Source: Government of Qatar
Doha, January 05, 2025
HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met on Monday with HE Ambassador of the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt to the State of Qatar Walid Fahmy Al Faqi.
During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them.
Source: APO – Report:
.
Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The meeting was also attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates, Dr. Badr Abdelatty; Advisor to the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan; as well as Saudi Ambassador to Egypt, Saleh bin Eid Al-Husseini.
Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said the President welcomed the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs and asked for his greetings to be conveyed to his brother King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. President El-Sisi lauded the efforts of the wise Saudi leadership toward achieving development and prosperity in the Kingdom, emphasizing Egypt’s commitment to forging closer cooperation with the Kingdom across various spheres. The President welcomed efforts underway to organize the first meeting of the Egyptian-Saudi Supreme Coordination Council. President El-Sisi underscored the vital need to intensify coordination between Egypt and Saudi Arabia on various issues of mutual interest and the current crises in the region.
For his part, Prince Faisal bin Farhan conveyed the greetings and appreciation of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the President, affirming Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening the firm relations with Egypt and enhancing political consultations between the two brotherly nations.
The meeting focused on an array of regional issues of mutual concern. There was an alignment of the Egyptian and Saudi stances regarding the imperative to reach peaceful solutions to regional crises, in a manner that preserves the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of states, particularly in Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, and the Gaza Strip. President El-Sisi commended the Kingdom’s efforts to host a comprehensive conference bringing together South Yemeni parties for dialogue on the southern Issue.
– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – French
Le Venezuela aborde l’année 2026 dans un climat d’incertitude accrue suite à l’arrestation de son président par les États-Unis et à l’annonce par la Cour suprême de la nomination de Delcy Rodríguez au poste de présidente par intérim. Ces événements ont remis en lumière l’importance de la continuité et de la stabilité institutionnelles à un moment où l’avenir économique et énergétique du Venezuela est incertain.
Pour la Chambre africaine de l’énergie (AEC), la stabilité reste la condition sine qua non du développement. Le Venezuela possède les plus grandes réserves prouvées de pétrole au monde, une base de ressources susceptible de transformer la trajectoire économique du pays, de reconstruire ses infrastructures et de rétablir sa sécurité énergétique. Cependant, la réalisation de ce potentiel dépendra d’une gouvernance prévisible, d’une gestion responsable des ressources et de la création de cadres contractuels mutuellement avantageux qui encouragent les investissements à long terme. À ce moment critique, l’AEC appelle l’industrie énergétique et la communauté internationale à apporter un soutien maximal au président par intérim Rodríguez, en encourageant l’unité, la continuité institutionnelle et un programme de développement mené à l’échelle nationale.
« Le moment est venu de continuer à encourager tout le monde à investir au Venezuela. Nous appelons les États et les dirigeants africains, ainsi que les pays du Sud, à apporter leur soutien à la présidente par intérim et au peuple vénézuélien alors qu’ils déterminent leur avenir, leur souveraineté et la manière dont ils souhaitent procéder », a déclaré NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’AEC.
L’AEC entretient depuis longtemps de solides relations de travail avec la présidente par intérim Rodríguez et le Venezuela dans son ensemble. Pour sa part, la présidente par intérim Rodríguez, qui occupe également le poste de ministre du Pétrole, soutient depuis longtemps le droit de l’Afrique à utiliser ses ressources pétrolières pour améliorer la vie de ses populations. Sous sa direction, le pays a développé, par l’intermédiaire de la société publique PDVSA, des liens internationaux solides avec l’Afrique. Pour l’avenir, la Chambre estime que les pays du Sud ont tout à gagner à poursuivre un engagement multilatéral et respectueux.
Il est important de noter que le Venezuela n’est pas isolé du dialogue énergétique du Sud global. En tant que membre fondateur de l’OPEP, le Venezuela a été le fer de lance de l’intégration des pays africains dans l’organisation, reconnaissant leur rôle dans la stabilisation des marchés énergétiques mondiaux. Parallèlement, en tant que membre honoraire de l’Organisation des producteurs africains de pétrole, le pays reconnaît depuis longtemps la valeur de la coopération Sud-Sud, du partage de l’expertise technique et des approches collectives en matière de développement des ressources. Cette relation souligne l’alignement du Venezuela avec les pays producteurs qui considèrent les hydrocarbures non pas comme un handicap, mais comme un outil de développement capable de stimuler l’industrialisation, la sécurité énergétique et le progrès social lorsqu’ils sont gérés de manière responsable.
Au-delà de cela, le Venezuela continue de mener des programmes de renforcement des capacités avec des entreprises et des étudiants africains. Le pays forme des étudiants africains, encourage le développement du leadership et offre aux entreprises africaines la possibilité d’investir dans le pays, non seulement dans le secteur de l’énergie, mais aussi dans divers autres secteurs.
Pour le Venezuela, le pétrole reste le pilier de l’économie et le levier le plus puissant dont il dispose pour accélérer la reprise. Même après des années de déclin, les hydrocarbures représentent encore près de 90 % des recettes d’exportation et plus de la moitié des revenus du gouvernement, tout en contribuant à hauteur de 17 à 20 % du PIB. Le Venezuela détient les plus grandes réserves prouvées de pétrole au monde, avec environ 303 milliards de barils, soit environ 17 % des réserves mondiales. Au prix actuel et prévu du pétrole, la valeur théorique de ces ressources souterraines se chiffre en dizaines de milliers de milliards de dollars, ce qui place le Venezuela parmi les zones énergétiques les plus importantes au monde sur le plan stratégique.
La réalité de la production met toutefois en évidence l’ampleur du défi et les opportunités à venir. Après s’être effondrée à environ 300 000 barils par jour (bpj) en 2020, la production s’est redressée pour atteindre environ 900 000 à 1,1 million de barils par jour au début de 2026. Ce chiffre reste bien en deçà du pic historique de 3,4 millions de bpj atteint à la fin des années 1990, mais il démontre que l’industrie vénézuélienne n’est pas irrémédiablement endommagée. Avec une gouvernance stable, une réglementation claire et des investissements soutenus d’environ 10 milliards de dollars par an, la production du pays pourrait atteindre 2,5 millions de bpj au cours de la prochaine décennie, le retour aux niveaux maximaux nécessitant des investissements cumulés de l’ordre de 80 à 100 milliards de dollars.
