35°Nord

Founded in 2012, 35°Nord was established with a clear mission: to position Africa more prominently in global strategic conversations. Operating out of its headquarters at 17 Avenue Hoche in Paris, France, the agency emerged at a time when the continent’s economic and political influence was gaining recognition, yet its narrative was often shaped by external perspectives. The founders saw an opportunity to bridge this gap, creating a firm that could help organizations—both within Africa and those engaging with the continent—navigate complex media landscapes and build meaningful influence. By combining deep local knowledge with a global outlook, 35°Nord quickly carved out a niche in the competitive world of public relations and communications.

Strategic Focus and Capabilities

Today, 35°Nord operates as a strategic communications and influence agency, with a particular emphasis on pan-African and international strategies. The agency is part of the Avisa Partners group, which provides it with a broader network and resources. Its work centers on helping clients understand and shape public opinion, manage reputation, and engage with key stakeholders across digital and traditional media. The agency is especially known for its expertise in institutional communication, crisis communication, and stakeholder mapping—skills that are critical for organizations operating in diverse and often fast-changing environments. A key differentiator is its focus on "pan-african influence" and "communication institutionnelle en afrique," meaning it tailors its approach to the specific political, cultural, and media dynamics of different African markets.

Services and Specialties

35°Nord offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to support clients at every stage of their communications journey. The agency’s approach is consultative, starting with audits and strategic planning before moving into execution. Below is a breakdown of their core service areas:

• Strategic Communications Consulting: Developing tailored communications plans, conducting communications audits, and defining messaging frameworks for national, pan-African, and international audiences.
• Media Relations and Press Office Management: Media mapping, press release drafting and distribution, press conference organization, and media training sessions to prepare spokespeople.
• Crisis Communication: Reputation management, crisis simulation exercises, and real-time support during high-pressure situations, including "communication de crise" for sensitive issues.
• Digital and Influence Strategies: Digital campaigns, influencer marketing, "stratégies de proximité digitale," and social media monitoring to engage targeted audiences.
• Public Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement: Government relations, institutional influence, stakeholder mapping, and public opinion analysis to navigate regulatory and political landscapes.
• Monitoring and Analysis: Media monitoring, press reviews, and digital reputation tracking to measure impact and adapt strategies in real time.
• Content Production: Creating reports, publications, and other content that supports thought leadership and brand positioning.

This breadth of services allows 35°Nord to act as a full-service partner for clients who need integrated communications support, particularly those with cross-border operations or ambitions.

Who Benefits from Working with 35°Nord

35°Nord is best suited for organizations that require sophisticated, multi-market communications strategies with a strong emphasis on Africa. This includes multinational corporations entering or expanding within the continent, African governments and public institutions seeking to build international credibility, and non-profits or development agencies that need to communicate complex narratives. The agency is also a strong fit for companies facing reputational challenges or regulatory scrutiny, thanks to its crisis and public affairs expertise. Clients who value a consultative, research-driven approach—rather than a one-size-fits-all model—will find 35°Nord’s methodology appealing. While the agency is headquartered in Paris, France, its work is inherently global, and it is particularly effective for those who need to bridge European and African media ecosystems. In short, 35°Nord is a strategic partner for any entity that wants to tell its story with clarity, influence key stakeholders, and navigate the complexities of today’s media and political environments.