APRA, NAMPA sign MoU on effective communicators conference in Namibia

The African Public Relations Association (APRA) and the Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA) have formalized their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement paves the way for them to co-host the 2026 Effective Communicators Conference (ECC) in Swakopmund, Namibia, from July 14-17.

The conference, themed “Communication Reconsidered: A Driving Force for Constant Progress,” is set to convene Africa’s leading minds in public relations, marketing, government communications, journalism, and digital media. Co-organized with Namibia's Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), the event seeks to re-evaluate how the continent communicates its narratives to shape its future and foster prosperity.

This initiative aligns with APRA's vision of positioning communication as a key driver of development. The ECC will provide a platform for scholars, professionals, and policymakers in communication management to share insights, produce knowledge, and acquire essential skills. It also offers an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange empirical thoughts on navigating contemporary communication challenges.

APRA President Arik Karani, represented by Secretary General Omoniyi Ibietan, acknowledged the growing commitment of African governments and institutions to prioritize communication in governance. He described the collaboration as a milestone toward establishing strong communication standards and education, reinforcing its role as a foundational pillar for progress. The APRA president emphasized a commitment to telling Africa's story through shared intentions, cooperation, and responsible communication practices to enhance understanding, trust, stability, and prosperity.

The ECC 2026 agenda includes six strategic forums, notably the Heads of States and Diplomatic Forum, where leaders will align regional communication priorities with Africa's global narrative. Other sessions will include the Captains of Industry Forum, focusing on business and economic communication strategies.

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