Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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President Mahama to launch landmark Free Primary Health Care Programme

Source: APO


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President John Dramani Mahama is set to officially launch his flagship Free Primary Health Care Programme this Wednesday, aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage.

The initiative, a cornerstone of the President’s social contract with the Ghanaian people, will begin its first phase by targeting 150 underserved districts nationwide over the next two months.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series at the Presidency, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh (MP), detailed the massive logistical rollout accompanying the policy.

To ensure that no Ghanaian is left behind, the government is establishing over 350 container-based service delivery points in high-traffic areas, including major markets and lorry parks.

“This is governance with a heart,” the Health Minister stated. “We are not just waiting for patients to come to us; we are taking healthcare to where the people are in their homes, schools, workplaces, and markets.”

To support the rollout, the Ministry of Health has commenced the nationwide deployment of 24,534 pieces of essential medical equipment. This investment is designed to upgrade the capacity of CHPS compounds and health centres to provide immediate, high-quality care.

The Free Primary Health Care Programme shifts the national focus from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. The minister said the policy covers routine screenings for hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and various cancers; antenatal and postnatal care; immunisations; full treatment for malaria, diarrhoea, and respiratory infections; and counselling on family planning, menstrual hygiene, and safe water management.

Mr Akandoh explained that the policy is built on a seamless referral system. While simple conditions will be managed at the community level, complex cases will be referred to polyclinics or secondary facilities, with a “back-referral” system to ensure community-level follow-up care.

“What we are building is a complete system—from prevention to treatment to specialised care,” the Minister emphasised.

“This is what the pathway to health sovereignty looks like under a responsible government. We are ensuring that diseases are detected early, avoidable deaths are reduced, and the overall health of our population is secured.”

The launch of the Free Primary Health Care Programme represents one of the most significant expansions of the Ghanaian social safety net in decades, fulfilling President Mahama’s vision of a country where healthcare is a right, not a privilege.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

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Eritrea: Effort to expand health care services

Source: APO – Report:

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Effort, in collaboration with the community and Government institutions, is being exerted to expand basic health care services to the public in Kerkebet sub-zone, Gash Barka Region.

Nurse Tesfazgi Yohannes, head of health facilities in the sub-zone, said that there is one health center in Amalait and health stations in the administrative areas of Himbol-Kechech, Hamesh-Diba, Lokaib, Atai, and Agmnait, and that strong effort is being made to provide health care services in the remote areas of the sub-zone through bare-foot doctors.

Nurse Tesfazgi went on to say that commendable progress is being registered in pre- and post-natal treatment, children’s vaccination programs, as well as delivery services. He also said that with the increasing number of health practitioners and the introduction of laboratory and diagnostic instruments, coupled with health care services to remote areas through bare-foot doctors and village health representatives, a conducive ground has been created for most of the public to receive health care services in their localities.

The beneficiaries, on their part, said that with the improvement of health facilities from time to time, they are able to receive encouraging health care services, and called for more effort for better outcomes.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Arbaete-Asmara Sub-Zone Declared Free of Female Genital Mutilation

Source: APO – Report:

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Arbaete-Asmara sub-zone in the Central Region has officially declared free of female genital mutilation (FGM) at a ceremony held under the theme “No to Females’ Genital Mutilation.”

According to the coordinators of the program, the achievement registered was the result of the relentless awareness raising activities by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare and the National Union of Eritrean Women branches in the Central Region.

Ms. Alganesh Tiku’e, administrator of the sub-zone, called on residents and institutions to ensure continuous monitoring and support for its sustainability.

According to report from the Central Region, similar efforts to eradicate females’ genital mutilation is being conducted in all the sub-zones in the region.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Le Sénégal redéfinit les règles de son essor dans le secteur des hydrocarbures alors que le ministre Birame Soulèye Diop se rendra à l’African Energy Week 2026 en octobre

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Sénégal renforce l’architecture politique qui sous-tend sa nouvelle ère des hydrocarbures, le ministère de l’Énergie, du Pétrole et des Mines ayant lancé en mars 2026 des réformes du cadre juridique relatif au potentiel local dans le secteur extractif. Ces réformes visent à améliorer la rétention de la valeur nationale tout en maintenant la dynamique de développement en amont et des infrastructures.

