BHM Research and Intelligence (BR&I), in partnership with Magna Carta Reputation Management Consultants, has unveiled the inaugural edition of the Africa PR and Communications report. This comprehensive report aims to shed light on the role of public relat
ions and communications in driving sustainable development in Africa.
The Africa PR and Communications report (APCR) is the first of its kind on the continent, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by practitioners, stakeholders, and investors in Africa’s PR and communications industry. The report provides actionable strategies to harness Africa’s remarkable growth potential, backed by real data and professional insights.
Ayeni Adekunle, BHM Founder and APCR Committee Chair, expressed his excitement about creating a world-class platform for the growth of PR and communications practice in Africa. He emphasized the significance of understanding the role of PR professionals in propelling the continent forward, stating, ‘We must first acknowledge that no significant influence can be achieved without key data and information.’ Adekunle believes that the APCR will shape PR and communication practices in Africa, benefiting the continent and its populatio
n of one billion people.
Africa has been identified as a region poised for global dominance. Despite the economic disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, foreign direct investment in Africa rebounded from $40bn in 2020 to $47bn in 2021 and surged to $83bn in 2022. Furthermore, the continent is projected to have the largest workforce globally by 2040. With an expected GDP of $5.6 trillion in four years and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement set to lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty, it is a critical time to lay the foundation for sustainable development in Africa.
The PR and communications industry plays a crucial role in restoring Africa’s reputation through informed, responsible, and ethical practices. The 2023 APCR offers verified facts, statistics, and analysis of various aspects of PR practice in Africa, including new challenges, skill levels, digital technology tools, inclusivity, compensation, stakeholders, and government interventions. These insights will guide practitioners in building new models that excel in delivering value and building trust with the African people.
Moliehi Molekoa, Managing Director of Magna Carta Reputation Management Consultants, and an adviser on the APCR Committe
e, highlighted the importance of leveraging Africa’s resources and opportunities while using information, data, and expert insights to elevate PR professionals. Molekoa believes that the APCR will not only elevate industry practice but also fortify Africa’s reputation, leading to prosperity for the continent.
Femi Falodun, Executive Director of BHM and APCR Committee Adviser, acknowledged the growing global interest in Africa’s cultural, social, technological, and economic activities. He emphasised the APCR’s role as a credible source of local data and insights to aid strategic planning for marketing and communications stakeholders within and outside Africa.
The Africa PR and Communications report is a collaborative effort involving various organisations, including the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), CIPR International, Association of Advertising Agencies Of Nigeria (AAAN), Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA), Africa Communications Week (ACW), International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO), and several others.
Eniola Harrison, Co-founder of Africa PR & Communications Week and APCR Committee Adviser, emphasised the crucial role of the
PR and communication industry in driving sustainable growth in Africa. Harrison expressed delight in the APCR’s ability to provide insights into the future of PR practice and navigate the challenges hindering industry efforts.
BR&I, a division of Black House Media (BHM), is known for producing the Nigeria PR Report and other notable publications. With the launch of the APCR, BR&I aims to contribute to the elevation of industry practice and support Africa’s industrial growth for the betterment of its people.
