Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Posted on

Presidential Energy Adviser Olu Verheijen to Highlight Nigeria’s Investment Drive at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

Source: APO – Report:

Nigeria’s efforts to reposition its energy sector and attract a new wave of investment will take center stage at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, with Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Federal Republic of Nigeria, confirmed to participate in the event.

Her participation comes as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration continues to implement an ambitious energy reform agenda aimed at reversing years of underinvestment, improving project economics and restoring Nigeria’s position as one of Africa’s leading destinations for oil, gas and infrastructure capital.

Since taking office in 2023, the administration has prioritized measures to improve investor confidence, including the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, reforms to strengthen regulatory efficiency and a series of executive actions designed to accelerate investment across the upstream sector. The government has also focused on improving the commercial performance of NNPC, transitioning the national oil company toward a more investment-oriented operating model and expanding partnerships with international operators.

These reforms are supporting renewed momentum across Nigeria’s upstream sector in 2026, with major international operators advancing new investments across deepwater oil and gas developments. ExxonMobil and its partners are moving forward with a $1 billion investment in the Usan Infill Project, expected to add approximately 40,000 barrels per day of production, while Shell continues to expand its deepwater and integrated gas portfolio through projects including Bonga North and the HI gas development. Bonga North is expected to deliver up to 110,000 barrels per day at peak production, while the HI project is designed to supply 350 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to Nigeria LNG. These investments reflect growing confidence in Nigeria’s resource base and highlight opportunities for further capital deployment across offshore development, gas infrastructure and energy services.

With approximately 200 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, Nigeria is seeking to accelerate gas commercialization through LNG expansion, industrial projects, gas processing and gas-to-power initiatives. Projects including the Nigeria LNG Train 7 expansion, alongside broader efforts to strengthen domestic gas supply infrastructure, are expected to play a key role in improving energy security, supporting industrial growth and expanding Nigeria’s position in global gas markets. Recent developments are also highlighting growing momentum around indigenous-led gas projects, including UTM Offshore’s 15-year gas supply agreement with a joint venture between NNPC and Seplat Energy to supply 200 million standard cubic feet per day of gas from the Yoho field for Nigeria’s first indigenous floating LNG project.

Nigeria’s downstream sector is also entering a new phase following the ramp-up of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which has the capacity to process 650,000 barrels per day and is expected to reduce reliance on imported refined products while creating new opportunities across logistics, trading and energy infrastructure.

“Nigeria has the resources, market scale and entrepreneurial strength to lead Africa’s next era of energy investment,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “The reforms underway under President Tinubu’s administration are focused on making the sector more competitive, improving investor confidence and ensuring that Nigeria captures greater value from its oil, gas and power resources. AEW 2026 provides a critical platform to connect these reforms with the investors, companies and partners needed to deliver growth.”

As Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Verheijen has been closely involved in advancing Nigeria’s energy priorities, including investment promotion, sector coordination and policy implementation. Her participation at AEW 2026 will provide stakeholders with insight into Nigeria’s strategy for unlocking capital and accelerating development across the energy value chain.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Media files

.

Posted on

Industry challenged to create more employment pathways for youth

Source: Government of South Africa

Industry challenged to create more employment pathways for youth

Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Mmapaseka Steve Letsike has challenged South African businesses to open their doors to more young people and create meaningful pathways from education and training into employment.

Delivering her keynote address at the recent 80th anniversary celebration of Aberdare Cables in Johannesburg, Letsike said industry has a critical role to play in addressing youth unemployment and ensuring that South Africa’s industrial development translates into opportunities for young people.

She said the 80-year history of Aberdare Cables demonstrated resilience, adaptation and innovation, noting that the company has become part of South Africa’s industrial development through its contribution to infrastructure, telecommunications, mining and broader economic activity.

Aberdare Cables currently operates manufacturing facilities in Pietermaritzburg, Gqeberha and Gauteng, and directly employs approximately 1 150 South Africans, while supporting additional livelihoods through its suppliers and broader value chain.

