Rafiat ‘RG’ Gawat

Rafiat 'RG' Gawat is a highly accomplished corporate communications and public affairs leader with over 15 years of experience across diverse industries and multicultural environments. She is currently balancing her role as Head of Corporate Communications at Tropical General Investments Group (TGI), a conglomerate operating over 20 subsidiaries across 13 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia; with her position as Communications & Content Lead at Griots and Bards (GAB). Rafiat’s ability to manage these demanding roles speaks to her exceptional leadership and strategic acumen in corporate communication, community relations, and stakeholder engagement.

Before her leadership role at TGI, Rafiat made significant impact at Sterling Bank, where she honed her skills in corporate communication strategies, media relations, and brand management initiatives, helping shape the narrative for this prominent organization.

At TGI, Rafiat has excelled in overseeing the community relations and social impact initiatives across host communities and managing the Group’s Foundation - TGI Cares, while facilitating high-level discussions on Africa's development at Harvard University, Oxford University, and so on. She also oversees TGI’s public engagements with bodies such as AFREXIM Bank, NESG (National Economic Summit Group), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Corporate Council on Africa, American Business Council, among others.

These conversations have focused on policy-making, economic development, and global positioning for Africa, contributing significantly to the discourse on Africa’s future.

In her role at GAB, Rafiat is central to shaping the platform’s narrative and ensuring it resonates with audiences worldwide. She brings her extensive PR and media strategy expertise to GAB, curating impactful content that amplifies African voices and facilitates socio-conscious dialogue. Rafiat is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of communications professionals, guiding young creatives and professionals to make a lasting impact on Africa’s cultural and creative sectors.