The African Public Relations Association (APRA) and Namibia’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, through the Namibia Public Relations and Communication Management Association (NAMPA), have strengthened efforts to advance strategic communication across Africa with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding ahead of the Excellence in Communication Conference (ECC) 2026.
The initiative aligns with APRA’s vision of positioning communication as a key driver of development while creating a platform for scholars, practitioners, policymakers and stakeholders to exchange ideas, generate knowledge and develop skills needed to address contemporary communication challenges.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, APRA President, Mr Arik Karani, represented by the association’s Secretary General, Dr Omoniyi Ibietan, commended African governments and institutions for increasingly placing communication at the centre of governance and development. He described the partnership as a significant milestone that would strengthen professional standards, communication education and the role of strategic communication in fostering progress across the continent. Karani also reaffirmed APRA’s commitment to promoting ethical, evidence based and responsible communication in telling Africa’s story and enhancing trust, stability and prosperity.
The ECC 2026 conference is expected to bring together more than 1,000 participants from across Africa through six strategic forums designed to shape the future of communication. A major highlight will be the Heads of States and Diplomatic Forum, which will convene presidents, vice presidents, ministers and diplomatic representatives to discuss regional communication priorities and Africa’s global narrative. Other sessions will focus on business leadership, journalism, government communication, public relations practice and digital storytelling in an era increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Organisers said the conference would serve as a unique gathering of Africa’s leading voices in communication governance and development. The event will also host APRA’s 2026 Annual General Meeting and will precede the association’s 37th Annual Conference scheduled for Abuja in November 2026 as part of activities for the World Public Relations Forum.