Enhancing Influence in Francophone Africa
Challenge
The London-based GSMA, a leading telecommunications industry body, needed support in Francophone Africa. They aimed to build awareness, raise their leadership profiles, and drive policy objectives within the region. THOP was appointed as their agency of record on a retainer basis to achieve these goals.
Solution
THOP implemented a comprehensive communications strategy that focused on strategic content distribution, robust media relations, and effective event support. This approach significantly bolstered GSMA’s presence and influence across Francophone Africa and wider Sub-Saharan regions.
Tactics
- Production and distribution of influential thought leadership content and media materials, including key digitalisation reports and major event announcements that garnered significant coverage.
- Facilitation of high-level interviews and coordinated video recordings with key telecom players in Benin and Nigeria.
- Messaging support on critical issues including mobile affordability and AI in Africa.
- Social media & thought leadership management: We oversaw content planning for major report launches and events, ensuring consistent and impactful messaging across digital platforms.
- Policy support & capacity building on the approval of GSMA’s tax report for the UN General Assembly and planning capacity-building webinars across Africa.
Outcome
THOP’s comprehensive support enabled GSMA to significantly enhance its profile, drive policy objectives, and maintain strong momentum in critical markets across Sub-Saharan Africa. The strategic guidance and hands-on management ensured GSMA’s message effectively reached key audiences, leading to increased awareness, elevated leader profiles, and tangible progress in their policy agenda.
Advisory Role
THOP’s advisory services provided comprehensive strategic guidance to GSMA throughout the engagement… and this included:
- Strategic recommendations:
Offering tailored strategic recommendations for GSMA’s public relations and public affairs initiatives, ensuring alignment with their policy objectives and regional market nuances.
- Stakeholder and media targeting:
Advising on the precise selection of key stakeholders and influential media targets across Francophone Africa to maximise reach and impact.
- Policy communications strategy:
Guiding the development of communication strategies to advance GSMA’s specific policy goals, such as mobile affordability and AI in Africa.
- Leader profile enhancement:
Recommending and implementing strategies to elevate the public profile of GSMA leaders as authoritative voices within the regional telecommunications sector.
