Day: February 22, 2024

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, February 22, 2024/ — APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the premier award-winning Pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is delighted to announce the appointment of Laila Bastati as Chief Commercial Officer.

Laila has more than 15 years of experience in international business development, strategic partnerships and operations with a proven track record of building and managing cross-functional and geographically distributed teams.

This experience makes her perfectly suited to manage commercial operations and strategy for APO Group, which is the only truly Pan African communications consultancy. The company’s staff are spread across the continent providing deep knowledge and expertise of Africa’s diverse and complex media landscape to more than 300 clients.

APO Group’s unique model combines strategic Public Relations knowhow with the continent’s leading press release distribution service, providing clients with unparalleled Pan-African communications support. As Chief Commercial Officer, Laila will be responsible for driving revenue and attracting new clients as APO Group looks to move to the next level of growth.

Laila comes into her role at APO Group with impressive international credentials.

Having lived in 12 countries and worked in over 50, Laila has consulted Heads of State, government officials, Fortune 500 accounts, and High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) on effective communication campaigns to attract foreign investment and has negotiated complex agreements to secure multi-million dollar and multi-year income deals.

In her previous role, Laila was Managing Director of the Commercial Division at Energy Capital & Power, Africa’s leading investment platform in the energy sector. She led the company through a new era, increasing turnover by 50% YoY and growing the commercial team by 80%.

Earlier in her career, Laila worked as Chief Operating Officer, Global Commercial Director, and Project Director at The Business Year, a global media group specializing in economic news and business intelligence. In these positions she managed 100+ employees across 14 locations, revitalized and diversified revenue streams, quadrupled annual sales volume, and spearheaded the company’s transition into the digital era.

Laila holds a B.S. in Political Science, International Commerce & Relations from the University of Padua, and an M.A. in Fashion Promotion from Marangoni Fashion Institute, Milan. She is fluent in English, Spanish and Italian, and proficient in French.

“It is a privilege to join such a diverse and dynamic team that is leading the way in African communications,” said Laila Bastati, Chief Commercial Officer at APO Group. “This role presents a fabulous opportunity to work with some of the most prestigious organizations operating on the continent, who rely on our services and our expertise every day. I am thrilled to come on board to help navigate APO Group through an exciting new chapter of expansion and innovation.”

“APO Group experienced a year-over-year revenue growth of 40% in 2021 and 60% in 2022, and I am confident that Laila is the right person to lead us to the next level,” said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), Founder and Chairman of APO Group. “Her proven track record in managing teams across diverse commercial landscapes will help to drive collaboration, increase performance, and reach new heights. It is a pleasure to welcome Laila to the APO Group family.”

 

Media contact:
marie@apo-opa.com

About APO Group
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) stands as the premier 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 both 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 in Africa and beyond.

Our commitment to excellence and innovation in communication strategies has been recognised with prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award, five PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards and two World Business Outlook Awards in 2023 alone, in categories, among others, including Leading Public Relations Firm Africa 2023 and Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa 2023.

Our esteemed clientele, including global giants like Canon, Nestlé, TikTok or Coca-Cola, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape, with teams on the ground in numerous African countries, offering unmatched insights 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.

For more information, please visit our website: https://www.APO-opa.com

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, February 22, 2024/ — Yango (https://Yango.com), transforming global technologies into everyday services tailored to local needs, today announced the launch of Yango Play (https://Play.Yango.com), the first AI-powered entertainment service that combines video streaming, music, and mini-games in one place.

Yango Play offers a diverse range of entertainment options, featuring exclusive premieres of both Arabic and international movies and series, personalized music streaming, and interactive mini-games, all enhanced by Yasmina, an AI-based Arabic voice assistant. Now available in the KSA, UAE, and other GCC countries, the service provides subscribers with cross-platform access on smartphones, and TVs.

The new super app places significant emphasis on upholding authentic content, celebrating regional production studios and artists. The platform not only serves as a launchpad for local talent but also ensures the diversification of the current entertainment landscape by providing its subscribers with a selection of original content that resonates with their cultural identity.

Yasmina: The Arabic-Speaking AI Assistant

Yasmina, the bilingual AI assistant integrated into Yango Play, interacts with users in Arabic and English and redefines their entertainment experience. Fluent in Khaleeji and able to understand major Arabic dialects, including Egyptian and Lebanese, Yasmina suggests the songs for listening, chats with you, and answers all kinds of questions — anything from today’s weather to this year’s Ramadan dates. Yasmina guides you through the Yango Play app and makes your experience more enjoyable.

