The African Public Relations Association (APRA) has announced the election of its new executives, led by President Arik Karani from Kenya. A seasoned communications expert with over 15 years of experience, Arik Karani is well-equipped to lead the association in promoting excellence in public relations across Africa.
Joining President Karani are:
- Vice President, Dr. Michele Mekeme from Cameroon, a distinguished PR academic and practitioner with 20 years of experience.
- Secretary-General, Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan from Nigeria, a seasoned communication expert with a strong background in public relations and strategic communication scholarship and practice spanning two decades.
Arik Karani, the Communication Lead for Community Resilience and Sustainability at the Wikimedia Foundation, brings a wealth of experience in stakeholder engagement, digital strategy, disinformation, and crisis communication. He has advised governments, civil society organizations, NGOs, and private sector entities, and has worked with the World Bank Group, the Government of Kenya, Child Fund International, and Amref Health Africa.
As President of APRA, Arik Karani will leverage his expertise to promote the development of public relations in Africa, foster collaboration among professionals, and enhance the reputation of the industry. He will also work with the Ministers in charge of Communication and Information Technology sectors in Africa to advise on the implementation of the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa under the Africa Union Agenda 2063.
“I am honored to lead APRA and contribute to the growth of public relations in Africa,” said Arik Karani. “I look forward to working with our members and partners to promote excellence and make a positive impact on the continent.”