African public relations leaders have called for continent-wide participation in the World Public Relations Forum 2026, positioning it as a collective African event for the global communications community.
The call was made in October 2025 at the continental unveiling of WPRF-Abuja during the 2025 Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA) PR Roundtable themed "THE HUMAN FACTOR." The high-profile Roundtable, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa, brought together top practitioners from across Africa, including Global Alliance Board Members who led the presentation of the global event to the African continent.
The November 2026 Forum marks the second time the prestigious gathering will take place on African soil since its inception, with the first hosted in South Africa in 2007.
Speaking at the occasion, NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, flanked by Irene Lungu, Chair of the African Region on the Global Alliance Board; Bradly Howland, President of the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA); and Prof. Renè Benecke, Member of the Board of Directors of the Global Alliance for PR and Communication Management, emphasised that next year's WPRF is being positioned to be "the biggest, the brightest, and the boldest."
Dr. Neliaku informed participants that the Federal Government of Nigeria is fully committed to hosting the global event, assuring delegates of comprehensive support and world-class facilities. In a move designed to boost African participation, he announced that the cost of attendance has been considerably reduced, with special price packages for youths and students to ensure that the next generation of communication professionals can access the Forum.
In her remarks, Irene Lungu emphasised the pan-African nature of next year's WPRF, declaring, "Africa is rallying behind Nigeria to host the world. The hosting of WPRF 2026 in Nigeria is not just for Nigeria but for the whole of Africa. So, let us give it our best." Her comments underscored the strategic importance of the Forum as an opportunity for the continent to demonstrate its communication capabilities and hospitality on the global stage.
Lending his voice, Bradly Howland commended Nigeria for the tremendous efforts being made to ensure the event's success, noting that "Africa has the best hands to manage such a global event." He urged every PR professional across the continent to begin making plans for the historic gathering.
The Global Alliance has previously announced that over 33 countries outside Africa have already confirmed participation, setting the stage for what could be the largest gathering in the organisation's history.
The South African continental unveiling serves as a strategic prelude to the National Unveiling scheduled for October 20, 2025, at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, Nigeria. The national event will be presided over by the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, who has repeatedly affirmed Nigeria's readiness to host international delegates in a secure and welcoming environment.
The twin unveiling strategy; continental followed by national; reflects a coordinated approach to building momentum and ensuring maximum participation from both African and global public relations communities.