Cette initiative intervient alors que Dakar s’efforce de transformer la production des premiers puits de pétrole et de gaz en une croissance industrielle plus large, une participation nationale renforcée et une sécurité énergétique à long terme. Dans ce contexte, Birame Soulèye Diop, ministre sénégalais de l’Énergie, du Pétrole et des Mines, prendra la parole lors de l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 – qui se tiendra au Cap du 12 au 16 octobre – où il devrait présenter la feuille de route du Sénégal pour trouver un équilibre entre l’engagement des investisseurs, la monétisation du gaz et le développement énergétique souverain.

En janvier 2026, 3,8 millions de barils de pétrole brut ont été exportés depuis le champ de Sangomar, tandis que le projet Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) devrait presque doubler ses cargaisons de GNL en 2026 à mesure que la montée en puissance du FLNG se poursuit. Au-delà de la production actuelle, le Sénégal s’efforce également d’élargir son portefeuille de ressources. Petrosen a annoncé des plans pour un programme d’exploration terrestre de 100 millions de dollars en 2026, tandis que le gouvernement a également signalé une orientation stratégique plus marquée vers Yakaar-Teranga, les investisseurs sénégalais étant encouragés à jouer un rôle plus important dans le développement de cette ressource gazière de 25 000 milliards de pieds cubes afin de donner la priorité aux besoins nationaux tout en gardant l’option de l’exportation sur la table.

Dakar se concentre désormais sur la phase suivante : utiliser les ressources gazières nationales pour réduire les coûts de l’électricité, améliorer la sécurité d’approvisionnement en combustible et soutenir la compétitivité industrielle. Un pilier clé de cette stratégie est la centrale électrique de Gandon de 250 MW, qui devrait être alimentée par de nouvelles infrastructures gazières reliées au réseau GTA, parallèlement à l’extension plus large du Cap des Biches et du corridor gazier nord. Dans le même temps, Dakar continue de renforcer les fondements réglementaires de sa transition énergétique. En mars 2026, le ministère de l’Énergie, du Pétrole et des Mines a validé les premières normes nationales sénégalaises relatives aux équipements solaires photovoltaïques, une initiative visant à améliorer la qualité, la sécurité et les performances alors que le pays intensifie le déploiement des énergies renouvelables parallèlement aux infrastructures pétrolières et gazières.

Lors de l’AEW 2026, le ministre Diop devrait présenter une vision stratégique sur la manière dont le Sénégal gère la transition entre la découverte et la mise en service, et la mise en œuvre à grande échelle. Sa participation devrait renforcer la position du Sénégal comme l’un des rares producteurs africains de pointe à poursuivre un modèle intégré combinant hydrocarbures, conversion du gaz en électricité et énergies renouvelables dans le cadre d’un programme national de développement unique.

« Le ministre Diop incarne le type de leadership africain pragmatique qui transforme le potentiel des ressources en une véritable transformation économique. Le Sénégal montre comment la première production de pétrole et de gaz peut devenir le fondement de la croissance industrielle, d’une intégration régionale plus forte et d’une sécurité énergétique à long terme, et ses perspectives apporteront une grande valeur ajoutée à l’AEW 2026 », a déclaré NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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bp mise gros sur les zones frontalières en eaux profondes de la Namibie avec de nouveaux blocs offshore

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La Chambre africaine de l’énergie (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) a salué l’acquisition par bp d’une participation de 60 % dans trois blocs d’exploration offshore en Namibie, qualifiant cette initiative de soutien fort aux bassins pionniers africains et au rôle croissant du continent dans l’approvisionnement énergétique mondial.

Cette transaction, qui confère à bp la direction des blocs PEL97, PEL99 et PEL100 dans le bassin de Walvis en Namibie, marque une expansion significative de la présence en amont de ce géant britannique en Afrique. Ces actifs ont été acquis auprès d’Eco Atlantic Oil & Gas, permettant à bp de se rapprocher du corridor d’exploration en eaux profondes de Namibie, en pleine évolution, adjacent au bassin de l’Orange.

