Rania El Rafie, Vice President of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at APO Group, has been appointed to the Jury Panel of the 2025/2026 editions of the 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports Awards. This honor places her among Africa’s top voices in shaping the recognition of women’s excellence in sport.
Organized by Africa Sports Ventures Group (ASVG) and Women Sports Africa Network (WSAN), the awards recognize athletes, executives, and leaders making powerful impacts. The Jury Panel includes leading figures like Albert Kyei Frimpong of WBSC Africa and Dr. Maha Zaoui of Rugby Africa.

A Platform Elevating Women Across African Sports
The 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports Awards were created to spotlight the contributions of women driving progress across Africa’s sports industry. These awards go beyond athletics, celebrating achievements in governance, media, business, and technology.
“This platform plays a vital role in amplifying the voices and achievements of women shaping the future of African sport, and I’m proud to contribute to that mission,” said El Rafie. Her appointment signals both recognition of her expertise and commitment to gender equity.
A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation in PR
El Rafie’s journey spans over 22 years in public relations across Africa and the Middle East. Since January 2024, she has served as APO Group’s youngest-ever executive VP, based in Cairo, Egypt.
Her leadership has been recognized with global awards such as a Bronze Stevie® Award for Most Innovative Woman of the Year 2025. She was also named among Africa’s Top 50 Outstanding Women in Communications.
Expertise in Sports Communication and Strategic Campaigns
El Rafie’s sports communications portfolio includes global entities such as the NFL, Basketball Africa League, FIFA, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Her work has amplified narratives that shape sports culture across the continent.
She has led pan-African campaigns for major brands including Canon, Nestlé, TikTok, and Afreximbank. Her strategic approach merges brand storytelling with sports empowerment initiatives.
New Digital Platform Launches to Support the Awards
Coinciding with the announcement is the launch of the official awards platform (https://apo-opa.co/3SxXj9A). The site will serve as a hub for nominations, updates, and engagement ahead of the July 31, 2025 awards ceremony in Nairobi, Kenya.
All submissions will be reviewed by an independent committee. The initiative is expected to boost visibility for women in sports leadership across the continent.
A Landmark Moment for African Sports Leadership
This joint initiative by ASVG and WSAN represents a turning point in the visibility of African women in sports. From athletes to executives, the awards celebrate leadership that is transforming the landscape.
Rania El Rafie’s jury role amplifies a message of progress, inclusion, and continued momentum toward equity in African sports. Her involvement brings strategic insight, passion, and advocacy to the forefront of this influential platform.