Half a Year In: Stories and Reflections from Q2 2026

June 22, 2026

Just like that, the first half of 2026 is already behind us. The second quarter created further space for reflection, collaboration, and storytelling across different sectors and communities. Over the past few months, conversations around inclusion, creativity, well-being, and digital transformation have continued to shape how communities connect and engage across Africa.

Across April, May, and June, our work reflected the growing importance of people-centred storytelling in amplifying lived experiences, strengthening community voices, and contributing to broader conversations around identity, communication, innovation, and social change. From reflections on well-being and community resilience to regional engagements, partnerships, and emerging ideas shaping the continent, the months offered many moments to learn, engage, and share.

In this edition, we bring together a selection of reflections and highlights from a quarter that continues to explore the conversations and collaborations shaping Africa’s evolving narrative.

Looking Back at Quarter Two: Reflections

Team members reflections

Our Campaign Highlights:

#GrowingForwardinRenewalandResilience – April Campaign

This is a reminder to grow with intensity, unity, well-being and shared purpose. It is a moment of action, reflection and storytelling anchored in African stories. The stories are shared with people using creativity and innovation to bridge divides, support one another, and build stronger, more united communities. The campaign #GrowingForwardinRenewalandResilience is a storytelling initiative with full focus on health, safety and wellbeing, arts, creativity, and innovation, and through culture, learning, and knowledge rights.

The campaign highlighted the importance of sports in promoting equality, social development, and community cohesion on the International Day of Sports for Development and Peace. The significance of universal health access for the African population: a healthy nation is a productive nation on World Health Day. As the world advances, innovation and creativity take centre stage, with artists using them to develop their artwork while celebrating the Heritage of the African continent. A conversation with C2 Sculpts at the art space served as an eye-opener as we celebrated World Art Day, World Heritage Day, and World Creativity and Innovation Day, during which we learned about women’s involvement in the Bodaboda sector through the Boda Girls initiative.

You can explore some of these reflections and stories from the #ForTheLoveOfAfrica campaign through the highlights below:

#WellbeingInAction – May Campaign

Well-being goes beyond individual health. It thrives in places where people feel safe, supported, and able to fully participate in society. May is known as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on what helps individuals and communities thrive. With this in mind, our theme for the month, #WellbeingInAction, looks at how everyday systems, leadership, and community efforts can strengthen well-being.

In May, as the world marks events such as World Press Freedom Day, International Day of Cultural Diversity, and Menstrual Health Day, we reflect on the different ways in which well-being is shaped in society. We will feature people and projects across Africa that help create spaces where everyone can grow, contribute, and thrive.

Some interesting reads from WellbeingInAction:

The Cost of the Truth: Why Press Freedom Still Matters

#AllVoicesOneAfrica – June Campaign

June’s #AllVoicesOneAfrica campaign celebrated unity, expression, culture, and humanity across the continent by highlighting international and African observances. Through discussions on press freedom, digital inclusion, and impactful storytelling, the campaign inspired reflection and dialogue on shared values that connect African communities.

The campaign also emphasised the importance of communication and storytelling in driving social awareness and development. Notably, social media engagement throughout the campaign highlighted the role of free media and digital connectivity. In addition, the published feature articles attracted readers by offering deeper insights into selected commemorative days, fostering meaningful engagement, and extending the campaign’s impact beyond social media conversations.

#AllVoicesOneAfrica showcased African voices, resilience, heritage, and progress. The campaign honoured mothers’ pivotal role in our lives and humanitarian workers’ efforts to promote cultural dialogue and dignity in menstrual health. These achievements reinforced inclusivity, social change, and unity, motivating audiences to value diversity, embrace shared responsibility, and foster a more informed, compassionate Africa.

Projects we supported:

iPRIS 8th Cohort in Stockholm Sweden | 13th April to 28th

The 8th iPRIS Cohort peer-to-peer learning program took place in Stockholm, Sweden, for two and a half weeks. It brought together African National Regulatory Authorities (NRA’s): Telecom experts from Liberia (LTA), Information and Communications Technologies Authority (ICTA), Namibia (CRAN), National Communications Authority (NatCA), Tanzania (TCRA), and Zimbabwe (POTRAZ). Regional Regulatory Authorities (RROs): CRASA, EACO, and WATRA, the Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions (SPIDER), and the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) came together to strengthen regulatory skills and support digital transformation across Sub-Saharan Africa.

During the two and a half weeks, the 8th iPRIS Cohort progressed from foundational regulatory learning to the structured development and refinement of Change Initiatives, culminating in clear implementation plans through the Way Forward presentations. The programme advanced regulatory dialogue and peer learning among African National Regulatory Authorities, with support from European partners and implementing partners

23rd Fratel Network Seminar in Kinshasa | 27, 28, and 29 April 2026

The Fratel Network Seminar took place at the Rotana Hotel in Kinshasa, hosted by the Congolese Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPTC) and Arcep France, the President of Fratel. Nearly 100 participants joined in person and online, representing 14 regulatory authorities from the FRATEL network. The main focus was on encouraging infrastructure sharing to boost deployment, competition, and the quality of new telecom networks.

Supporting Rotary Club of Kitengela

Dr Daniel Kanchori Installation Ceremony- Rotary Club of Kitengela

On 6 June, we provided multimedia support to the Rotary Club of Kitengela during its 9th Board Installation Ceremony. The event featured a Maasai-themed cultural festival that brought together Rotarians, families, friends, and guests for an evening of music, dance, vibrant colours, and traditional cuisine.

Dr Daniel Kanchori was officially installed as the incoming President and is set to assume office on 1 July 2026, alongside the 2026/2027 Board of Directors. Past District Governor Eric Kimani officiated the ceremony and encouraged continued impact through membership growth and support for The Rotary Foundation, Rotary’s charitable arm that enables clubs globally to deliver sustainable humanitarian projects, respond to disasters, combat disease, support education, promote peace, and transform communities.

Stories And Conversations Worth Sitting With This Quarter :

From digital storytelling and civic engagement to creativity and cultural identity, these are some of the stories and reflections that captured our attention this season:

African creators are reshaping how news is consumed online – A look at how digital storytellers and content creators across Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria are changing the way younger audiences engage with current affairs, culture, and history through social media. Read more >
How storytelling continues to shape social impact conversations – UNESCO reflects on the role of journalism and storytelling in translating policy into human experience, highlighting how African journalists are helping communities engage with issues such as education and gender. Read more >
Communication for social change across Africa – A publication exploring how community storytelling, digital activism, and participatory communication continue to amplify marginalised voices and strengthen civic engagement across the continent. Read more >

Creative cities are reshaping Africa’s urban future – Across Africa, fashion, music, film, and public creativity are increasingly shaping identity, economic opportunity, and how urban life is experienced and imagined. Read more >

Clean energy and connectivity are increasingly intersecting – As telecom infrastructure expands across Africa, operators are turning to solar-powered systems to improve connectivity, reduce operational costs, and strengthen sustainability efforts in underserved communities. Read more >
When elections test democracy: Youth, digital space, and accountability across Africa – A reflection on how young Africans are using digital platforms, civic engagement, and community organising to shape political conversations and defend democratic participation across the continent. Read more >

Bate-Epey – French Content Coordinator at Show Up Communications

What to Look Out for in Quarter 3

Mark your calendars for upcoming events, conversations, and global moments shaping communication, creativity, digital transformation, leadership, and collaboration across Africa and beyond.

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