Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Orange Money Group and Visa Announce a Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Online Payments in Africa

Source: APO – Report:

Orange Money Group (www.Orange.com) and Visa announce a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating online payments and democratizing access to financial services across Africa and the Middle East.

Already successfully deployed in Botswana, Madagascar, and Jordan, where the partnership is renewed, the virtual visa card has been recently launched by Orange Money Côte d’Ivoire. This launch was a success and perfectly illustrates our shared vision with Visa for a more inclusive and accessible financial ecosystem. 

This partnership marks a new milestone in the shared ambition of the two companies: to provide millions of users with a simple, secure, and internationally recognized payment solution.

Building on the success in these countries, it will be gradually rolled out to new markets such as Guinea, Burkina Faso, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Directly accessible from the Max it app, the Orange Money Visa virtual card allows users to instantly create a card that can be funded anytime from their Orange Money account, enabling secure online payments on local and international websites. A physical card will also be made available at authorized Orange Money points of sale at a later stage.

Orange Money is proud to partner with Visa, given its global expertise in secure digital payments and its extensive international acceptance network—ensuring Orange Money users enjoy a seamless and trusted payment experience wherever they are.

For Orange Money, this partnership is fully aligned with its mission to promote financial inclusion—simplifying access to digital services and empowering everyone to participate fully in the digital economy, regardless of their country or device.

Thierry Millet, CEO, Orange Money Group comments: “Thanks to Orange Money, our 45 million customers can make everyday payments at millions of physical retail locations and with online merchants in their country. Whether they are individuals or entrepreneurs, they can now create their virtual Visa card in just a few seconds and make international online payments across the Visa network. This is the first step in this strategic partnership, which will help make Orange Money a widely accepted payment method, from major online platforms to local neighborhood merchants.”

Ismahill Diaby, Vice-President, General Manager – Western and Central Francophone & Lusophone Africa, Visa comments: “We’re excited to partner with Orange Money to bring the advantages of the digital economy to millions of people across Africa. By combining Visa’s trusted technology with Orange Money’s local reach, this partnership offers a simple, secure way for more people and small businesses to pay online—helping them participate confidently in everyday commerce.”

With over 173 million customers and 45 million active accounts across 17 countries in Africa, Orange continues to drive digital and financial transformation across the continent, supported by Visa’s trusted technology.

– on behalf of Orange Middle East and Africa.

Press contacts:
Orange Middle-East and Africa (OMEA)
Stella Fumey
stella.fumey@orange.com

Tom Wright
tom.wright @orange.com

Visa
Lesego Charlie
lcharlie@visa.com

Yvan Guehi
yguehi@visa.com

About Orange Money Group:
Orange Money, a pioneering solution for financial inclusion, is used every month by more than 45 million people across 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East. Orange Money Group, in coordination with local Orange Money entities and Orange Bank Africa, is responsible for defining the mobile financial services strategy for the Middle East and Africa region. It provides local entities with operational support to help them accelerate their growth, establish new partnerships, support their compliance plans, and develop new value-added activities that meet market expectations.

About Orange Middle-East and Africa (OMEA):
Orange is present in 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East and has 173 million customers at 30 november 2025. With 7.7 billion euros of revenues in 2024, Orange MEA is the first growth area in the Orange group. Orange Money, its flagship mobile-based money transfer and financial services offer is available in 17 countries and has more than 100 million customers. Orange, multi-services operator, key partner of the digital transformation provides its expertise to support the development of new digital services in Africa and the Middle East.

About Visa:
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities in more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling people, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, lift everyone everywhere, and we see access as fundamental to the future of the movement of money.

Find out more about www.Visa.com.

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Senegal’s Energy, Petroleum & Mines Minister Announces MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026

Source: APO – Report:

Birame Soulèye Diop, Minister of Energy, Petroleum & Mines of Senegal, announced that the next MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power Conference and Exhibition will take place from December 1-3, 2026, in Dakar, Senegal. The announcement was made during a fireside chat at the 2025 edition of the event, with Minister Diop underscoring the need to continue investing in regional energy.

“MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 will build on the success of this year’s event and provide a platform to accelerate investment and regional collaboration in the energy sector,” said Minister Diop. “We invite investors, partners and stakeholders to join us in shaping the future of energy in the MSGBC region.”

During the discussion, Minister Diop also highlighted the importance of local content and national capacity in developing Senegal’s energy sector.

“Local content must be understood as both a legal and economic foundation – a legal entity capable of participating in commercial activity and contributing expertise,” he said. “It also refers to individual human resources: financial experts, geological engineers, petrochemical and electromechanical specialists – the backbone of national capacity.”

