Uganda is set to be part of the first-ever report that will cater exclusively the Public Relations and communications industry within the African continent.
This follows a statement released by BHM Research & Intelligence, that announced that starting this year, its annual report on the public relations and communications sector in Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, will be expanded to cover the whole continent, adding 53 more countries with a combined economy of over $2 trillion and over 1 billion population.
The 2022 Africa Report will contain verified facts and statistics on the Public Relations industry, analysis that can guide governments and multinationals, resources and recommendations that assist practitioners in building better careers and business models, designed to enhance and deliver value to all stakeholders.
The Africa PR and Communications report is being compiled in partnership with the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA), the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR UK), CIPR International, Africa Communications Week (ACW), Wadds Incorporated, ID Africa, Plaqad Incorporated, and Magna Carta Reputation Management Consultants, to whom MTN Uganda’s PR agency is affiliated. Other partners are to be announced.
Commenting on development, Ayeni Adekunle the BHM Research & Intelligence Founder, said “Since we launched the Nigeria PR Report on January 29, 2016, we have witnessed the growth of the industry at home and abroad,”
Adding, “Five years after, we are pleased to confirm we are now expanding our research to cover a continent that holds plenty of promise for the global communications sector. We hope the Africa PR and Communications report will quickly become the authoritative voice in the industry, providing insights, data, and useful information for those working here, as well as everyone outside looking in.’’
With 54 countries and an expected GDP of $5.6 trillion in four years, the continent is home to six of the top ten fastest-growing economies in the world. Africa accounts for around 17% of the world’s population, but only about 3% of global GDP.
The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is further proof of the continent’s plans for the future, as it has the potential to create a continental free-trade zone with a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of USD 3.4 trillion, according to the African Union (AU).
Moliehi Molekoa, a member of the APCR board and the Managing Director of Magna Carta, a pan-African reputation management consultancy said that PR professionals, now more than ever, have an increased duty to advise clients based on sound data and experience.
Molekoa noted that APCR will be one of the key sources of that data. We are filling a void within the industry, and this report will better equip us as professionals as well as businesses about the African PR landscape.
“It will provide valuable insights on how to build, manage and protect reputations with the overall aim of elevating the role the industry plays in brand building,” he said.
According to the Economist, It is expected that Africa’s total population would reach nearly 2.5 billion by 2050.
The continent will also be home to the world’s largest under 25 workforce, which will open the door to immense opportunities for growth and development.
BHM Group, through this seminal industry-wide report, therefore, seeks to foster an in-depth understanding of the world’s business, tech, commercial and communications landscapes, among others.
It will tell Africa’s story by Africans, for Africa and for anyone else hoping to gain a deeper understanding and foothold on the continent and the immense opportunities it offers.