The Sierra Leone Association of Communications and Public Relations Professionals (SLACPRP) recently marked its first anniversary, celebrating a year of progress in building a professional community for communications and public relations practitioners in Sierra Leone. The Association was launched online on November 8, 2025, and has since achieved several milestones, including registration as a company limited by guarantee and admission into the African Public Relations Association (APRA). SLACPRP also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) to strengthen professional cooperation.
SLACPRP's first anniversary was marked by a series of activities, including online engagements, social media countdowns, and a gathering of members, partners, and stakeholders on November 6. The Association's theme for the week was "It's our week. Let's make it count!" Members shared their experiences, displayed branded items, and participated in online discussions. The event also saw the unveiling of SLACPRP's membership dashboard, aimed at improving membership administration and engagement.
Since its establishment, SLACPRP has grown to over 40 members and has engaged key institutions in Sierra Leone's media and communications sector, including the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), the Independent Media Commission (IMC), and the Ministry of Information and Civic Education. These engagements aim to strengthen dialogue and collaboration across the country's media and communications landscape. The Association has also become a signatory to the African Declaration on the Professionalisation of Public Relations and Responsible Communications.
Looking ahead, SLACPRP plans to introduce a formal code of ethics for its members, establish professional standards for communications and public relations practice, and provide accredited training opportunities to improve practitioners' skills and professional capacity. The Association also intends to strengthen its relationships with local and international stakeholders, encourage collaboration across the sector, and create more opportunities for professional development.
SLACPRP's Interim Chairman, Sallieu Sesay, said the Association was established to provide professional standards, ethical guidelines, and recognition for communications and public relations practitioners in Sierra Leone. He noted that the Association had spent its first year building institutional foundations, including securing formal registration, continental recognition, and growing its membership.
The Association is expected to be represented at the upcoming World Public Relations Forum and African Public Relations Association convening in Abuja, Nigeria, in November 2026. This will provide an opportunity for SLACPRP to engage with international practitioners and professional organizations. The Association's next membership intake is scheduled for the first half of 2027, and interested practitioners can register their interest by contacting [email protected]
SLACPRP's efforts to establish professional standards and ethics for communications and public relations practitioners in Sierra Leone have been welcomed by stakeholders. The Association's growth and achievements in its first year demonstrate its commitment to promoting professional development and recognition for practitioners in the country. With its plans for the future, SLACPRP is poised to play a significant role in shaping the communications and public relations landscape in Sierra Leone.
Key points
- SLACPRP plans to introduce a formal code of ethics for its members and establish professional standards for communications and public relations practice.
