fbpx

PUBLIC RELATIONS

State of Africa’s communications industry to come under spotlight

By our News Team | 2023

African and global PR bodies collaborate on latest industry study to examine communications practice and ethics on the continent.

The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) Africa has announced that it has launched its second annual study in partnership with the African Public Relations Association (APRA). The study examines the state of PR and communications practice and ethics on the continent.

Findings of the study will be presented at the annual APRA Conference, which this year takes place from 15-19 May in Zambia.

Public Relations

Photo courtesy of African Public Relations Association

The research is being conducted by local PR agency, Reputation Matters. It aims to gather demographic data on the industry and investigate a range of relevant issues, including:

  • ethics
  • perceptions of PR in business
  • talent
  • remote working
  • the challenges facing the industry’s future.

“We’re thrilled to partner with APRA to deliver this critical piece of research for the African PR industry,” says Melissa Cannon, International Director at the PRCA. 

The UK-based organisation claims to be the world’s largest and most influential professional body for the public relations industry. It operates in Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere.

Exciting era of innovation and growth in Africa

“Communications professionals are uniquely positioned to influence and lead organisations in an exciting era of innovation and growth in Africa. But what are the potential roadblocks for PR to cement itself into every area of business as a leading voice? What is the industry doing well and what are the opportunities?”

Adds Cannon: “This research is an opportunity for us to gather in-depth analysis on how the industry is really tracking and I encourage practitioners across the continent to have their voice heard.” 

According to Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Nigerian-based President of the African Public Relations Association, the collaboration of the two bodies on this survey is one of the many ways the industry can successfully influence the growth of PR practice on the continent.

“Notably, there are two links to the survey, one in English and one in French. This demonstrates our determination to actively involve the Francophone African community in APRA. We believe that using both languages will allow the survey to reach a larger audience and provide a more detailed understanding of African public relations practitioners,” says Badejo-Okusanya.

“Through the survey, we shall gain a better understanding of how African PR practitioners perceive and practice public relations, as well as their challenges and needs.”

Practitioners can take The State of Ethics and the Public Relations Industry in Africa survey here in English and French.

Email marketing

Email Marketing

Analysis of more than 10-billion bulk emails sent over three years finds a ‘landscape fundamentally reshaped’ by events.

Read More »
The Metaverse

The Metaverse

The Metaverse magic that Mark Zuckerberg promised the world seems in short supply, as struggling company fires another 10,000 workers.

Read More »
Agency Business

Agency Business

Dutch city is an increasingly influential hotbed of industry creativity and Flume sees it as the next step in the local agency’s growth.

Read More »
Personal Brands

Personal Brands

Study underlines the importance of Gen Zeders utilising LinkedIn to kick-start careers. But their online brand need not be perfect.

Read More »
Retail Strategy

Retail Strategy

Third joint-venture forecourt outlet in the country as the energy company seeks to enhance its retail offering in various parts of Africa.

Read More »
Payment strategies

Payment Strategies

Cash is still widely used around Africa – particularly in the informal economy. But a global move to instant payments may change that.

Read More »
Brand Strategy

Brand Strategy

As the problem of loneliness increases around the world, marketers and brand strategists must find ways to portray their brand as ‘warm’.

Read More »