Cet accord renforce le changement de perspective concernant l’exploration en Afrique – passant d’une perception de risque lié aux zones pionnières à une opportunité mondiale de plus en plus compétitive, soutenue par le potentiel géologique, l’amélioration des partenariats et la confiance croissante des investisseurs.

« Il faut rendre hommage à bp pour avoir su reconnaître l’ampleur des opportunités en Namibie, ainsi qu’à Gil Holzman et Eco Atlantic pour avoir mené les premiers efforts d’exploration qui ont contribué à placer ces blocs sur la carte mondiale », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’AEC. « C’est ainsi que devrait se présenter le développement énergétique africain : des majors internationales et des entreprises axées sur l’Afrique travaillant ensemble pour créer de la valeur, développer les connaissances et accélérer le développement. »

La Namibie s’est rapidement imposée comme l’une des provinces d’exploration pionnières les plus surveillées au monde, à la suite d’une vague de découvertes offshore dans le bassin d’Orange par des opérateurs tels que Shell, TotalEnergies et Galp. Ces découvertes ont repositionné le pays comme une province pétrolière en eaux profondes potentielle de plusieurs milliards de barils et ont suscité un regain d’intérêt international.

Le bassin de Walvis, où bp a désormais pris la direction des opérations, reste moins exploré mais est de plus en plus considéré comme une extension géologique du même système pétrolier plus vaste. Les premiers indicateurs laissent entrevoir des caractéristiques de réservoirs comparables, ce qui en fait une prochaine frontière potentielle pour les investissements axés sur l’exploration. Bien que les délais d’évaluation et de développement restent longs, la Namibie devrait voir les premières productions issues des découvertes offshore d’ici la fin de la décennie, à condition que les explorations continuent d’être fructueuses et que les infrastructures soient mises en place.

La décision de bp reflète un rééquilibrage plus large des portefeuilles mondiaux en amont, les compagnies pétrolières internationales donnant la priorité aux opportunités d’exploration à fort impact capables d’assurer une croissance des réserves à long terme.

L’Afrique bénéficie de plus en plus de cette évolution. Alors que les bassins matures sont confrontés à une baisse de production et à une hausse des coûts, des régions pionnières telles que la Namibie émergent comme des alternatives stratégiques offrant une échelle, un potentiel géologique et des superficies relativement disponibles.

En vertu de l’accord, Eco Atlantic conservera une participation minoritaire aux côtés de la compagnie pétrolière nationale namibienne NAMCOR, garantissant ainsi une participation locale continue au développement des blocs. Ce modèle est essentiel pour garantir que le succès de l’exploration se traduise par une création de valeur nationale, le développement des capacités locales et une capacité de production à long terme.

Bien que la Namibie reste en phase d’exploration, le rythme des activités laisse présager une évolution rapide du bassin. L’arrivée de bp apporte une expertise technique et une capacité financière susceptibles d’accélérer les forages d’évaluation et la planification du développement futur.

Cet accord reflète également une reconnaissance plus large du secteur amont africain en tant que pilier central de la future sécurité énergétique mondiale, d’autant plus que la diversification de l’approvisionnement devient une priorité stratégique pour les marchés internationaux. L’investissement de bp, associé aux bases posées par Eco Atlantic sous la direction de Gil Holzman, met en avant un modèle de collaboration qui positionne la Namibie non seulement comme un terrain d’exploration pionnier, mais aussi comme une pierre angulaire émergente de l’avenir de l’Afrique en matière d’exploitation en eaux profondes.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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O Senegal reescreve as regras do seu boom dos hidrocarbonetos, com o ministro Birame Soulèye Diop a preparar-se para a African Energy Week 2026, em outubro

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Senegal está a reforçar a arquitetura política subjacente à sua nova era de hidrocarbonetos, com o Ministério da Energia, Petróleo e Minas a lançar reformas ao quadro jurídico relativo ao conteúdo local no setor extrativo em março de 2026. As reformas visam melhorar a retenção de valor nacional, mantendo simultaneamente o impulso no desenvolvimento a montante e das infraestruturas.

