Publicis West Africa, through its learning and development platform, PWA Academy, has hosted Cannes in a Can, an exclusive session designed to bring insights from the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity to its offices and affiliates across West and Central Africa. The initiative aims to inspire world-class creative excellence across the region.

The event, themed “Through the Lens of the Cannes Jurors: Cannes in a Can,” offered participants a rare opportunity to learn directly from six Cannes jurors within the Publicis Groupe Africa network who served on various judging panels at the festival. Through real case studies and first-hand jury experiences, the jurors shared what it truly takes to succeed on the world’s biggest creative stage.

Ben Anyan, Group Creative Director at Publicis West Africa, spoke about the importance of distinctiveness and freshness in ideas. Luc Aboussou, also Group Creative Director, emphasised discipline and intentionality in how creative work is presented.

Muyiwa Aleshinloye, Head of Media at Publicis West Africa, highlighted the audacity of bold, challenging work grounded in strong consumer insights. He noted that award-winning ideas must also demonstrate tangible results and answer a critical question: Did this piece of work move the business forward?

The session featured a lively panel discussion moderated by Emeka Obia, Head of Strategy at Publicis West Africa, which connected global creative insights to Africa’s future. 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 panel explored emerging trends such as the growing role of technology, authenticity in storytelling, and the shift from big budgets to meaningful ideas. Esosa Osagiede noted that clarity now matters more than complexity, while Chima Okenimkpe reminded participants that creativity belongs to everyone and that technology is increasingly shaping how ideas are formed and executed.

Cannes in a Can reflects PWA Academy’s mission to empower talent with world-class knowledge while positioning Africa as a hub for creativity, effectiveness, and innovation.

Anand Badami, Senior Vice President of Publicis West Africa, underscored this vision, saying:
“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, it will lead.”

PWA Academy is the learning and development initiative of Publicis West Africa, dedicated to advancing creativity, effectiveness, and innovation across the region through curated programmes and global knowledge sharing.