Social media, popular revolt: cure against African dictators?

[Issa Sikiti da Silva: @sikitimedia] The events and developments of the past six months in Africa have demonstrated that the rise of social media has not only revolutionised the business environment, but also redefined the political scene by shaking the foundation of dictatorship, lack of service delivery and corruption for the first time since the dawn of independences. 5 Jul 2011 10:14

Loerie Awards adds PR category for 2011

The Loerie Awards has introduced a PR category to this year's awards. Public Relations Industry of Southern Africa (PRISA) spokesperson Bridget von Holdt believes the move is indicative of the importance of strategic communication in the overall communication mix and that the inclusion of PR exposes other industries to the real value of strategic communication and its vital role in brand management. 20 Apr 2011 13:11

Red carpet treatment for Loeries

In line with international festivals, the 33rd Annual Loerie Awards have upscaled and this year the festival weekend, 16-18 September 2011, features black tie affairs, with red carpet, at its new venue, the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). Tickets to the awards ceremonies are limited to 1500 per night and an additional 1000 tickets will be available for the Official Party. 6 Apr 2011 08:59

Kenyans welcome second full colour daily newspaper

[Carole Kimutai] It is barely six months since the first full colour newspaper Nairobi Star hit the news stands. Now Kenyan readers are welcoming yet another full colour newspaper - The Daily Metro. The first edition rolled off the press last week on Wednesday, September 26. 2 Oct 2007 05:51

Africa's five major trends for potential growth

[Issa Sikiti da Silva: @sikitimedia] Population growth, rapid urbanisation, adoption of new technologies, unlocking of abundant resources and the deepening of the financial sector are the five major trends that are set to drive Africa's economic growth, Simon Freemantle, Standard Bank Africa senior analyst, told a media roundtable in Johannesburg, South Africa, yesterday, Thursday 6 October 2011. 7 Oct 2011 09:56

2011 Maputo International Ad Festival set for May

The sixth Maputo International Advertising Festival will take place from 25-27 May 2011, AMEP - the Mozambican Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations Association announced yesterday. The festival recognises advertising agencies, producers and communications companies worldwide especially from Africa and the Indian Ocean regions. 23 Feb 2011 07:22

Mr Price takes aim at Nigerian market

[Michael Bleby] Retailer Mr Price is eying Nigeria, a market it says could host up to 100 stores, if it could only end its ban on the import of clothing. 22 Nov 2010 11:00

Brand Africa Forum to present first Brand Africa 100 awards

Pan-African consumers can now vote for their most admired and valued brands in the inaugural Brand Africa 100 Awards, which coincides with the second annual Brand Africa Forum. The continent's most valued brands will be revealed at an awards ceremony on Thursday, 29 September 2011 at Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa . 15 Sep 2011 14:25

Al Jazeera to start Kiswahili channel in East Africa

[Walter Wafula] The Al Jazeera Media Network in Qatar is set to establish a regional news and current affairs media network in East Africa, the company said on 8 August 2011. 10 Aug 2011 13:50

Neo@Ogilvy global CEO talks up role of emerging markets, mobile

[Herman Manson: @marklives] Neo@Ogilvy's global CEO, New-York based Nasreen Madhany, has been visiting South Africa for a corporate summit, where she talked up the role emerging markets will play in the future profitability of her company. 5 Jul 2011 13:30

Right of access to information hampered by govts - media conference

[Issa Sikiti da Silva] The right of access to information is being hampered in many parts of the world, especially in Africa, by government officials wary of journalists' desire to 'embarrass' them, and the state's 'insincere' reason of hiding behind the issue of national security. This emerged today, Wednesday, 9 March 2011, at the Regulations and Rights media conference at Wits University in Johannesburg. [view twitterfall] 9 Mar 2011 13:17

Tanzania's Exim Bank boasts profit growth

The MD of Exim, Sabetha Mwambenja has said that during its 10 years of existence, Exim has enjoyed year-to-year growth in profits, assets and deposits. 14 Apr 2008 13:55

Housing crisis in Africa as economy grows, cities overcrowded

[Issa Sikiti da Silva: @sikitimedia] Africa's economy is rising, creating jobs in cities, driving people from rural to urban areas, helping to grow its middle class but creating a serious housing crisis on the continent, which is now the world's highest urbanised region. According to a study conducted by FinScope and presented at the African Union for Housing Finance conference it was found that the continent is in serious need of housing finance. 7 Sep 2011 13:30