Local marketing professionals gathered in Windhoek to examine shifting industry trends across the continent during a live watch event for the 2026 Nedbank Integrated Marketing Conference (IMC), hosted jointly by Nedbank Namibia and Future Media.
Centered on the theme “Shift Happens,” the event focused on the rapidly evolving forces reshaping the African business landscape and the strategic role marketing executives play in driving organizational adaptation.
The conference brought together local brand managers, agency leaders, and media strategists to engage with insights on digital transformation, evolving consumer behavior, and brand resilience.
Selma Kaulinge, Communications and Public Relations Manager at Nedbank Namibia, noted that the conference provided local professionals with access to perspectives that could inform their work and business decisions.
“Access to international thinking is valuable, but the real benefit comes from examining it within our own market. The aim is for delegates to leave with practical ideas they can apply in the organisations and for the clients they serve,” Kaulinge added.
The day-long programme examined changes taking place across brand leadership and consumer behaviour. Conn Bertish, Founder of The Creative Resiliency Group, spoke about purpose-driven businesses and resilience, while Tarryn Knight, Head of Marketing at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, examined how established brands respond to changing times.
Kabelo Makwane, Country Director at Google South Africa, discussed how organisations can move from an interest in artificial intelligence to creating practical business value. International keynote speaker Suhayl Limbada, Chief Marketing Officer of KFC India, considered how brands can develop ideas grounded in local culture rather than relying on global approaches without sufficient adaptation.
African brand leadership featured in a panel discussion facilitated by Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa. The panel included Khensani Nobanda, Group Chief Marketing Officer at Nedbank Group Limited, and Opeyemi Lawal, Chief Marketing Officer of NBA Africa and the Basketball Africa League.
Zellmari Brandt, Future Media General Manager of Marketing and OneAfrica Channel Manager, said the partnership continued to make important marketing conversations accessible in Namibia.
