Zambia’s President Hichilema to Headline Abuja World PR Forum
Abuja is gearing up to host one of the most influential gatherings in global communications and the stakes for Africa have never been higher.
Zambia’s President, Hakainde Hichilema, has confirmed he will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), a move seen as both symbolic and strategic in amplifying Africa’s voice on the global stage.
The week-long event is scheduled to hold in Nigeria’s capital from November 15 to 21, 2026, bringing together policymakers, communication experts, and industry leaders from across the world.
The confirmation was conveyed by Zambia’s Minister of Information and Media, Cornelius Mweetwa, during a high-level diplomatic and professional engagement in Lusaka. The meeting brought together key stakeholders from the African Public Relations Association, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, and the Zambian Institute of Public Relations and Communication.
According to Mweetwa, President Hichilema accepted the invitation with a deep sense of responsibility, recognizing the forum as a critical platform for shaping the future of public relations and strategic communication globally.
“The President does not take this invitation lightly. He has accepted it with humility and a clear understanding of its importance,” the minister stated.
Hichilema’s participation is expected to elevate the forum’s profile, reinforcing its role as a space where global communication trends intersect with emerging regional perspectives.
For Nigeria, hosting the 2026 WPRF is a strategic opportunity to assert leadership in the global communication ecosystem.
President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Ike Neliaku, described the event as a defining moment for the continent. He emphasized that Africa must move from being a subject of global narratives to becoming an active shaper of them.
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is expected to serve as Chief Host, underscoring the country’s commitment at the highest political level.
In addition, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, will convene an African Information Ministers Roundtable, a key feature of the forum designed to bring together communication policymakers across the continent. The roundtable is expected to focus on coordinated messaging, policy alignment, and Africa’s positioning in global media ecosystems.
The World Public Relations Forum is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious gatherings in the field of public relations, offering a platform for knowledge exchange, cross-border collaboration, and policy dialogue.
The 2026 edition will be held alongside the 37th conference of the African Public Relations Association, further strengthening its continental significance. Organizers say the dual event will attract a diverse mix of global stakeholders, including corporate leaders, communication strategists, academics, regulators, and development partners.
Beyond professional discourse, the forum is expected to address broader issues such as reputation management, digital transformation, media trust, and the role of communication in governance and economic development.
Hichilema’s confirmation follows an ongoing international engagement campaign led by NIPR President Ike Neliaku and APRA President Arik Karani. Their visit to Zambia forms part of a broader strategy to mobilize participation, strengthen partnerships, and secure high-level endorsements ahead of the forum.
The outreach effort targets governments, professional bodies, and industry leaders across Africa and beyond, ensuring that the Abuja forum reflects a truly global yet distinctly African perspective.
As preparations gather momentum, the inclusion of a sitting African president as keynote speaker signals a shift in how the continent is positioning itself within global conversations.
For stakeholders, Abuja 2026 is more than a professional gathering, it represents an opportunity to redefine Africa’s narrative, strengthen its communication infrastructure, and influence how its stories are told on the world stage.
With high-level political backing, growing international interest, and a clear strategic vision, the 2026 World Public Relations Forum is shaping up to be a landmark moment not just for the public relations industry, but for Africa’s place in global discourse.
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