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Allison+Partners acquires African-tech PR agency, CMM

C. Moore Media International Public Relations (CMM), an African-focused tech PR agency has been acquired by Allison+Partners in an undisclosed deal.

Allison+Partners acquires African-tech PR agency, CMM
CMM founder, Claudine Moore

Allison+Partners has acquired Claudine Moore Media (CMM) International Public Relations.

Allison+Partners is an integrated global marketing and communications agency operating in more than 50 markets around the world. CMM is a boutique independent PR agency specializing in the African, European and American markets.

The acquisition will augment Allison+Partners' deep technology expertise, working for some of the world's leading tech companies, such as Qualcomm and Samsung, with pan-African media relations, reputation management, crisis communications, content marketing and CSR for Africa-focused tech startups.

"This is a very exciting moment for us to join Allison+Partners, one of the industry's fastest-growing and innovative global agencies," CMM founder, Claudine Moore said. "By joining the agency, we will be able to provide current and future Africa-focused clients with the same senior-level counsel and hands-on team expertise, while leveraging Allison+Partners' global footprint, network and extensive resources to support the growing African market."

Moore is now a managing director at Allison+Partners. In her new role, she will leverage the agency’s global reach and technology expertise to offer resources and support for international and African tech companies looking to expand in Africa.

Moore brings a wealth of experience in the African tech space with CMM, having worked with some of the continent's most well-known and well-funded startups ranging from Series A to Series E, including WorldRemit, Copia Global, Lori Systems, Konga, AFEX, WorldCover and more.

She has also worked with a diverse roster of Africa-focused organizations, including The Africa Channel, Arik Air, The Africa Progress Panel, Heirs Holdings and The Tony Elumelu Foundation. In addition, Moore has led Pan-African and global communications for some of the continent's most influential business leaders, including former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Tony O. Elumelu, chairman of the United Bank for Africa and founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation.

Allison+Partners Global President and Chief Client Experience Officer Matthew Della Croce said adding Moore and her team enhances Allison+Partners' best-in-class technology and corporate capabilities with her deep experience in U.S., UK, and African markets helping tech brands grow to scale.

According to Croce, "Our focus at Allison+Partners is to provide a unique global viewpoint to clients to support their business objectives. The addition of Claudine and her team moves us further in this regard and gives us significantly deeper capabilities and reach into Africa, a complex, pivotal and increasingly influential marketplace that requires a network, true expertise and bespoke offerings in line with how Allison+Partners works throughout the world."

An adjunct professor at New York University, Moore's global work has led to top international business awards. She was named the Best Leader in Public Relations and Communications at the 2021 Davos Communications Awards. In 2020, she was listed in the PRovoke Media top 25 PR and communications innovators in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Previous awards include placement on The Network Journal's 40 under Forty' list of U.S. High Achievers and The UK Power List: Britain's Top 100 Most Influential Black People. In 2020, Moore launched The Future is Female Mentorship Program, the first and only PR and communications initiative dedicated exclusively to African female tech founders.

The current third edition of the program has seen a 91% increase in applications from last year, with female founders applying from 36 countries across Africa. Moore will continue to run the program with the full support of Allison+Partners, which is deeply dedicated to mentorship and committed to supporting the initiative as it continues to scale.

More than 60% of Allison+Partners’ global portfolio identifies as a technology brand, and the Technology Group continues to see strong demand for services, including 65% growth year-over-year in 2021 for the U.S. practice. Allison+Partners boasts more than 100 consumers and B2B technology experts globally.

Related Article: Wimbart's Jessica Hope on tech media and PR in Africa

Other female-led African-focused tech PR agencies

C. Moore Media International Public Relations (CMM) is one of several other female-led African-focused tech PR agencies. Wimbart—a pan-African tech PR firm that has worked with several African startups and VC firms was founded by Jessica Hope.

In February 2022, Abiola Bonuola, a Nigerian PR Consultant launched Abiola Bonuola Communications (ABCs), another tech PR agency on the continent. Later in April 2022, Victoria Crandall, a publicist with 15 years of experience in journalism, market research, and public relations officially launched her tech PR agency, No Filter PR in Lagos (the agency was launched in 2021).

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