Le cœur de cette reprise se trouve dans la ceinture pétrolière lourde de l’Orénoque, qui couvre quelque 55 000 km2 et contient près de 90 % des réserves du Venezuela. Des blocs tels que Petropiar, Ayacucho et le complexe Zuata constituent la base de la production actuelle, mais la nature extra-lourde du brut signifie que l’accès à des diluants, à des capacités de valorisation et à des technologies modernes sera essentiel. Outre le pétrole, le gaz naturel offshore offre une importante opportunité de diversification. Des projets tels que le champ Dragon, dont les réserves sont estimées à plus de 4 000 milliards de pieds cubes de gaz, et le développement Cocuina-Manakin près de Trinidad offrent des possibilités de monétiser le gaz via les marchés régionaux du GNL, de soutenir la production d’électricité et de réduire la dépendance excessive de l’économie vis-à-vis des exportations de brut.
La réhabilitation des infrastructures sera tout aussi cruciale. Le système de raffinage du Venezuela, d’une capacité nominale d’environ 1,46 million de barils par jour, ne fonctionne qu’à 10 % à 20 % de sa capacité en raison de décennies de maintenance différée. Les pipelines, dont beaucoup ont plus de 50 ans, nécessitent des milliards de dollars de travaux de modernisation, tandis que la société publique Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. estime à environ 58 milliards de dollars le coût total des infrastructures nécessaires pour rétablir le fonctionnement de la chaîne de valeur. Ces investissements ont le potentiel de devenir des moteurs de l’emploi et des signaux de confiance susceptibles d’améliorer rapidement les conditions économiques nationales.
La participation internationale, des conditions d’investissement mutuellement avantageuses, la transparence et l’implication locale seront indispensables dans ce processus. L’implication actuelle d’entreprises telles que Chevron, qui produit actuellement entre 240 000 et 250 000 barils par jour dans le cadre de coentreprises, illustre le rôle catalyseur que peuvent jouer les opérateurs expérimentés. Des entreprises européennes telles qu’Eni, Repsol et Shell, ainsi que des prestataires de services tels que SLB, Baker Hughes et Halliburton, ont maintenu une présence axée sur l’intégrité des actifs et une croissance sélective dans des conditions contraignantes. En évoluant vers des contrats mutuellement avantageux, ces relations peuvent constituer l’épine dorsale d’un réengagement plus large de l’industrie énergétique mondiale.
« Le Venezuela dispose d’une richesse naturelle extraordinaire, et la leçon tirée de l’Afrique est claire : lorsque la stabilité est une priorité et que le secteur énergétique est autorisé à fonctionner de manière responsable, les hydrocarbures peuvent être le moteur de la reprise, de l’unité et du développement à long terme. L’industrie et la communauté internationale doivent s’unir en ce moment critique », a conclu M. Ayuk.
Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.
Source: APO
Venezuela enters 2026 amid heightened uncertainty following the detention of the country’s president by the United States and the subsequent announcement by the supreme court that Delcy Rodríguez has assumed the role of Acting President. These developments have placed renewed focus on the importance of institutional continuity and stability at a moment when Venezuela’s economic and energy future hangs in the balance.
For the African Energy Chamber (AEC), stability remains the single most critical requirement for development. Venezuela holds the largest proven oil reserves in the world, a resource base with the potential to transform the country’s economic trajectory, rebuild infrastructure and restore energy security. Realizing this potential, however, will depend on predictable governance, responsible resource management and the creation of mutually beneficial contractual frameworks that encourage long-term investment. At this critical juncture, the AEC calls on the energy industry and the international community to provide maximum support to Acting President Rodríguez, encouraging unity, institutional continuity and a nationally driven development agenda.
“This is the time to continue encouraging everyone to invest in Venezuela. We call on African states and leaders as well as the Global South to give the Acting President and the Venezuelan people support as they determine their future, sovereignty and how they want to proceed,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.
The AEC has long-held a strong working relationship with both Acting President Rodríguez and Venezuela at large. For her part, Acting President Rodríguez – who also serves as Oil Minister – has long-supported Africa’s right to use its oil resources to better the lives of its people. Under her leadership, the country – through its state-owned PDVSA – has developed strong international ties with Africa. Looking ahead, the Chamber believes that the Global South stands to benefit from continued multilateral, respectful engagement.
Importantly, Venezuela is not isolated from the Global South’s energy dialogue. As a founding member of OPEC, Venezuela has spearheaded the inclusion of African countries in the organization, recognizing their role in stabilizing global energy markets. Meanwhile, as an Honorary Member of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization, the country has long recognized the value of South-South cooperation, shared technical expertise and collective approaches to resource development. This relationship underscores Venezuela’s alignment with producer nations that view hydrocarbons not as a liability, but as a development tool capable of driving industrialization, energy security and social progress when managed responsibly.
Beyond that, Venezuela continues to lead capacity building programs with African companies and students. The country trains African students, fosters leadership development and opens opportunities for African companies to invest in the country – not only in energy but various other sectors.
For Venezuela, oil remains the backbone of the economy and the most powerful lever available to accelerate recovery. Even after years of decline, hydrocarbons still account for close to 90% of export revenues and more than half of government income, while contributing an estimated 17% to 20% of GDP. Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves at approximately 303 billion barrels, representing around 17% of global reserves. At current and projected oil prices, the in-ground notional value of these resources is measured in the tens of trillions of dollars, placing Venezuela among the most strategically significant energy geographies in the world.
