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Johannesburg, South Africa, January 7, 2026/ — APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), a leading multi-award-winning pan-African communications consulting and press release distribution service, congratulates its clients and partners, including Afreximbank, African Development Bank (AfDB), African Finance Corporation and Bank of Rome, on New Africa’s 2025 list of 100 Most Influential Africans. The Catholic Church, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the African Energy Chamber, the Merck Foundation, and the United Nations Global Compact are among the recipients, all recognized for their leadership and influence on Africa’s progress.
The New Africa List serves as a key benchmark of influence across the continent, highlighting individuals and organizations whose work contributes significantly to Africa’s economic growth, social development and global standing.
APO Group celebrates the achievements of its clients and partners in finance, energy, healthcare, public health, faith-based leadership and international cooperation, whose leadership, innovation and resilience continue to drive Africa’s development.
In the finance and development sector, Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of Afreximbank, and Professor Benedict Olama, whose 10-year term ends in October 2025, have been recognized for their leadership in strengthening intra-African trade and economic resilience. Dr. Sidi Ould Tarr, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), was honored for her role in financing development and promoting inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent. Samaira Zubair, President and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Finance Corporation, is known for her contributions to Africa’s infrastructure development and economic transformation.
In the business category, NJ Ayuk, executive chairman of the African Energy Chamber, was recognized for driving Africa’s energy agenda and championing practical African-led energy solutions. Dr. Rasha Kelei, Chief Executive Officer of the Merck Foundation, was honored for her innovative leadership in expanding health care access, education, and health capacity building across Africa.
Faith-based leadership has also been recognized, with Cardinal Fridlin Ambongo Besungu, head of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa, being recognized for his long-standing contributions to education, health care delivery, peacebuilding and community support across Africa through institutional leadership.
In the field of public health, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Executive Director and CEO of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), has been recognized for her decisive leadership in strengthening Africa’s health security architecture. Under his stewardship, Africa CDC has strengthened epidemic preparedness, coordinated the continent’s response to public health emergencies, and strengthened Africa’s ability to respond in an era increasingly shaped by complex and persistent health threats.
In the Public and International Cooperation category, Sanda Ojiambo, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of the United Nations Global Compact, was recognized for promoting sustainable development, responsible business practices and global partnerships in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), Founder and Chairman of the APO Group, who was also included in the New African 100 Most Influential Africans list in both 2024 and 2025, said:
“We are proud that our clients and partners are recognized for their impact across business, finance, healthcare, faith-based institutions, public health and international cooperation. APO Group is honored to serve as a communications partner for organizations and leaders driving meaningful change across the continent, ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions are recognized around the world.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.
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About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is a leading provider of award-winning pan-African communications consulting and press release distribution services. Known for our African-rooted expertise and broad global perspective, we specialize in enhancing the reputation and brand value of private and public organizations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media to develop bespoke strategies that have a tangible and measurable impact both on the continent and the world.
Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognized with a number of prestigious awards, including the PROvoke Media Global SABER Award and multiple PROvoke Media Africa SABER Awards. In 2023, we were named Africa’s leading public relations firm and pan-African communications consultancy in Africa at the World Business Outlook Awards, and in 2024 we were named South Africa’s public relations, media and consulting firm of the year at the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine recognized us as Africa’s leading communications consultancy for the second year in a row. We were also named Africa’s Best PR Agency and Africa’s Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we won the Gold Award for Best PR Campaign and the Bronze Award for Special Events at the Davos Communication Awards.
APO Group’s esteemed clients, including leading global companies such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, African Business Heroes and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflect our unparalleled ability to navigate Africa’s complex media landscape. With multicultural teams across Africa, we offer unparalleled, truly pan-African insight, expertise and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping the narrative about Africa, challenging stereotypes and bringing inspiring African stories to audiences around the world. With our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns around the world, we are uniquely positioned to amplify your brand’s message, enhance your reputation, and connect effectively with your target audience.
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