The Minister also spoke about the role of the national private sector in nation-building. “Our states are right to affirm that nation-building relies on developing a strong national private sector. We are not exclusivist; we do not exclude anyone,” he said. “When we invite partners, we ask them to show openness and the willingness to transfer skills and share knowledge.”

On the topic of domestic gas usage and energy access, Minister Diop emphasized the urgent need to provide affordable, clean energy. “Everyone knows that in Africa, clean cooking methods are still far from widespread. In remote villages, women still cook with firewood, while children rely on kerosene lanterns to study,” Minister Diop said. “Gas must be a transition energy for achieving universal energy access. If all African gas-producing countries used their full capacity, their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions would be only 0.5%.”

Minister Diop also called for regional collaboration to leverage Africa’s comparative advantages. “We must build together around shared interests: electricity through West African Power Pool, gas through the Nigeria–Morocco pipeline and other strategic corridors. No one can dictate our path; we will build our projects, like Yakaar-Teranga, with Senegalese priorities first,” he said.

Minister Diop concluded by underlining the vision for long-term sustainable development, stating that “the future of Senegal’s energy sector depends on strong local content, strategic partnerships and regional cooperation. We are building our continent’s energy future together.”

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Afreximbank announces US$1.1-million donation to aid Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts in Jamaica and Haiti

Source: APO – Report:

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African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has announced a donation of US$1.1 million to the governments of Jamaica and Haiti to support their recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in October.

Hurricane Melissa, which passed through the northern Caribbean, unleashed unprecedented devastation on a number of countries in the region, including Haiti and Jamaica both of which are Afreximbank member states. According to letters of solidarity sent by Dr. George Elombi, President of Afreximbank, to the respective governments, $600,000 of the donation will go to Jamaica and US$500,000 to Haiti.

The donation followed separate meetings held on 31 October and 3 November between Dr. Elombi and H.E. Laurent Saint-Cyr, Chairman of the Transitional Presidential Council of Haiti, and the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, respectively, during which he expressed condolences and affirmed Afreximbank’s commitment to supporting the two countries in their rebuilding efforts.

President Elombi informed the two leaders that Afreximbank would engage with relevant agencies and authorities to explore the possibility of developing country programmes to support recovery projects in the two countries. To this end, the Caribbean Office of the Bank was mandated to engage with both governments to explore ways of providing further support towards the reconstruction process.

According to the United Nations, Hurricane Melissa, which reached Category 5 Status in Jamaica, impacted more than 1.6 million people in the country.

President Dr. Elombi, captured the urgency of the moment, stating: “We commiserate with our brothers and sisters in Haiti, Jamaica, and other places devastated by Hurricane Melissa. While extending our support towards immediate relief efforts in the region, we recognise the scale of damage to vital infrastructure and to people’s livelihoods. We remain steadfast in our support for recovery and restoration efforts and in building our collective resilience against future climate shocks.”

The Caribbean hurricane season runs from June to November when the region experiences increased weather systems, like tropical storms and hurricanes, characterised by destructive winds, storm surges and excessive rainfall. Researchers have predicted that the severity of hurricanes will continue to intensify as a result of climate change and have partially attributed the severity of Hurricane Melissa, described as “one of the strongest Atlantic storms ever recorded”, to the especially high temperatures in the Caribbean this year.

Afreximbank will continue to work with Caribbean governments, through the Bank’s CARICOM Office based in Barbados, to explore long-term financing solutions that strengthen resilience, restore livelihoods, and reinforce critical infrastructure for the future.

In 2024, Afreximbank contributed over USD 500,000 to support disaster relief and rebuilding efforts across Caribbean countries affected by Hurricane Beryl. This move further reflects the Bank’s ongoing commitment to assisting nations disproportionately impacted by climate-related disasters.

– on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

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About Afreximbank: 
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

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Afreximbank annonce un don de 1,1 millions de dollars US pour aider à la reconstruction en Jamaïque et en Haïti après le passage de l’ouragan Melissa

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) a annoncé un don de 1,1 millions de dollars US en faveur des gouvernements de la Jamaïque et d’Haïti en vue de soutenir leurs efforts de reconstruction à la suite des dégâts causés par l’ouragan Melissa au mois d’octobre.

