Leading Voices in African PR: Insights from National Association Heads
As part of the African Public Relations Association’s (APRA) mission, Vice President Dr. Michele Mekeme champions collaboration, unity, and support across Africa’s national public relations associations. Highlighting the dedicated professionals leading these efforts, here is a closer look at some of Africa’s PR association heads, whose expertise and initiatives drive progress within their respective nations.
Algeria – Lamia Rahal
Lamia Rahal, representing Algeria, focuses on fostering economic growth, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development across the continent. With over 12 years of experience, Rahal is a public policy expert who has consulted for the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation. Her work has centered on healthcare and pharmaceutical regulatory affairs, market access, and strategic country planning, making her a vital force in Algeria’s public relations landscape.
Angola – Carolina Barros
Recognized among Africa’s top 50 women in Communication and Media in 2023, Carolina Barros brings over 20 years of experience to Angola’s public relations field. Having worked in both the public sector and her own agency, she also serves the lusophone markets of Mozambique, São Tomé e Príncipe, and Cape Verde. Barros’s deep expertise and cross-continental impact are evident through her dedication to enhancing communication within these regions.
Gambia – Madikay Njie
As Secretary General of the Public Relations Association of the Gambia (PRAG) and a senior PR figure at Gamtel, Gambia’s national telecommunications provider, Madikay Njie brings decades of industry insight. With over 30 years in telecommunications, Njie’s expertise includes managing international traffic accounts, billing systems, and media relations, making him a seasoned professional in both corporate and public communication.
Ghana – Esther A. N. Cobbah
Esther Cobbah, a renowned communications leader in Ghana, has more than 30 years of experience in effective national communication. She is the CEO of Stratcomm Africa, a communication and reputation management agency based in Accra. With a commitment to enhancing public awareness and driving national development through communication, Cobbah has led strategies for over 150 clients, blending innovation with effective outreach.
Mauritius – Lekha Seebaluck
Lekha Seebaluck, Managing Director of Blast Communications, brings 20 years of experience in reputation management, crisis communication, and PR to Mauritius. Seebaluck’s background spans journalism, academia, and corporate communication, providing her with a well-rounded perspective that she applies to strategic direction and effective solutions for her clients.
Morocco – Kamal Taïbi
Kamal Taïbi, founder of Stratëus Group, has advised major companies and government entities for over 25 years. Known for his expertise in public affairs and strategic communications, Taïbi has also played pivotal roles in launching industry coalitions and serving as a strategic communications advisor to Morocco’s Minister of Economy and Finance. His influence extends across the North and West African markets.
Sierra Leone – Mohamed Bangalie
With nearly 20 years at Sierra Leone’s National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), Mohamed Bangalie has been a dedicated public relations leader in Sierra Leone. His experience includes customer service, events management, and PR consulting, and he serves as a mentor to young PR professionals, guiding the next generation of communications leaders.
Uganda – Tina Wamala
A seasoned communications expert, Tina Wamala now serves as the Communications Officer at the British High Commission in Kampala. Her journey began in journalism, where she became a well-known media figure and pioneered Uganda’s first breakfast show. Wamala’s career reflects her adaptability and passion for communication, especially within international relations.
Nigeria – Dr. Ike Neliaku
Dr. Ike Neliaku is a distinguished public relations practitioner with over 30 years in strategic communication, governance, and public administration. As President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr. Neliaku has served in various governmental roles, including advisory positions within The Presidency. His leadership fosters professional excellence within Nigeria’s PR community.
Rwanda – Emma Claudine Ntirenganya
With over 17 years of combined experience in journalism, program management, and public communication, Emma Claudine Ntirenganya serves as Director General for Communication at the City of Kigali. Her work emphasizes media relations, public awareness, and behavioral change initiatives, making her a pivotal figure in Rwanda’s PR and communications strategy.
Zambia – Irene Lungu Chipili
As Head of Corporate Affairs at Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation, Irene Chipili has a diverse background in environmental management, corporate governance, and strategic communication. She holds advanced degrees in public relations and project management, reflecting her commitment to impactful communication strategies within Zambia.
Zimbabwe – Thandolwenkosi Nkomo
Thandolwenkosi Nkomo has 18 years of experience in media, academia, and humanitarian health communication. His expertise in designing effective media strategies was instrumental during Zimbabwe’s COVID-19 response, particularly through USAID-funded campaigns. Nkomo’s work illustrates the power of media and community engagement to address critical public health challenges.
Kenya – Patricia Ndede
Representing Kenya, Patricia Ndede brings over 22 years of experience in media and communications. As Vice President of the Public Relations Society of Kenya, she also leads Simori Communications, specializing in government communication. Her background includes work with leading media outlets, contributing to her influence in shaping Kenya’s PR landscape.
Malawi – Benson Linje
President of the Public Relations Society of Malawi, Benson Linje has over 15 years in communications and previously served as a public affairs officer with the Malawi Defence Forces. With international experience through UN deployments, Linje’s work exemplifies the intersection of military and public communication, providing vital insights for Malawi’s PR initiatives.
Through these leaders, APRA continues to foster a thriving community of professionals dedicated to enhancing the impact of public relations across Africa.