Esta iniciativa surge num momento em que Dakar trabalha para traduzir a produção inicial de petróleo e gás num crescimento industrial mais abrangente, numa participação interna mais forte e na segurança energética a longo prazo. Neste contexto, Birame Soulèye Diop, Ministro da Energia, Petróleo e Minas do Senegal, irá discursar na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 – que decorrerá na Cidade do Cabo de 12 a 16 de outubro – onde se espera que apresente o roteiro do Senegal para equilibrar o envolvimento dos investidores, a monetização do gás e o desenvolvimento energético soberano.

Em janeiro de 2026, foram exportados 3,8 milhões de barris de petróleo bruto do campo de Sangomar, enquanto se espera que o projeto Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) quase duplique as suas cargas de GNL em 2026, à medida que a expansão do FLNG continua. Para além da produção atual, o Senegal está também a avançar para expandir o seu pipeline de recursos. A Petrosen anunciou planos para um programa de exploração em terra no valor de 100 milhões de dólares em 2026, enquanto o governo também sinalizou um foco estratégico mais forte em Yakaar-Teranga, com os investidores senegaleses a serem encorajados a assumir um papel mais importante no desenvolvimento do recurso de gás de 25 biliões de pés cúbicos para dar prioridade às necessidades internas, mantendo ao mesmo tempo a opção de exportação em aberto.

Dakar está agora focada na próxima fase: utilizar os recursos de gás nacionais para reduzir os custos da eletricidade, melhorar a segurança do abastecimento de combustível e apoiar a competitividade industrial. Um pilar fundamental desta estratégia é a central elétrica de Gandon, de 250 MW, que deverá ser abastecida através de novas infraestruturas de gás ligadas ao sistema GTA, a par da expansão mais ampla de Cap des Biches e do corredor de gás do norte. Ao mesmo tempo, Dakar continua a reforçar as bases regulatórias da sua transição energética. Em março de 2026, o Ministério da Energia, Petróleo e Minas validou as primeiras normas nacionais do Senegal para equipamentos solares fotovoltaicos, uma medida destinada a melhorar a qualidade, a segurança e o desempenho, à medida que o país amplia a implantação de energias renováveis em paralelo com as infraestruturas de petróleo e gás.

Na AEW 2026, espera-se que o Ministro Diop forneça uma visão estratégica sobre como o Senegal está a conduzir a transição da descoberta e comissionamento para a execução em grande escala. A sua participação deverá reforçar o Senegal como um dos poucos produtores africanos de fronteira que prossegue um modelo integrado que combina hidrocarbonetos, gás para energia e energias renováveis no âmbito de uma única agenda nacional de desenvolvimento.

«O ministro Diop representa o tipo de liderança africana pragmática que está a transformar o potencial dos recursos numa verdadeira transformação económica. O Senegal está a demonstrar como a primeira produção de petróleo e gás pode tornar-se a base para o crescimento industrial, uma integração regional mais forte e a segurança energética a longo prazo, e as suas perspetivas trarão um grande valor à AEW 2026», afirmou NJ Ayuk, presidente executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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A bp aposta forte na fronteira de águas profundas da Namíbia com novos blocos offshore

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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A Câmara Africana de Energia (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) acolheu com agrado a aquisição pela bp de uma participação operacional de 60% em três blocos de exploração offshore na Namíbia, descrevendo a medida como um forte aval às bacias fronteiriças de África e ao papel crescente do continente no abastecimento energético global.

A transação, que confere à bp a operação dos blocos PEL97, PEL99 e PEL100 na Bacia de Walvis, na Namíbia, marca uma expansão significativa da presença da supermajor britânica no setor de upstream africano. Os ativos foram adquiridos à Eco Atlantic Oil & Gas, com a bp a assumir uma posição que a coloca mais perto do corredor de exploração em águas profundas da Namíbia, em rápida evolução, adjacente à Bacia de Orange.

