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APRA and PRCA Africa Collaborate on Latest African PR Landscape Study
African Public Relations Association (APRA), in collaboration with the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) Africa, is delighted to announce the launch of the fourth annual study, in their third year of partnership.
This year‘s research, carried out by Reputation Matters, focuses on the evolving landscape of PR and Communications practice across Africa.
The flagship study aims to capture comprehensive demographic data on the industry while exploring critical issues such as ethical practices, PR’s role in business, talent management, remote work, and future challenges.
PR professionals across Africa are invited to participate in the survey, which takes just a few minutes to complete. In keeping with research ethics, all responses remain confidential. The results will be unveiled at the annual APRA Conference, taking place in Mombasa, Kenya, in 2025.
Arik Karani, President of APRA, captures the essence of this enterprise as he emphasized that, “at APRA, we believe in the power of unity and collaboration across the continent.
“By leveraging research and best practices, we can strengthen the PR industry in Africa and create a more ethical, transparent, and impactful profession.
“This study is a vital step toward understanding our diverse landscape and working together as one Africa to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. “
PRCA International Director Melissa Cannon MPRCA, equally underscored Mr. Karani’s statement in declaring that, “this collaborative effort with APRA provides a valuable opportunity to compare recent changes in the African PR landscape with previous years and forecast the challenges that lie ahead.
“By examining current trends and shifts, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of the industry’s evolution and better prepare for the future. “
APRA is equally pleased that Regine le Roux, founder and managing director of Reputation Matters, conducting the research has said that, “it is encouraging to see the emphasis that APRA and the PRCA are placing on research, truly leading by example.
“Research is critical not only for strategic communication development but also for securing a seat at the boardroom table by speaking the language of the C-suite— numbers.
“We are eager to gain deeper insights from communicators across the continent into ethics and better understand the PR landscape, so we can unite and move forward as one Africa.”
The survey is available in both English and French, and it is accessible here:
(https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EthicsAndPRinAfrica2025)
Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), umbrella body of telecom operators in the country has said that the implementation of the new 50 per cent tariffs will begin in March.
Recall that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a 50 percent tariff hike for the telcos on January 20, 2025, after a decade.
Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of ALTON, said the telcos will issue their tariffs differently and are currently filing, reviewing, and obtaining approvals from the regulator.
“So we are now following what is called the regulatory requirement, regulatory steps of filing, review and obtaining approvals,” Adebayo said.
“As soon as those approvals come through, different players will introduce new rates as the time comes.
“I’ll say over next week, we start seeing some improvement in the prices.
“Over the next month, we should start seeing some total introduction in what the new rates will be like, but it’s important that we’ve come to a point where what has to be done has to be done for the sector to survive.”
Also, Adebayo said the tariff adjustment is essential for the survival of the telecommunications sector, stressing that the government should not rely on the sector to subsidise others.
“The other side of it is that the sector cannot be the subsidy for other sectors,” he said.
“So you can’t say because cost of garri and pepper and okro has gone up, we now have to subsidise people’s living by providing services that are sold at lower than cost. It’s a matter of time before we start seeing the negatives.
“I think it is important that we need to charge rates that are sustainable and we can’t stand as a subsidy for the problems of people in other sectors, which is not the problem caused by the operators.
“Government cannot outsource that problem to their network operators to solve for the public.
“The government needs to provide adequate palliatives to help people live, and our services cannot be used for those palliatives.”
OpenAI has launched “deep research,” an AI tool aimed at simplifying complex, multi-step research tasks.
By submitting a prompt, users can receive detailed reports synthesized from a variety of online sources, including text, images, and PDFs.
This process, which typically takes humans several hours, is completed by deep research in just minutes.
Initially available on the web version of ChatGPT, deep research will also be accessible on mobile and desktop apps in February. However, the tool does have some limitations, such as distinguishing between authoritative information and rumours, as well as accurately conveying uncertainty.
This launch follows OpenAI’s preview of another AI tool, named Operator, in January.
In a moment of pride and inspiration, MTN Nigeria’s mPulse team visited Glorious Covenant School in Rivers State to honour Ikenna Ikechukwu, the 2024 MTN mPulse Spelling Bee champion.
The event, held on January 22, 2025, celebrated Ikenna’s remarkable achievement and highlighted the school’s role in nurturing talent.
Ikenna won the Spelling Bee champion title at the Grand Finale in Lagos in November 2024, flawlessly spelling “Cornucopia.”
He was awarded a ₦5 million scholarship, a laptop, a smartphone, and an mPulse goody bag.
During the visit, Glorious Covenant School received 10 laptops and 10 MTN 5G routers to enhance the learning experience for all students.
“This competition celebrates hard work, talent, and determination. It’s about empowering our youth to dream big and achieve more. We’re proud of Ikenna and thrilled to contribute to the development of his school,” said Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria.
“This event is about more than prizes; it’s about investing in the future of education and inspiring young minds. Ikenna’s success reflects the boundless potential of Nigerian youth.”
The visit also raised awareness of the MTN mPulse Spelling Bee competition, encouraging schools in the region to participate in upcoming editions. Students and staff expressed their gratitude for the support and were inspired to strive for greater heights.
As Ikenna prepares to assume his role as MTN CEO for a Day, his journey stands as a testament to the power of opportunity and dedication.
“Winning this competition has been life-changing. I hope my story inspires others to believe in themselves and work hard,” Ikenna shared.
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