Release: MTN and Aleph Group partner to break new ground for local advertising opportunities

Johannesburg, South Africa - 15 October 2024 - MTN’s Digital Services, the advertising arm of Africa's largest mobile operator, has appointed Aleph Group, as their sales partner for their go-to-market MTN Ads solution. 

This strategic partnership will enable advertisers to leverage MTN’s vast first party data to enable precise audience targeting, while tapping into core telco channels like SMS and platforms like Ayoba, an all-in-one super app developed by the MTN Group.

“It's a unique proposition in the market; one that incorporates our device-agnostic, data-free and rewards solutions. This combination enables businesses to drive immediate engagement regardless of content or user journey, with measurable attribution,” said Jason Probert, General Manager: Digital Services at MTN South Africa. 

With access to MTN’s extensive user base of over 38 million subscribers in South Africa, these advertising solutions provide an excellent opportunity to reach a vast audience across all demographics and device types. 

"We are thrilled to pioneer the MTN Ads solution and continue to contribute to the growth of South Africa's digital advertising ecosystem," said Stephen A. Newton, Managing Director of Sub-Saharan Africa at Aleph Group.

"MTN's vast network and rich data insights, combined with Aleph's expertise in digital advertising, will empower businesses to connect with their target audiences in a more meaningful and effective way, helping to accelerate the transfer from offline to online GDP."

As an official sales partner, Aleph Group will provide a team of experts to collaborate with brands and advertising agencies to develop and execute advertising solutions across MTN's various platforms, including SMS, Rich Business Messaging (RBM), mobile display, and in-app advertising.

"In today's challenging economic climate, businesses are seeking a greater return on advertising spend (ROAS). We believe this partnership will enable businesses to unlock the full potential of digital advertising in South Africa,” added Newton. 

South Africa’s ad spend is projected to reach R40.95 billion by the end of the year, with digital advertising driving much of this growth because of increased urbanisation and mobile network expansion. Furthermore, internet advertising is anticipated to reach R32.77 billion by 2027. 

38% of South African respondents to a recent Aleph survey claimed that they learn about new products via ads that play before online videos they’re watching, highlighting the importance of digital and internet advertising. By 2029, nearly half of total spending will come from digital channels, with mobile advertising accounting for 74% of digital ad spending by 2028. 

This partnership allows MTN and Aleph to capitalise on this shift, empowering brands to reach audiences through impactful, data-driven campaigns. Leveraging telco unique solutions, including zero rating for users and device agnostic solutions, advertisers can now reach all audiences across the digital funnel journey. 

We came to help Nigerian women make right Fashion choice – Awosola

The Chief Executive Officer of Fashion Saviour and Shoeculture Nigeria, Olanike Awosola has hinted at plans to open a fashion school in the nearest future as part of giving back to the society.

The fashion entrepreneur disclosed this to journalists in Lagos, recently, adding that the move also aim to empower aspiring fashion designers and vendors.

Awodola who has been around the Nigerian fashion industry for more than four years identified great prospects in the industry, however expressed challenge with sourcing quality fabric with local manufacturers.

She reiterated the importance of quality and class to remain relevant and drive growth in the local sector.

Full story at Vanguard.

We need to talk about Burna Boy's distinct style and eccentric fashion

How has Burna Boy's style evolved over the years?

A little bit of history

When we first met Burna Boy in 2009, we met him on the set of his music video, ‘Like to Party’. He didn’t have dreads on and wore a multicoloured shirt. In another shot, he wore a simple grey long-sleeve t-shirt.

On the set of another music video, ‘Yawa Dey’, Burna wore a shirt with colourful prints, shorts and a bucket hat; he still had the style of an upcoming artist.

Burna shot to stardom with his album, ‘Outside' released in 2019; and that was the birth of Burna Boy in long dreadlocks and a very distinct style.

By Temi Iwalaiye.

Full story at Pulse NG.

Jonathan Akeroyd to leave Versace for British fashion house Burberry

Photo credit: Fibre2Fashion

Jonathan Akeroyd will be joining British luxury fashion group Burberry as chief executive officer (CEO) and executive director, effective April 1, 2022. A British national, Jonathan, 54, is currently chief executive officer of Milan-based Gianni Versace SpA, a position he has held since June 2016. He has also served as CEO of fashion brand Alexander McQueen.

Jonathan will report to chair Gerry Murphy and the board of directors, the brand said in a media release.

In his tenure at Versace, Jonathan has reorganised and accelerated growth at the iconic Italian fashion house, building on the brand’s rich creative heritage to elevate product, communications and the customer experience, while at Alexander McQueen he led a turnaround of the brand and laid the foundation for global expansion. He has also held a number of senior fashion roles at London-based luxury department store Harrods.

Full story at Fibre 2 Fashion.

MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS AND 007 FILM FRANCHISE UNITE FOR A CLASSIC CAPSULE COLLECTION

MICHAEL Michael Kors and 007 Film Franchise
Unite for A Classic Capsule Collection

The collaboration merges the worlds of both the brand and the movie series into one.

MICHAEL Michael Kors invites its audience into a world of suspense and intrigue with its latest collaboration. Partnering with the iconic 007 film franchise, the luxury brand unveils a capsule collection of limited-edition pieces suitable for life on the go. The collection is accompanied by a campaign, shot at the Ocean Club—the same destination seen in the 007 film Casino Royale—that centers around glamour and adventure, perfectly embodying the identities of both MMK and 007. 

The exclusive collaboration features a range of pieces, from handbags and luggage to swimwear and footwear that round out the 11-piece capsule. Supermodels Cindy Bruna and Bella Hadid, starring as secret agents, complete their assignments in timeless garments and accessories fashioned in an all-new black-and-gold Signature logo print for the thrilling campaign. 

Full story at Hypebae.

Megan Fox to launch first fashion line with Boohoo

Photo credit: Tittlepress

Actress Megan Fox has announced she is collaborating with Boohoo for her first fashion collection. Described by Boohoo as its "biggest collaboration yet", the A21 collection will feature over 40 items.

The collection will launch on 19 October 2021 and includes pieces such as a zebra print trench coat, retro padded-shoulder blazer dress and thigh high boots.

Commenting on the collection, Megan Fox, said: "I am so excited to announce my first fashion collaboration with Boohoo. I feel like I’ve really come into my own over the past few years, especially when it comes to my personal style and this collection reflects exactly that. I’ve always wanted to have my own collection and Boohoo really gave Maeve and I the freedom to express ourselves.”

By Sophie Smith.

Full story at The Industry Fashion.