However, Letsike said anniversaries should also prompt reflection on the future, particularly on how young people can become central to South Africa’s next chapter of industrialisation.

“We cannot speak about the future of South African industry without speaking about the future of South Africa’s youth. We cannot speak about industrialisation without speaking about skills.

“We cannot speak about infrastructure development without asking who will build, install, maintain, manufacture and innovate the infrastructure of tomorrow, and we cannot celebrate successful South African companies without asking how we bring more young South Africans into those companies,” Letsike said.

According to Letsike, too many young people remain outside employment, education and training, while employers continue to report difficulties in finding workers with the necessary skills and workplace experience.

She said government and industry must work together to close the gap between education and employment.

“We therefore have a responsibility to close the distance between the classroom and the factory floor, between training and employment, and between qualifications and economic opportunity,” Letsike said.

The Deputy Minister called on industry to create more opportunities, particular for graduates from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, noting these institutions are producing artisans, technicians and graduates with skills that should support South Africa’s industrialisation programme.

“These young people need more than certificates. They need workplaces, mentors, practical experience, and their first opportunity to prove what they can do.”

Letsike urged businesses to strengthen workplace-based learning, internships, apprenticeships, learnerships and graduate placement opportunities, while also working with government and training institutions to identify current and future skills shortages.

She said skills development should be driven by actual and emerging economic demand, including the requirements arising from the energy transition, digitalisation, automation and advanced manufacturing.

The Deputy Minister also encouraged manufacturing and infrastructure companies to participate in the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme and work with Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator and other organisations supporting young people into employment.

She challenged companies to increase the number of young people they accommodate, saying businesses should take on as many young people as they have capacity for and, where permanent employment is not immediately possible, provide meaningful workplace experience.

“The first opportunity is often the hardest opportunity for a young person to secure. Industry can change that, the Deputy Minister said, emphasising that young people are not seeking charity but access to opportunities to demonstrate their skills, creativity, discipline and potential.

Letsike also highlighted government’s efforts to link skills development with emerging economic opportunities.

She cited a partnership with the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA), through which 22 young women from rural provinces, including Limpopo, North West and the Free State, received training in India under the Solar Mamas programme.

The programme equipped the young women with practical skills in renewable energy design, manufacturing, installation and maintenance.

Letsike said South Africa must deliberately position young people, particularly young women and persons with disabilities, in sectors expected to shape the country’s economic future.

These include renewable energy, digital technology, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, telecommunications, engineering, artificial intelligence and automation.

“These cannot become industries in which young South Africans merely consume technology produced elsewhere. Our young people must design, manufacture, install, maintain and ultimately own businesses within these value chains,” Letsike said.

Letsike said the department is also coordinating work around Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills to enable young people to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

However, she warned that training on its own is insufficient if young people did not have access to employment opportunities.

“A certificate without an opportunity does not transform a life.”

The also urged businesses to view their long-term legacy, not only in terms of production, expansion and markets, but also through the lives transformed by the opportunities they create.

“Let us build an industrial economy in which women, youth and persons with disabilities are not standing at the margins waiting for opportunity, but are at the centre of producing, innovating, leading and owning,” Letsike said.

She congratulated Aberdare Cables on its 80th anniversary and called for the company’s next eight decades to be defined not only by what it manufactures, but by the people and opportunities it helps build. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

7

Posted on

Olu Verheijen, conseiller présidentiel en matière d’énergie, mettra en avant la dynamique d’investissement du Nigeria lors de African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Les efforts déployés par le Nigeria pour redynamiser son secteur énergétique et attirer une nouvelle vague d’investissements occuperont le devant de la scène lors de l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, la participation d’Olu Verheijen, conseillère spéciale du président en matière d’énergie de la République fédérale du Nigeria, à cet événement ayant été confirmée.

Sa participation intervient alors que l’administration du président Bola Ahmed Tinubu poursuit la mise en œuvre d’un programme ambitieux de réforme énergétique visant à remédier à des années de sous-investissement, à améliorer la rentabilité des projets et à rétablir la position du Nigeria parmi les principales destinations africaines pour les capitaux destinés au pétrole, au gaz et aux infrastructures.

