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APO Group Vice President: Public Relations (PR) & Strategic Communications, Rania El-Rafie, wins Most Innovative Woman of the Year 2025 Award in Middle East & North Africa Stevie® Awards

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Rania El-Rafie

Rania, who has been with APO Group since 2020, leads a high-performing team of PR and strategic communications experts

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, January 21, 2025/APO Group/ — 

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is proud to announce that Rania El-Rafie, Vice President, Public Relations and Strategic Communications has been awarded a Bronze Stevie® Award in the ‘Most Innovative Woman of the Year’ category of the sixth annual Middle East & North Africa Stevie® Awards, sponsored by the RAK (Ras Al Khaimah) Chamber of Commerce and Industry, one of the oldest chambers in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Established to promote trade and investment, the RAK Chamber of Commerce and Industry plays a key role in supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth, serving as a vital hub for regional commercial development. 

Hailing from Egypt, in January 2024, Rania became the first person to be promoted to VP of Public Relations and Strategic Communications from within APO Group and the youngest person to hold this key strategic role. Rania, who has been with APO Group since 2020, leads a high-performing team of PR and strategic communications experts. Under her leadership, her team represents some of Africa’s most influential brands. Their portfolio includes high-profile clients such as Canon, Nestlé, TikTok, the Jack Ma Foundation, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Marriott, Afreximbank, GITEX, MSD, and Western Union, amongst others. 

This recognition is a testament to the power of creativity and resilience of excellence in public relations and strategic communications

The Middle East & North Africa Stevie® Awards are the only business awards programme to recognise innovation in the workplace in 18 nations in the Middle East and North Africa. The Stevie® Awards are widely considered to be the world’s premier business awards, conferring recognition for achievement in programmes such as The International Business Awards® for 23 years. Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word for “crowned,” the awards will be presented to winners during a gala event on 22 February at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. 

As a winner in the ‘Most Innovative Woman of the Year’ category, Rania joins several prominent figures shaping the business landscape in Africa and the Middle East, including Dr. Rasha Abousamra, Doctor of Business and Researcher at Higher Colleges of Technology Sharjah, and Latifa Saleh AlShehhi, Director of Investment Data Department at the UAE Ministry of Investment.  

“I am deeply honoured to receive the Bronze Stevie® Award as one of the most innovative women of the year in the Middle East and North Africa. This recognition is a testament to the power of creativity and resilience of excellence in public relations and strategic communications. At APO Group, we are driven by the belief that innovation is the key to unlocking potential and making a lasting impact. This award is not just a personal milestone but a reflection of the incredible team and partners who inspire and support our vision every day. Together, we will continue to break new ground and shape the future of communications in the region.” 

Celebrating the win, APO Group Founder and Chairman Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard added: “Our purpose at APO Group is to champion Africa’s narratives, amplify Africa’s voices, and bridge Africa and the world. We do this by crafting narratives aimed at transforming how the world sees Africa, showcasing its cultural diversity, empowering its people, and celebrating its collective and individual achievements. APO Group is a strong proponent of innovation, as well as gender empowerment, and we are so proud to see the Stevie® Awards recognise Rania’s professional achievements as she continues to make an incredible mark on the industry.”  

This year, over 1,100 nominations from organisations across the Middle East and North Africa were considered in various categories. Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie® Award winners were determined by the average scores of 118 executives around the world acting as judges on five juries. 

Read more about the Middle East & North Africa Stevie® Awards at http://MENA.Stevieawards.com.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

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Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG) Leads Dialogue on Critical Minerals Traceability at Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh

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January 22, 2025

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The Forum was attended by over 14,000 participants from 178 countries united in the ambition to drive innovation and collaboration towards a sustainable future

LONDON, United Kingdom, January 22, 2025/APO Group/ — 

The Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG), the advocacy group seeking to foster deeper relations between Africa and global markets and put Africa at the heart of international discussions surrounding critical minerals policy, is proud to have chaired a successful panel session on critical minerals traceability at the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh.

The Future Minerals Forum brings together governments, international organisations, the private sector, and other stakeholders shaping the global critical minerals industry. The Forum was attended by over 14,000 participants from 178 countries united in the ambition to drive innovation and collaboration towards a sustainable future.

CMAG’s CEO, Veronica Bolton Smith, chaired a panel on the topic of “making high-risk, minerals-rich jurisdictions investable by growing supply chain transparency and certification.”

The biggest takeaway for me was that stakeholders wanting to play a role in unleashing Africa’s critical minerals potential should not simply wait for conditions to improve

The topic of discussion was particularly timely given the recent news of the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo taking Apple to court over the alleged use of blood minerals, which has shone a light on how crucial strengthening traceability in global supply chains is in unlocking the full potential of Africa’s critical minerals.

Bolton Smith and other critical minerals leaders in attendance agreed that industry needs to go back to basics when it comes to structuring supply chain transparency and certifications, which also requires a multistakeholder approach involving both the public and private sector.

The panel also noted that communication between governments, businesses, and local communities is crucial in overcoming any challenges that may arise. Establishing strong, proactive relationships with local communities is the best way to bring about mutually beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders.

Furthermore, the panel discussed how, to guarantee the strength and integrity of supply chains, there is a vital need to ensure there are enforcement mechanisms in place for when there is a breakdown in companies adhering to regulatory frameworks. In turn, these frameworks can also help free up greater amounts of responsible financing to unleash the full potential of Africa’s critical minerals resources.

Veronica Bolton Smith says, “CMAG had a very productive trip to Riyadh – not least because of this engaging panel discussion on critical minerals traceability. The biggest takeaway for me was that stakeholders wanting to play a role in unleashing Africa’s critical minerals potential should not simply wait for conditions to improve – they should proactively help shape change.”