Production realities, however, highlight both the scale of the challenge and the opportunity ahead. After collapsing to roughly 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 2020, output has recovered to approximately 900,000 to 1.1 million barrels per day as of early 2026. This remains far below the historical peak of 3.4 million bpd reached in the late 1990s, but it demonstrates that Venezuela’s industry is not irreparably damaged. With stable governance, regulatory clarity and sustained investment of around $10 billion per year, production in the country has the potential to reach 2.5 million bpd over the next decade, with a return to peak levels requiring cumulative investment in the range of $80 billion to $100 billion.
The heart of this recovery lies in the Orinoco Heavy Oil Belt, which covers some 55,000 km2 and contains nearly 90% of Venezuela’s reserves. Blocks such as Petropiar, Ayacucho and the Zuata Complex anchor current output, though the extra-heavy nature of the crude means that access to dilutants, upgrading capacity and modern technology will be essential. Alongside oil, offshore natural gas presents an important diversification opportunity. Projects such as the Dragon field, estimated to hold more than 4 trillion cubic feet of gas, and the Cocuina-Manakin development near Trinidad offer pathways to monetize gas through regional LNG markets, support power generation and reduce the economy’s overreliance on crude exports.
Infrastructure rehabilitation will be equally critical. Venezuela’s refining system, with nameplate capacity of around 1.46 million bpd, is operating at just 10% to 20% due to decades of deferred maintenance. Pipelines, many of them more than 50 years old, require billions of dollars in upgrades, while the country’s state-owned Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. estimates total infrastructure needs of roughly $58 billion to restore functionality across the value chain. These investments have the potential to become employment engines and confidence signals that can rapidly improve domestic economy conditions.
International participation, mutually-beneficial investment terms, transparency and local involvement will be indispensable in this process. Existing involvement by companies such as Chevron, which currently produces around 240,000 to 250,000 bpd through joint ventures, illustrates the catalytic role that experienced operators can play. European firms including Eni, Repsol and Shell, alongside service providers such as SLB, Baker Hughes and Halliburton, have maintained a presence focused on asset integrity and selective growth under constrained conditions. By evolving into mutually-beneficial contracts, these relationships can form the backbone of a broader re-engagement by the global energy industry.
“Venezuela sits atop extraordinary natural wealth, and the lesson from Africa is clear: when stability is prioritized and the energy sector is allowed to function responsibly, hydrocarbons can drive recovery, unity and long-term development. The industry and the international community must come together at this critical moment,” concluded Ayuk.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – French
La Fondation Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne, a récemment organisé la 7ème Édition du Sommet MFFLI 2025 de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck. Elle a été inaugurée par le Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman du Conseil d’Administration de la Fondation Merck, et la Sénatrice Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO de la Fondation Merck et Présidente de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck, et S.E. Mme RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., Première Dame de la République du Kenya et Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » aux côtés des Premières Dames d’Angola, Cap-Vert, République Centrafricaine, Gabon, Gambie, Ghana, Libéria, Maldives, Mozambique, Nigéria, São Tomé-et-Principe, Sénégal, et Zimbabwe.
Sénatrice Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) a déclaré : « J’ai été ravie de rencontrer ma chère sœur, S.E. Mme RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., Première Dame de la République du Kenya et Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » pour la 7ème Édition de notre Sommet de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck. Je suis fière d’annoncer que 244 bourses ont été octroyées à des médecins kenyans locaux dans de nombreuses spécialités essentielles et mal desservies telles que la Fertilité et Embryologie, Oncologie, Diabète, Endocrinologie, Médecine Cardiovasculaire Préventive, Cardiologie, Soins Sexuels et Reproductifs, Gastroentérologie, Médecine Respiratoire, Médecine Aiguë, Psychiatrie, Médecine Interne, Dermatologie, Médecine Néonatale, Urologie, Prise en Charge de la Douleur, Soins Intensifs, Rhumatologie, etc. Environ 50 % de ces bourses sont accordées à des femmes prestataires de soins de santé, ce qui constitue une étape importante dans l’autonomisation des femmes. »
S.E. Mme RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., Première Dame de la République du Kenya et Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère », a souligné : « Je suis très fière de notre partenariat avec la Fondation Merck. Ensemble, nous renforçons et transformons notre système de santé publique, grâce aux 244 bourses accordées à nos médecins. Il s’agit d’une étape importante qui aura un impact durable sur la qualité et l’accessibilité des soins de santé dans tout notre pays.
Nous travaillons également ensemble pour soutenir l’éducation des filles en offrant des bourses annuelles à 47 filles les plus performantes mais défavorisées, dans le cadre du programme Éduquer Linda. C’est extrêmement important car l’éducation est la voie à suivre pour autonomiser nos filles. »
»
Regardez le discours de la Première Dame du Kenya et Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » lors du Sommet de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck 2025 ici : https://apo-opa.co/3LkbX4n
Regardez la vidéo de la CEO de la Fondation Merck, Sénatrice Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), recevant S.E. Mme RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., Première Dame de la République du Kenya et Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » : https://apo-opa.co/4aK6BK6
Le deuxième jour du Sommet, une réunion du comité de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – MFFLI a eu lieu entre les Premières Dames d’Afrique et le Chairman et la CEO de la Fondation Merck. Au cours de cette réunion, les Premières Dames d’Afrique et d’Asie ont partagé le rapport d’impact des programmes de la Fondation Merck dans leurs pays respectifs et ont discuté de la stratégie future.
Regardez la vidéo de la réunion du comité MFFLI : https://apo-opa.co/44UAUdc
En collaboration avec la Première Dame du Kenya, la Fondation Merck a octroyé 224 bourses à de jeunes médecins dans de nombreuses spécialités essentielles et mal desservies. Parmi les 244 bourses :
Au total, la Fondation Merck a jusqu’à présent accordé 2 500 bourses à des médecins de 52 pays dans 44 spécialités médicales mal desservies.
« Nous avons toujours cru en l’importance du renforcement des capacités en matière de soins de santé et nous y travaillons depuis 2012. Nous continuerons à renforcer et à améliorer les capacités en matière de soins de santé au Kenya, dans le reste de l’Afrique et au-delà », a ajouté la Sénatrice Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.).
