Newmark Group and Athenora Consulting Form Global Partnership for Enhanced Lobbying Services

Nairobi/Brussels - April 15, 2024 - Newmark Group, a leading pan-African integrated marketing communications firm based in Nairobi, Kenya, and  Athenora Consulting,  a European public affairs consultancy headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, proudly announce their strategic partnership to elevate public affairs and lobbying services on a global scale. This groundbreaking collaboration represents a significant leap forward for both firms as they expand their global footprint and offer comprehensive government affairs consulting services. 

The partnership will involve reciprocal referrals between Newmark Group and Athenora Consulting, enabling each firm to expand its reach and offer comprehensive services to clients seeking public affairs and support in the African and European markets. The two firms will leverage their expertise and networks to attract clients globally and capitalise on existing relationships within the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) framework.

According to the latest report from Global Business Alliance,  global lobbying expenditures surged to an astonishing  $1.55 million in 2023,  underscoring the increasing demand for strategic public affairs services. In response, the partnership between Newmark Group and Athenora Consulting aims to address these challenges head-on by offering tailored consulting services to clients and governments seeking to navigate regulatory frameworks and engage with EU institutions effectively.

Gilbert Manirakiza, CEO of the Newmark Group, hailed the partnership as a transformative milestone, stating, “We are thrilled to join forces with Athenora Consulting to strengthen our public affairs and lobbying capabilities. In today’s rapidly evolving communications landscape, many African and European organisations face challenges navigating government relations and influencing policy outcomes. By harnessing Athenora’s expertise and extensive European networks, we are poised to empower our clients and elevate our service offerings to higher levels.”

The collaboration will see the two firms host stakeholder events, webinars and institutional engagements to facilitate knowledge sharing and explore lobbying opportunities in Africa seeking EU support. Additionally, comprehensive training programs will enhance clients' understanding of EU institutions and advocacy techniques. 

“Our partnership with Newmark group will unlock unprecedented opportunities for clients in Africa and Europe to refine their strategies and navigate regulatory complexities,” said Natacha Clarac, Director General of Athenora Consulting. “Through joint activities such as stakeholder events and engagement at 

institutional levels like the Pan-African Parliament and AU, we will leverage Newmark’s extensive African network to drive meaningful impact and foster dialogue on a global scale.”

Through this strategic alliance, clients will be equipped to navigate regulatory complexities and advocate for meaningful policy changes on a global stage, reinforcing their position as leaders in their respective industries.

About Newmark Group
The Newmark Group Limited is a specialised communication, advisory, and technology management firm that enables brands to mobilize their internal and external stakeholders to achieve their goals. With a footprint in over 30 African countries and global scalability through PRGN, The Newmark Group brings a multicultural and authentically localized approach to messaging, outreach, and engagement. https://newmark-imc.com/about 

About Athenora Consulting
Athenora Consulting is a leading independent European public affairs firm based in Brussels, offering unparalleled expertise in EU affairs to the Public Relations Global Network. https://www.athenora.com/en 

About the Public Relations Global Network
Founded in 1992 by visionary public relations leaders, PRGN is one of the world's largest international networks of independent public relations and communications agencies, with approximately 900 professionals in more than 70 locations. PRGN partners are independent, local, owner-operated public
relations and marketing communications firms that share expertise and resources while providing broad-based comprehensive communications strategies to clients worldwide. Companies or organisations interested in PRGN's local agency network services can visit its Agency Directory section for more information. Independent agencies interested in joining the network can visit the member recruitment section of the PRGN website for more information.


For more information, please contact; 

Anne Kuria,
anne@newmark-imc.com 
+254 725389179