Publicis Groupe Africa has been named Regional Agency Group of the Year at the 2026 Loeries, the third year in a row the Groupe has taken the title. The win caps a strong showing in Cape Town last week, with awards for agencies across the network, including LePub Johannesburg, Machine, The Partnership Agency, Publicis West Africa, Leo Singapore, Saatchi & Saatchi Middle East, Publicis Middle East and Leo Middle East.
Leading the Groupe’s haul, LePub Johannesburg won the Live Events Grand Prix for Heineken Beverages’ Bar de Change. Heineken Beverages was also named Brand of the Year, recognising a client partnership that has consistently backed brave, award-winning work.
The Groupe’s talent pipeline was in the spotlight too. Sebastian Dupper of LePub Johannesburg was named Young Creative of the Year.
Koo Govender, CEO of Publicis Groupe Africa, says: “Three years in a row is exceptional. It is the result of talented people across our agencies working as one Groupe and of clients like Heineken Beverages who trust us with their boldest ideas. To see that partnership recognised with Brand of the Year, alongside a Grand Prix, makes this year especially meaningful.”
Pete Little, Chief Creative Officer of Publicis Groupe Africa, adds: “To see the range of great ideas being recognised across the Publicis Groupe was something really special and a testament to the bravery of our client partners and talented people, with a special shoutout to Sebastian for winning the Young Creative of the Year.”
Beyond the headline wins, the Groupe converted strongly across its network: LePub Johannesburg led the tally with a Grand Prix, a Gold, three Silvers and five Bronzes, alongside Sebastian Dupper’s Young Creative of the Year title.
Machine proudly picked up a Campaign Gold and a Campaign Craft Gold, plus a Campaign Silver, a Silver and Craft Certificates for their client Spotify.
The Partnership Agency won two Golds and two Silvers, while Leo Singapore took home a Gold and a Bronze. Publicis West Africa rounded off the Groupe’s performance with a Silver and a Bronze.
The Groupe’s Middle East agencies also played a key role in securing the Regional Agency Group of the Year title. Saatchi & Saatchi Middle East won three Golds, three Silvers, a Bronze and a Craft Certificate, led by its Let it Fly work for Saudia Airlines. Publicis Middle East picked up a Gold, two Silvers and four Bronzes, with Jeep Rescue Squad taking Gold in Media Innovation – Channel Creativity. Publicis Middle East added a Silver and two Bronzes, and Leo Middle East a Silver and a Bronze for McDonald’s Great Deliveries.
