The Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA) launched the Effective Communicators Conference 2026, a platform designed to bring communication professionals together to exchange knowledge, strengthen skills, and explore emerging trends in the communication sector.

The second edition of the conference aims to enhance effective messaging, stakeholder engagement, digital communication and crisis communication capabilities across various sectors.

Key focus areas for the 2026 conference include strategic communications, digital transformation, fighting misinformation, leadership communication, and innovation in public engagement.

Speaking at the launch, Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus highlighted the conference's significance.

"Great communicators drive success through several core impacts, such as fostering clarity and alignment. They prevent this conversational waste and misunderstanding by articulating exactly the right expectations and goals that teams need to rally behind. They also inspire leadership; strong orators generate rapport, which empowers and unites teams around a shared vision."

The conference builds on the success of the inaugural Effective Communicators Conference held in 2025, which attracted communication practitioners from government, the private sector, academia and civil society.

Newly appointed Chairperson of the NAMPA board, Kauli Nghishitende, stressed the importance of continuous professional development in communication. 

"It is through clear, effective communication that trust is built, credibility is maintained, and organisational integrity is upheld. As communicators at this event today, you carry all the responsibility of shaping narratives and influencing perceptions. In doing so, you continue to contribute directly to the strengthening of democracy and accountability of communication."

China Media Group's Africa Bureau chief, Joyce Zhao, said they aim to strengthen media cooperation with Namibia and provide an international platform to share the country's development and innovation stories with global audiences.

"We come to listen to understand Namibian development priorities and explore how CMG can provide an accurate, objective, international platform for the Namibia story. And it's diplomacy, innovation and people. We love the people here. And we value this partnership to look forward to working with your ministry and the media sector to deepen mutual understanding between our nations."

The conference is expected to provide networking opportunities, expert-led discussions and practical insights into emerging communication challenges and opportunities in the digital age.