Personalized endless music stream

Central to Yango Play’s innovation is an AI-powered endless music stream that tailors personalized playlists for users, spotlighting regional gems based on their preferences. This ensures each user’s experience is unique and reflects their personal choices. As the product continues to evolve, its recommendation technology will also adapt, ensuring a highly personalized and relevant user experience that resonates with unique preferences and cultural nuances.

Commenting on the launch of the super app, Roman Shimansky, MENA Region Business Director at Yango Play, “At Yango Play, we’re devoted to crafting a joyful entertainment experience, offering a selection of diverse content that turns every moment into a delightful adventure. Our ever-evolving platform uses AI to provide more seamless and intuitive experiences by understanding your preferences—whether by curating uplifting music for your drive, engaging shows for family time, or quick games for a brief pause in your day. We are deeply committed to enhancing these experiences through our original content and strategic collaborations with regional creatives, ensuring that each choice on our platform is a step towards discovering vibrant new emotions.”

With titles like the biggest Arabic blockbuster of 2023 ‘Mr. Ex’ and the sequel of the beloved classic ‘Awlad Harim Kareem’ already in its lineup, Yango Play is set to reveal the full catalogue with the best acquired and produced films and series in the near future.

 

About Yango Play:
Yango Play (https://Play.Yango.com), an all-in-one entertainment super app, is a pioneering AI-powered entertainment service that combines video, music streaming, and mini-games into a single platform. Launched in the GCC, it offers a seamless and comprehensive entertainment experience. Subscribers enjoy a vast selection of video content, including beloved classics and exclusive new releases, spanning movies and TV series from the Middle East, Turkey, and Hollywood, all presented ad-free and in high quality. Additionally, the app features an innovative music stream that personalizes recommendations to match user preferences, blending international hits with regional favorites. Available on both Google PlayStore (https://apo-opa.co/3OPwAnq) and iOS App Store (https://apo-opa.co/49p8cBA), Yango Play stands out for its diverse content library and personalized entertainment experience. For more information about Yango Play and its offerings, visit https://Play.Yango.com

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, February 22, 2024/ — In the dynamic world of global trade, Webb Fontaine’s Port Community System (PCS) (https://www.WebbFontaine.com) emerges as a transformative force, heralding a new era in the automation of port logistics and trade facilitation. At its core, the PCS offers a compelling solution to the complex challenges that nations encounter in their efforts to streamline trade processes.

By addressing long-standing impediments like port congestions and delays in the release of goods, Webb Ports stands out through the promotion of efficient communication among stakeholders. It goes beyond merely streamlining operations; it ensures secured payments and expedites the release of goods, paving the way for a transformative shift in the dynamics of global trade.

A standout feature is Webb Ports’ adaptability to diverse countries and ports, coupled with a turnkey approach that ensures rapid implementation. Within a span of less than six months, a complete port solution becomes a reality for all types of freight and transport modes, making it an instrumental tool in simplifying the complexities of global supply chain projects.

Webb Ports takes centre stage in revolutionising traditional supply chain management by automating processes and enhancing information transmission. The system not only provides unparalleled visibility into port operations but also serves as a linchpin for simplifying the intricate web of supply chain projects, ensuring a fluid and efficient trade ecosystem.

This electronic collaborative hub seamlessly connects diverse stakeholders within ports and airports. Carriers, Customs authorities, terminal operators, freight forwarders, declarants, regulatory bodies, and banks all converge on this platform, facilitating a streamlined exchange of instructions, movements, documents, and authorisations associated with import and export consignments.

Through effortless integration with electronic payment platforms, such as Paylican™, Webb Ports empowers carriers, terminal operators, and relevant authorities to efficiently manage fees and taxes via a unified system. Invoices for mandatory payments are generated, offering a comprehensive solution that encompasses Customs Webb, Asycuda, and a CMS connectivity toolkit.

Webb Ports has already been implemented in multiple countries, including Benin, where Webb Fontaine has partnered with the Ministry of Finance and Benin Control to modernise and streamline the nation’s trade landscape. Benin serves as a crucial transit route for West Africa, connecting over 100 million people in the landlocked countries of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, and the northern regions of Nigeria.

The success story of Benin stands as a compelling testament to the tangible impact of Webb Ports. By implementing this innovative system, Benin secured the third position in Africa and the first in West Africa, according to the World Bank’s 2023 report on logistics performance. This success narrative highlights the pivotal role of PCS in trade facilitation, simplifying the implementation of complex supply chain projects and propelling nations to the forefront of efficient logistics management.

In essence, Webb Ports serves as a catalyst for a new era in ports logistics automation and trade facilitation. As governments navigate the complexities of their trade infrastructure, the PCS emerges as a compelling answer—a journey towards simplification, efficiency, and economic growth in the global trade landscape.