O acordo reforça a mudança na narrativa da exploração em África – passando do risco de fronteira percebido para uma oportunidade global cada vez mais competitiva, sustentada pelo potencial geológico, parcerias em melhoria e confiança crescente dos investidores.

«É preciso dar crédito à bp por reconhecer a dimensão da oportunidade na Namíbia e, igualmente, a Gil Holzman e à Eco Atlantic por serem pioneiros nos esforços iniciais de exploração que ajudaram a colocar estes blocos no radar global», afirma NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da AEC. “É assim que o desenvolvimento energético africano deve ser – grandes empresas internacionais e empresas focadas em África a trabalharem em conjunto para desbloquear valor, construir conhecimento e acelerar o desenvolvimento.”

A Namíbia emergiu rapidamente como uma das províncias de exploração de fronteira mais observadas do mundo, na sequência de uma onda de descobertas offshore na Bacia de Orange por operadores como a Shell, a TotalEnergies e a Galp. Estas descobertas reposicionaram o país como uma potencial província petrolífera de águas profundas com vários milhares de milhões de barris e desencadearam um surto de interesse internacional.

A Bacia de Walvis, onde a bp assumiu agora a operação, continua a ser menos explorada, mas é cada vez mais vista como uma extensão geológica do mesmo sistema petrolífero mais vasto. Os primeiros indicadores apontam para características comparáveis dos reservatórios, posicionando-a como uma potencial próxima fronteira para o investimento impulsionado pela exploração. Embora os prazos de avaliação e desenvolvimento continuem a ser de ciclo longo, espera-se que a Namíbia veja a primeira produção das descobertas offshore até ao final da década, assumindo que o sucesso da exploração e o alinhamento das infraestruturas se mantenham.

A iniciativa da bp reflete um reequilíbrio mais amplo nas carteiras globais de upstream, à medida que as empresas petrolíferas internacionais dão prioridade a oportunidades de exploração de alto impacto, capazes de proporcionar um crescimento das reservas a longo prazo.

África está a beneficiar cada vez mais desta mudança. À medida que as bacias maduras enfrentam uma produção em declínio e custos crescentes, regiões de fronteira como a Namíbia estão a emergir como alternativas estratégicas que oferecem escala, potencial geológico e áreas relativamente disponíveis.

Nos termos do acordo, a Eco Atlantic manterá uma participação minoritária ao lado da empresa petrolífera nacional da Namíbia, a NAMCOR, garantindo a participação local contínua no desenvolvimento dos blocos. Este modelo é fundamental para garantir que o sucesso da exploração se traduza em criação de valor doméstico, desenvolvimento de capacidades locais e capacidade de produção a longo prazo.

Embora a Namíbia permaneça na fase de exploração, o ritmo da atividade aponta para uma trajetória de rápida evolução da bacia. A entrada da bp acrescenta conhecimentos técnicos e capacidade financeira que poderão acelerar a perfuração de avaliação e o planeamento do desenvolvimento futuro.

O acordo reflete também uma validação mais ampla do setor upstream africano como um pilar central da futura segurança energética global, especialmente à medida que a diversificação do abastecimento se torna uma prioridade estratégica para os mercados internacionais. O investimento da bp, a par do trabalho de base realizado pela Eco Atlantic sob a liderança de Gil Holzman, sublinha um modelo de colaboração que posiciona a Namíbia não apenas como uma área de exploração de fronteira, mas como uma pedra angular emergente do futuro da exploração em águas profundas em África.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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Senegal Rewrites the Rules of its Hydrocarbon Boom as Minister Birame Soulèye Diop Heads to African Energy Week 2026 in October

Source: APO – Report:

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Senegal is reinforcing the policy architecture behind its new hydrocarbons era, with the Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines launching reforms to the legal framework for local content in the extractive sector in March 2026. The reforms are aimed at improving national value retention while maintaining momentum on upstream and infrastructure development.

