PRISMS Awards 2026 open for entries as PRISA calls for top communication campaigns

The Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA) has opened entries for the 2026 PRISMS Summit and Awards, inviting practitioners, agencies, corporates, NGOs and government communicators across Africa to submit their most impactful work.

The entry portal will open in May and close on Sunday, 2 August, giving entrants a three-month window to participate in one of the continent’s leading public relations and strategic communication awards.

The 2026 edition is built around the theme Kaleidoscope: Patterns of Impact Across Past, Present & Future, reflecting the evolving role of communication in shaping meaning, influencing systems and contributing to sustainable development. According to the organisers, the theme highlights how strategic communication can bring Africa’s past, present and future into sharper focus, revealing new opportunities and perspectives.

PRISA President Bradly Howland said the theme comes at a critical time for both the continent and the profession.

"Africa's communications landscape is expanding, maturing and asserting its voice. PRISA continues to bring the continent’s practitioners together, strengthening the profession through shared standards, learning and purpose," adds Howland. "As we advance the African Declaration, currently underway, PRISA remains a lighthouse for communicators across the region — guiding the industry towards ethical practice, meaningful impact and a unified professional identity. Kaleidoscope speaks directly to this moment, reminding us that when we shift perspective, we unlock new patterns of possibility for Africa."

Chairman of the PRISMS Awards 2026 Committee, Paul Reynell, said the theme underscores the responsibility of the profession in shaping society.

"Kaleidoscope: Patterns of Impact Across Past, Present & Future calls on our profession to elevate its thinking and responsibility. The work we do influences public understanding, strengthens institutions and shapes the trajectory of communities. This theme challenges practitioners to bring clarity to complexity and to use communication as a force for positive, measurable change. 2026 PRISMS Summit & Awards celebrates work that not only tells powerful stories, but drives transformation — contributing meaningfully to the future of Africa and her people."

As part of this year’s programme, PRISA has introduced a new special category aligned with the theme. The category recognises outstanding PR campaigns that demonstrate measurable contributions to sustainable development across areas such as economic growth and innovation, climate resilience and environmental stewardship, social equity and human development, as well as governance and ethical leadership.

The PRISMS Awards continue to serve as a benchmark for excellence in strategic communication across Africa, rewarding work that combines innovation, ethical standards and measurable impact. Entrants are encouraged to demonstrate clear objectives, strategic thinking, creativity and tangible results aligned with responsible communication practices.