APRA’s 50th anniversary in Mombasa highlights Africa’s ethical digital communication renaissance
Under the balmy skies and coastal breeze of Mombasa, Kenya, the African Public Relations Association (APRA) is commemorating a significant milestone: its 50th anniversary. The 36th Annual APRA Conference, convened from June 9 to 13, 2025, has become a landmark event in the evolution of public relations across Africa. Bringing together over 700 delegates from across the continent and beyond, the conference centres on the theme “Transforming Africa through Safe and Responsible Digital Communication.” It stands as both a celebration of past achievements and a visionary platform for Africa’s future public relations landscape.
It is fitting that the golden jubilee celebration takes place in Kenya, the birthplace of APRA in 1975. Arik Alenga Karani, APRA’s President, delivered the opening address, emphasising the vital role of ethical storytelling and digital integrity in shaping Africa’s narrative. As technology rapidly transforms communication—bringing challenges such as artificial intelligence-driven deepfakes and data manipulation—Karani highlighted the necessity for public relations to act as a moral compass, safeguarding reputations and fostering unity across the continent. His rallying call urged PR professionals to harness digital tools responsibly, underscoring integrity as essential in Africa’s communication ecosystem.
Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Information, Hon. William Kabogo Gitau, stressed the importance of engaging Africa’s young population, which is driving the digital revolution. He advocated for a communicative approach that blends agility with ethical responsibility, tailored to the continent’s unique context. This focus on transparency and citizen-centred communication was echoed in remarks offered by Ghanaian representatives. Dr. Winnifred Nafisa Mahama, acting on behalf of Ghana’s Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, affirmed Ghana’s commitment to building transparent digital communication infrastructures. Ghana’s Digital Acceleration Project and forthcoming National Digital Communication Charter seek to counter misinformation and build trust—a challenge all African states are facing amid the digital expansion.
A distinctive highlight of the conference was the Women in PR session, featuring Esther A. N. Cobbah, President of the Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Ghana and incoming President of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA). Cobbah’s keynote, “Dare to Be!”, was a passionate appeal for African women communicators to assert their visibility and leadership in the profession. She framed their advancement as essential not only for gender parity but also for authentic African storytelling on the world stage. Cobbah’s upcoming 2025 IPRA presidency marks a historic moment: she will become the first African woman to hold this global position when IPRA celebrates its 70th anniversary in Accra, Ghana, this October. This event, organised in collaboration with APRA and IPR Ghana, will convene global communication leaders, further solidifying Africa’s rising influence in international PR discourse.
The conference also paid homage to the pioneers of African public relations, recognising luminaries whose tireless work shaped the profession’s growth. Awards honoured figures from across the continent, including Nigeria’s Mike Okereke and Ghana’s Joseph Allotey Pappoe, spotlighting their leadership and legacy. Such celebrations emphasise that Africa’s PR community is firmly rooted in a tradition of excellence, which continues to inspire emerging voices.
Beyond the jubilee celebrations, the conference highlighted a broader PR renaissance stirring across Africa. Kenya is poised to enact its own Public Relations Bill, aiming to formalise professional standards—a move mirrored by Ghana and supported by IPR Ghana’s legislative advocacy. The decision to host APRA 2026 in Nigeria reflects the continent’s dynamic and interconnected PR networks. Dr. Ike Neliaku, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, encapsulated this spirit, asserting that communication is the vital driver of Africa’s transformational moment.
The convergence of these events punctuates a pivotal narrative: African public relations is not merely catching up with global trends but is innovating with a distinctly African voice and vision. This evolution is visible in initiatives fostering cross-border collaboration on media literacy, ethical standards, and capacity building. The PR sector is gaining prominence as a strategic player in continental development and governance, equipped to navigate the complexities of the digital age.
From Mombasa’s coast to Accra’s political heart, and across cities including Lagos and Nairobi, this golden jubilee marks not just fifty years of APRA but heralds a new era where ethical, strategic, and transformative communication is Africa’s collective story. As public relations professionals unite under the banner of “One Africa, One Voice,” they affirm their role as architects of narratives that reflect Africa’s aspirations and realities on both the continental and global stages.