The move comes as Dakar works to translate first oil and first gas into broader industrial growth, stronger domestic participation and long-term energy security. Against this backdrop, Birame Soulèye Diop, Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, will speak at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 – taking place in Cape Town from October 12-16 – where he is expected to present Senegal’s roadmap for balancing investor engagement, gas monetization and sovereign energy development. 

In January 2026, 3.8 million barrels of crude oil were exported from the Sangomar field, while the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project is expected to nearly double its LNG cargoes in 2026 as the FLNG ramp‑up continues. Beyond current production, Senegal is also pushing to expand its resource pipeline. Petrosen has announced plans for a $100 million onshore exploration program in 2026, while the government has also signaled a stronger strategic focus on Yakaar-Teranga, with Senegalese investors encouraged to take a greater role in developing the 25 trillion cubic feet gas resource to prioritize domestic needs while keeping export optionality on the table.

Dakar is now focused on the next phase: using domestic gas resources to lower electricity costs, improve fuel security and support industrial competitiveness. A key pillar of this strategy is the 250 MW Gandon power plant, expected to be supplied through new gas infrastructure linked to the GTA system, alongside the broader Cap des Biches and northern gas corridor buildout. At the same time, Dakar is continuing to strengthen the regulatory foundations of its power transition. In March 2026, the Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines validated Senegal’s first national standards for solar photovoltaic equipment, a move designed to improve quality, safety and performance as the country scales renewable energy deployment in parallel with oil and gas infrastructure.

At AEW 2026, Minister Diop is expected to provide strategic insight into how Senegal is navigating the transition from discovery and commissioning to full-scale execution. His participation is set to reinforce Senegal as one of the few frontier African producers pursuing an integrated model that combines hydrocarbons, gas-to-power and renewables under a single national development agenda.

“Minister Diop represents the kind of pragmatic African leadership that is turning resource potential into real economic transformation. Senegal is showing how first oil and first gas can become the basis for industrial growth, stronger regional integration and long-term energy security and his insights will bring great value to AEW 2026,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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bp Bets Big on Namibia’s Deepwater Frontier with New Offshore Blocks

Source: APO – Report:

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The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) has welcomed bp’s acquisition of a 60% operating interest in three offshore exploration blocks in Namibia, describing the move as a strong endorsement of Africa’s frontier basins and the continent’s growing role in global energy supply.

The transaction, which gives bp operatorship of blocks PEL97, PEL99 and PEL100 in Namibia’s Walvis Basin, marks a significant expansion of the UK supermajor’s African upstream footprint. The assets were acquired from Eco Atlantic Oil & Gas, with bp stepping into a position that places it closer to Namibia’s rapidly evolving deepwater exploration corridor adjacent to the Orange Basin.

The deal reinforces the shift in Africa’s exploration narrative – from perceived frontier risk toward increasingly competitive global opportunity, underpinned by geological potential, improving partnerships and rising investor confidence.

“Credit must be given to bp for recognizing the scale of opportunity in Namibia, and equally to Gil Holzman and Eco Atlantic for pioneering early exploration efforts that helped position these blocks on the global radar,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “This is what African energy development should look like – international majors and African-focused companies working together to unlock value, build knowledge and accelerate development.”

Namibia has rapidly emerged as one of the world’s most closely watched frontier exploration provinces, following a wave of offshore discoveries in the Orange Basin by operators including Shell, TotalEnergies and Galp. These discoveries have repositioned the country as a potential multi-billion-barrel deepwater oil province and triggered a surge of international interest.

The Walvis Basin, where bp has now established operatorship, remains less explored but is increasingly seen as a geological extension of the same broader petroleum system. Early indicators point to comparable reservoir characteristics, positioning it as a potential next frontier for exploration-led investment. While appraisal and development timelines remain long-cycle, Namibia is expected to see first production from offshore discoveries by the end of the decade, assuming continued exploration success and infrastructure alignment.

bp’s move reflects a broader rebalancing in global upstream portfolios, as international oil companies prioritize high-impact exploration opportunities capable of delivering long-term reserves growth.

Africa is increasingly benefiting from this shift. As mature basins face declining output and rising costs, frontier regions such as Namibia are emerging as strategic alternatives offering scale, geological upside and relatively open acreage.

