The 1978 edition saw the debuts of Dominica and Saint Vincent and the returns of India, Italy, Jamaica, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nigeria, Philippines, Singapore, Swaziland, Tunisia, and the Virgin Islands. Nigeria last competed in 1970, India, Malaysia, Mauritius, Philippines, Swaziland, and Tunisia last competed in 1975, while the others last competed in 1976.
The 1978 edition included the first appearances of Dominica and Saint Vincent, as well as the resumption of competition by India, Italy, Jamaica, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nigeria, Philippines, Singapore, Swaziland, Tunisia, and the Virgin Islands. Nigeria's most recent appearance was in 1970, with India, Malaysia, Mauritius, Philippines, Swaziland, and Tunisia last participating four years earlier in 1975.