Special Issue -The Human Factor in Public Relations, Communication and Development: Africa's G20 Moment
SPECIAL ISSUE OF COMMUNICARE: JOURNAL FOR COMMUNICATION STUDIES IN AFRICA
The Human Factor in Public Relations, Communication and Development: Africa's G20 Moment
As Africa assumes a more influential global position through its G20 membership and 2025 presidency, the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI), public relations, communication, and development necessitates critical reflection (Rogers, 2022; Stal, 2024). Over the past decade, as machine learning has advanced rapidly, G20 leaders have increasingly acknowledged both the transformative power of AI and digital technologies in spurring economic growth and the potential risks they pose (Stal, 2024). While AI technologies offer transformative potential for addressing development challenges from health and education to governance and economic growth, their impact is shaped by how they are designed, communicated, and implemented in diverse African contexts (Seidenglanz & Baier, 2023). The “human touch” in AI refers not only to ethical and inclusive design but also to culturally grounded communication strategies that ensure trust, accessibility, and meaningful engagement with communities (Azionya, 2025; Bevilacqua et al., 2025; Mhlanga, 2023).
This special issue invites interdisciplinary contributions that explore how human-centred approaches to AI can enhance communication and development across the African continent. Topics may include participatory AI design (Eke, 2023), strategic communication for digital inclusion (Gwagwa et al., 2020), PR and advocacy around AI-driven reforms, the role of storytelling and narrative in shaping public perceptions of AI (Bosch, 2022), and the governance of AI through transparent, accountable, and people-focused frameworks (OECD, 2021; Cole, 2024). We are especially interested in research that interrogates the communicative power of AI in development initiatives, examines its social and ethical implications, and highlights African-led innovations that prioritise human dignity and context relevance (Mhlanga, 2024; Nhedzi & Azionya, 2025).
By centring the human experience within AI discourse, this issue aims to foster dialogue across fields such as strategic communication studies, media, development, technology policy, and public relations. We welcome contributions that reflect Africa’s diversity and leadership in shaping responsible, inclusive, and communicatively resonant AI futures, marking the continent’s G20 moment with substance and strategy.
We seek submissions that demonstrate how human-centred communication can be, but are not limited to:
- Navigate AI disruption whilst preserving authentic human connection
- Bridge theory and practice for sustainable outcomes
- Decolonise narratives in media, policy, corporate communication, and nation brands
- Amplify marginalised voices in global governance discussions
- Build corporate reputation through genuine stakeholder engagement
- Transform PR and communication pedagogy while bridging theory and practice
The papers can be theoretical, empirical, or practical, and may include industry practitioner viewpoints.
Guidelines for submission
The articles must be submitted online via https://journals.uj.ac.za/index.php/jcsa/about/submissions.
Please indicate that the article is intended for the special issue.
The length of the manuscripts:
- 5000-8000 words for a full-length article, including references.
- 3000-4500 practice-based case study.
- Author guidelines found here Submissions | Communicare: Journal for Communication Studies in Africa
- Accepted articles will attract standard Communicare APCs.
Guest Editors:
Dr Caroline M. Azionya, Senior Lecturer, Department of Strategic Communication, University of Johannesburg (UJ), South Africa, carolinea@uj.ac.za, and Dr Abyshey Nhedzi, Research Associate, Department of Strategic Communication, University of Johannesburg, South Africa nabyshey@gmail.com
Important Dates for Special Issue
- 31 March 2026: Full article submission deadline
- Expected publication November 2026
