.

Crystals on the outside. Unapologetically rich on the inside. The answer, as ever, to the question every traveller eventually asks themselves at the airport: “Where is my Toblerone?”

 

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Kora highlights the growing importance of payment infrastructure as stablecoin adoption accelerates

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Kora

The conversation is shifting from what is possible to what can be implemented securely, compliantly and efficiently

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, July 1, 2026/APO Group/ –As stablecoins continue to gain traction across the financial services industry, businesses are increasingly focused on the infrastructure required to support their adoption at scale. The conversation is shifting from what is possible to what can be implemented securely, compliantly and efficiently.

 

This was a key theme at Money20/20 Europe 2026, where global fintech leaders gathered to discuss the future of payments. Across the event, discussions centred on artificial intelligence, regulation and reducing fragmentation across global payment systems.

Industry leaders focus on practical implementation 

As businesses explore new payment rails, the need for reliable infrastructure that connects local and global markets becomes even more important

Sessions such as the live Agentic AI demonstrations and the Policy20 regulatory roundtables highlighted the industry’s growing focus on execution rather than experimentation. Stablecoins featured prominently in conversations around faster settlements, lower costs and more efficient cross-border payments.

“Kora is well-positioned for where the industry is heading,” said Tofunmi, Head, Global Partnerships at Kora. “As businesses explore new payment rails, the need for reliable infrastructure that connects local and global markets becomes even more important.”

Connecting Africa to the future of payments 

Money20/20 Europe reinforced the importance of payment infrastructure in enabling the next generation of financial services. Throughout the event, Kora was recognised as a trusted African payment infrastructure provider, with discussions focused on the company’s expansion efforts and growing settlement capabilities.

As demand for faster and more connected payment experiences grows, Kora continues to build the infrastructure that enables businesses to collect, send and settle payments across Africa and globally.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kora.

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