L’ouragan Melissa, qui a traversé le nord des Caraïbes, a causé des dégâts sans précédent dans un certain nombre de pays de la région, dont Haïti et la Jamaïque, qui sont tous deux des États membres d’Afreximbank. Dans ses lettres de solidarité adressées aux gouvernements respectifs, le Dr George Elombi, Président d’Afreximbank, affirme que 600 000 dollars US de la donation iront à la Jamaïque et 500 000 dollars à Haïti.

Ce don fait suite à des réunions séparées tenues les 31 octobre et 3 novembre entre le Dr Elombi et S.E. Laurent Saint-Cyr, Président du Conseil Présidentiel de Transition d’Haïti, et Andrew Holness, Premier Ministre de la Jamaïque. Au cours de ces réunions respectives, le Dr Elombi a présenté ses condoléances et a réaffirmé l’engagement d’Afreximbank à soutenir les deux pays dans leurs efforts de reconstruction.

Le Président Elombi a informé les deux dirigeants qu’Afreximbank collaborerait avec les agences et autorités compétentes pour explorer la possibilité d’élaborer des programmes nationaux visant à soutenir les projets de reconstruction dans les deux pays. C’est à cet effet que le Bureau de la Banque aux Caraïbes a été chargé de collaborer avec ces deux gouvernements afin d’explorer les moyens de fournir un soutien supplémentaire au processus de reconstruction.

Selon les Nations Unies, l’ouragan Melissa, qui a atteint la catégorie 5 en Jamaïque, a touché plus de 1,6 millions de personnes dans le pays.

Dr. Elombi, Président d’Afreximbank a saisi l’urgence de la situation en déclarant : « Nous compatissons avec nos frères et sœurs d’Haïti, de la Jamaïque et d’autres régions dévastées par l’ouragan Melissa. Tout en apportant notre soutien aux efforts de secours immédiats dans la région, nous reconnaissons l’ampleur des dégâts causés aux infrastructures vitales et aux moyens de subsistance des populations. Nous restons déterminés à soutenir les efforts de reconstruction et de restauration et à renforcer notre résilience collective face aux futurs chocs climatiques ».

La saison des ouragans dans les Caraïbes s’étend de juin à novembre, lorsque la région connaît des systèmes météorologiques accrus, comme les tempêtes tropicales et les ouragans caractérisés par des vents destructeurs, des ondes de tempête et des précipitations excessives. Les chercheurs ont prédit que l’intensité des ouragans continuera de s’accroître en raison du changement climatique et ont reconnu la gravité de l’ouragan Melissa, décrit comme « l’une des tempêtes atlantiques les plus fortes jamais enregistrées », à cause des températures particulièrement élevées dans les Caraïbes cette année.

Afreximbank continuera à travailler avec les gouvernements des Caraïbes, par l’intermédiaire de son Bureau de la CARICOM basé à la Barbade, afin d’explorer des solutions de financement à long terme qui renforceront la résilience, rétabliront les moyens de subsistance et consolideront les infrastructures essentielles pour l’avenir.

En 2024, Afreximbank a décaissé plus de 500 000 de dollars US pour soutenir les efforts de secours et de reconstruction dans les pays des Caraïbes touchés par l’ouragan Beryl. Cette initiative reflète l’engagement continu de la Banque à aider les nations touchées de manière disproportionnée par les catastrophes liées au climat.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

Contact Presse :
Vincent Musumba
Responsable des communications et de la gestion événementielle (Relations presse)
Courriel : press@afreximbank.com

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À propos d’Afreximbank : 
La Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) est une institution financière multilatérale panafricaine dédiée au financement et à la promotion du commerce intra et extra-africain. Depuis 30 ans, Afreximbank déploie des structures innovantes pour fournir des solutions de financement qui facilitent la transformation de la structure du commerce africain et accélèrent l’industrialisation et le commerce intrarégional, soutenant ainsi l’expansion économique en Afrique. Fervente défenseur de l’Accord sur la Zone de Libre-Échange Continentale Africaine (ZLECAf), Afreximbank a lancé les le Système panafricain de paiement et de règlement (PAPSS) qui a été adopté par l’Union africaine (UA) comme la plateforme de paiement et de règlement devant appuyer la mise en œuvre de la ZLECAf. En collaboration avec le Secrétariat de la ZLECAf et l’UA, la Banque a mis en place un Fonds d’ajustement de 10 milliards de dollars US pour aider les pays à participer de manière effective à la ZLECAf. À la fin de décembre 2024, le total des actifs et des garanties de la Banque s’élevait à environ 40,1 milliards de dollars US et les fonds de ses actionnaires s’établissaient à 7,2 milliards de dollars US. Afreximbank est notée A par GCR International Scale, Baa2 par Moody’s, AAA par China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI), A- par Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) et BBB par Fitch. Au fil des ans, Afreximbank est devenue un groupe constitué de la Banque, de sa filiale de financement à impact appelée Fonds de développement des exportations en Afrique (FEDA), et de sa filiale de gestion d’assurance, AfrexInsure, (les trois entités forment « le Groupe »). La Banque a son siège social au Caire, en Égypte.

Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez visiter www.Afreximbank.com

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Regional Leaders Launch One Health Action in High-Level Ceremony in Lusaka

Source: APO – Report:

Government Ministers from Zambia and their counterparts from across the region have launched a landmark One Health Regional Call to Action in a special signing ceremony during the first-ever Eastern and Southern Africa Regional One Health Conference (www.ESAfricaOneHealth.com) in Lusaka, Zambia. During the ceremony, Ministers of Health, Agriculture and the Environment jointly pledged their commitment to safeguard the health and well-being of people, animals, plants, and ecosystems within and across SADC Member States by strengthening One Health systems in the region.

The inaugural Eastern and Southern Africa Regional One Health Conference is being hosted by the Government of Zambia and co-organized by SADC, the World Bank Group, and the Quadripartite Alliance, comprising the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) (www.FAO.org), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (www.UNEP.org), the World Health Organization (WHO) (www.WHO.int), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) (www.WOAH.org).

Conference co-host and keynote speaker, Honorable Dr. Elijah J. Muchima, Minister of Health of Zambia, said: “For too long we have ignored the overlaps between human, animal and environmental health and approached each sector separately. Not only has this hampered our collective health security, but it is also an inefficient use of precious public resources. The first ever Eastern and Southern Regional One Health Conference inspires us to embrace a smarter, more sustainable One Health approach. I urge everyone to join the Regional One Health Call-to-Action and help us advance the health of people, animals and the planet together.”

Over the course of the two-day high-level regional conference, government ministers, health sector experts, development partners, and youth and community representatives will discuss collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health, with a focus on addressing transboundary and cross-sector health threats such as infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), foodborne illnesses, and climate-induced shocks.

The Conference agenda includes thematic sessions on topics such as leveraging One Health for economic resilience, building a next generation One Health workforce, circular food systems, integrated surveillance, laboratory resilience, and conservation and climate.

It will also feature an interactive Innovation Marketplace, where leading researchers and entrepreneurs from across the world will be showcasing their unique One Health solutions, including five Zambian organizations.

Commenting on the conference, Achim Fock, Zambia Country Manager, The World Bank Group, said: “The region’s commitment to stronger coordination, integrated systems, and community-centred solutions shows that effective health security is achievable and essential for sustainable development. The World Bank remains committed to supporting governments as they build resilient, efficient, and inclusive One Health systems that protect lives and livelihoods across the region.”  

One Health is a unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. It recognizes that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and interdependent.

The Regional One Health Joint Call-to-Action is now published online (www.ESAfricaOneHealth.com), where any member of the public can add their name and support the One Health cause.

– on behalf of Regional One Health Conference Eastern and Southern Africa.

For interview requests, please contact:
Zambia National Public Health Institute
Dr Doreen Shempela
doreenshempela@gmail.com 

Conference
Winnie Kariuki
Global Health Strategies
wkariuki@globalhealthstrategies.com

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Qatar Participates in Launch of Brussels Memorandum on Oversight and Accountability in Counterterrorism

Source: Government of Qatar

Brussels, December 11, 2025

Qatar participated in the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) initiative event to launch the “The Brussels Memorandum on Good Practices for Oversight and Accountability Mechanisms in Counterterrorism,” held in the Belgian capital, Brussels, with wide participation from forum members.

Representing Qatar at the event was HE Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Faisal bin Abdullah Al Hanzab, who highlighted in his speech that Qatar has placed counterterrorism at the forefront of its foreign policy, in line with its international responsibilities and its vision for collective security. He emphasized that terrorism is not combated solely through security measures, but also by addressing its root causes, promoting justice, and respecting human rights.

He pointed out that Qatar has enacted laws consistent with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and international law provisions, thereby enhancing counterterrorism financing measures and strengthening international judicial and security cooperation.

The Special Envoy stressed Qatar’s commitment to ensuring the independence of oversight institutions in accordance with the principles outlined in the Brussels Memorandum, which emphasizes operational, financial, and institutional autonomy of accountability mechanisms. He also highlighted Qatar’s adoption of advanced measures to promote security education based on professional standards and codes of conduct. 

