Windhoek: The African Public Relations Association (APRA) and China Media Group (CMG) have joined the Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA) as strategic partners for the Effective Communicators Conference (ECC) 2026, strengthening the event's international reach. The partnership was announced during the launch of the conference in Windhoek on Thursday.According to Namibia Press Agency, APRA Secretary-General Omoniyi Ibietan highlighted that the collaboration reflects the organisation's commitment to improving communication across the African continent. "Today is symbolic in the sense that we are signing the Memorandum of Understanding that will ensure that we rally people across every part of the world to come to Namibia to speak to how effective communication can enrich the processes of development," he stated.Ibietan also emphasized the significance of APRA's entry into Namibia, expressing the association's readiness to support the conference. "We are making a grand entry into Namibia, a country that we cherish so much by virtue of its history," he added.On behalf of China Media Group, Africa Bureau Chief Song Jianing expressed the organisation's intention to strengthen cooperation with Namibia in the media and communication sectors. "We aim to provide a dedicated, objective international platform to broadcast the Namibian vision and government policy directives to a global audience," she remarked.NAMPA Acting Chief Executive Officer Jata Kandozu noted the growing international interest in the conference. "Last year we had attendance and participation from France, Kenya and South Africa, but this year we are looking at more than 10 countries in Africa and internationally as well, China included," he mentioned.The conference is scheduled to take place in Swakopmund from 14 to 17 July 2026 and is expected to draw communication practitioners, government officials, academics, and media professionals from Namibia and abroad.