Depuis son entrée en fonction en 2023, l’administration a donné la priorité à des mesures visant à renforcer la confiance des investisseurs, notamment la mise en œuvre de la loi sur l’industrie pétrolière, des réformes destinées à améliorer l’efficacité de la réglementation et une série de mesures exécutives conçues pour accélérer les investissements dans l’ensemble du secteur en amont. Le gouvernement s’est également attaché à améliorer les performances commerciales de la NNPC, en orientant la compagnie pétrolière nationale vers un modèle d’exploitation davantage axé sur l’investissement et en développant les partenariats avec des opérateurs internationaux.

Ces réformes soutiennent un regain de dynamisme dans l’ensemble du secteur amont nigérian en 2026, les principaux opérateurs internationaux menant de nouveaux investissements dans des projets d’exploitation pétrolière et gazière en eaux profondes. ExxonMobil et ses partenaires poursuivent un investissement d’un milliard de dollars dans le projet Usan Infill, qui devrait permettre d’augmenter la production d’environ 40 000 barils par jour, tandis que Shell continue d’étendre son portefeuille de projets gaziers en eaux profondes et intégrés grâce à des projets tels que Bonga North et le projet gazier HI. Bonga North devrait produire jusqu’à 110 000 barils par jour à son pic de production, tandis que le projet HI est conçu pour fournir 350 millions de pieds cubes standard de gaz par jour à Nigeria LNG. Ces investissements reflètent une confiance croissante dans les ressources du Nigeria et mettent en évidence les opportunités de déploiement de capitaux supplémentaires dans les domaines de l’exploitation offshore, des infrastructures gazières et des services énergétiques.

Avec environ 200 000 milliards de pieds cubes de réserves prouvées de gaz naturel, le Nigeria cherche à accélérer la commercialisation du gaz par le biais de l’expansion du GNL, de projets industriels, du traitement du gaz et d’initiatives de conversion du gaz en électricité. Des projets tels que l’extension du train 7 de Nigeria LNG, parallèlement à des efforts plus larges visant à renforcer les infrastructures d’approvisionnement en gaz nationales, devraient jouer un rôle clé dans l’amélioration de la sécurité énergétique, le soutien à la croissance industrielle et le renforcement de la position du Nigeria sur les marchés mondiaux du gaz. Les développements récents mettent également en évidence la dynamique croissante autour des projets gaziers menés par des acteurs locaux, notamment l’accord d’approvisionnement en gaz d’une durée de 15 ans conclu par UTM Offshore avec une coentreprise entre la NNPC et Seplat Energy, visant à fournir 200 millions de pieds cubes standard par jour de gaz provenant du gisement de Yoho pour le premier projet nigérian de GNL flottant mené par des acteurs locaux.

Le secteur en aval du Nigeria entre également dans une nouvelle phase suite à la montée en puissance de la raffinerie Dangote Petroleum, qui dispose d’une capacité de traitement de 650 000 barils par jour et devrait réduire la dépendance vis-à-vis des produits raffinés importés tout en créant de nouvelles opportunités dans les domaines de la logistique, du négoce et des infrastructures énergétiques.

« Le Nigeria dispose des ressources, de la taille de son marché et de la dynamique entrepreneuriale nécessaires pour mener la prochaine ère d’investissements énergétiques en Afrique », a déclaré NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’African Energy Chamber. « Les réformes en cours sous l’administration du président Tinubu visent à rendre le secteur plus compétitif, à renforcer la confiance des investisseurs et à garantir que le Nigeria tire davantage de valeur de ses ressources pétrolières, gazières et électriques. L’AEW 2026 offre une plateforme essentielle pour mettre ces réformes en relation avec les investisseurs, les entreprises et les partenaires nécessaires à la croissance. »

