Brands/Products
The Four Drivers of Nigerian Digital Advertising in 2023
By Brian Abel
Nigeria has long been considered Africa’s largest economy in terms of GDP, this should come as no huge surprise, especially considering its population of over 200 million, making it the largest in the continent, and boasting an abundance of natural resources, as well as strong trade links with its neighbouring countries. However, as vast as the Nigerian economy may appear to be, it is still very much going through stages of growth.
Helping to drive this evolution is the rapid digitalisation of many economic sectors. Consider the financial sector, for example, while Nigeria has been a major centre of African banking for many years, recently, it has also become the leading fintech player in the continent. Moreover, of Africa’s handful of unicorns (start-ups valued at more than $1 billion), the majority are, in fact, headquartered in Nigeria.
Rapid digitalisation has also impacted the world of advertising, with the country’s current digital advertising sphere worth over $179.20 million. And, as we know, digital advertising isn’t static, it’s constantly evolving, driven by ever-shifting trends, a fact that remains as true now, in 2023, then it has ever been. With that in mind, it is beneficial to understand the major trends and recognise which are set to impact Nigerian digital advertising over the course of the year.
Twitter to build on its return
At the start of 2022, the Nigerian government reversed its seven-month ban on Twitter. At first, ordinary Nigerians and advertisers alike were a little cautious when it came to returning to the social network. After all, once a service has been banned, it’s hard to imagine that the same might not happen again.
Fortunately, Twitter and the Nigerian government were able to come to an agreement, developing a Code of Conduct in line with global best practices. Over the months that followed, Twitter continued to make gains and once again proved its worth. The platform is slowly but surely securing its stance as the best location for advertisers to reach mass audiences, enabling them to build brand recognition, whilst developing trust, establishing relationships, increasing sales, and improving the customer’s experience.
While the government is keeping a close eye on the social network, especially following Elon Musk’s acquisition, it is set to remain a valuable digital advertising platform in 2023.
Post-Covid adjustments
During the peak of Covid-19 between 2020 and 2021, came an unexpected shining light for digital marketing and technology companies alike. With strict lockdowns in place globally, people were mostly confined to homes, and it should come as no shock that the need to connect took on new forms as the masses flocked to their online devices to reach loved ones, purchase goods, and seek a sense of normality.
However, as we stepped back into the outside world again, both tech and digital marketing witnessed revenue hits. Nigeria was not spared this cooling-off period, which was exacerbated by internet access issues for people during the year. That said, as connectivity becomes more reliable, ubiquitous, and affordable, digital marketing should continue its rise, with some analysts predicting that the sector will be worth close to $259 million by 2027. Not to mention, once the Pan-African telecommunications service provider, Seacom, launches their West African hub in 2023, that number could be reached even faster.
Marketers leverage entertainment and media
As far back as 2017, PwC predicted that Nigeria would be the world’s fastest-growing entertainment and media market. While Turkey currently holds the top spot, E&M growth in Nigeria remains strong. In fact, analysts predict that spending in the sector will increase by an average of just below 9% in the next five years.
One of the most visible areas of growth can be seen in music streaming. Since its Nigerian launch in February 2021, Spotify has achieved impressive growth in the country. Within a year after launching in Nigeria, music fans in the country had curated some 1.3 million user-generated playlists. Additionally, during the same period, nearly 21,000 songs were added to the platform. In fact, Nigeria was the country with the second most streams after Pakistan, among new markets, with Kenya following behind third in the ranking.
Digital marketers and media platforms have embraced the potential that comes with this advertising growth. Spotify, for example, has a 3D audio feature which allows brands to provide high-quality advertising through an immersive, dynamic, and sensory audio experience. Advertisers around the world have also realised this power, and spend is expected to increase in Nigeria and on a global scale.
