Category: English

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading, award-winning, pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, has introduced WhatsApp into its growing distribution ecosystem. By leveraging Africa’s most widely used messaging app, APO Group is enhancing the speed, reach, and accessibility of reliable news. The newly launched Africa Newsroom WhatsApp channels provide a streamlined way for media practitioners to browse, share, and publish press releases. APO Group’s WhatsApp distribution now operates similarly to the company’s Telegram channels, offering news in English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese to accommodate Africa’s diverse languages and regional needs.

With an estimated 200 million users across Africa—including 90–100 million in Nigeria, 28–29 million in South Africa, and 20–21 million in Ghana—WhatsApp stands as a vital communication tool. APO Group’s strategic move bridges the gap between PR professionals, journalists, and digital content creators, responding to the continent’s evolving media consumption habits.

Bas Wijne, CEO of APO Group, commented: “At APO Group, we don’t just share Africa’s stories—we power them with purpose and precision. Integrating WhatsApp into our distribution network is more than innovation; it’s a commitment to making African voices more immediate, more accessible, and more impactful than ever before. This is how we honour the continent we serve—by meeting its people where they are, and delivering news that matters, faster and farther.”

Following the success of its Telegram rollout, APO Group continues to adapt its PR services to meet the demands of a fast-paced, digital-first media environment. “This is more than distribution—it’s about empowerment, accessibility, and real-time storytelling,” Wijne added.

By equipping clients and news professionals with the tools to communicate more effectively, APO Group is helping close the media gap and strengthen African narratives. With the Africa Newsroom platform, Telegram integration, and now WhatsApp, the company is reshaping the future of public relations across the continent and ensuring Africa’s voice resonates globally.

– on behalf of APO Group.

About APO Group:  
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) 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.

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In a youth consultation with young women from across Libya on Sunday, UNSMIL discussed the recommendations of the Advisory Committee (AC) and what they wanted to see as the future political direction of the country. 

The twenty-six young women, from the east, south and west of the country are part of the UN in Libya’s Ra’idat programme, which focuses on developing the young women in leadership, communications, teamwork and advocacy skills. 

“The Advisory Committee provided options that have not been seriously considered before,” said one participant. “Its first recommendation — to hold simultaneous elections after unifying the government and adjusting presidential candidacy criteria — could be Libya’s last real chance for political stability. If this effort fails, I fear there may be no meaningful opportunity for change anytime soon.” 

Participants shared their concerns about the feasibility of the recommendations and the different challenges posed by the options. They highlighted the importance of youth voices being included in the political process. 

“Whatever direction is taken regarding the AC options, it’s essential that the process is transparent and inclusive—especially when it comes to youth participation,” said another participant. “Young people have long been excluded from key decision-making spaces, yet they are among those most invested in Libya’s future. A credible political process should open the door for fresh perspectives and meaningful engagement from the new generation.”  

Discussing which of the options they preferred, many felt that option four would give Libyans more of a say in the process, but they felt it had to take into consideration a strict timeline, an accountability framework, and anti-corruption mechanisms. 

UNSMIL published the Executive Summary of the Advisory Committee’s Report in May, including its four proposed options to move the political process forward. 

It also launched a public consultation and survey  to ask people to put forward their recommendations and ideas and decided which of these options they would prefer:  

1. Conducting presidential and legislative elections simultaneously;  

2. Conducting parliamentary elections first, followed by the adoption of a permanent constitution;  

3. Adopting a permanent constitution before elections; or  

4. Establishing a political dialogue committee, based on the Libyan Political Agreement to finalize electoral laws, executive authority and permanent constitution.   

More information on the youth consultations and how to get involved can be found here.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

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“Effective prisoner rehabilitation remains one of the biggest concerns for us and our national prisons counterparts in South Sudan,” reveals Barbrah Nyamasoka.

Barbrah is a corrections advisor with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

“With increasing conflict, insecurity and economic instability, we decided that boosting year-round farming in prisons would not only upskill inmates, aiding their eventual reintegration into society upon completion of their sentences, but also contribute to reducing food insecurity,” she added.

Pibor Prison is one such correctional facility which has embraced this concept of ‘green corrections.’

Here, inmates are responsible for farming two hectares of land within the prison, divided into a rice field on one side and vegetables on the other.

“Prisoners are now gainfully occupied learning agricultural skills and producing nutritious food,” explained Captain Amos Konyi, the coordinator of Pibor Prison.

“We now also grow vegetables such as okra, sukuma wiki (collard greens), and many more,” he added.

Captain Konyi’s pride in this initiative was validated by Peter Guzulu Maze, Chief Administrator, Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) who toured this innovative and environmentally friendly corrections initiative.

“Upholding the rule of law and security goes hand in hand with ensuring prisoners are given the tools they need to reintegrate into society,” said Chief Administrator Maze. “I am impressed with what I have seen here and commend inmates and prison management for actioning this successful initiative. For my part, I reiterate my ongoing commitment to improving conditions in our prisons,” he added.

Mr Maze was accompanied by representatives from the UN Peacekeeping mission’s Rule of Law and Security Institutions Section (RoLSIS), who have worked with partners such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as well as nongovernmental organizations to action this project become self-sufficient.

“We keep visiting to make sure the project is running smoothly, that inmate-farmers are correctly using the solar-powered irrigation system given by our colleagues at FAO, and, that overall prison conditions are improving,” explained Barbrah.

From improved infrastructure to hands-on rehabilitation, this marks a renewed focus on dignity and development in South Sudan’s correctional system.

“This farm helps us produce food, gives us the physical exercise we need, but above all, gives us hope for rebuilding our lives once we finish our sentences,” says Jakor Kuron, an inmate.

For Mary Gazulu, this small initiative with a big impact gives her space to have a dream.

“When I am finally released, I’m going to teach my children how to grow rice in the rich land of Pibor,” she smiles.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

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At the #USAfricaSummit2025 in Luanda, AU Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to a bold & equal partnership with the United States, stating, “We’re not seeking aid, but building co-created solutions.”

He noted that with 1.3 billion people, abundant resources, & a surge in innovation, Africa is poised for transformative growth. From agribusiness in West Africa to fintech in East Africa, the AU is supporting private sector-led development across all regions.

He also underscored that strategic sectors such as manufacturing, digital, energy, & agro-industry, are open for U.S. investment. The AU’s Private Sector Forum, SME and startup legislation, & its Digital Strategy are laying the groundwork for inclusive, sustainable prosperity.

He concluded by saying “this should not just be a summit, but a call to action,” he said. “Together, let’s walk the pathways to prosperity—with unity, purpose, & Agenda 2063 as our guide.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).