APRA, NAMPA sign MoU on 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), a major continental gathering aimed at redefining the role of communication in Africa’s development agenda.

The agreement follows an invitation extended by NAMPA to APRA to co-host the conference, which is scheduled to hold from July 14 to 17, 2026, at The Dome in Swakopmund, Namibia’s renowned coastal resort and adventure city.

The conference, themed “Communication Reconsidered: A Driving Force for Constant Progress,” is being co-organised by Namibia’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) under the leadership of Minister Emma Theofelus.

The minister had earlier unveiled activities leading up to the conference during a ceremony in Windhoek following the signing of the MoU between APRA and NAMPA.

Organisers said ECC 2026 will bring together some of Africa’s leading thinkers, communication professionals, policymakers, journalists, marketers, digital media experts and international partners to examine how strategic communication can drive sustainable development and prosperity across the continent.

The conference is expected to serve as a platform for exploring innovative approaches to storytelling, governance communication, media development and digital transformation, while advancing Africa’s efforts to shape its own narrative on the global stage.

The initiative aligns with APRA’s broader vision of positioning communication as a critical catalyst for development and social transformation across Africa.

Speaking through APRA Secretary-General, Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, the association’s President, Mr. Arik Karani, welcomed the growing recognition by African governments and institutions of communication as an essential component of governance and development.

Karani described the collaboration between APRA, NAMPA and Namibia’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technology as a significant milestone in promoting professional standards, communication education and responsible public discourse across the continent.

He said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening communication as a foundation for trust, stability and economic progress.

“We are committed to telling the African story with shared intentions through cooperative, evidence-based, safe, ethical and responsible communication to enhance understanding, trust, stability and prosperity across the continent,” Karani stated.

Organisers revealed that ECC 2026 will be structured around six major strategic forums designed to facilitate high-level engagement among leaders, practitioners and decision-makers from across Africa and beyond.

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

Other key sessions will include the Captains of Industry Forum, focusing on the role of businesses in advancing regional development and economic growth.

The Editors and Journalists Forum will provide a platform for senior media professionals to deliberate on issues such as press freedom, information integrity and the future of journalism in Africa.

Participants at the Government Communicators Forum will examine best practices in public sector communication, strategic messaging and citizen engagement.

The Strategic Communications and Public Relations Forum is expected to feature leading communication consultants, agency executives and corporate communication specialists discussing crisis management, reputation building and integrated communication campaigns.

Meanwhile, the Digital Storytelling Forum will explore emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, social media platforms and creator-driven content strategies that are reshaping communication across the continent.