marcusbrewster signs on hotel group in Africa

The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, a recent merger of two hotel groups, has appointed PR firm marcusbrewster to manage the corporate PR account for its Africa business development division. 1 Feb 2012 15:10

Can telcom industry solve Africa's power problems?

[Peter Karaszi] Africa is plagued by unreliable, intermittent and often non-existent access to electricity, especially in rural areas. This is a huge inconvenience and a big obstacle to economic development. Can mobile operators be the unlikely saviors, bringing power to the people in rural Africa? 30 Jan 2012 12:53

[2012 trends] Getting found in 2012

[Lana Hindmarch] In 2012, businesses will take a more aggressive approach to transforming their marketing efforts and reducing their cost per lead, by focusing more on permission-based, inbound marketing programmes that allow customers to find them. 27 Jan 2012 13:01

Huawei appoints communications manager

Huawei, the global information and communications technology (ICT) solution provider has appointed Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa's president-elect, Tshepo Matseba as senior corporate communication manager. 27 Jan 2012 12:27

2012 Tabbie Awards open for nominations

CLEVELAND, US: The 2012 Tabbies call for entries is now available at the TABPI website, allowing all B2B magazine editors, publishers and art directors the opportunity to have their best work judged by their peers. Tabbies' partners include South Africa's SAFREA, and MPASA. [video] 26 Jan 2012 11:40

[2012 trends] Brand purpose to take lead in brand strategy

[Travis Spence] A critical juncture in brand marketing has arrived. It is led by the internet and the technology changes this brings, along with consumers - who, as we all know, have changed forever. The brand now needs not only to represent its product but the people behind the product and why they do what they do for that product's success. 24 Jan 2012 12:26

Cross-border telephone remittances increase in Africa

[Anna McGovern] More people in Africa's poorest countries have mobile phones than have bank accounts. That reality is spurring mobile service companies to explore how they can capture a share of the potential banking market by enabling migrants from these countries to transfer funds back home to their families. 24 Jan 2012 11:28

PUMA.com launches football content programme

PUMA.com recently launched an African football content programme ahead of the Orange African Cup of Nations tournament that kicks off over the weekend in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. The programme will give a cultural insight into the world of African football through the eyes of high profile PUMA partnered players. 23 Jan 2012 10:31

[2012 trends] Whoosh! The year in which nothing happens

[Walter Pike] In 2012, things will stay the same. Everyone still believes that marketing has not changed and that social is a channel. Yes they are starting to understand how important channel is but they have not and will not grasp just how much. 20 Jan 2012 14:18

[2012 trends] Your friend is literally the trend

[Anice Hassim] 2012 will bring fundamental tectonic shifts to the balance of power in technology choices. Many of these will be driven by the people and for the people - in 2012 the trend, literally, is your friend. Smart enterprise will embrace this change but big business will very quickly have to learn to shut up and listen to what the consumer wants. 19 Jan 2012 15:18

[2012 trends] Re-evaluating the way we work, communicate

[Lisa Dawson Biggs] 2012 will be a year in which we will be forced to re-evaluate the way we work and the way we convey our clients' messages to the market. Here are my tips and predictions for the months ahead. 19 Jan 2012 14:39

[2012 trends] It's not about trends, it's about a reality check

[Dustin Chick] There are no trends in the communications industry this year. There are realities. Fundamental, yet often simple, factors which then influence how communicators can bring value to the organisations they work within. 17 Jan 2012 15:31

[2012 trends] What's up in media for 2012?

[Marion Scher] Ever since I read Faith Popcorn's Clicking in 1998 (and I can't believe you haven't read it - really?) I've been hooked on trends and how important it is not only to pay attention to what's affecting people right now but what could happen around the corner. Because you need to be around that corner, armed with what you need to reach your market. 17 Jan 2012 13:43

Chillibush Communications, Phoenix Group launch Chillibush Africa

Through-the-line communications agency Chillibush Communications has partnered with The Phoenix Group to create Chillibush Africa. The new company will build on the existing experience and expertise of the agencies to offer strategic, media and creative and PR services throughout Africa. 11 Jan 2012 13:38