UNIVERSITY PR
CHALLENGE 2026
The continental arena where Africa's finest communication students solve real-world industry problems, compete for prestigious titles, and present to global leaders.
50+
Universities Participated
13
Finalist Teams Selected
$10k
Continental Prize Pool
500+
Student Participants
BRIDGE THE GAP
TO EXCELLENCE
The University PR Challenge is a premier competition designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice. Students from top universities compete to solve real-world PR problems, demonstrating their strategic thinking, creativity, and communication skills to a panel of industry experts.
Campaign Showcase
Real Case Studies
Industry Mentors
Guided by Experts
Connections
Elite Network
The 2026 Challenge: Redefining Sustainable Growth
This year's case study focuses on the intersection of corporate accountability and pan-African expansion. Teams must develop a comprehensive PR strategy for a fictional energy startup navigating complex stakeholder landscapes.
Competition Info
Timeline & Deadline
Submission Deadline: July 15th, 2026
Team Requirements
3-5 Registered Students
Grand Reward
Grand Prize: $10,000 + Internship Placement
PARTICIPATING UNIVERSITIES
Leading academic institutions competing for the 2026 championship cup.
Aga Khan University
Host UniversityUnited States International University (USIU)
Participating UniversityStrathmore University
Participating UniversityMount Kenya University
Participating UniversityRiara University
Participating UniversityUniversity of Nairobi
Participating UniversityKenyatta University
Participating UniversityDaystar University
Participating UniversityMakerere University (Uganda)
Participating UniversityUniversity of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)
Participating UniversityAshesi University (Ghana)
Participating UniversityUniversity of Cape Town (South Africa)
Participating UniversityCovenant University (Nigeria)
Participating UniversityJUDGES PANEL
Alex Owiti
Lead Judge
Alexander PR
Lorraine Onduru
Communications Specialist
Onduru Consulting
Dr. Carolyne Kiarie
Summit Judge
Academic Research Council
Tshego Kekana
Summit Judge
Alfa Destiny Communications
CHALLENGE MENTORS
Roby Koki Ochieng
University Panelist
USIU
Dr. Arbogast Akidiva
University Panelist
Strathmore University
Dr. Daniel Oloo
University Panelist
Mount Kenya University
Elizabeth Amollo
University Panelist
Riara University
Anne Karubiu
University Panelist
Mount Kenya University
Tshego Kekana
Industry Mentor
Alfa Destiny Communications
Gilad Millo
Industry Mentor
Millo Communications
Mary Njoki
Industry Mentor
GlassHouse PR
Brian Munene
Industry Mentor
Africa Renewables Katalyst
Sarah Kagingo
Industry Mentor
Radical PR (Uganda)
John Mwendwa
Industry Mentor
Brand Communications Kenya
Fatima Abubakar
Industry Mentor
NTA Nigeria
Kwame Senou
Industry Mentor
Opinion & Public BC
Claudine Kanyaget
Industry Mentor
PR & Media (Rwanda)
Youssef Haroon
Industry Mentor
North Africa Comms (Egypt)
Linda M. Mbonde
Industry Mentor
Summit PR (Tanzania)
Ndidi Nwuneli
Industry Mentor
LEAP Africa
Rachel Muthoni
University Panelist
Aga Khan University
Our Supporting Partners
JOIN THE CHALLENGE
Choose your registration track below and shape the future of communications in Africa.
Register to Attend
Register to attend and participate in the University PR Challenge 2026 to accelerate your professional growth.
- Free entry to the event
- Access to Case briefings & panels
- Elite networking opportunities
Become a Partner
Support emerging talent, access top recruitment pools, and position your brand with elite leaders.
- Recruitment access
- Elite brand positioning
- Thought leadership opportunities
- Continental visibility