La Fondation Merck a également organisé 3 éditions de sa Formation des Médias sur la Santé En Ligne, afin de souligner le rôle important des médias pour aborder ces questions sociales et sanitaires cruciales et être la voix des sans-voix.
En outre, La Fondation Merck a également lancé un Appel à Candidatures pour ses 8 prix importants, en partenariat avec la Première Dame du Kenya, destinés aux médias, aux musiciens, aux créateurs de mode, aux cinéastes, aux étudiants et aux nouveaux talents potentiels dans ces domaines.
De plus, en partenariat avec la Première Dame du Kenya, la Fondation Merck a également lancé sept livres d’histoires pour enfants : « Plus Qu’une Mère », « Éduquer Linda », « Le Secours de Jackline », « Pas Qui Vous êtes », « Une Balade vers le Futur », « Jude Sans Sucre » et « La Tension de Mark ». Ces livres abordent diverses questions sociales et sanitaires, telles que la lutte contre la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, le soutien à l’éducation des filles, la lutte contre la violence sexiste, la sensibilisation sur le diabète et l’hypertension. Ces livres seront bientôt disponibles en swahili.
La 7ème édition de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck a été diffusée en direct sur les réseaux sociaux de Merck Foundation et Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO de la Fondation Merck :
@ Merck Foundation : Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4jqMtib), X (https://apo-opa.co/4jtCsB0), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4jttm7t), et YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/49hHjAt).
@ Rasha Kelej : Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/44YNHLH), X (https://apo-opa.co/3LkioEy), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4aJg8B9), et YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4aJNHCZ).
La Fondation Merck transforme le paysage des soins aux patients et écrit l’histoire avec ses partenaires en Afrique, en Asie et au-delà, à travers :
• Plus de 2500 Bourses offertes par la Fondation Merck pour les médecins de 52 pays dans 44 spécialités médicales critiques et mal desservies.
La Fondation Merck crée également un changement de culture et brise le silence sur un large éventail de problèmes sociaux et sanitaires en Afrique et dans les communautés mal desservies grâce à :
• Plus de 3700 Journalistes de plus de 35 pays formés pour mieux sensibiliser sur les différents problèmes sociaux et sanitaires.
• 8 Prix Différents lancés chaque année pour la meilleure couverture médiatique, les créateurs de mode, les films et les chansons.
• Environ 30 chansons pour aborder les problèmes sanitaires et sociaux par des chanteurs locaux à travers l’Afrique.
• 8 livres de contes pour enfants en trois langues – anglais, français et portugais.
• 7 Films d’Animation de Sensibilisation en cinq langues : Anglais, Français, Portugais, Espagnol et Swahili pour sensibiliser sur la prévention et le dépistage précoce du diabète et de l’hypertension et soutenir l’éducation des filles.
• Programme Télévisé Panafricain « Notre Afrique par la Fondation Merck » abordant les problèmes sociaux et sanitaires en Afrique à travers la communauté « Mode et L’Art avec un But ».
• Plus de 1200 bourses d’études sont octroyées chaque année à des écolières africaines brillantes mais défavorisées, issues de 18 pays, afin de les aider à poursuivre leurs études et à réaliser pleinement leur potentiel.
• 15 chaînes de réseaux sociaux avec plus de 8 millions de d’abonnés.
Distribué par APO Group pour Merck Foundation.
Contact :
Mehak Handa
Responsable du programme de sensibilisation communautaire
Téléphone : +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
E-mail : mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
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À propos de la Fondation Merck :
La Fondation Merck, créée en 2017, est la branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne, vise à améliorer la santé et le bien-être des populations et à faire progresser leur vie grâce à la science et à la technologie. Nos efforts sont principalement axés sur l’amélioration de l’accès à des solutions de soins de santé de qualité et équitables dans les communautés mal desservies, à renforcer les capacités de recherche sur les soins de santé et la recherche scientifique, l’autonomisation des filles à travers l’éducation et l’autonomisation des personnes en STEM (Science, Technologie, Ingénierie et Mathématiques) avec un accent particulier sur les femmes et les jeunes. Tous les communiqués de presse de la Fondation Merck sont distribués par e-mail en même temps qu’ils deviennent disponibles sur le site Web de la Fondation Merck. Veuillez visiter www.Merck-Foundation.com pour en savoir plus. Pour en savoir plus, contactez nos réseaux sociaux de la Fondation Merck : Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4jqMtib), X (https://apo-opa.co/4jtCsB0), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4jttm7t), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/49hHjAt), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4qgDpPF) et Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/49h5ZsY).
La Fondation Merck se consacre à l’amélioration des résultats sociaux et sanitaires pour les communautés dans le besoin. Bien qu’elle collabore avec divers partenaires, y compris des gouvernements, pour atteindre ses objectifs humanitaires, la fondation reste strictement neutre sur le plan politique. Elle ne s’engage pas et ne soutient pas d’activités, d’élections ou de régimes politiques, se focalise uniquement sur sa mission d’élever l’humanité et d’améliorer le bien-être tout en maintenant une position strictement apolitique dans toutes ses activités.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –
Fundação Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), o braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha, realizou, a 7ª Edição da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck – MFFLI 2025 recentemente. A Cimeira foi aberta pelo Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Presidente do Conselho de Curadores da Fundação Merck, e Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej (Aposentada.), CEO da Fundação Merck & Presidente da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck e por S. Ex.ª Sra. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., Primeira-Dama da República do Quénia e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck “Mais do Que uma Mãe” bem como pelas Primeiras-Damas de Angola, Cabo Verde, República Centro Africana, Gabão, Gâmbia, Gana, Libéria, Maldivas, Moçambique, Nigéria, São Tomé e Príncipe, Senegal e Zimbabwe.
A Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej (Aposentada.) exprimiu: “Foi um prazer manter encontro com a minha querida irmã, S. Exª. Srª. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., Primeira-Dama da República do Quénia e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck “Mais do Que uma Mãe” durante a 7ª edição da nossa Cúpula da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck. Tenho orgulho de compartilhar que foram concedidas 244 bolsas de estudo para médicos quenianos locais em diversas especialidades críticas e carentes, tais como Fertilidade e Embriologia, Oncologia, Diabetes, Endocrinologia, Medicina Cardiovascular Preventiva, Cardiologia, Cuidados Sexuais e Reprodutivos, Gastroenterologia, Medicina Respiratória, Medicina Aguda, Psiquiatria, Clínica Médica, Dermatologia, Medicina Neonatal, Urologia, Tratamento da Dor, Cuidados Intensivos, Reumatologia e muito mais. E cerca de 50% dessas bolsas são concedidas a profissionais de saúde do sexo feminino, o que representa um grande marco no empoderamento feminino.
A S. Exª. Srª. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., Primeira-Dama da República do Quénia e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck “Mais do Que uma Mãe” enfatizou: “Tenho muito orgulho da nossa parceria com a Fundação Merck. Juntos, estamos a fortalecer e transformar o nosso panorama da saúde pública, atarvés de 244 bolsas de estudo oferecidas aos nossos médicos. Este é um marco extraordinário que deixará um impacto duradouro na qualidade e acessibilidade dos cuidados de saúde em todo o nosso país.
Também estamos a trabalha juntos para apoiar a educação das meninas, oferecendo bolsas de estudo anuais para 47 meninas de alto desempenho, mas de baixa renda, como parte do programa Educar Linda. Isso é extremamente importante, pois a educação é o caminho para empoderar as nossas meninas.”
Assista ao discurso da Primeira Dama do Quénia e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe durante a Cúpula da Iniciativa das Primeiras Damas da Fundação Merck 2025 aqui: https://apo-opa.co/3LkbX4n
Assista ao vídeo da CEO da Fundação Merck, Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej (Aposentada.), durante o encontro mantido com S. Exª. Srª. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., Primeira-Dama da República do Quénia e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck “Mais do Que uma Mãe”: https://apo-opa.co/4aK6BK6
No segundo dia da Cimeira, foi realizada a reunião do Comité da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck – MFFLI entre as Primeiras-Damas Africanas, o Presidente e a CEO da Fundação Merck, onde as Primeiras-Damas Africanas e Asiáticas compartilharam os relatórios de impacto dos programas da Fundação Merck nos seus respectivos países, bem como discutiram a futura estratégia.
Assista ao video da reunião do Comité MFFLI: https://apo-opa.co/44UAUdc
Em conjunto com a Primeira-Dama do Quénia, a Fundação Merck concedeu 224 bolsas de estudo para jovens médicos em diversas especialidades críticas e carentes. Das 244 bolsas:
No total, a Fundação Merck já concedeu 2.500 bolsas de estudo para médicos de 52 países em 44 especialidades médicas carentes.
“Sempre acreditamos na importância de desenvolver a capacidade de atendimento em saúde e trabalhamos para isso desde 2012. Continuaremos a desenvolver e aprimorar a capacidade de atendimento em saúde no Quénia, no restante da África e em outros lugares”, acrescentou a Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej (Aposentada.).
A Fundação Merck também realizou três edições do seu Treinamento Online em Mídia da Saúde, para enfatizar o importante papel da mídia na abordagem dessas questões sociais e de saúde críticas e ser a voz dos que não têm voz.
A Fundação Merck, em parceria, com a Primeira Dama do Quénia, também anunciou a abertura de candidaturas para os seus 8 importantes prémios de jornalismo, canção, moda, cinema, para estudantes e novos talentos com potencial nessas áreas.
Além disso, em parceria com a Primeira Dama do Quénia, a Fundação Merck também lançou sete livros de histórias infantis, “Mais do Que uma Mãe”, “Educar Linda”, “Resgate da Jaqueline”, “Não É Quem És”, “Viagem ao Futuro”, “Jude Sem Açúcar”, e “Pressão de Mark”. Os livros de histórias abordam diversas questões sociais e de saúde, como o combate ao estigma da infertilidade, o apoio à educação de meninas, o combate à violência do género e a conscientização sobre a diabetes e a hipertensão. Em breve, os livros também serão lançados em Swahili.
A 7ª Edição da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas foi stransmitida em directo nos canais das redes sociais da Fundação Merck e da Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej (Aposentada.), CEO da Fundação Merck:
@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4jqMtib), X (https://apo-opa.co/4jtCsB0), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4jttm7t), e YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/49hHjAt).
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Fundação Merck está a transformar o cenário de atendimento ao paciente e fazer história junto com os seus parceiros em África, Ásia e além, através de:
Mais de 2.500 bolsas de estudo fornecidas pela Fundação Merck para médicos de 52 países em mais de 44 especialidades médicas críticas e carentes.
A Fundação Merck também está a criar uma mudança cultural e quebrar o silêncio sobre uma ampla gama de questões sociais e de saúde em África e em comunidades carentes através de:
Mais de 3.700 profissionais da mídia de mais de 35 países treinados para aumentar a conscientização sobre diferentes questões sociais e de saúde
8 prémios diferentes lançados anualmente para a melhor cobertura da mídia, designers de moda, filmes e músicas
Cerca de 30 músicas abordando questões sociais e de saúde, por cantores locais de toda a África
8 livros de histórias infantis em três línguas: inglês, francês e português
7 filmes de animação de conscientização em cinco línguas: inglês, francês, português, espanhol e Swahili para conscientizar sobre a prevenção e a detecção precoce da diabetes e da hipertensão e apoiar a educação de meninas.
Programa televisivo pan-africano “Nossa África da Fundação Merck” aborda questões sociais e de saúde em África através da comunidade “Moda e ARTE com Propósito”
Mais de 1200 bolsas de estudo concedidas a estudantes africanas de alto desempenho, porém carentes, de 18 países para empoderá-las a concluir os seus estudos.
15 canais de mídia social com mais de 8 milhões de seguidores
Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Merck Foundation.
