APRA, NAMPA Sign MoU to Co-Host 2026 Effective Communicators Conference in Namibia

The African Public Relations Association (APRA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA) to jointly host the 2026 Effective Communicators Conference (ECC).

APRA in a statement signed Thursday by its Secretary General, Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, explained that the agreement follows an invitation by NAMPA to APRA to partner on the conference, which will hold from July 14 to 17, 2026, at The Dome in Swakopmund, Namibia’s renowned coastal and tourism city.

The conference, themed “Communication Reconsidered: A Driving Force for Constant Progress,” is being organised by NAMPA in collaboration with Namibia’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), led by Honourable Emma Theofelus.

The Minister recently presided over the official unveiling of the conference and related activities in Windhoek following the signing of the MoU between NAMPA and APRA.

ECC 2026 will bring together leading voices from across Africa and beyond in public relations, strategic communications, journalism, marketing, government communications, and digital media. The conference aims to explore how communication can shape Africa’s future, strengthen institutions, and drive sustainable development.

The event aligns with APRA’s vision of promoting communication as a strategic driver of governance, development, trust-building, and social progress. It will also provide a platform for scholars, professionals, policymakers, and practitioners to exchange ideas, share experiences, and develop practical solutions to contemporary communication challenges.

APRA President, Mr. Arik Karani, welcomed the growing recognition of communication as a critical component of effective governance across Africa.

He described the partnership between APRA, NAMPA, and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology as a significant milestone in advancing professional standards, communication education, and collaboration across the continent.

“We are committed to telling the African story through shared purpose and evidence-based, ethical, responsible, and inclusive communication that promotes understanding, trust, stability, and prosperity across the continent,” Karani said.

Structured around six high-level forums, ECC 2026 will provide dedicated platforms for leaders, practitioners, and decision-makers to discuss the future of communication in Africa. While the discussions will draw significantly from Southern African experiences and priorities, the outcomes are expected to have relevance across the continent.

A major highlight will be the Heads of State and Diplomatic Forum, which is expected to bring together presidents, vice presidents, ministers, and diplomatic representatives to discuss Africa’s communication priorities and global positioning.

Other key sessions include:

• Captains of Industry Forum – examining the role of business in driving economic and social progress.
• Editors and Journalists Forum – focusing on press freedom, information integrity, and the future of journalism in Africa.
• Government Communicators Forum – providing a platform for public information officers, spokespersons, and government communicators to exchange best practices and strengthen public engagement.
• Strategic Communications and Public Relations Forum – addressing crisis communication, reputation management, and integrated communication strategies.
• Digital Storytelling Forum – exploring emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, social media platforms, and the rise of creator-led storytelling.

ECC 2026 is expected to attract more than 1,000 participants, making it one of the continent’s most significant gatherings of communication leaders and stakeholders.

The conference will also host APRA’s 2026 Annual General Meeting ahead of the Association’s 37th Annual Conference, scheduled to take place in Abuja, Nigeria, in November 2026 as part of the World Public Relations Forum.