Zambian President Hichilema to Headline Global PR Forum in Abuja
By Matthew Eloyi
Abuja is set to take centre stage in global communications discourse as President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia has confirmed his participation as keynote speaker at the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF).
The high-profile event, scheduled for November 15–21 in Abuja, will bring together communication experts, policymakers and industry leaders from across the world.
Confirmation of President Hichilema’s attendance was conveyed by Zambia’s Minister of Information and Media, Cornelius Mweetwa, during a meeting in Lusaka with delegations from the African Public Relations Association, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, and the Zambian Institute of Public Relations and Communication.
Describing the invitation as significant, Mweetwa said the Zambian leader accepted the role “with humility,” underscoring the importance his administration places on global engagement and strategic communication.
President of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, noted that the forum offers Africa a unique platform to shape global narratives and redefine communication strategies from the continent’s perspective. He added that Nigeria is fully prepared to host the international gathering, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu serving as Chief Host.
As part of the forum’s expanded programme, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, is expected to convene an “African Information Ministers Roundtable,” bringing together top government communicators across the continent.
The WPRF, regarded as a premier global event in public relations, will run alongside the 37th APRA Conference, further positioning Nigeria as a hub for professional dialogue and collaboration in the communications sector.
Organisers say ongoing engagements across Africa, including the current outreach visit to Zambia by APRA and NIPR leadership, are aimed at mobilising participation and strengthening continental representation at the forum.