En tant que conseillère spéciale du président pour l’énergie, Mme Verheijen a été étroitement impliquée dans la mise en œuvre des priorités énergétiques du Nigeria, notamment la promotion des investissements, la coordination sectorielle et la mise en œuvre des politiques. Sa participation à l’AEW 2026 permettra aux parties prenantes de mieux comprendre la stratégie du Nigeria visant à mobiliser des capitaux et à accélérer le développement tout au long de la chaîne de valeur énergétique.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

Media files

Posted on

Dr. Rasha Kelej a récompensé la Première Dame du Gabon pour ses grands efforts en tant qu’ambassadrice de la campagne « Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère » depuis 2024

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Fondation Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), la branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne, a officiellement lancé ses programmes en partenariat avec S.E. Madame ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, Première Dame de la République Gabonaise, également Ambassadrice de la « Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère », les programmes qui ont débuté en 2024 dans le but de transformer la prise en charge des patients, de renforcer les capacités de soins, de briser la stigmatisation de l’infertilité, d’autonomiser les femmes, de soutenir l’éducation des filles au Gabon et dans le reste de l’Afrique.

Le programme était présidé par la Première Dame du Gabon, S.E. Madame ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, le Chairman du Conseil d’Administration de la Fondation Merck, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, et la CEO de la Fondation Merck, Dr. Rasha Kelej. Le programme a eu lieu à la Présidence, au Gabon.

Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret), CEO de la Fondation Merck et Présidente de la campagne « Plus Qu’une Mère », a souligné : « C’est un grand honneur de rencontrer ma chère sœur, S.E. Madame ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, Première Dame du Gabon. Nous l’avons officiellement déclarée Ambassadrice de la campagne « Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère ». Nous avons également officiellement lancé les programmes de la Fondation Merck dans le pays et avons souligné notre engagement envers le renforcement des capacités de soins de santé et des médias, ainsi que la transformation du paysage des soins aux patients, briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité et soutenir l’éducation des filles, ensemble dans le pays »

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp a ajouté : « Notre objectif est d’améliorer la santé et le bien-être général des populations en renforçant les capacités de soins de santé en Afrique, en Asie et dans d’autres pays en voie de développement. Nous sommes fermement engagés à transformer le paysage des soins aux patients grâce à notre programme de bourses. »

S.E. Madame ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, Première Dame de la République Gabonaise et Ambassadrice de la « Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère », a déclaré : « C’est un plaisir d’accueillir et de rencontrer le Chairman et la CEO de la Fondation Merck dans notre pays. Ensemble, nous avons officiellement lancé nos programmes conjoints et avons également célébré des étapes importantes du grand succès de nos programmes conjoints visant à renforcer les capacités de soins de santé, transformer les soins aux patients, briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité et soutenir l’éducation des filles. C’est la première fois que nous travaillons sur des programmes aussi percutants, c’est une histoire en devenir. Nous avons atteint beaucoup de choses dans un laps de temps très court, grâce à notre partenariat à long terme, qui a débuté en 2024.

Je suis très fière de partager que grâce à notre partenariat, nous avons accordé 16 bourses à nos prestataires de soins de santé locaux qui seront les futurs experts de la santé du Gabon, qui ont obtenu leur diplôme, suivent ou commenceront bientôt les bourses de formation de la Fondation Merck dans des spécialités critiques et mal desservies telles que la Fertilité, Embryologie, Oncologie, Diabète et Hypertension

« Je suis également très heureuse de partager qu’avec la Première Dame du Gabon, nous soutenons également l’éducation des filles en offrant des bourses annuelles pour soutenir l’éducation de 40 écolières très performantes mais défavorisées, jusqu’à ce qu’elles obtiennent leur diplôme, afin qu’elles puissent atteindre leur potentiel et réaliser leurs rêves », a ajouté le Dr. Rasha Kelej.

La Fondation Merck a accordé plus de 2 600 bourses à des prestataires de soins de santé de 52 pays dans 44 spécialités médicales critiques et mal desservies.

