Africa’s economic reset requires moving from ambition to execution
The Africa Commerce Convergence Summit keynote address identified four elements that must converge if the continent is to achieve a meaningful economic reset.
EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS
Nestlé appoints a new CEO for its Central and West Africa region
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025
Samer Chedid moves from a leadership role at Nestlé Indonesia to oversee the company’s business across 25 countries in the region.
Food and beverage company Nestlé has announced the appointment of Samer Chedid as the new CEO of Nestlé Central and West Africa. He succeeds Mauricio Alarcon, who has moved to a new position within the group.
Samer Chedid. Photo: Nestlé
Chedid moves from his previous role as CEO of Nestlé Indonesia. He has also been CEO of Nestlé Pakistan and General Manager of Nestlé Saudi Arabia.
He is no stranger to the Central and West Africa region, having previously served as Country Director for Ghana.
In his new capacity, Chedid will oversee the company’s business across 25 countries in the Central and West Africa (CWAR) region.
“I am delighted to return to a region that has been part of my career within the group,” he says. “With our resilient team of more than 5,000 employees, I will continue to advance our mission through innovation, high-quality product offerings and meaningful partnerships.”
Chedid began his career with Nestlé in 1998 as a Sales Development Manager. His career trajectory includes roles as Head of Category Sales Development for the Middle East, Managing Director for Bahrain, Qatar, and Dubai, and a previous stint as Country Director for Ghana. He then returned to the Middle East as Sales Director before being appointed to the senior leadership positions in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
On his LinkedIn profile he describes himself as “an accomplished and peak performing global business executive with extensive experience in the areas of general management, sales, marketing, and trade marketing” and an “influential leader who leverages strategy building abilities and effective execution methods to successfully achieve sales and profitability targets”.
Chedid holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics & Management from the Lebanese American University.
Momentum Group appoints chief marketing and communications officer
Vongani Mageza brings more than 20 years’ experience across financial services and FMCG) companies such as FNB and Diageo.
AI and algorithm-led engagement among the challenges facing marketers
AI agents will influence shopping, algorithms will supersede social connections, and the clip economy will change how brands connect.
Absa bank launches pan-African campaign with athlete Eliud Kipchoge
The brand partnership includes a new TV commercial featuring Kipchoge, digital storytelling, wellness initiatives and community programmes.
How traditional trade is being reimagined, but remains ‘traditional’
Modern retail in Africa is still dwarfed by the traditional trade. Marketers who dismiss this relationship-heavy retail model do so at their peril.
How luxury brands become a source of meaningfulness for employees
Research finds brands don’t just sell products. They can also provide employees with stories through which they feel their work is meaningful
Redefining honesty in a crisis: Why truth alone is not enough
Honesty must be demonstrated through transparency, accountability and action – shaping both reputation and future trust following a crisis.
Lesotho bank’s culturally intelligent campaign beats bigger rivals
In the funeral plan category, where most advertisements look like an obituary, Standard Lesotho Bank opted to ‘sell the cow’, not the policy.
AMC magazine brings latest news and insights for Africa’s marketers
Strategic Marketing for Africa, the publication for deep-thinking African marketing professionals, is not to be missed.
Global study of marketers and agencies is coming to Kenya for first time
CEO of Scopen says the expansion into East Africa is a natural progression following the success of the research in South Africa.
Huge African and Caribbean trade potential can be unlocked, study finds
Report says around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped.