We typically do not write about ourselves in this blog, preferring instead to take on subjects of interest in the varied world of African business, marketing and branding. The passing of Africa Branding Corporation’s one-year anniversary, however, has presented a suitable milestone to reflect on what we have witnessed so far.

Building communication platforms like websites, email accounts, social media channels, corporate literature and even stationery take precedence over the creation of content. Content may be king but platforms are power.

Our mission from the beginning has been to make African brands stronger – the mindset being that stronger companies would make stronger economies. This vision was anchored by a commitment to creating excellent content that would connect our clients directly to their target audience. “Content is king,” so goes the modern marketing adage. And so we strived to do justice to those words with a multitude of offerings, from content, digital and social media marketing to public and media relations. In doing so we made one important discovery: African brands care a lot about communicating their message but they care even more about the means to deliver it. That is, building communication platforms like websites, email accounts, social media channels, corporate literature and even stationery take precedence over the creation of content. Content may be king but platforms are power. That has seen us eagerly take on the unexpected role of web developer, ad hoc IT and communications department, printing and shipping service and otherwise procurer of materials. Our clients made the call and we were happy to oblige.

And so thank you to our clients, partners and all the people and companies who supported us in our inaugural year. In supporting our mission to make African brands stronger, you have made us a stronger brand.