This is to discuss how communication can strategically position African nations on the global stage, thereby strengthening their transformation agenda. 

Recent global governance issues such as climate, public health, trade and security have demonstrated that African actors are not passive agents in international relations, according to the event.

Strategic communication plays a fundamental role in improving their capabilities to exert various levels of agency and, increasingly, set the terms of engagement.

"Far too often, Africa has been framed as a place acted upon, not as a diverse continent with an evolving agenda of its own. However, the increasing visibility of African leaders and experts in international organisations is bringing African narratives and interests into the mainstream," says Annie Mutamba, Africa Communications week co-founder.

The event says that communicators from across the continent will gather in Kigali to identify concrete priority areas to promote African agency on the global stage.

Working groups will be tasked to come up with clear, actionable recommendations for Africa-focused communicators to adopt.

"African agency should not be viewed as solely emanating from state actors. Africans from across the public and private sector and civil society need to keep pushing for a seat at the table and this is where strategic communication can amplify their voice in shaping the global agenda," adds Eniola Harrison, co-founder of Africa Communications week.

International speakers and facilitators at the 2022 flagship event include:
  • Yolande Makolo, a government spokesperson
  • Mimi Kalinda from Africa Communications media group
  • Diana Mpyisi from Blue Oceans Rwanda
  • Nkiru Balonwu from Africa Soft Power Project
  • Uzo Madu from What's In It for Africa
  • Joan Mazimhaka from Illume Creative Studio
  • Ndeye Diarra from Diobaye Euros Agency, and
  • Fiona Kamikazi, a PR Professional. 
"With today's technology and digital communication tools, Africa is able to talk to the world and we have more agency over what is said about us than ever before. Being able to come together and explore this as communications professionals from across the continent is a powerful and exciting opportunity," says Autumn Marie, managing director at KGL FWD. 

Marie concludes, "As KGL FWD, we are honoured to be hosting this year's Africa Communications Week flagship event and look forward to celebrating the evolution of our communications industry with the Rwanda Communications Network." 

According to the event, communication experts have a voice, they have resources and they have networks. They also need to be strategic and intentional about how they are deliberately shaping a narrative that is so vital to the transformation of the continent.

The event says that as the world emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic, now more than ever, communicators should proactively support the economic recovery of the continent.

For more information, visit www.africacommunicationsweek.com. You can also follow Africa Communications Week on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.