AfricaIndia Advisory Desk

New Frontiers Bridging Continents

Africa and India are transitional economies with the potential to shape the global economy. Cross border Africa-India business opportunities represent enormous potential for both African companies doing business in, or with India, and Indian companies looking at investing in, or expanding to, the African continent. Enhanced economic, political, social and cultural cooperation between India and Africa has promise and potential that is self-evident. But, along with the lucrative business opportunity, overarching issues such as transparency, accountability and good governance, coupled with divergent legal, socio-cultural and political environments, take centre stage, as does the need to identify the correct stakeholders and to communicate effectively with them from the outset. Communicating with the right set Some five years on from the start of the financial of stakeholders using culturally crisis, it is time to chart a course based on deployment relevant messaging is today the of well-thought out plans. Africa suffers from a mediakey ingredient/differentiator for fuelled image of corruption, poverty and crime. Dig success in the new economy. It a little deeper and a different story emerges one of requires an inter-dependent and growth, infrastructure and democratization. Its a real integrated approach that ensures buy-in from all stakeholders from story of opportunity. shareholders, to government and Ajen Sita, Ernst & Young, CEO for Africa Africa Attractiveness Survey 2013 regulators, to media, but especially from customers and consumers. A communications partner providing market intelligence, experienced in-country partners with local connectivity, knowledge and cultural understanding, can bridge that gap. Global communications giant, Burson-Marsteller is that partner. Our Africa-India Advisory Desk is a dedicated desk of professionals whose objective is to develop, support and facilitate your AfricaIndia business and stakeholder engagement initiatives.

Africas emerging nations have become a driving force for world economic growth.
Christine Lagarde, MD, International Monetary Fund

At the helm
Public relations has the power to change minds, drive behavior, and achieve business results. But with that power comes real responsibility. Since day one, Burson-Marsteller has embodied five ideals about which I care deeply: honesty, transparency, confidentiality, integrity and excellence. These values are the secret of our success. They not only fuel our drive to deliver results, but also to be the honourable partner our clients deserve and expect.
Harold Burson, Founder

ROBYN DE VILLIERS Chairman and CEO: Arcay Burson-Marsteller Africa Robyn has been engaged in public relations and corporate communications in South Africa and across Africa for over 20 years. Almost two decades ago, knowing that Africa represented a vast, largely untapped market of great opportunity, Robyn began developing Arcay Communications Africa, a network of in-country communications consultancies, staffed by local people, which equips Arcay Burson-Marsteller to provide communications services that combine local insights and market-relevant implementation in over 50 Africanmarkets. Robyns experience over the years has included working as a trusted advisor to CEOs and senior executives in a range of areas including communications strategy development, issues and reputation management, crisis communications, media relations, marketing communications, employee communications, investor communications and public affairs/government relations. She has also been instrumental in providing communications skills development and training for clients ranging from local and multinational corporations to governments and NGOs. Robyn represents Africa on the Burson-Marsteller Europe, Middle East and Africa Leadership Team.
Africa: Robyn de Villiers Email: robyn.dv@arcaybm.com / Tel: +27 11 480 8557 / Mobile: +27 83 419 8557

What we can do for you

Through Arcay Burson-Marsteller Africas co-ordinating hub office in Johannesburg and Genesis Burson-Marstellers hub office in Gurgaon, the Burson-Marsteller Africa-India Advisory Desk can provide the in-country communications support you need to successfully navigate multiple new markets in Africa and India. Our savvy local representatives and our understanding of local cultural nuances and the stakeholder bases in these territories, position us to provide business-relevant counsel. We offer regional and market by market, appropriate communications counsel that enhances your market understanding, helps to build relationships, and will contribute to your business success.

Understanding the market

 Environment scanning  Market entry analysis & strategy  Industry and competitor research reports  Stakeholder mapping

Positioning and relationship building

 Stakeholder identification and mapping  Key message development  Government relations & advocacy  Corporate profiling, including: -  Media landscape sensitisation - Media relations - Digital communications -  Financial communications -  Marketing communications

Africas rise is real At the end of the day, all emerging markets offer growth. But today, really, the last bastion of big growth is the African continent. A billion people, of which 500 million are connected, and 500million are yet to be connected.
Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer, Bharti Enterprises in Derisking Africa

PREMA SAGAR Principal & Founder: Genesis Burson-Marsteller Prema Sagar is a recognized leader in Indias Public Relations industry, serving as Principal and Founder of Genesis Burson-Marsteller. Starting with just one client in 1992, Prema has led Genesis Burson-Marsteller to the forefront of the industry where today it is recognized as one of Indias most experienced and respected consultancies. Over the course of her distinguished career, Prema has demonstrated her role as a leader through her service to various industry organizations including The Public Relations Consultants Association of India where she was Founding President. In recognition of her contribution to the field of global public relations, in 2009 Prema was the only Indian invited to serve on the global jury for the firstever PR Lions Awards at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival. In October 2005, she was inducted into the ICCO Hall of Fame and was the first Asian to receive this rare honour.
India: Prema Sagar Email: prema.sagar@bm.com / Tel: +91 124 441 7601 / Mobile: +91 98117 96114

Why Burson-Marsteller should be your communications navigator

 We are backed by 60 years of international best practice and a network thatspans six continents  We bring to the table 20+ years of experience working across Africa and India  Our footprints across Africa and the Indian sub-continent are unequalled  Our people are local, well connected and understand their markets  We deliver passion, drive, commitment and integrity