NEW DELHI—Korea's Samsung Electronics has shifted PR duties in both India and South Africa, bringing in new firms after competitive reviews in each market.

In India, Weber Shandwick takes on the account, which was previously handled by Text 100 India.

In South Africa, meanwhile, the world's number one smartphone player has called in independent firm Epic Communications, ending a lengthy partnership with Orange Ink.

Both accounts include considerable multi-market activity, including regional African work for Epic and 16 Indian cities for Weber Shandwick.

The Indian mandate covers Samsung's corporate brand, Samsung mobile, consumer electronics, home appliances as well as medical equipment and the enterprise businesses.

"We believe that Weber Shandwick has the right mix of innovation and creativity to complement our business philosophy and needs,” said Ruchika Batra, director of corporate communications at Samsung Southwest Asia.

Samsung remains India's smartphone market leader, but has recently lost ground to Indian mobile brands. Weber Shandwick's new mandate increases the firm's global business with Samsung, after it recently lost global corporate and North American consumer duties.