Dangote strengthens relationship with CNN International

Dangote Industries Limited has reestablished its relationship with CNN International by renewing on-air and digital sponsorship of the prestigious ‘Facetime’ segment within ‘CNN Marketplace Africa’.

‘CNN Marketplace Africa’ is a weekly show on CNN International, which offers a unique window into African business. The new edition of the show is hosted by British-Nigerian CNN anchor Zain Asher, who breaks down the economic trends affecting Africa, interviewing business leaders making and shaping the continent.

The ‘Facetime’ element within the programme is a high-profile segment in which a major player from the global business community is interviewed about Africa business matters. On-air content is complemented by distinctive online editorial at a ‘CNN Marketplace Africa’ microsite, where popular and innovative content is shared across a range of social channels.

Since taking over as full-time host in May 2015, Zain Asher has interviewed esteemed ‘Facetime’ guests including: Patrice Motsepe, founder and Executive Chairman, African Rainbow Minerals; Russell Stokes, CEO, GE Transportation; Kofi Anan, former UN Secretary General; Taleb Rifai, Secretary General, UNWTO and Maria Ramos, CEO, Barclays Africa.

In addition, Dangote Industries Limited is sponsoring a new segment, ‘Africa Now’, to air within ‘The Business View’.

Dangote Industries Limited’s sponsorship of ‘Africa Now’ is aimed at raising the profile of the business across the continent and outside of Africa among CNN’s unrivalled affluent audience. The campaign spans TV sponsorship, spot advertising and digital components.

‘Africa Now’, examining how business in Africa has an impact beyond the continent, will air as part of CNN’s dedicated month focusing on Africa, a series of special features and programmes about Africa throughout October.

From Monday 5 October, and airing each subsequent Monday throughout October, ‘Africa Now’ will cover topics such as: innovation, workforce trends, education and economics, with a particular emphasis on empowering Africa; growth and development on the continent.

Antonio Canto, Vice President, Advertising Sales, EMEA, CNN International said: “This is an ideal time for Dangote Industries to consolidate its presence on CNN through the renewal of Facetime on ‘CNN Marketplace Africa’ and the launch of   ‘Africa Now’. At a time when there is a thirst for content on Africa, the sponsorships reflect Dangote’s role in promoting pan African business and its corporate social responsibility activity through the Dangote Foundation.”

The President/Chief Executive, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote said: “The renewal of sponsorship of Facetime within ‘CNN Marketplace Africa’ and the decision to sponsor a new segment ‘Africa Now’ will enable these programmes to continue to showcase the many growth opportunities for anyone willing to do business in Africa. We in Dangote Group, with presence in 16 African countries, have experienced first-hand the benefits and untapped potential in Africa and we are optimistic that through these programmes others will come to experience same. We are convinced that the future of world economic growth is Africa and the partnership with CNN will expand that awareness.”