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Merck Foundation Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the First Lady of Zimbabwe Celebrate 7 Years of Long-Term Partnership to Train healthcare providers, Support Infertile Women & Girl Education

Source: APO – Report:

  • Merck Foundation marked a milestone of providing 166 scholarships for Zimbabwean doctors in 44 critical specialties during their annual Alumni Summit – Celebrating 7 years of partnership between Merck Foundation and Zimbabwe First Lady and Government, and a remarkable legacy of transforming the country’s patient care landscape.
  • Merck Foundation Zimbabwe Alumni Summit and Awards Ceremony 2025 was conducted in Harare, chaired by Zimbabwe First Lady and Merck Foundation CEO and Chairman.
  • Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO recognized Zimbabwe First Lady for her great efforts as Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” Campaign.

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany conducted the Merck Foundation Zimbabwe Annual Summit and Awards Ceremony 2025 in Harere, Zimbabwe, chaired by The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, and CEO of Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign emphasized, “It is a great honor to meet my dear sister, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe and to recognize her for her tremendous efforts as the Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”. We celebrated our seven-year partnership journey and discussed our joint programs to build healthcare and media capacity, empower infertile women, and support girl education. Together, we reflected on our remarkable achievements and marked an important milestone of success and impact since 2018.

I am very proud to share that that we have transformed the patientcare landscape of Zimbabwe by providing 166 scholarships for the local doctors in 44 critical and underserved specialties such as Fertility, Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Respiratory, Acute Medicine, Sexual and Reproductive care, Embryology, Critical care, Psychiatry, and many more. This is a huge milestone and revolution in patient care across Zimbabwe.

Moreover, it was a pleasure to honor the Zimbabwean winners of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2022 – 2024 and discuss with them the critical role they can play to create a culture shift, be the voice of the voiceless and be the Merck Foundation health and social champions.”

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Merck Foundation Board of Trustees emphasized, “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia and other developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patientcare landscape through our scholarships program.”

H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” expressed, “It is a great pleasure to welcome and meet the Chairman and CEO of Merck Foundation in our country. Together we celebrated an important milestone of the great success of our joined programs and also shared the impact of our 7-year partnership journey that we have with Merck Foundation to build healthcare capacity, transform patientcare, break infertility stigma and support girl education in our country since 2018.

In a very short time, Merck Foundation has provided 166 scholarships for our young doctors in many specialties which are very critical for us. Moreover, together we are providing annual scholarships to support the education of 40 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls, till they graduate, as a part of the Educating Linda Program. This is for the first time that we work on such an impactful program, it is history in the making.”

Merck Foundation has provided more than 2400 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Out of the total 166 scholarships provided in Zimbabwe, Merck Foundation has provided:

  • 60 scholarships for doctors in Diabetes, Endocrinology, Cardiology, Cardiovascular Preventive, and Obesity & Weight Management. This represents a significant number of experts in the public healthcare system addressing the lifestyle-related health issues that are on the rise in our country and the rest of Africa.
  • 48 scholarships have been provided for Fertility, Embryology, and the one-year diploma and two-year master’s degree programs in Sexual & Reproductive Care, Women’s Health, Family Medicine and Psychiatry.
  • 58 scholarships have been provided for critical yet underserved specialties, including Oncology and Cancer care, Respiratory Care, Acute Medicine, Pain Management, Infectious Diseases, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Neuroimaging for Research, Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, Orthopedics, Critical Care, Care for Older Person and Rheumatology.

During the Summit, Merck Foundation Awards Ceremony was held, during which 13 Winners of the Merck Foundation Awards were acknowledged by Merck Foundation Chairman, Merck Foundation CEO together with Zimbabwe First Lady. Merck Foundation has so far celebrated more than 60 winners of the Media, Song, Film, and Fashion Awards, since 2017.

The beneficiaries of the Educating Linda program were also present at the Summit, where a few of them shared inspiring testimonies on how the scholarships have changed their lives.

“I really believe that when the girls are educated, their countries become more powerful, stronger & prosperous”, added Senator Kelej.  

Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Lady of Zimbabwe has launched eight children’s storybooks, “More Than a Mother”, ‘Educating Rujeko”, “Make the Right Choice”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future”, “Sugar free Jude” and “Mark’s Pressure”. These books address critical social and health issues to young children. Thousands of copies of these storybooks have been distributed to schoolchildren, several more are going to be distributed soon.

Moreover, Merck Foundation has conducted six editions of their Health Media Training for the Zimbabwean journalists in order to empower them to raise awareness about sensitive issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, stopping GBV, ending Child marriage and FGM and raise awareness about diabetes and hypertension prevention and early detection.

Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Lady of Zimbabwe has also announced the Call for Application for their 8 important Awards for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.

Details of the Awards:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Media representatives and media students are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

2. Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026:  All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

4. Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

5. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

6. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

7. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

8. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to: submit@merck-foundation.com

– on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

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Nigeria Sets the Stage for Global Regulatory Technology Leadership as 2026 RegTech Africa Conference & Expo Heads to Abuja

Source: APO

Under the distinguished patronage of the Office of the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and in partnership with the Presidential Committee on Economic & Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), with the collaboration of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), the 2026 RegTech Africa Conference & Expo (https://RegTechAfrica.com) will convene global leaders in policy, finance, and technology from 20th to 22nd May 2026 at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, Nigeria.

Anchored on the theme, “BUILDING TRUST, INFRASTRUCTURE AND POLICY FOR A BORDERLESS ECONOMY,” the conference is positioned as a premier global platform for shaping the future of trusted digital financial systems, cross-border trade, and regulatory innovation.

The event will bring together heads of government and regulatory agencies, central banks, financial intelligence units, multinational financial institutions, technology leaders, investors, and policy architects to align strategy around the infrastructure, governance, and digital trust frameworks required to unlock Africa’s full participation in the global digital economy.

“Regulatory technology is no longer optional. It has become the backbone of secure, inclusive, and sustainable economic systems. The 2026 RegTech Africa Conference & Expo represents Nigeria’s commitment to leadership in shaping global standards for trust, transparency, and cross-border economic collaboration,” Cyril Okoroigwe, Chair Organizing Committee.

A central highlight of the event will be the hosting of the prestigious Global Startup World Cup Tournament – Regional Challenge, providing African startups with a world-class stage to pitch their solutions before an international panel of judges, venture capitalists, and industry experts. Winners of the regional challenge will proceed to compete at the grand finale in Silicon Valley, for a $1,000,000 investment prize, unlocking access to global investors, accelerators, and strategic partnerships.

“By bringing the Startup World Cup Regional Challenge to Abuja, we are not only showcasing African innovation, but connecting it directly to global capital, mentorship, and markets,” Graham Olasukanmi Lawal, Director Partnerships, Regtech Africa.

The three-day event, which provides strategic platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration will feature strategic ministerial dialogues, closed-door executive roundtables, investment-focused breakout sessions, technology showcases, and curated networking platforms designed to foster impactful public–private partnerships.

Sponsorship and Strategic Partnership Opportunities

Public and private sector organizations, multinational corporations, development finance institutions, technology firms, and venture funds are invited to participate as strategic sponsors and partners. Curated partnership opportunities are available across policy leadership, infrastructure development, innovation acceleration, and market expansion pillars.

“This is a rare opportunity for forward-looking institutions to align their brands with the future of regulation, trust infrastructure, and borderless digital commerce in Africa and beyond,” Mr. Lawal noted.

The conference is expected to attract thousands of participants from across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.

Registration & Partnership Opportunities Now Open

To explore partnership opportunities or register interest, please contact: info@regtechafrica.com

For further details, visit: www.RegTechAfricaConference.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RegTech Africa.

About RegTech Africa: 
RegTech Africa is a leading authority advancing the adoption of regulatory technology and digital trust infrastructure across the African continent. Through world-class conferences, research, and multi-stakeholder collaborations, RegTech Africa fosters innovation that strengthens financial stability, accelerates inclusion, and enhances regulatory excellence. 

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Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement accorde un financement additionnel de plus de 76 millions de dollars pour achever la route reliant la Somalie au reste de la Corne de l’Afrique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Conseil d’administration du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) a approuvé, le 10 décembre 2025 à Abidjan, un financement additionnel de 76,37 millions de dollars américains pour le Programme d’infrastructures routières en Somalie, entrant dans le cadre du corridor de la Corne de l’Afrique entre la Somalie, Djibouti et l’Éthiopie.

Le Fonds africain de développement, le guichet de prêts à taux concessionnel du Groupe de la Banque apportera une contribution de 49,16 millions de dollars à ce nouvel appui financier. La Facilité d’appui à la transition, un mécanisme de financement destiné aux pays confrontés à des situations de fragilité et de conflit contribuera pour 27,21 millions de dollars.

L’objectif du programme est d’améliorer la connectivité des transports à l’intérieur de la Somalie et avec ses voisins de la Corne de l’Afrique afin de faciliter le commerce transfrontalier, renforcer l’intégration régionale et contribuer à réduire la fragilité tant à l’intérieur du pays que dans la région.