Demand for digital marketing skills grows
One of the effects of the accelerated growth in Nigeria’s digital advertising sector has been a growing gap between the available skills and those required to operate effectively. While it’s a figure that applies to more than just digital advertising, research from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) reveals that approximately 230 million jobs across Africa will require digital skills by 2030.
Fortunately, a number of players have stepped forward to try and turn the situation around. Our own Digital Ad Expert Programme, for instance, aims to educate, certify, and connect thousands of Africans with the digital skills they need, enabling them to succeed in this increasingly digitised economy. Whilst these skills will, of course, open the door to an array of career opportunities in digital advertising, they will also accelerate the broader digital economy and provide much-needed jobs on a global scale.
Embracing shifts
Ultimately, whilst at present, we foresee these trends to be the 2023 drivers for the world of digital advertising and marketing, it is important not to dismiss the possible emergence of others throughout the coming year. Thus, the ability to understand and navigate these shifts will be your key. This can, however, be not notoriously difficult, and therefore using a media buying partner with significant experience in Nigeria and across the biggest digital platforms to guide you through the maze can go a long way.
Brian Abel is the Regional Sales Manager for West Africa at Ad Dynamo by Aleph
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A new Public Relations (PR) agency, FreshSight Communications, has promised to offer tailored services to its clients, as it joins the highly competitive industry.
According to the co-founder of the company, Mr Justice Mmadubugwu, FreshSight Communications will provide top-notch PR services tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses, organisations, and individuals seeking to amplify their brand presence and reputation.
He also expressed confidence in working with media partners to share compelling stories, promote innovative ideas, and spark important discussions that affect society.
“We are excited to introduce FreshSight Communications to the Nigerian market.
“Our goal is to become the leading PR agency for businesses seeking to establish strong relationships with their target audiences and stakeholders,” Mr Mmadubugwu stated.
FreshSight Communications said its services include media relations and crisis communications; brand management and reputation enhancement; digital PR and social media management; event management and planning; content creation and copywriting; and artist/influencers management.
By Philip Odiakose
Welcome to my first LinkedIn Newsletter in 2025, where I share insights as a public relations measurement professional with more than a decade of experience shaping conversations in Nigeria and globally.
As we step into 2025, the world of PR monitoring and measurement is undergoing a significant transformation. This year, we anticipate trends that will reshape how brands, PR agencies, and independent measurement consultancies collaborate, ensuring transparency, unbiased analyses, and actionable insights.
In this newsletter, I will provide a dual perspective: the Nigerian PR monitoring landscape and the global outlook for 2025.
Local PR Monitoring and Measurement Outlook: Nigeria in 2025
- Increased Demand for Transparency: Nigerian brands are recognizing the importance of transparency in PR outcomes. There will be heightened demand for agencies to provide detailed, unbiased performance audits.
- Adoption of Independent Measurement Consultancies: The era of self-evaluation by PR agencies is waning. In 2025, more Nigerian brands will partner with independent consultancies like P+ Measurement Services to ensure objective insights that foster accountability.
- Integration of Technology with Local Expertise: As AI tools and platforms gain traction, Nigerian PR professionals must strike a balance between technology-driven insights and localized expertise to cater to the unique dynamics of our market.
- Shift from ROI to ROO (Return on Objectives): In 2025, Nigerian PR practitioners will move beyond traditional ROI (Return on Investment) metrics that focus solely on financial outcomes. Instead, there will be a focus on ROO (Return on Objectives), emphasizing how PR efforts meet broader organizational goals such as brand awareness, reputation enhancement, stakeholder engagement, and social impact. This shift aligns with the evolving Nigerian economic landscape, where businesses prioritize long-term value creation and sustainability over short-term financial gains.
- Education as a Driver for Adoption: The need for education on measurement standards will grow. Initiatives like AMEC’s Measurement Month and local workshops like EvaluatePR event by P+ Measurement Services, Spin Sucks led by Gini Dietrich, and Measurement Base Camp by Paine Publishing led by Katie Delahaye Paine will play a pivotal role in driving adoption and bridging the knowledge gap among PR professionals.
