Particularly commendable was its effort to bring on board 49 out of 55-member states to sign an agreement establishing Continental Free trade Area (AfCFTA) and its ratification by 6 countries. “This suggests business growth, opportunities and development for our continent, Africa” he stated.

As Public Relations (PR) Practitioners, this formation is considered a boost to the reputation of Africa which we are building further.

 The adoption of 5 priority sectors by the Assembly of Heads of States which includes the communication sector, indicates that the African Union acknowledges and appreciates the efforts of PR Practitioners and Communication specialist in representing the image of Africa.

This in effect serves as a charge for practitioners to do more.

In his statement, Mr Yomi Badejo-Okusanya advised that, the inclusion of PR Practitioners and communication experts at meetings such as this is very crucial especial as reputation managers across the continent.

He further stressed that, the association is open to invitation to work with the AU on partnerships and collaborations that would foster development and further enhance the reputation of AU as well as Africa as a whole.

With the 2019 theme designated as a “Year of Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons in Africa: Towards Durable Solutions to Forced Displacement”, it is pertinent to re-orientate the globe and modify the perceptions about Africa and who better knows about perception and reputation management than PR practitioners?

He further expressed his delight with the Assembly of heads of state for the establishment of African Union Development Agency (AUDA) and congratulates the new appointees.