The African Public Relations Association (APRA) has received the prestigious Africa PR Legacy Award in recognition of its significant contributions to the growth and development of public relations across the African continent. This honour was bestowed upon APRA at the 2026 ASCOM Communication Summit and Awards, which took place on September 17, 2026, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The award acknowledges APRA’s enduring impact on the profession.
APRA is the first organisation to receive the Africa PR Legacy Award, a testament to its pioneering role in promoting public relations standards across Africa. The association’s nomination was submitted by a Paris-based communications company that specialises in African communication systems and landscapes. This nomination was considered by a jury that ultimately recognised APRA’s 50-year legacy of professional unity and collaboration.
The award was presented to APRA at a ceremony attended by key stakeholders in the communication industry. Michel Russel Lohore, the chief executive officer of ASCOM, commended APRA for its longstanding efforts in fostering collaboration among public relations professionals across African countries. He highlighted APRA’s role in promoting accountable public relations and strategic communication as vital contributors to Africa’s development.
On behalf of APRA’s president, Mr. Arik Karani, the association’s secretary general, Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, received the award and expressed gratitude to ASCOM, the award jury, and the nominators. Dr. Ibietan emphasised that the award is a significant affirmation of APRA’s five-decade contribution to the profession and its ongoing commitment to enhancing public relations practice across the continent.
Dr. Ibietan also noted that the recognition serves as a tribute to the generations of public relations practitioners who have contributed to building APRA and advancing the profession across Africa. He added that the award reinforces APRA’s responsibility to continue serving as a platform for professional collaboration, knowledge exchange, and ethical practice.
The Africa PR Legacy Award comes at a significant time as APRA begins the next chapter of its 50-year journey. The association has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with governments, professional bodies, partners, and communication practitioners across Africa. This commitment is aimed at further advancing the public relations profession and contributing to the continent’s development.
The recognition of APRA’s contributions has been met with widespread acclaim from the public relations community. Key stakeholders have congratulated APRA on this achievement, acknowledging its role in shaping the public relations landscape in Africa. The award is expected to further enhance APRA’s reputation as a leading professional body in the field of public relations.
Key points
- The African Public Relations Association (APRA) has been honoured with the Africa PR Legacy Award for its 50-year contribution to public relations across Africa.
- APRA is the first organisation to receive the Africa PR Legacy Award, recognising its pioneering role in promoting public relations standards across Africa.
- The award was presented at the 2026 ASCOM Communication Summit and Awards, held on September 17, 2026, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