Contato:
Mehak Handa
Gerente do Programa de Conscientização Comunitária
Telefone: +91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
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Sobre Fundação Merck:
A Fundação Merck, criada em 2017, é o braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha e visa melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar das pessoas e impulsionar suas vidas por meio da ciência e da tecnologia. Nossos esforços concentram-se principalmente em melhorar o acesso a soluções de saúde de qualidade e equitativas em comunidades carentes, fortalecer a capacidade em saúde e pesquisa científica, empoderar meninas na educação e empoderar pessoas em STEM (Ciência, Tecnologia, Engenharia e Matemática), com foco especial em mulheres e jovens. Todos os comunicados de imprensa da Fundação Merck são distribuídos por e-mail ao mesmo tempo em que são disponibilizados no site da Fundação Merck. Visite www.Merck-Foundation.com para ler mais. Siga as redes sociais da Fundação Merck: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4jqMtib), X (https://apo-opa.co/4jtCsB0), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4jttm7t), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/49hHjAt), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4qgDpPF) e Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/49h5ZsY).
A Fundação Merck dedica-se a melhorar os resultados sociais e de saúde de comunidades carentes. Embora colabore com diversos parceiros, incluindo governos, para alcançar os seus objectivos humanitários, a fundação permanece estritamente neutra em questões políticas. Não se envolve nem apoia quaisquer actividades, eleições ou regimes políticos, concentrando-se exclusivamente na sua missão de elevar a humanidade e promover o bem-estar, mantendo uma postura estritamente apolítica em todos os seus esforços.
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Source: APO
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 recently. It was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation & President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative and H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of the Republic of Kenya and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” along with First Ladies of Angola, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Maldives, Mozambique, Nigeria, São Tomé & Príncipe, Senegal, and Zimbabwe.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) expressed, “I was a pleasure meeting my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of the Republic of Kenya and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” for the 7th Edition of our Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit. I am proud to share that provided 244 scholarships for local Kenyan doctors in many critical and underserved specialties like Fertility & Embryology, Oncology, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology, Sexual & Reproductive Care, Gastroenterology, Respiratory Medicine, Acute Medicine, Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Neonatal Medicine, Urology, Pain Management, Critical Care, Rheumatology and more. And around 50% of these scholarships are provided to female healthcare providers which is a great milestone of women empowerment.”
H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother emphasized, “I am very proud of our partnership with Merck Foundation. Together, we are strengthening and transforming our public healthcare landscape, through the 244 scholarships provided for our doctors. This is an extraordinary milestone that will leave a lasting impact on the quality and accessibility of healthcare across our nation.
Additionally, we are also working together to support girl education by providing annual scholarships to 47 best-performing but underprivileged girls, as a part of Educating Linda program. This is extremely important as Education is the way forward to empower our girls.”
Watch the Speech of The First Lady of Kenya & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/3LkbX4n
Watch the video of Merck Foundation CEO, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) receiving H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”: https://apo-opa.co/4aK6BK6
On day 2 of the Summit, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative- MFFLI committee meeting was conducted between The First Ladies of Africa and Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, where the African and Asian First Ladies shared the impact report of Merck Foundation programs in their respective countries, and future strategy was discussed.
Watch the video of MFFLI committee meeting: https://apo-opa.co/44UAUdc
Together with Kenya First Lady, Merck Foundation has provided 224 scholarships for young doctors in many critical and underserved specialties. Out of the 244 scholarships:
Overall, Merck Foundation has so far provided 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 underserved medical specialties.
“We have always believed in the importance of building healthcare capacity and have been working for it since 2012. We will continue to build and enhance healthcare capacity in the Kenya and the rest of the Africa and beyond”, added Dr. Rasha Kelej.
Merck Foundation has also conducted 3 editions of their Online Health Media Training, to emphasize on the important role of media to address these critical social and health issues and be the voice of the voiceless.
Moreover, Merck Foundation also announced the Call for applications for their 8 important awards in partnership with The First Lady of Kenya for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.
Moreover, in partnership with The First Lady of Kenya, Merck Foundation has also launched seven children’s storybooks, “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future” and “Sugar free Jude”, and “Mark’s Pressure”. The storybooks address various social and health issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, stopping GBV, diabetes and hypertension awareness. The storybooks will soon also be launched in Swahili language.
The 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative was streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation:
@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4jqMtib), X (https://apo-opa.co/4jtCsB0), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4jttm7t), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/49hHjAt).
@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/44YNHLH), X (https://apo-opa.co/3LkioEy), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4aJg8B9), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4aJNHCZ).
Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:
• 2500 Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for healthcare providers from 52 Countries in more than 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.
Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:
• 3700+ Media Persons from more than 35 countries trained to better raise awareness about different social and health issues
• 8 Different Awards launched annually for best media coverage, fashion designers, films, and songs
• Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa
• 8 Children’s Storybooks in three languages – English, French, and Portuguese
• 7 Awareness Animation films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes & Hypertension and supporting girl education.
• Pan African TV Program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community.
• 1200+ Scholarships provided annually to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls from 18 countries, to help them to complete their studies and empower them to reach their full potential.
• 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8 Million Followers.
Distributed by APO Group 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/4jqMtib), X (https://apo-opa.co/4jtCsB0), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4jttm7t), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/49hHjAt), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4qgDpPF) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/49h5ZsY).
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.
Source: APO
By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (https://EnergyChamber.org).
Two breakthrough offshore discoveries in Namibia in 2022 — one by Shell and one by TotalEnergies — marked an important milestone for the country’s future energy landscape and for Africa’s broader upstream ambitions.
The excitement generated by high-impact discoveries creates a ripple effect that benefits the entire continent. I’m convinced that the ongoing interest we’re seeing today in African exploration and production (E&P) stems in part from the major discoveries in Namibia, alongside recent successes in Côte d’Ivoire, Angola, and Egypt.
When you factor in advances in E&P technology, the promise of newly emerging basins, and the continued strength of Africa’s established producing regions, there are genuine reasons to feel confident about the future of African oil and gas.