Under the agreement, Eco Atlantic will retain a minority stake alongside Namibia’s national oil company NAMCOR, ensuring continued local participation in the development of the blocks. This model is critical to ensuring that exploration success translates into domestic value creation, local capability development and long-term production capacity.

While Namibia remains in the exploration phase, the pace of activity points to a rapidly evolving basin trajectory. bp’s entry adds technical expertise and financial capacity that could accelerate appraisal drilling and future development planning.

The deal also reflects a broader validation of Africa’s upstream sector as a central pillar of future global energy security, particularly as supply diversification becomes a strategic priority for international markets. bp’s investment, alongside the groundwork laid by Eco Atlantic under Gil Holzman’s leadership, underscores a collaboration model that positions Namibia not just as a frontier play, but as an emerging cornerstone of Africa’s deepwater future.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Merck Foundation declared Gabon First Lady as Ambassador of “More than a Mother” to build healthcare capacity, break infertility stigma, and support girl education

Source: APO – Report:

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany officially launched their programs in partnership with H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of Gabonese Republic, also the Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, the programs which started in 2024 with the aim to transform patient care, build healthcare capacity, break the stigma of infertility, empower women, support girl education in Gabon and the rest of Africa.

The program was chaired by The First Lady of Gabon, H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, and CEO of Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej. The program took place at the State House, Gabon.

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. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of Gabon. We officially declared her as the Ambassador of the ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother’ campaign. We also formally launched the Merck Foundation programs in the country and underscored our commitment towards building healthcare and media capacity, patient care landscape transformation, breaking infertility stigma and supporting girl education, together in the country.”

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp added, “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. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of Gabonese Republic & Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” expressed, “It is a pleasure to welcome and meet Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO to our country. Together we officially launched our joint programs and also celebrated important milestones of the great success of our joint programs to build healthcare capacity, transform patientcare, break infertility stigma and support girl education. This is the first time that we are working on such impactful programs, it is history in the making. We have achieved a lot in a very short span of time, through our long-term partnership, which started in 2024.

I am very proud to share that through our partnership, we have provided 16 scholarships for our local healthcare providers who will be the future healthcare experts of Gabon, who have either graduated, undergoing or will be starting soon the Merck Foundation scholarships of training in critical and underserved specialties such as Fertility, Embryology, Oncology, Diabetes and Hypertension.”

“I am also very happy to share that together with The First Lady of Gabon, we are also supporting girl education by providing annual scholarships to support the education of 40 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls, till they graduate, so that they can reach their potentials and achieve their dreams”, Dr. Rasha Kelej added.

Merck Foundation has provided more than 2600 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Out of the total 16 scholarships provided in Gabon, Merck Foundation has provided:

  • 4 scholarships for Fertility and Embryology. These were hands on practical trainings in India. The first ever embryologist of the country has been trained through the program.
  • 4 scholarships for Diabetes & Hypertension, including a special 3 months Diabetes Mastercourse in French language and Clinical Fellowship in Diabetes and Hypertension. Upon completion of the training, these specialists will have the expertise to establish dedicated clinics in hospitals and health centers, significantly enhancing the prevention and management of diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases, bringing immense benefits to the people of Gabon.
  • 8 Scholarships for Oncology Nursing, which is very critical for cancer care.

During the launch program, the beneficiaries of the Educating Linda program were also present, 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 Gabon has launched seven children’s storybooks, “More Than a Mother”, ‘Educating Linda”, “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. Few copies of the storybooks were signed by The First Lady of Gabon, Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO. Thousands of copies of these storybooks will be distributed to schoolchildren.

Moreover, Merck Foundation has conducted two editions of their Online Health Media Training for the Gabonese 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 Gabon has also announced the Call for Application for their 8 important annual 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.

Apply here: https://apo-opa.co/4tdXYha

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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About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4t8IStr), X (https://apo-opa.co/4vpnzoK), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4vqWXnv), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4voH54Q), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4cl1RK5) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4vHkAZc).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

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