The second MTC Branding and Marketing Indaba will gather leading African marketing and communications professionals in Windhoek from 8-10 April for discussions, networking, and industry insights.
Organised by Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC), the annual industry gathering focuses on the ever changing world of branding, public relations, advertising and marketing across the continent.
According to organisers, the indaba aims to create a platform where professionals can share knowledge, exchange ideas and explore new strategies that can help African brands grow and remain competitive in a fast-shifting market.
“Participants can look forward to inspiring keynotes and interactive panel discussions covering and dissecting diverse and relevant topics,” they say.
The first edition, held in 2025, attracted hundreds of participants from Namibia and beyond and included exhibitors showcasing products and services related to branding, marketing and communication.
The 2026 programme will once again bring together professionals from several African countries, including Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Kenya, Malawi and Zimbabwe.
The aim is to strengthen regional collaboration and encourage the exchange of ideas between different markets and industries.
This event will be held under the theme ‘Marketing From the Heart’, highlighting the growing importance of authentic storytelling, emotional connection and purpose-driven communication in modern marketing.
The programme will feature several speakers who will share insights from their work and experience in the industry.
Among them is Ghanaian brand strategist Maukeni Ribeiro, who will speak on the topic, ‘Seen, Heard & Paid: The Heart of Authentic Marketing’.
Her presentation will explore how authenticity and clear messaging can help brands stand out in crowded markets.
Rwanda’s Michaella Rugwizangoga will also take part in the programme. She is expected to discuss how strong nation branding can attract investment and improve Africa’s global positioning.
Namibia’s Luis Munana, TV personality, creator and founder of MTC Windhoek Fashion Week, will give a talk on Namibia’s fashion industry and how it fits into the global fashion economy.
“You do not want to miss out on this one,” Munana says, promising many surprises for attendees.
Kenyan marketing strategist Sylvia Kyalo will focus on emotional marketing and how brands can build lasting relationships with audiences. While Zambia’s Patience Chisanga-Mayer will present on business storytelling and the role it plays in building meaningful brands.
Other speakers confirmed for the event include George Damson, Paulinus Sheehama, Josy Nghipandua, Mignon du Preez, Mbali Bhengu, Laurencia Prizonsky, Marlize Horn, Ignatious Jungura, and Naftal Nghishekwa.
Topics expected to be discussed during the summit include nation branding, storytelling in business, corporate reputation management, the role of sustainability in branding, emotional intelligence in marketing, and how companies can adapt their communication strategies in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
The event will also feature panel discussions, case studies and networking sessions designed to encourage collaboration between professionals from different sectors of the communications industry. Organisers say participants can expect a mixture of keynote presentations, interactive discussions and opportunities to build partnerships with colleagues from across the region.
The summit will conclude with a gala dinner and excellence award ceremony, where industry professionals will be recognised for their contributions to branding, marketing, communications and advertising. The guest speaker for the gala evening will be Nomndeni Sethole from South Africa, while categories include social media influencers of the year, advertising campaign of the year, best tv commercial of the year, pr personality of the year and others.
– Anne Hambuda is a poet, writer, social commentator and novelist. Follow her online or email her at annehambuda@gmail.com for more.
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