Publicis West Africa Shares Cannes Lions Insights with 'Cannes in a Can'

Publicis West Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering creative excellence across the region with the hosting of ‘Cannes in a Can,’ an exclusive learning session for its staff and affiliates.

The event, organized through the agency’s learning and development platform, PWA Academy, brought the insights of the prestigious Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2025 directly to teams in western and central Africa.

“Through the Lens of the Cannes Jurors: Cannes in a Can” offered a unique opportunity for participants to learn from six African jurors who served on judging panels at Cannes. They shared experiences and dissected winning case studies, revealing the key ingredients for success on the global stage.

Ben Anyan, Group Creative Director at Publicis West Africa, emphasized the need for originality. “Distinctiveness and freshness in ideas are paramount,” he stated.

Luc Aboussou, also Group Creative Director, highlighted the importance of precision, saying, “Discipline and intentionality in how work is portrayed are crucial.” Muyiwa Aleshinloye, Head of Media at Publicis West Africa, added that impactful work must be bold, insightful, and deliver measurable results. “Did this piece of work move the business forward?” he posed as a critical question.

A dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Emeka Obia, Head of Strategy at Publicis West Africa, connected global trends to the African creative landscape. Panellists included Pete Little, Chief Creative Officer of Publicis Groupe Africa; Chima Okenimkpe, Executive Creative Director at Publicis West Africa; David Vallier, Executive Creative Director at AG Partners; Esosa Osagiede, Group Creative Director at Insight Publicis; and Chisom Bikawei, Head of Digital at All Seasons Zenith Nigeria.

The discussion centered on emerging trends such as the increasing influence of technology, the importance of authentic storytelling, and a shift towards impactful ideas over large budgets. Esosa Osagiede noted, “Clarity now matters more than complexity,” while Chima Okenimkpe reminded attendees that “creativity belongs to everyone, and technology is a key enabler.”

Anand Badami, SVP Publicis West Africa, underscored the agency’s vision. “Africa’s story is powerful when told with courage and craft. If we pair meaning with measurable impact and adopt new tools with purpose, our work will not just win awards, it will lead the industry,” he said.

PWA Academy aims to empower talent and establish Africa as a leading hub for creativity, effectiveness, and innovation through curated programs and knowledge sharing.

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