As the year’s second quarter draws to a close, we welcome you to this month’s edition of Show Up Insights, your one-stop source of everything communications. 

Letter from Director

It has been a transformative half year for Show Up Communications as we continue to support various clients in advancing the Agenda 2063 and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. 

As the 2030 deadline approaches, we remain steadfast in our commitment to achieving these goals through impactful storytelling, particularly in Africa. As we celebrate the advancements we have made in the past quarter, we can reflect on our progress in erasing the negative stereotypes, elevating Africa’s heritage, and forming alliances across socioeconomic and institutional frameworks.

We take pride in our work, playing a crucial role in supporting governments, multilateral institutions, and private sector partners in securing much-needed funding for development projects. 

From week-long workshops in Namibia for the ICT Policy and Regulation Institutional Strengthening (iPRIS), a project aimed at bridging the digital divide in Africa, to offering on-the-ground support at Science Week 2025, our commitment to sustainable development in Africa has remained the cornerstone throughout this quarter. 

As we move into the second half of the year, we look forward to offering even greater support, from community-based organisations to private partners and multilateral governments. Through impactful storytelling, strategic, innovative communications solutions, and partnerships, our commitment remains to advance the authentic African story through African eyes.

I want to thank all our partners, clients, media allies, and the incredible Show Up Communications team. Your commitment and support have enabled us to achieve significant milestones, and the future looks even brighter. Together, we are unlocking a transformative and sustainable future for Africa. 

I wish you, our subscribers, clients, and partners, a wonderful and productive second half of the year. 

Nancy Onyango,

Director & CEO,

Show Up Communications. 

Highlights:

• March was an impactful month for us as an agency. We commemorated Women’s History Month by creating compelling content for iPRIS, our client dedicated to empowering women in STEM, especially in Africa. 
• On International Women’s Day, we commemorated by celebrating powerful women in Africa by sharing their insightful thoughts. 
• In March, the iPRIS 2024C Africa regional follow-up phase took place. The fourth cohort of participants met in Namibia to discuss the progress of change initiatives. These are core to the iPRIS project. ICT experts from regulatory bodies representing Kenya, Liberia, Ghana, Namibia, South Sudan and Zimbabwe convened in Swakopmund to discuss compliance and ICT prosperity.
  

  Photo credits: iPRIS Digital

Making Connections Across Africa: Background on iPRIS.

Since 2023, we’ve been working with SPIDER, PTS, and ILR to implement the ICT Policy & Regulation-Institutional Strengthening (iPRIS) program. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by giving African telecommunications regulatory authorities the support and knowledge they need to thrive. We’re proud to be part of that.

That support has already led to real results: knowledge exchange among National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) and Regional Regulatory Organisations has driven the development of tailored change initiatives for each country. Cybersecurity, 5G network risk assessment, and broadband deployment are just a few areas where iPRIS makes a difference.

Read more on IPRIS: https://ipris.digital/about/ 

Source: CGIAR

Nairobi Hosts Inaugural CGIAR Science Week, Focusing on Global Food Security and Climate Resilience

CGIAR held its first-ever science week from the 7th to the 12th of April 2025.

In recognising the challenges faced in food insecurity, climate change, malnutrition, gender and social inequity, CGIAR, alongside the Kenyan Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), hosted world-leading scientists, environmentalists and key stakeholders for insightful discussions during the week. 

Key among discussions was the 2050 Vision for Africa and CGIAR’s 2025-2030 Research Portfolio, a comprehensive initiative designed to address the most pressing global challenges of our time. 

Formerly the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, CGIAR is a global network of researchers with common efforts towards innovation in food systems, addressing poverty, and catalysing development in agriculture. 

Industry Trend:

Glass House PR 2025 Report:

The 2025 Glass House PR Report perfectly illustrates Africa’s evolving digital landscape. With internet penetration on a steady climb, a youthful digital audience and increased digital consumption, PR practitioners now have endless opportunities to engage in fresh, transformative and compelling narratives. 

Source: Glass House PR 2025 Report

Here is what’s leading in the Communications and PR conversations this month. 

1. Storytelling Takes Centre Stage:

According to Glass House PR, 41% of professionals ranked storytelling as the top campaign consideration. But the ball doesn’t just drop at that; data-backed research remains central to impactful storytelling.

What it means: Your message should resonate with your audience. Have you reassessed your brand’s voice?

2. Youth-led Digital Trends:

Digital PR is noted to have grown by 10.83%. This is attributed to the rise in African youths’ consumption of digital mobile content, and Glass House PR notes that brands have responded to this shift by switching to digital campaigns.

What it means: The future is digital, and the youth are leading it. Build your brand around Gen-Z’s love for speed and interactivity, and you’ll stay authentic.

3. Tools and Talent go Hand in Hand:

There is a slow but steady use of AI integration in campaigns and strategies, and PR firms feel the effects. 46.43% of firms are exploring integrating AI tools in their work. This shift is, however, uneven.

What it means: PR Firms have no choice but to embrace talent and technology in their recruitment.

Feature: The Shift to Ethical Storytelling

Storytelling is the hallmark of effective communication. Whether by an individual or an organisation, the key to campaign success is through impactful storytelling. In her handbook “How to Write about Africa”, Rebecca Pointer defines ethical storytelling as moving away from stereotypical narratives. Creating authentic stories, representing lived experiences and preserving dignity is key to getting it right. Pointer highlights cultural etiquette, understanding the local context and addressing implicit bias as factors that underscore unethical storytelling.

Read more:  https://shorturl.at/6sX6h  

Source: Africa No Filters

Show Up Communications Wellness: Prioritising Mental Health in the Workplace

During Mental Health Month in May, we made health and fitness the chief pillars of personal and professional life. At Show Up Communications, parking wellness at our workstations ensures the team is happy and productive.

A commitment to wellness does not have to be drastic. Small, intentional changes can lead to significant improvements in our overall health and workplace satisfaction. Consider the following simple options:

• Get Moving: Instead of the elevator, walk up the stairs or take a walk during lunch.
• Drink Water: Stay hydrated throughout the day and keep your water bottle within easy reach.
• Mindfulness Moments: Try spending a few minutes each day in deep breathing or meditation for a refreshing reset and refocus.
• Learn to listen to your body: To avoid burnout, you should have enough rest and not over-stretch with work.

When we care for ourselves, we are better equipped to care for our work and each other. Let’s make 2025 the year we prioritise wellness as individuals and as a team. We can create a healthy environment that fosters success and happiness, motivating us to perform at our best and produce quality results.  Together, let us promote wellness and create a brighter, healthier future in your professional journeys.

Some members of Show Up Communications during a team-building session

Our Team: Passion in Action

During this first half of the year, our team has not only shown up but also shown the excellence of the support we offer clients. 

What’s Next

Events in July:

• WSIS+20 High-Level Event, 7-11 July

• AI for Good Global Summit, 8-11 July

Opportunities:

We have job opportunities for a Strategic Communication Intern and a Multimedia Intern. 

Check out our career opportunities in communications and media training sessions.

Thanks for Engaging

Thanks for reading this edition of Show Up Insights. As we start July, we are excited about the upcoming events and will be sure to keep you updated. Subscribe to our newsletter for communications and PR insights as we foster change through positive narratives.