Global PR Monitoring and Measurement Outlook: 2025
- Increased Collaboration Between PR Agencies and Measurement Experts: Globally, we will see stronger partnerships between PR professionals and measurement consultants to deliver credible, data-backed reports that influence boardroom decisions.
- Standardization Through Education: AMEC Measurement and Evaluation (International Association for the Measurement and Evaluation of Communication) and its members will continue leading the charge in educating PR professionals on best practices, ensuring global alignment on measurement standards like the Barcelona Principles, Measurement Maturity Mapper and Measurement Framework.
- Rising Demand for Unbiased Audits: Brands across the globe will increasingly seek independent PR measurement audits, avoiding conflicts of interest and ensuring that insights are impartial and actionable.
- Adoption of Technology and Real-Time Analytics: The rise of real-time monitoring and advanced analytics tools will enable PR professionals to adjust strategies dynamically, making campaigns more impactful.
- Focus on ESG and Social Impact Metrics: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics will take center stage in global PR measurement. Organizations will prioritize measuring how their communications align with sustainability and societal goals.
The Way Forward
2025 marks a year of audacious transformation in PR monitoring and measurement, both in Nigeria and globally. At P+ Measurement Services, we are committed to driving this change by partnering with brands, agencies, and global stakeholders to deliver transparent, unbiased, and impactful insights.
The success of PR measurement lies in the collaboration between PR professionals and measurement experts, coupled with continuous education and adherence to global standards. As a founding member of AMEC Member Lab Initiative, I am optimistic about the role we will play in shaping the future of this industry.
Let us redefine PR measurement together, one campaign at a time.
Philip Odiakose is a leader and advocate of PR monitoring, measurement, and evaluation in Nigeria. He is also the Chief Media Analyst at P+ Measurement Services, a member of AMEC Lab Initiative, NIPR and AMCRON
By Dipo Olowookere
The world’s largest mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Lyca Group, has taken a bold move to reorganise its certain business units and operations.
A statement from the firm explained that the action is to position it for sustainable growth in a competitive and challenging global market through digital capabilities.
This will result in faster delivery of innovative products and services, reduce overlaps, automate processes, and achieve substantial cost savings, which will be reinvested in market expansion and customer-focused initiatives.
It was stated that the proposed transformation forms part of Lyca’s long-term strategy to expand its global business services and support operations into its established service centres as well as new service hubs to be located in territories that have strategic importance while transforming country-specific operations into leaner, sales-focused organisations.
The company continues to focus on the growth of its mobile virtual network operations base and investing in new Mobile Network Operator (MNO) opportunities and markets in Africa, where it currently operates the Lyca MNO in Uganda—and elsewhere.
The organisation plans to announce expansion to new countries as soon as Q1 2025, including the launch of new digital brands in Spain and the USA.
Lyca expressed confidence that this transformation would deliver significant operational efficiencies, boost speed to market, improve customer experience, and ensure it continues to provide exceptional value to its customers worldwide.
“Lyca’s strategic reorganisation is a bold step forward, ensuring we remain a leader in delivering affordable, high-quality telecom solutions to our customers globally.
“This paradigm change not only enhances our efficiency but also strengthens our ability to adapt to a rapidly changing industry, ultimately benefiting our customers, partners, and employees globally,” the Deputy Chairman of Lyca Group, Premananthan Sivasamy, stated.
Lyca says it remains committed to supporting its employees during this transformation, noting that a smaller and more specialised team will remain in London to manage certain limited advisory, compliance, and financial functions that require a UK presence.
It disclosed that other roles will be handled either from our existing service centres or at hubs to be established in order to leverage cost efficiencies and expertise, enabling the business to reinvest resources in innovation and strengthen our business.
Already, it is engaging in a thorough consultation process with employees and will work closely with partners to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption to the high standards of service and collaboration they have come to expect from Lyca.
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