« Cette proposition de financement additionnel est principalement motivée par l’extension de la portée initiale du projet, marquée par l’évolution des interventions minimales vers des réhabilitations routières complètes, rendue possible par l’amélioration des conceptions et l’intégration de nouveaux volets : ponts, sections routières supplémentaires et mesures de facilitation du commerce, du transport et des infrastructures sociales, afin de maximiser les retombées positives pour la communauté locale », a déclaré Mike Salawou, directeur du département des Infrastructures et du Développement urbain du Groupe de la Banque.

Le financement servira principalement à moderniser deux tronçons routiers essentiels, celui reliant Zeila à Asha Addo, long de 15 kilomètres, au Somaliland, et celui allant de Beled Weyne à Kalabeyr, long de 22 kilomètres, dans la région d’Hirshabelle. Le but est d’améliorer la connectivité et l’intégration économique régionales. En complément des travaux routiers, le projet prévoit des réalisations socioéconomiques ciblées visant à appuyer le développement et la résilience communautaires. Il s’agit notamment de la construction de forages pour faciliter l’accès à l’eau potable aux bénéficiaires, de la remise en état de salles de classe qui serviront aussi de centres de renforcement des compétences, de la construction de marchés et de hangars et de la remise en état de centres de santé, pour renforcer les moyens de subsistance locaux et l’accès aux services essentiels.

Le programme sera aussi consacré à améliorer l’efficacité du commerce transfrontalier, à soutenir les petits commerçants et à renforcer les capacités institutionnelles en matière de gestion douanière et commerciale. Il englobera notamment la mise en place d’un régime simplifié de commerce avec l’Éthiopie pour rationaliser les échanges transfrontaliers chez les petits commerçants, l’extension et la modernisation du système douanier automatisé de la Somalie afin d’automatiser davantage les processus douaniers et améliorer l’efficacité opérationnelle.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact médias :
Alexis Adélé
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
media@afdb.org

À propos du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement :
Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement est la principale institution du financement du développement en Afrique. Il comprend trois entités distinctes : la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), le Fonds africain de développement (FAD) et le Fonds spécial du Nigeria (FSN). Représentée dans 41 pays africains, avec un bureau extérieur au Japon, la Banque contribue au développement économique et au progrès social de ses 54 Etats membres régionaux. Pour plus d’informations: www.AfDB.org

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TNPA, WASAA SOC Ltd agreement signed and sealed to operate LPG terminal at Durban’s port

Source: Government of South Africa

TNPA, WASAA SOC Ltd agreement signed and sealed to operate LPG terminal at Durban’s port

The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has signed a 25-year Terminal Operator Agreement with WASAA CEF SOC Ltd to develop and operate a new liquefied petroleum gas terminal at the Port of Durban’s Island View Precinct.

With an investment value of approximately R1.4 billion, the execution of the project is crucial for advancing South Africa’s Just Energy Transition programme, which aims to shift the gas sector from fossil fuels to cleaner energies whilst supporting the decarbonisation of key sectors. 

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the Port of Durban LPG Terminal on Friday, TNPA Board Chairperson Tshokolo Nchocho said the agreement formed part of the developmental mandate of transforming the South African ports system by creating opportunities that will translate into the economic growth of the country.

“In keeping with this mandate and the concession framework stipulated in Section 56 of the Ports Act, we are here today to celebrate a milestone of great significance,” Nchocho said.

In July 2024 TNPA issued an award letter for a 25-year concession for the design, development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance and transfer of a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) terminal in the Island View precinct of the port.

“A rigorous journey has brought us to this long-awaited and proud moment. I am immensely proud of the teams that have contributed their expertise to this transaction.

“Today is a clear reflection of TNPA’s strategic direction as we work to transform and modernise our port system, unlock infrastructure investment and support South Africa’s evolving energy and logistics landscape.

“This Terminal Operator Agreement represents a partnership that is aligned with national priorities, market demand and global energy dynamics. The development of the first LPG terminal in the Port of Durban is a timely and necessary response to where the world is moving,” Nchocho said.

The signing of the agreement reflects TNPA’s commitment to ensuring that Durban remains competitive, efficient and ready to attract future investment.

“The WASAA CEF Joint Venture brings together a level 1 black-owned and black-women-led entity with a national energy institution that carries a mandate to support security of supply and long-term energy development.

“This is transformation that is grounded in capacity, performance and in a vision for expanding South Africa’s strategic role in the regional energy market. It is the type of collaboration we want to see driving future concessions and infrastructure development across the port system.

