The Royal African Society is the UK’s longest-standing institution dedicated to promoting Africa

LONDON, United Kingdom, November 11, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The Royal African Society (www.RoyalAfricanSociety.org), a leading organisation in the UK promoting Africa’s global influence, today announces the appointment of APO Group Founder and Chairman Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard as Strategic Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer, Janet Rogan.

Founded in 1901, the Royal African Society is governed by a Royal Charter and Bye-laws, with His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales as its Royal Patron. The Society is the UK’s longest-standing institution dedicated to promoting Africa, fostering understanding, and building equitable relations between the UK, Africa, and the wider world. It serves as a catalyst for positive change.

The Royal African Society boasts a diverse and influential membership body comprising individuals, companies, and organisations with a proactive interest in Africa. Through its networking receptions and programme of events, the Society offers members opportunities to connect, share ideas, and build impactful partnerships. Prior to HRH The Prince of Wales, Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was Patron of the Royal African Society for 64 years.

With his support, we aim to expand Africa’s influence on the global stage, fostering dialogue and driving positive change

Franco-Gabonese entrepreneur Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com) brings a wealth of experience and an extensive network of prominent connections to support the Royal African Society in elevating Africa’s cultural and professional presence on a global scale. Nicolas was named among the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023 and serves on several Advisory Boards, Task Forces, and International Committees, including the Senior Advisory Board of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business and the Advisory Boards of the African Energy Chamber, the World Football Summit, the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), Bloomberg New Economy Gateway Africa, the Sports Africa Investment Summit, 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 leading, award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, serving over 300 clients, including Microsoft, Nestlé, Coca-Cola, TikTok, DHL, Marriott Group, Ecobank, Canon, Orange, the Jack Ma Foundation, the African Development Bank, Afreximbank, Africa Finance Corporation, the Islamic Development Bank, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Radisson, the NBA, GoDaddy, Western Union, MultiChoice, and many more.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard as Strategic Advisor. His extensive experience and deep connections across Africa and beyond, spanning sports, music, business, media, governments and institutions, will be invaluable in amplifying our mission to strengthen cultural and professional ties. With his support, we aim to expand Africa’s influence on the global stage, fostering dialogue and driving positive change,” said Janet Rogan, CEO of the Royal African Society.

“I am deeply honoured by this appointment, as it represents a profound alignment with my commitment to reshaping perceptions of Africa, driving meaningful change, and enhancing the continent’s influence on the global stage. My goal has always been to inspire positive change and elevate Africa’s narrative as one of opportunity and progress, and this appointment represents a new opportunity for me to challenge stereotypes and promote a nuanced understanding of Africa’s contributions to the world,” said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and Chairman of APO Group.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Royal African Society.

Canon recognized top-performing partners in categories for B2B and B2C businesses at the conference

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, November 11, 2024/APO Group/ —

• The annual exclusive conference facilitated strategic discussions and collaborative initiatives, equipping partners to navigate challenges and seize emerging growth opportunities in Africa.
• Canon recognized top-performing partners in categories for B2B and B2C businesses at the conference.

Building on the resounding success of last year’s launch of the first Executive Circle in Georgia, Canon Central & North Africa (https://en.Canon-CNA.com) hosted it’s second edition, amidst the stunning backdrop of Cyprus on 5^th & 6^th November 2024. The Executive Circle signifies a paradigm shift in the company’s approach to partner engagement and this strategic platform reflects Canon’s unwavering commitment to elevating the customer experience and enhancing every stage of the customer journey—before, during, and after experience with the extensive portfolio of imaging products and solutions.

Canon Central & North Africa (CCNA) was established in 2016 with a vision to expand Canon’s footprint across the continent and drive significant impact. Since then, annual partner conference have been integral to fostering strong relationships and enabling growth across key markets. Over the years, these gatherings have been elevated into immersive experiences, underscoring Canon’s dedication to strategic partner engagement. The introduction of the Executive Circle represents the pinnacle of this elevation—a testament to Canon’s belief in nurturing relationships and focusing on continuous improvement for the business growth of all stakeholders.

This year’s theme, ICE—Innovation, Customer, and Employee Experience—reflects Canon’s commitment to strategically enhance its impact across three key areas. Innovation emphasizes Canon’s approach to New Markets, New Focus Products, and New Customer Segments, as Canon broadens its reach by entering emerging African markets, introducing targeted product lines, and engaging new customer segments. Customer Experience focuses on engaging and connecting with customers in new, strategic ways to deliver a more immersive experience of Canon’s imaging solutions, enhanced through impactful campaigns and events. Employee Experience prioritizes skill development, with an emphasis on both soft skills and technical expertise, equipping employees to better serve partners and customers and fostering stronger relationships. This exclusive conference provided a unique platform for high-level discussions on emerging trends, strengthening executive communication, and setting a path for mutual growth.

