Africa's best and most influential in 2014, plus something for 2015

Read all about it in AB's Dec edition

Brand Finance release Africa's best brands 2014

 

At the official launch at the Nairobi Stock Exchange, Brand Africa announced the 2014 Brand Africa 100® ranking of the most admired and most valuable brands in Sub-Saharan Africa. In a list dominated by electronics (17%), beverages (14%), auto manufacturers (14%), apparel (12%) and telecommunications (10%), pan-African telecommunications giant, MTN, topped the African list as the most valuable and most admired African brand.

Valued at over $5.4bn MTN is the only African brand valued over a billion dollars. Apple, at $105bn replaced Samsung as the most valuable non-African brand, while Coca Cola retained its position as the most admired non-African brand in Africa. Coca-Cola toppled MTN as the overall most admired brand in Africa.

 

For more information contact my good friend Ollie here.

 

Something new for 2015?

 

"Our client is one of the world's largest biochemical and agricultural companies. They are urgently looking for a French and English speaking lawyer to support the African business, reporting directly to the Head of Legal based in Switzerland. (You will be based in either of South Africa or Kenya)

 

The ideal candidate will have 4 - 6 years of PQ experience and a good understanding of commercial, IP and Anti-Trust matters with a willingness to travel across the region."

 

Interested? Get in touch with Ilana here. There is nothing in it for Afro-IP but please let Ilana know you heard about it here.

 

Africa's most influential

 

On your reading list?

This year's listing of most influential Africans makes for an interesting read. It was a year that saw over 200 schoolgirls abducted overnight by the Nigerian militant group Boko Haram - an event Obiageli Ezekwesili was not going to let slip away quietly. Listed by New African for her influence in Civil Society and Activism, Ezekwesili, one of the founders of Transparency International used her voice to speak up for those who could not, as she demand #BringbackOurGirls. Slowly but surely this message went viral and the world began to listen.

Another one who makes the list is Lupita Nyong'o, who set fashion blogs on fire and left film critics in awe, as she gracefully carried the beauty of Africa to the global stage. Celebrated by New African for winning an Oscar for her role in '12 Years a Slave', the academy award winning actress was also appointed ambassador for Lancôme cosmetics and named as Glamour's woman of the year.

Afro-IP is going to be involved in promoting a seminar in the new year (probably February) on the protection African legacies using IP. We will look at structuring, protection, nurturing and licensing models unique to African personalities. If you are interested in attending or speaking or knowing more, please let me know here.

Cochrane Steel appeals keyword decision

Finally, if you have been following Africa's first keyword decision, Cochrane Steel have now sought leave to appeal to the SCA. Further information on this case to follow.