As reputation becomes an increasingly valuable national asset, Brand South Africa has joined the Africa Global PR Week 2026 as the event’s Strategic Nation Branding Partner, placing nation branding at the forefront of discussions on Africa’s economic future and global influence.
The partnership will position Brand South Africa at the centre of continental dialogue on how African nations can build trusted, competitive and influential brands that attract investment, tourism, talent and global partnerships.
As part of the collaboration, Brand South Africa will host the Brand South Africa Masterclass on Nation Branding, bringing together communications professionals, policymakers, business leaders and academics for a practical exploration of how countries can build, protect and strengthen resilient national reputations in an increasingly competitive global environment. The Masterclass will examine the strategic role of nation branding in shaping perceptions, strengthening national identity, attracting investment and tourism, and positioning countries for greater global influence.
The programme will also feature a high-level National Branding Fireside Chat with Her Excellency Salome Mmola, South Africa’s High Commissioner to Kenya, who will share insights on South Africa’s approach to nation branding, diplomacy, reputation and international positioning. The conversation will explore how strategic communication can help countries build trust, strengthen international relationships and translate national reputation into economic and diplomatic opportunity.
The summit will further examine the opportunities for African countries to work collectively to strengthen the continent’s global narrative, while building distinctive national brands that reflect their individual identities, strengths and ambitions. Against the backdrop of Africa’s growing role in the global economy, the discussion will consider how nation branding can contribute to investment, tourism, trade, innovation and stronger partnerships across the continent.
“A country’s reputation is one of its most important assets. It influences how the world understands our people, our values, our capabilities and our potential,” said Jimmy Renamane, General Manager Global markets of Brand South Africa. “As Brand South Africa, our role is to strengthen confidence in South Africa’s national brand while contributing to a more compelling and credible African narrative. Through platforms such as the Africa Global PR Week, we are able to advance the strategic work of nation branding, deepen partnerships across the continent and demonstrate how reputation can support investment, tourism, talent attraction and long-term competitiveness.”
Through its participation, Brand South Africa will engage regional and international media on South Africa’s nation branding journey, its public diplomacy priorities and its commitment to strengthening Africa’s collective reputation on the global stage.
“The partnership with Brand South Africa reflects a shared commitment to shaping how Africa tells its story, particularly as African nations navigate shifting global political and trade landscapes,” said Mary Njoki, Chair of the Africa Global PR Week. “Nation branding is no longer simply about image, it is about trust, competitiveness, investment, influence and leadership. We are honoured to welcome Brand South Africa to anchor this important continental conversation.”
The summit will also see the first-ever launch of the Africa Brand Index, a new tool for measuring and benchmarking how African nations are perceived on the global stage. The collaboration with Brand South Africa reinforces Africa Global PR Week’s broader mission of positioning communications as a strategic driver of economic growth, governance and sustainable development across the continent.
The Africa Global PR Week, which takes place from 26th-28th August 2026 in Nairobi, will convene an audience of communication professionals, government leaders, corporate executives, investors, academia, media practitioners and emerging leaders from across Africa and beyond to explore the role of public relations in shaping the branding and narrative perception of the continent.
