ABUJA/Nigeria: Zambia’s President, His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, is set to headline the global communications stage as he formally accepted an invitation to serve as Keynote Speaker at the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) scheduled to hold in Abuja, Nigeria, from November 15 to 21.
The confirmation of President Hichilema’s participation was conveyed in Lusaka by Zambia’s Minister of Information and Media, Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, in a communication signed by Stanley Ogadigo, Director of Public Relations, on March 26, 2026, during a strategic engagement with continental public relations leaders.
The Zambian leader’s acceptance is widely regarded as a significant boost to the stature of the global forum, reinforcing his growing influence on governance, economic reform, and strategic communication across Africa and beyond.
Welcoming the delegation of the African Public Relations Association (APRA) President, Mr. Arik Karani; the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) President, Dr. Ike Neliaku; and representatives of the Zambian Institute of Public Relations and Communication (ZIPRC), Minister Mweetwa stressed that President Hichilema received the invitation with humility and a deep sense of responsibility.
“President Hakainde Hichilema, in responding to your invitation to attend the World Public Relations Forum in Abuja, has graciously accepted your request to be a Keynote Speaker at that important global forum. The President does not take your invitation lightly, but with a lot of humility,” the Minister stated.
Analysts note that Hichilema’s presence at the Abuja forum is expected to bring a strong governance perspective to global communication discourse, particularly as Africa seeks to redefine its narrative in an increasingly complex information environment.
In his earlier remarks, NIPR President, Dr. Ike Neliaku, highlighted the importance of the forum as a platform for Africa to assert its voice in shaping global communication frameworks, noting that Nigeria is fully prepared to host the international community.
He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted to serve as Chief Host, further underscoring the high-level political backing the event continues to attract.
Dr. Neliaku also disclosed that Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, will convene an “African Information Ministers Roundtable,” bringing together policymakers across the continent to deepen collaboration on information management and communication strategies.
The ongoing engagement in Lusaka forms part of a broader mobilisation drive by APRA and NIPR to secure continental buy-in and robust participation for both the 2026 World Public Relations Forum and the 37th African Public Relations Association Conference.
With President Hichilema now confirmed as Keynote Speaker, expectations are high that the Abuja gathering will not only amplify Africa’s voice but also spotlight leadership-driven communication as a critical tool for governance, development, and global positioning.