“This agreement further demonstrates the value of a transparent, competitive and well-governed Section 56 process,” he said.

Advocate Michelle Phillips, Transnet Group Chief Executive, said the signing ceremony between TNPA and the Preferred Bidder comes at a time when the country is implementing strategies to ensure the Just Energy Transition, which is a framework that guides the transition of the economy from fossil fuels to cleaner energies and accelerate the decarbonisation of key sectors.

“At Transnet, we have been very clear about the direction in which we are steering the organisation. We are building a business that is stronger, more resilient, and fundamentally more capable of supporting national growth,” Phillips said.

Phillips said TNPA’s goal is to rebuild trust in its operations, attract investment and develop partnerships that will introduce new capacity and expertise into the logistics system.

“This new agreement reflects exactly the type of partnership we envision for the future. It brings together an experienced state-owned energy company and an emerging transformation-driven operator, both committed to delivering value at the highest standard,” she said.

eThekwini Mayor, Cyril Xaba, in his message of support congratulated TNPA and the WASAA CEF SOC LTD Joint Venture on reaching this significant milestone.

“For us as a city, this is a welcome development, as it will greatly enhance Durban’s position as a leading energy and logistics hub. It will also boost our economy and create much-needed jobs,” Xaba said.

He said he has no doubt that the development of the first-ever LPG gas terminal in the Port of Durban will support the city’s Climate Action Plan by reducing carbon emissions, an essential component to climate change.

“This project will also help us accelerate our programme to develop new electricity generation capacity. As you know, the Minister of Electricity and Energy has authorised the city to procure 400 megawatts of renewable energy from Independent Power Producers. 

“This includes 300 megawatts of gas-to-power and 100 megawatts of solar PV. Therefore, the timing of this project could not be more fitting,” the Mayor said.

Xaba said the city remains committed to working with Transnet, particularly TNPA, to unlock the full potential of the Port of Durban.

The construction of the LPG terminal in Island View, which will be known as LOT 100 Terminal, follows the company’s procurement of bp Southern Africa’s liquid bulk fuels import terminal in East London in 2022 which considerably entrenched WASAA’s position as an emerging commodity trader in the sub-Saharan region where it has regularly supplied LPG for over 10 years.

The East London terminal serves key customers such as Shell, bp, and Engen and boasts 55 million litres of operational storage capacity.

The construction and operation of the LPG terminal in Island View is expected to diversify the ports of entry for LPG imports into South Africa which are currently limited to Richards Bay, Saldanha Bay, and Port Elizabeth. The three ports collectively account for 97% of all imports coming into South Africa between 2010 and 2022. 

Once operational, the Port of Durban terminal will also reinforce the port’s status as a major hub for the SADC region and a key transhipment point connecting global markets.

The agreement supports Transnet’s Reinvent for Growth strategy, which focuses on transforming the business through strategic partnerships and leveraging collaboration between public and private sectors to meet growing market demand.

It follows a successful competitive bidding process under Section 56 of the National Ports Act No 12 of 2005, which led to TNPA appointing WASAA Gases and Central Energy Fund Joint Venture (JV) as a preferred bidder. The JV will develop, construct, operate, maintain and transfer the LPG terminal at the Port of Durban.

The agreement will result in a 50 000 m³ liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) terminal storage and handling capacity, a comprehensive solution addressing the growing demand, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape hinterlands. 

The terminal, which is expected to be completed by 2027, will have capacity to dispatch up to 800m³ per hour of heated LPG mix. This, according to TNPA, will provide essential supplies to various industrial markets and produce specific grades suitable for residential use.

Women participation

Nokwande Qonde, founder and Managing Director of WASSA, told SAnews that the signing ceremony not only marks an important turning point for the company, but also carves a path for the meaningful participation of women in the oil and gas sector. 

“I strongly believe that having women playing a key-role in the industry cannot continue to be an aberration, we need to be intentional about dismantling the age-old, patriarchal, and exclusionary culture that views female entrants as an anomaly at best, and intrusive at worst,” she said. 

Qonde said it’s worth noting that LPG is being widely used for large-scale power generation in other parts of the world, especially in remote areas and developing regions which are unable to connect to the natural gas network.

“Through this signed 25-year concession agreement, the Port of Durban will enhance its strategic position as a key national logistics hub.

“The terminal will not only benefit the local economy, but it will also enable access to clean energy and help reduce carbon emissions in the energy sector,” said TNPA Acting Chief Executive, Mohammed Abdool. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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