Author: Peter Martey Agbeko, APR
From the sun-kissed shores of Mombasa to the vibrant heart of Accra, the African Public Relations Association (APRA) is charting a transformative course for the continent’s communication landscape. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, APRA’s upcoming conference in Mombasa, Kenya, from June 9 to 13, 2025, promises to be a landmark event under the theme: “Transforming Africa through Safe and Responsible Digital Communication.”
APRA is a professional organisation that aims to promote the development, professionalism, and ethical standards of public relations across African countries. It serves as a platform for PR practitioners to network, share knowledge, and collaborate on issues relevant to the public relations industry within Africa. Its key objectives include:
Enhancing the professionalism of PR practitioners in Africa.
Facilitating regional cooperation and knowledge exchange.
Promoting ethical standards in public relations practice.
Supporting the growth and development of the PR industry across African nations.
This milestone gathering in Mombasa will convene over 1,000 communication professionals, policymakers, business leaders, and academics to address pressing challenges such as cyber threats, misinformation, and data privacy concerns. Key discussions will focus on the role of public relations in shaping ethical digital communication, cybersecurity, and the African Union’s vision for sustainable communication policies.
Kenya, the host nation, stands at the forefront of digital transformation and security, investing significantly in cybersecurity infrastructure and policies to combat digital fraud and misinformation. The conference will provide a platform to assess these efforts within the broader context of Africa’s digital future, fostering cross-border collaboration and shared best practices.
As Chair of the International Relations Committee of the Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Ghana, I am honoured to participate in this historic event. Our involvement underscores the importance of experiential learning and the exchange of ideas to enhance our own initiatives. Notably, APRA will partner with IPR Ghana to host the IPRA Gala and Knowledge Sharing Conference in Accra on October 3, 2025, further cementing our commitment to advancing the profession across the continent.
APRA’s 50th anniversary is not just a celebration of past achievements, but a clarion call for continued innovation and collaboration. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, APRA Kenya 2025 aims to catalyse actionable solutions that promote responsible digital engagement, combat cyber risks, and reinforce Africa’s position in the global digital economy.
As we look forward to the insights and partnerships that will emerge from Mombasa, we are reminded of the power of unity and shared vision in shaping a resilient and ethical communication landscape for Africa.
