Africa’s Missing Seat at the Global Public Relations Table

Ayeni Adekunle Samuel argues that Africa is often misunderstood or reduced to oversimplified stereotypes by global brands, agencies, and even tech platforms.  Despite Africa’s complexity, diversity, and economic importance, key decisions — including PR, marketing, and tech strategies — are still shaped in places like New York and London, often without African expertise or context. Ayeni shares his personal journey as a Nigerian entrepreneur building a pan-African and international PR firm, highlighting both the structural barriers (like bias, access to capital, lack of representation) and the opportunities (especially in areas like AI and local innovation).Listen For4:15 The Africa Strategy Mistake Global Brands Keep Making7:41 The Case for Local Advisors12:36 PR Prejudice: The Hidden Hurdles African Firms Face Abroad16:30 Africa Has Talent, But Not Opportunity17:10 Answer to Last Episode’s Question from Guest David GallagherGuest: Ayeni Adekunle SamuelWebsite | Email | InstagramStories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteAre you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSend us a note about this episode. We'll reply and thank you on a future episodeSupport the show