“While in Riyadh, CMAG also engaged with government officials, business leaders, and others involved in African critical minerals supply chains. The event was an invaluable opportunity for CMAG to further its goal of fostering deeper, mutually beneficial relationships between key critical minerals stakeholders in the Gulf, Africa, and globally.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG).

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Bigo Live’s Global Community Marks a Year of Influence at Annual Gala

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6 hours ago

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January 22, 2025

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With over 1,000 guests in attendance, this year’s gala underscores the company’s commitment to promoting creativity and innovation, providing content creators and viewers with a diverse and enriching experience.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 January 2025 – Bigo Live, a leading global social live-streaming platform, is excited to announce the return of the highly anticipated BIGO Awards Gala, now in its sixth edition. Under the theme “LIVE YOUR OASIS”, the event celebrates creativity, community, and sustainability while fostering a safe and innovative digital ecosystem. Taking place on January 24, 2025, at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, Sands Theatre in Singapore, the gala returns to the city where Bigo Live was founded.With over 1,000 attendees from across the globe, the gala will honor outstanding content creators in categories like “Most Uplifting Livestream” and “Global Community Builder”. Winners will receive trophies, in-app rewards, and billboard recognition at iconic locations. Viewers can join the celebration by voting for their favorites in real-time, emphasizing Bigo Live’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.Bigo Live continues to empower creators with tools and resources to produce impactful content while enhancing its User-Generated Content (UGC) policies. Stricter private stream verification, advanced moderation practices, and localized content guidelines ensure a secure and enriching digital environment for creativity and meaningful connections. 

 This year’s event is also carbon-neutral, marking a significant step toward environmental responsibility. By measuring emissions from materials, transportation, and energy use—and offsetting them with carbon credits—the gala sets new benchmarks for sustainable practices in the digital space.”The BIGO Awards Gala 2025 is a celebration of the vibrant global community that makes Bigo Live so unique,” says a spokesperson from Bigo Live. “This year, as we return to Singapore, we’re not only honoring exceptional talent but also reaffirming our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and sustainable digital oasis where creativity and connections thrive.”Co-hosted by Singaporean actress Vernetta Lopez and comedian Rishi Budhrani, the evening will feature performances from 35 international artists across genres such as pop, opera, hip-hop, and dance, alongside acrobatics and a spectacular EDM performance.Livestreaming continues to revolutionize the social media landscape. Since its launch in 2016, Bigo Live has been at the forefront, empowering creators and ranking as the 7th most popular live-streaming platform worldwide (Stream Hatchet, Q4 2024). With tools like Virtual Live and personalized incentives, the platform cultivates a thriving ecosystem for creators and viewers alike.The BIGO Awards Gala 2025 will be livestreamed on Bigo Live’s Music Livehouse channel (Bigo ID: music) via the Bigo Live app. Interactive features, including live chat and lucky draws, will enhance the experience for a global audience making the community more engaged.Date: January 24, 2025Red Carpet: 3 PM (GMT+8)Gala Start: 7 PM (GMT+8)Follow Bigo Live on Facebook and Instagram for updates, and join us in celebrating the transformative power of livestreaming.Bigo Live
Bigo Live is one of the world’s fastest-growing live-streaming social communities where users broadcast in real-time to share life moments, showcase their talents, and interact with people from around the world. Bigo Live has around 500 million users in over 150 countries and is currently the market leader in the live streaming industry. Launched in March 2016, Bigo Live is owned by Bigo Technology, based in Singapore.

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Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) Common Market Commissioner to Address Regional Cooperation at Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF)

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January 22, 2025

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CEMAC

Mbogo Ngabo Seli, Commissioner in charge of the Common Market Department at CEMAC, will discuss how regional integration policies are advancing the Republic of Congo’s oil & gas and energy sectors

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of the Congo, January 21, 2025/APO Group/ — 

As a key leader within the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC), Mbogo Ngabo Seli, Commissioner in charge of the Common Market Department at CEMAC, will join as a distinguished speaker at the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in Brazzaville.

The Common Market Department of CEMAC is tasked with driving regional economic integration by enabling free trade, coordinating economic policies, attracting investment and strengthening competitiveness among its member states. By harmonizing regulation and promoting cross-border collaboration, CEMAC supports the Republic of Congo’s efforts to double its oil production, expand LNG exports and unlock new exploration and development opportunities. The regional body’s focus on infrastructure development, streamlined legislation and shared resource management strengthens Republic of Congo’s position as a key player in Central Africa’s energy sector, while enhancing its ability to meet production targets.

The inaugural Congo Economic and Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025 in Brazzaville, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.

As Commissioner, Seli is expected to share insights on CEMAC’s initiatives to promote economic integration and facilitate regional cooperation, emphasizing their impact on driving energy development in the Republic of Congo and across Central Africa. During CEIF 2025, Seli will highlight how these efforts align with Republic of Congo’s ambitious energy goals, including increased oil and gas production and monetization of natural resources. These initiatives contribute to strengthening the region’s energy infrastructure, boosting intra-regional trade and enhancing energy security.

The role of CEMAC in enhancing energy collaboration and optimizing resource utilization across the region is particularly crucial as member states face the challenge of attracting more foreign investment into the energy sector. Through joint infrastructure projects, such as shared LNG export terminals and cross-border pipelines, CEMAC aims to reduce operational costs, foster trade and create a more competitive regional market. By addressing regulatory inconsistencies and promoting greater policy alignment, CEMAC is laying the foundation for a more sustainable energy future in Central Africa, positioning the Republic of Congo and its neighbors for long-term growth and stability.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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