The Royal African Society (RAS) of the United Kingdom (www.RoyalAfricanSociety.org), a leading organisation promoting Africa’s global influence and APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, renowned for its expertise across the continent, are pleased to announce a strategic partnership. This collaboration will enhance RAS’s mission to celebrate African culture and achievements through prominent events, including its key annual events, the Film Africa Festival (www.filmafrica.org), and the prestigious Royal African Society Benefit Gala (https://apo-opa.co/4d4rz3z). APO Group will support RAS’s events and initiatives as the official public relations partner through press release distribution, media monitoring, and strategic communications.

Commenting on the partnership, APO Group’s Founder and Chairman, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com) said, “This collaboration represents a powerful opportunity to elevate Africa’s cultural and professional presence on a global scale. The creative industry is one of Africa's most vibrant and rapidly growing sectors, and by partnering with the Royal African Society, we can amplify the voices of talented African creatives shaping the continent’s future. Africa's vast landscape of stories, whether through film, music, fashion, or art, deserves to be shared with the world, and we believe that our strategic expertise will help the Royal African Society to forge a deeper connection between African culture and the global community.”

“This partnership will help us expand our reach and continue celebrating Africa’s rich culture on the world stage,” said Janet Rogan, CEO of the Royal African Society. “With APO Group’s support, we look forward to engaging a wider audience and showcasing Africa's incredible talent, creativity, and opportunities.”

Celebrating Africa’s Creativity

The Royal African Society has long worked to promote understanding, appreciation, and dialogue about Africa's role in global politics, society, and culture. The Society will expand its reach with this new partnership, ensuring African stories and achievements gain broader international recognition and impact. APO Group’s communications expertise will play a crucial role in this, helping to boost the visibility and impact of RAS’s cultural and professional events, thereby strengthening the connection between Africa and global audiences, particularly in the United Kingdom.

This partnership comes at a critical time, as Africa’s creative industry is undergoing rapid expansion, with African art, music, fashion, and film gaining increasing international attention. Events like the Royal African Society's Film Africa Festival, scheduled for 25th October – 03rd November 2024, which showcases contemporary and classic African cinema in London, highlight the continent’s artistic talent.

This prestigious festival brings together an impressive array of films that highlight both traditional storytelling and cutting-edge narratives from across the continent. By giving a stage to African filmmakers, Film Africa is instrumental in bringing authentic stories to international audiences, promoting cross-cultural dialogue and enhancing the global perception of Africa's creative industries.

The 2024 Royal African Society Benefit Gala, scheduled for 22nd November 2024 at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), will be a celebration of this creativity, paying tribute to prominent global artists, creatives, and cultural influencers.

The event will feature a keynote address on the “Power of Narrative”, along with an exclusive Gala dinner, a Sotheby's-run auction supported by Artsy, and vibrant cultural performances. Preceding the dinner, a networking session will offer attendees the chance to connect with industry leaders, innovators, and professionals, forging new partnerships and professional growth. The Gala will also include an awards ceremony, honouring outstanding achievements across categories, such as Business Excellence, Philanthropy, Activism, and Creative Innovation.