AFRICAN Press Association (APA), the first digital news service for the African continent, has been launched.
APA Executive Chairman, John Crowngold, said the agency would increase businesses’ chance of getting much-needed exposure.
“Following months of behind-the-scenes activity, the much awaited APA has finally taken off. We did our widest research for Africa and we stronglybelieve we have found answers for the continent, its people, business, governments, towns, cities and sports,” said Crowngold.
He said APA was a Pan Africa’s leading source of information for business, innovative technology, Pan African news content, public relations, PressOffice, advertising and professionals.
The Pan African news agency will cover 25 African countries for a start before expanding to cover the entire continent.
Speaking at the same ceremony on Friday in Fourways, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Michael Harold Mawere, said the successful takeoff of APA would boost African businesses.
“For years, Africa has been starved of quality news agencies providing digital services to various on online publications, PR companies, technology, banks, SMEs, governments, advertising agencies, and municipalities,” he said.
He thus called upon these stakeholders to make the most of the presence of APA and its wide reach.
“If there was ever time for Africa to explore business opportunities throughout the continent, I believe now is the time. APA is there to make ambitious companies find their feet deep into the African continent,” Mawere said.
He said APA boasted media industry expertise coupled with innovative technology aimed at providing important information to African investors, business, politicians, governments, economic decision makers in specialized fields such as air, mining, energy, finance, insurance, mobile & telecoms, technology, agriculture, tourism, health and sports.
Mawere said APA sought to deliver breaking news in text format into major newsrooms across the entire continent as well as internationally.
“APA delivers Pan African news 18 hours, five days a week while spearheaded by a dedicated staff in APA’s continental headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa.”
APA runs a Press Office to ensure that companies, governments, NGOs, political parties and service providers widen their reach.
Mawere said APA would engage other Pan African news agencies to boost their widest coverage for Africa.