Publicis Groupe Africa marked a historic milestone as it joined Publicis Groupe in celebrating 100 years of creativity, resilience, innovation and reinvention, while recognising the outstanding talent and work shaping the future of marketing and communications across the continent at the 2026 Giraffe Awards.
The celebration formed part of the global centenary of Publicis Groupe, which began as a small creative agency in Paris in 1926 and has evolved into one of the world’s leading communications, marketing, technology and business transformation organisations.
Opening the event, attendees reflected on the Groupe’s global centenary through A Lion Never Gives Up, a powerful film capturing the resilience, ambition and pioneering spirit that have defined Publicis for a century and continue to inspire its next chapter.
Watch A Lion Never Gives Up on YouTube
For Publicis Groupe Africa, the milestone provided an opportunity not only to celebrate the organisation’s history, but also to recognise the growing contribution African talent, creativity and innovation are making to both the Groupe and the global industry.
“This centenary is about much more than longevity,” said Koo Govender, CEO of Publicis Groupe Africa.
“For 100 years, Publicis has continuously adapted to meet the future, embracing new technologies, entering new markets and evolving alongside the changing needs of clients and consumers. Here in Africa, that spirit resonates deeply. Resilience, innovation and adaptability are qualities that define our continent, and they continue to shape the role Africa plays within Publicis Groupe today, with the help of talent across the continent. As we celebrate our first century, we are equally excited about the opportunities ahead and the role great African talent will play in helping define the next hundred years.”
The celebration also highlighted Publicis Groupe Africa’s growing influence on the global stage, particularly through its continued recognition for creative excellence, business impact and innovation.
This year’s Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity served as another reminder of the increasing importance of African voices within global conversations around creativity, technology and growth.
According to Jonty Fisher, Chief Strategy & Integration Officer at Publicis Groupe Africa, the continent’s contribution extends far beyond awards and recognition.
“What makes Africa’s impact so significant is the unique combination of creativity, cultural understanding, entrepreneurial thinking and resilience that our people bring to solving modern business challenges. Across the continent, we’re proving that meaningful growth comes from integrating creativity, media, technology, data and commerce in ways that create measurable impact. Increasingly, those ideas and solutions are influencing conversations and businesses beyond our borders.”
As Publicis Groupe enters its second century, the organisation remains focused on building for the future, investing in talent, embracing emerging technologies and advancing the capabilities required to meet an increasingly complex and connected world.
Watch Publicis: 100 Years of Looking to the Future on YouTube
Central to that ambition is the Groupe’s belief that technology alone will not shape the future; people will.
“The future belongs to organisations that can combine human imagination with technology in meaningful ways,” said Pete Little, Chief Creative Officer of Publicis Groupe Africa.
“We’re seeing extraordinary examples of creativity across the continent that not only inspires people but drives tangible business results too. What excites me most is the quality of talent across our network and the way our teams continue to collaborate across disciplines, markets and capabilities. That combination of creativity, connectedness and innovation is what will define the next chapter of our industry.”
As Publicis Groupe looks ahead to its next century, the celebration served as a reminder that its future will continue to be shaped by the same qualities that defined its past: resilience, reinvention, creativity and an unwavering belief in people.
About Publicis Groupe Africa
Publicis Groupe Africa is the continent’s leading marketing, communications and business transformation network. With a presence across Africa, the Groupe brings together creativity, media, technology, data and commerce capabilities to help clients grow through connected solutions powered by talent, innovation and collaboration.