That sentiment is reflected in the African Energy Chamber’s 2026 Outlook Report, “The State of African Energy,” which projects renewed momentum in the continent’s upstream market during the next several years. According to the report, global E&P capital expenditure (capex) is forecast to reach approximately USD504 billion by 2026, with Africa contributing about USD41 billion.
Africa’s hydrocarbon production is expected to remain stable at roughly 11.4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) through 2026, and new projects are on track to increase output toward 13.6 million boe/d by 2030.
Yes, the report acknowledges that optimism is being tempered by caution. Keen to protect their balance sheets, investors are scrutinizing opportunities closely. But overall, the potential for sustained upstream expansion is truly promising for African states with petroleum reserves. The key will be doing as much as possible to attract the capital needed to pursue the next wave of discoveries.
Frontier and Emerging Basins Signal Strong New Potential
As investors weigh their options, the most compelling signs of progress are coming from Africa’s frontier and emerging basins.
In Namibia’s Orange Sub-Basin, where more than 6 billion boe have been discovered in less than four years, operators are preparing the next wave of high-impact wells. Côte d’Ivoire, meanwhile, is seeing a surge of activity around its recent deepwater finds.
Egypt, which already has long history as a producing state, is experiencing fresh momentum in underexplored offshore acreage. Earlier this year, drilling in the Herodotus Basin confirmed gas at the Nefertari-1 well.
Even in Libya, where hydrocarbons have been produced for decades, frontier acreage remains. BP and Eni aim to spud the Matsola-1 ultra-deepwater gas prospect later this year. If it delivers, the well could pave the way for deeper Sirte Basin exploration and reduce geological risk across the broader Gulf of Sirte.
“The continent continues to offer up new frontiers, all of which may draw exploration capital,” our Outlook report notes. “Places to keep an eye on are the ultra-deepwater portion of the Congo Fan in Angola, the Gabon–Douala Deep Sea Basin offshore São Tomé and Príncipe, the Namibe Basin in Namibia and Angola, the Herodotus Basin offshore Egypt and the offshore portion of the Sirte Basin.
“Others that have already played host to exploration cycles may still present significant opportunities in a similar fashion to the Côte d’Ivoire–Tano Basin. One example is the MSGBC Basin, where over 9.5 Bboe was discovered between 2014 and 2019, but which is still viewed as immature in terms of exploration.”
Still, prospects alone are not enough. To translate discoveries into development, Africa must confront the operational and investment challenges that stand in the way.
Data, Imaging, and a New Era of African Prospecting
As encouraging as the upstream outlook is, Africa’s geology remains complex, and that complexity can shape how and where companies invest. In parts of West Africa, for example, thick layers of salt can distort seismic signals and make it difficult to identify potential reservoirs with confidence. And in the far south, strong offshore currents can interfere with seismic acquisition itself, degrading data quality and forcing operators to invest in more advanced imaging and noise-reduction technologies.
But as our Outlook report notes, technology is starting to change these dynamics. “Recent advancements in seismic acquisition, processing technologies, and drilling capabilities have enabled exploration efforts over the past decade to target more intricate prospects at greater depths in Africa as elsewhere,” it states.
These advances have been helping oil and gas companies de-risk prospects once considered too complex or too costly to pursue.
Emmanuelle Garinet, TotalEnergies’ vice president for exploration in Africa, has pointed to Namibia as a prime example of how high-resolution seismic imaging and advanced subsurface modeling can reshape exploration strategies. She noted that the company’s decision to drill the Venus prospect — which lies within the Namibian portion of the Orange Sub-Basin — was possible because the technical data provided enough confidence to reduce uncertainty ahead of drilling. The results validated that choice: the 2022 Venus-1 discovery, estimated at 1.5 to 2 billion barrels of recoverable oil, stands as the largest ever made in sub-Saharan Africa. Its scale has reshaped expectations for what may still be unlocked across the Orange Sub-Basin.
The trend is also visible offshore Angola, where better subsurface imaging and advanced drilling systems are opening deepwater and ultra-deepwater opportunities in heavily salt-influenced geology. Azule Energy aims to drill the Kianda prospect in late 2025. If the ultra-deepwater test succeeds, it could pave the way for exploration across a vast area — more than 30,000 square kilometers — previously viewed as high risk.
The Capital Challenge: Competing for Global Investment
But geological complexity isn’t the only factor shaping investment decisions. Political and security challenges persist in several countries — among them Nigeria, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo — and can materially affect both operations and capital flows. Add to that the lack of clarity around monetization and industrialization pathways, and it becomes clear why some investors remain cautious.
The Outlook report notes that upstream capital spending in Africa has risen consistently over the past three years as the sector recovers from the pandemic-related lows of 2020. Even so, worldwide investment growth has not kept pace with the strong cash flows generated by upstream operations. Analysts from firms like Wood Mackenzie and Deloitte all describe the same pattern: Companies are channeling a significant share of their cash flow into dividends, buybacks, and debt reduction instead of chasing growth at any cost.
In short, Africa is competing for capital at a time when global investors are more disciplined than ever.
In this environment, African states cannot simply assume that interest in our geology will translate into final investment decisions. We must move quickly to capitalize on today’s E&P appetite by reducing above-ground risks, providing clear monetization and industrialization pathways, and building stable, predictable frameworks that give investors the confidence to commit for the long term.
The window of opportunity is open, but it will not stay open forever.
“The State of African Energy: 2026 Outlook Report” is available for download. Visit https://apo-opa.co/4aKVLn1 to request your copy.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Mamokete Modiba, Senior Researcher, Gauteng City-Region Observatory
Johannesburg’s inner city is a bustling hub of economic life – a dense, dynamic web of informal traders, adjacent businesses and other users. Informal trading remains an essential survival strategy for many households. It is also a key source of affordable goods and services.
Managing this activity, however, is not straightforward. The city authorities face legitimate pressures to maintain order, safety, hygiene and accessibility in highly contested urban spaces. At the same time, they have a mandate to support livelihoods and encourage inclusive economic participation.
