Firm Deepens Investment To Bridge Africa’s PR Skills Gap

SKOT Communications has deepened its investment in Africa’s communications talent pipeline with the launch of the third cohort of its training programme.

The six-week intensive programme, SKOT Impact Academy set to commence on October 10, 2026, is designed to equip early-career public relations and communications professionals with practical skills to navigate today’s fast-evolving media, digital and business landscape.

Since its launch, the Academy has grown with participants joining from Nigeria, Kenya and the United Kingdom. The initiative has now attracted over 1,300 applications across three cohorts.

Demand for the latest cycle has been particularly strong, with applications received for Cohort 3 from 14 countries including Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Pakistan, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Malawi, Bangladesh, Nepal, Tanzania and The Gambia.

Speaking on the commencement of the new cohort, founder/CEO of SKOT Communications, Tokunboh George Taylor, said the Academy’s growth reflects both the depth of talent in the ecosystem and the urgent need to invest in developing it.

“When we launched SKOT Impact Academy, we knew there was a need for more accessible and practical pathways into the communications profession. As we begin our third cohort, we see clear evidence of both the demand for this kind of opportunity and the depth of talent that exists within our industry,” Taylor said.

“But to us at SKOT, the impact and growth of the Academy is not simply about numbers. It is about the people and careers we are able to influence and the contribution they will go on to make to our industry.

“As the Academy grows, our ambition is to reach more people, deepen the quality and relevance of the programme, and extend its impact across Africa and beyond. We believe this is only the beginning of what SKOT Impact Academy can become,” she stated.

According to SKOT Communications, the communications profession today demands more than media relations and storytelling. Professionals are expected to manage reputation, navigate crises, leverage digital platforms and technology, understand emerging trends, and connect communications to broader organisational objectives.

“Developing the next generation of communications talent requires more than transferring knowledge. It requires creating an environment where early-career professionals can build practical skills, judgement, and confidence,” the company noted.