Nigeria’s Emezie-Ejinima, Agbo, Amadi, Take Up Key Leadership Roles In New IABC Africa Regional Board

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Africa has announced its 2026/27 regional board, with several Nigerian communication professionals taking up strategic leadership positions within the association.

The new board, which draws together communication professionals from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and Uganda to reflect IABC Africa’s commitment to building a more inclusive, visible and connected communication profession across the continent, has Nkem Emezie-Ejinima, SCMP, who takes on the role of vice chairperson; Njideka Agbo, ANIPR, named director of the West Africa Interest Group; Nengi Amadi, CMP, appointed director of membership communication; and Dr Beryl Ehodor, MNIVS, RSV, who becomes senior coordinator of membership communication.

Dr Yemi Adeyemi, SCMP, FNIPR, who chaired the association during the 2025/26 term, also remains on the board as past chair and director of governance. Christine Breet, SCMP, FCSCE, of South Africa steps in as the association’s new chairperson, succeeding Adeyemi. The announcement was made during IABC Africa’s annual general meeting held in Pretoria, South Africa, on 8 July 2026.

Other appointments to the board include Therésa Lee, SCMP, as treasurer and conference director; Carol Warui Ogilvy as director of the East Africa Interest Group; Elsabe Coetzee as director of the Quill Awards; Riana Sinden, SCMP, as director of professional development; Athieno Stella Marion as senior coordinator of the East Africa Interest Group; Tashila Hans as senior coordinator of the Quill Awards; Grace Thuo as senior coordinator of professional development; and Geneviève Engeström in charge of digital communication.

During the same meeting, IABC Africa recognised Camilla Osborne, SCMP, as she stepped down from her role as past chair and director for governance, thanking her for her guidance and representation on the IABC International Executive Board.

Looking ahead, IABC Africa’s 2026/27 strategy will focus on strengthening member value, expanding professional development and certification opportunities, recognising communication excellence through the Quill Awards Programme, and growing regional participation. The association will also partner with AUDA-NEPAD to host the IABC Africa Conference in Cape Town from 21 to 23 October 2026.

“Our focus for 2026/27 is simple. We want communicators across Africa to see themselves in IABC Africa, experience real value from membership and feel they belong to a professional community where they can learn, lead and be recognised,” Breet said.

She added that the strength of the new board lies in its regional representation, professional expertise and shared commitment to strategic communication, and invited members, volunteers, partners and sponsors to help shape the association’s next chapter.