Balancing these objectives is complex. But, as urban planners and researchers, we believe it’s possible and necessary. It needs to be done in a way that recognises the realities of both municipal constraints. These include budgets, conflicting political pressures and traders’ contributions. Traders generate local economic activity and provide convenient, affordable goods and services.
Johannesburg’s informal trading sector should not be viewed as a problem to eliminate. Rather, it should be managed effectively. The focus for the city should be on improving how this is done.
The city has a chequered history of managing informal traders. In October 2025, Johannesburg authorities removed informal traders from De Villiers Street in the heart of the city’s central business district. The city went on to expand the operation to other inner-city areas and townships to promote “order” and “cleanliness”.
This approach was reminiscent of the 2013 Operation Clean Sweep, which disrupted livelihoods and increased urban inequality and violence. After the events in 2025, the Gauteng High Court ruled in favour of traders who took the city to court. But the court’s ruling has not been implemented.
The city’s 2022 informal trading policy provides a roadmap for a different approach. It provides a structured framework that includes:
recognising informal traders as essential contributors to the urban economy
setting out clear procedures for registration, spatial planning, permit processes and trader support.
Its strength lies in offering a coherent, rights-based approach that can bring transparency and fairness to how trading spaces are allocated and managed. But its success hinges on implementation that is transparent, inclusive and responsive.
In our view, Johannesburg can turn contested spaces into engines of shared prosperity by:
investing in adequate infrastructure
promoting collaboration among traders, property owners, municipal authorities and other affected stakeholders
enforcing regulations that protect livelihoods instead of punishing them.
A durable solution requires systematic reforms grounded in provisions of the city’s 2022 informal trading policy. This emphasises co-management by various stakeholders. Among them are officials from various relevant departments, municipal-owned entities and the informal traders.
But laws and regulations have to be updated.
By-laws passed in 2012 are still being used to regulate the sector. This is even though a new policy was adopted in 2022.
Updated by-laws would enable the city to reflect the policy’s developmental orientation. This includes its focus on supporting livelihoods and expanding access to jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities. It also includes creating a conducive regulatory and management environment for informal traders.
Read more: Johannesburg’s produce market has supplied the informal sector for decades: a refresh is due
The policy adopted in 2022 contains several important provisions that support more effective management of informal trading. Key elements include:
1) Informal trading plans.
A comprehensive, independently conducted census of all traders – registered and unregistered – will form the evidence base for this plan. This will enable the city to understand the full scale and distribution of informal trading.
The city must make enough suitable trading sites available. This expanded access would help accommodate more traders legally and reduce pressure on overcrowded locations. Throughout the process, the city must balance the need to demarcate trading sites with:
the principle of minimal relocation to protect livelihoods
ensuring that pavements, transport routes and other public amenities remain accessible to all.
2) Appropriate infrastructure and services.
Ensuring that informal traders have adequate services supports their livelihoods and also contributes to cleaner, safer, and more attractive streets for all users. All informal trading environments in the inner city would benefit from access to better infrastructure. This includes water, electricity, street lighting, storage, improved sidewalks, trading shelters and ablution facilities.
Read more: Smart cities start with people, not technology: lessons from Westbury, Johannesburg
3) Clear articulation of traders’ rights and responsibilities.
The greatest responsibility rests with the city to transform informal trading management. But the policy also makes clear that informal traders themselves have important responsibilities to ensure the system works effectively.
Once allocated trading sites, traders are expected to:
operate only within designated areas
avoid restricted or prohibited spaces
help to maintain order
conduct their business in line with applicable regulations, policies and by-laws
play an active role in maintaining the cleanliness and upkeep of their trading spaces
work collaboratively with the City, neighbouring businesses and other local stakeholders.
The plan also envisages the establishment of an independent informal trade forum, an informal trading task team and a dedicated informal trade unit. Urgent action is needed to constitute these structures.
The City has an opportunity to shift from reactive, enforcement-driven approaches to a proactive, developmental model that values informal trading as a central part of Johannesburg’s economy and identity.
There are key next steps that need to be taken.
Firstly, fully operationalising the commitments of the 2022 policy by updating by-laws.
Secondly, by completing a transparent and comprehensive census of all traders. This needs to include involving them meaningfully in decisions about management processes.
Alongside this, the city should prioritise investment in adequate infrastructure and strengthen communication and collaboration platforms. It also needs to establish the dedicated structures envisioned in the policy.
Together, these actions can build an enabling system that protects livelihoods, reduces conflict, and supports a vibrant, inclusive and economically resilient inner city.
– Johannesburg has failed its informal traders: policies are in place, but action is needed
– https://theconversation.com/johannesburg-has-failed-its-informal-traders-policies-are-in-place-but-action-is-needed-270911
Source: President of South Africa –
The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, will support and participate in Ministerial Community Engagements taking place in the North West Province, aimed at strengthening collaboration between Government and communities in addressing crime, safety, and social challenges.
The engagements are convened by the Ministry of Police as part of ongoing efforts to respond to rising criminal activities affecting communities in Mahikeng, Rustenburg, and surrounding areas. The programme seeks to promote dialogue, enhance community trust in state institutions, and reinforce a coordinated approach to building safer communities.
The Deputy Minister’s participation underscores The Presidency’s commitment to intergovernmental cooperation, community-centred governance, and responsive leadership that places the needs and voices of communities at the centre of government action.
Details of the engagements are as follows:
Ministerial Community Engagement – Mahikeng
Date: Tuesday, 06 January 2026
Time: 10h00
Venue: Mahikeng Multipurpose Centre, Mahikeng
Ministerial Community Engagement – Rustenburg
Date: Wednesday, 07 January 2026
Time: 10h00
Venue: Ben Marais Hall, Rustenburg
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the engagements.
Media enquiries: Ms Mandisa Mbele, Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, on 082 580 2213 or mandisam@presidency.gov.za
Issued by: Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency
Pretoria
