FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2025
Pretoria, South Africa
IABC AFRICA ANNOUNCES NEW REGIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD TO LEAD COMMUNICATIONS EXCELLENCE ACROSS THE CONTINENT
The Africa Region of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) has announced the election of a new Regional Executive Board to lead the organisation through the 2025–2026 term. The election took place during the Region’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held virtually on Wednesday, 25th June 2025, with participation from communication professionals across the continent.
The new IABC Africa Regional Executive board is to be led by Dr. Yemi Adeyemi; a respected communication scholar and practitioner, and includes renowned communication professionals from across the continent: Christine Breet as Vice Chair, Camilla Osborne as Past Chair/Director of Governance, Theresa Lee as Treasurer, Riana Siden as Director of Professional Development & Events, Chisim Ckukwu Ndunaga as Director of West Africa Interest Group, Carol Warui as Director of East Africa Interest Group, and Elsabe Coetzee as Director of Quills Awards.
To support the board portfolios and also ensure a succession pipeline, Senior Coordinators were also appointed. These include Tashila Hans as Senior Coordinator for Quills Awards, Adedoyin Jaiyesimi as Senior Coordinator for Professional Development & Events, Stella Mario Athieno as Senior Coordinator for East Africa Interest Group, Njideka Agbo as Senior Coordinator for West Africa Interest Group, Nengi Amadi as Senior Coordinator for Membership Communication, Abigail Baille as Digital Comms Officer and Natalie Patch as Secretary.
In recognition of her longstanding contribution to IABC at both regional and international levels, Dr. Amanda Hamilton-Atwell was appointed to serve in an honorary advisory role to the new board.
Outgoing Chair, Camilla Osborne, lauded the contributions of the outgoing board and expressed confidence in the incoming team:
“This region has made significant strides in the last year, from spotlighting African communication excellence on a global stage to growing the number of certified communication professionals in the region and supporting the professional development of its members. I am proud to hand over these strong foundations to the new board who will elevate the role of strategic communications even further and unite professionals to share the narrative we want for African excellence.”
She highlighted the strides taken by the association in the last two years and its priorities going forward:
- Supported African communicators in earning IABC Global Certifications – the region now has 17 SCMPs and 4 CMPs (Strategic Communication Management Professionals and Communication Management Professionals)
- Hosted a series of learning webinars featuring thought leaders on topics like strategic communications, crisis management, storytelling, and AI in communication.
- Deepened sub-regional engagement through active West and East Africa Interest Groups, building stronger regional representation and collaboration.
- Represented African voices at the 2025 IABC World Conference and expanded Africa’s footprint in IABC global governance structures.
In his address, incoming Chair Dr. Yemi Adeyemi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead and set a clear tone for his tenure:
“This is a defining moment for the Africa Region. We will focus on deepening member engagement, enhancing professional development, and creating opportunities for African communicators to lead and shine globally.”
About IABC Africa
IABC Africa is the continental arm of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), a global network of professionals working in corporate communication, public relations, marketing, media, and related fields. IABC Africa champions ethical and effective communication across the continent by connecting professionals, promoting best practices, and recognizing communication excellence.
For more information, visit: https://www.iabc.co.za
For media enquiries, please contact:
Abigail Bailie
Digital Comms Officer, IABC Africa Region
Email: info@iabc.co.za