We understand the complexities of the market and we are here to provide the tools and services needed to unlock new business growth opportunities for our partners

Canon’s mission is to consistently deliver an extensive portfolio of innovative imaging products with industry-leading service support across the continent. “We understand the complexities of the market,” Somesh Adukia, Managing Director, Canon Central & North Africa remarked, “and we are here to provide the tools and services needed to unlock new business growth opportunities for our partners.” This vision reflects Canon’s dedication to not only addressing current challenges but also anticipating future needs, ensuring that partners remain well-equipped and competitive in a rapidly evolving African industry.

A COMMITMENT TO REGIONAL GROWTH AND COLLABORATION

Canon remains dedicated to regional expansion, prioritizing sustainable growth and empowering its business partners. By broadening its partnerships and enhancing value propositions, the company seeks to drive meaningful impact across Africa. Canon’s commitment also extends to local offices and the talented workforce across the African markets, making a positive contribution to the economic well-being and development of these regions.

Guided by its corporate philosophy of Kyosei, meaning “living and working together for the common good,” Canon’s approach to regional growth is rooted in creating lasting value for both its business partners and the wider community. This philosophy is exemplified through impactful initiatives like the World Unseen exhibition, which fosters inclusivity for people with visual impairment; the decade-long Miraisha Programme empowering youth with photography skills for future livelihoods; the Canon Young People Programme, equipping young minds to creatively tackle sustainability issues; and the Women Who Empower Programme, which uplifts and supports women in the imaging and print industries through workshops, mentorship, and networking events tailored to promote their growth and advancement. These efforts reflect Canon’s broader vision of fostering collaboration, promoting inclusivity, and driving sustainable development alongside its strategic business goals.

To commemorate the conference, Canon hosted a gala dinner and an awards ceremony to honor and celebrate its top-performing partners. The awards spanned across distinct categories for both B2B and B2C segments, recognizing and applauding their exceptional contributions to Canon’s ongoing achievements and shared success.

The Executive Circle in Cyprus proved to be a successful event, rich with insightful dialogue, collaborative strategies, and shared visions for the future. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

The South African National Petroleum Company hosted the first stop of its global investor roadshow at African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies, presenting plans to strengthen South Africa’s energy security, prioritize fossil fuel development and enhance refining capacity

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, November 10, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The newly-sanctioned South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) kicked off its global investor roadshow at African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies on Thursday, inviting investors and governments to engage with South Africa’s oil and gas prospects, while showcasing strategic plans for the new entity.

Speaking on the rationale behind the creation of the SANPC, South Africa’s Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, emphasized the need to rationalize and consolidate the country’s many state-owned enterprises. The aim is to maximize efficiencies, streamline the sector, reduce costs and prioritize petroleum development as a catalyst for economic growth.

“The focus is to drive economic growth and development. We want it to grow – we want to get into fossil fuels. We must do it. [We want to] improve operational efficiencies, scale of market and market share,” said Minister Mantashe.

The SANPC operates under a broad mandate to acquire, generate, manufacture, market and distribute all forms of energy, including crude oil, natural gas, coal, renewable energy and biofuels. South Africa’s extensive coal bed methane and shale gas resources were highlighted, including the gas-rich Karoo Basin and the Saldanha Bay gas-to-power project. The country also benefits from deep-sea ports, robust infrastructure and a favorable regulatory framework, with the potential to create synergies with nearby oil and gas producers such as Mozambique and Angola.

“We need to start thinking as a region instead of as countries,” said Godfrey Moagi, CEO of SANPC.

We need to start thinking as a region instead of as countries

South Africa’s refining capabilities were also emphasized as a critical priority, with enhancing the country’s liquid fuels security identified as a matter of national security and strategic interest. The SANPC stated that in 2024, South Africa is expected to import 70% of its manufactured liquid fuel needs.

“This has put the country at risk, and we are dealing with issues of security of supply. We need to prioritize commercial sustainability for the entire CEF Group to drive economic recovery,” said Moagi. “In South Africa, we import $2.5 billion of crude oil and products. The SANPC is going to change this, so that South Africa looks differently.”

“[Reviving] refining capacity reduces the risk on petroleum supply. We must cushion it with our own refining capacity,” said Minister Mantashe.

Following its formation in 2024, the SANPC will enter its second phase of operationalization in 2025, which includes forming strategic partnerships and alliances, operationalizing its assets, and optimizing its business and service model. Starting in 2026, the company plans to enter its growth phase, deploying an integrated “New Energy” growth strategy, developing and optimizing assets, expanding its portfolio, diversifying revenue streams and advancing its technology and innovation strategy.

The SANPC will host a series of upcoming roadshows spanning Africa, Europe and the Middle East, organized by Energy Capital & Power.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.