Leadership Changes at African Public Relations Association
The African Public Relations Association (APRA) has re-elected Omoniyi Ibietan from Nigeria as Secretary-General, along with Kenyan Arik Kalani as President and Cameroonian Professor Michele Mekeme as Vice-President. These appointments mark a significant transition for the organization as it continues to strengthen its influence across the continent.
Expansion of Governance Structure
During a recent general meeting in Swakopmund, Namibia, held alongside the Effective Communicators Conference, APRA members voted to amend the constitution to expand the Executive Council. This meeting concluded on July 17, bringing together public relations professionals from various regions of Africa.
Recognition of Leadership Performance
The General Assembly lauded the Executive Council for its effective performance over the past two years. Achievements include advances in national and regional public relations associations, enhanced cooperation with Information and Communications Technology (ICT) ministers, and improved governance and operational frameworks. Delegates unanimously agreed to renew the mandates of three key association officers in light of these accomplishments.
New Roles in the Executive Council
In a move toward greater inclusivity, the member states have voted to ratify the new terms that will see the Executive Council expanded to include a Treasurer, an Assistant Secretary-General, and six Regional Coordinators. These roles will represent East Africa, Francophone Africa, the Indian Ocean Islands, North Africa, Southern Africa, and West Africa. The incoming Council has been tasked with filling these positions by APRA’s 37th Annual Conference, scheduled to coincide with the World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) in Abuja from November 15 to 21, 2026.
Commitment to Digital Transformation
During his acceptance speech, Kalani thanked the attendees for their trust and expressed a commitment to steering the association into its next strategic phase. He highlighted APRA’s intention to collaborate with the African Union to support the continent’s digital transformation initiatives. By leveraging a network of public affairs and communications professionals, the association aims to enhance public awareness, stakeholder engagement, and trust in Africa’s digital evolution.
Strategic Initiatives for the Future
APRA’s future initiatives will focus on championing digital literacy through targeted communication campaigns, promoting ethical digital practices, and equipping professionals to navigate emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The association also plans to foster collaboration among policymakers, innovators, media, and the public, solidifying public relations as a crucial facilitator of Africa’s digital economy and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Experienced Leadership Team
The newly re-elected officers collectively bring extensive expertise in public affairs, strategic communications, and policy leadership across Africa. Arik Kalani has previously advised governments and organizations such as the World Bank Group and Childfund on digital strategy and crisis communications. Professor Michele Mekeme is a prominent scholar in public relations, teaching at universities in Cameroon and across the Central African region. Omoniyi Ibietan, a communication scholar and public policy expert, has worked with institutions like the MacArthur Foundation and the Heinrich Böll Foundation.
Founded in 1975, APRA serves as the continental umbrella organization for public relations and strategic communications professionals. It aims to promote high professional standards, ethical practices, research initiatives, and collaborative efforts among communication practitioners throughout Africa. As governments and businesses increasingly recognize the critical role of strategic communications in digital transformation and public engagement, the newly expanded Executive Council is poised to advance APRA’s strategic priorities in the lead-up to the World Public Affairs Forum later this year.