Sur un total de 16 bourses accordées au Gabon, la Fondation Merck a fourni :

  • 4 bourses en Fertilité et Embryologie. Il s’agissait de formations pratiques en Inde. Le tout premier embryologiste du pays a été formé grâce à ce programme.
  • 4 bourses pour le Diabète et l’Hypertension, dont un master spécial sur le diabète de 3 mois en langue française et une bourse clinique sur le Diabète et Hypertension. À la fin de la formation, ces spécialistes disposeront de l’expertise nécessaire pour établir des cliniques dédiées dans les hôpitaux et les centres de santé, améliorant ainsi considérablement la prévention et la prise en charge du diabète, de l’hypertension et des maladies cardiaques, apportant d’immenses avantages à la population gabonaise.
  • 8 bourses pour les soins infirmiers en oncologie, ce qui est très essentiel pour les soins contre le cancer.  

Lors du programme de lancement, les bénéficiaires du programme Éduquer Linda étaient également présents, où quelques-uns d’entre eux ont partagé des témoignages inspirants sur la façon dont les bourses ont changé leur vie.

« Je crois vraiment que lorsque les filles sont éduquées, leurs pays deviennent plus puissants, plus forts et plus prospères », a ajouté la Sénatrice Kelej.  

La Fondation Merck, en partenariat avec la Première Dame du Gabon, a 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 des problèmes sociaux et sanitaires critiques pour les jeunes enfants. Quelques exemplaires des livres d’histoires ont été signés par la Première Dame du Gabon, le Chairman et la CEO de la Fondation Merck. Des milliers d’exemplaires de ces livres d’histoires seront distribué aux écoliers.

De plus, la Fondation Merck a organisé deux éditions de sa Formation des Médias sur la Santé En Ligne pour les journalistes gabonais afin de leur permettre de sensibiliser à des questions sensibles telles que briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, soutenir l’éducation des filles, mettre fin à la VBG, mettre fin au mariage des enfants et aux MGF et sensibiliser sur la prévention et le dépistage précoce du diabète et de l’hypertension.

La Fondation Merck, en partenariat avec la Première Dame du Gabon, a également annoncé l’Appel à Candidatures pour ses 8 importants prix annuels destinés aux médias, musiciens, créateurs de mode, cinéastes, étudiants et nouveaux talents potentiels dans ces domaines.

Détails des Prix :

1. Prix de Reconnaissance des Médias Africains de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » 2026 : les représentants des médias et les étudiants en journalisme sont invités à présenter leur travail pour sensibiliser l’opinion à un ou plusieurs des problèmes sociaux suivants tels que : briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, soutenir l’éducation des filles, l’autonomisation des femmes, mettre fin au mariage des enfants, mettre fin aux MGF et/ou mettre fin à la VBG à tous les niveaux.

Date limite de soumission : 30 septembre 2026.

2. Prix du Film de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » 2026 :  tous les cinéastes africains, étudiants des établissements de formation en réalisation cinématographique ou jeunes talents d’Afrique sont invités à créer et à partager un long ou un court métrage, qu’il s’agisse d’un drame, d’un documentaire ou d’un docudrame, pour transmettre des messages forts et influents sur un ou plusieurs des problèmes sociaux suivants tels que : briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, soutenir l’éducation des filles, l’autonomisation des femmes, mettre fin au mariage des enfants, mettre fin aux MGF et/ou mettre fin à la VBG à tous les niveaux.

Date limite de soumission : 30 septembre 2026.

3. Prix de la Mode de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » 2026 : tous les étudiants et créateurs de mode africains sont invités à créer et à partager des créations pour transmettre des messages forts et influents afin de sensibiliser à un ou plusieurs des problèmes sociaux suivants tels que : briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, soutenir l’éducation des filles, l’autonomisation des femmes, mettre fin au mariage des enfants, mettre fin aux MGF et/ou mettre fin à la VBG à tous les niveaux.

Date limite de soumission : 30 septembre 2026.

4. Prix de la Chanson de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » 2026 : tous les chanteurs et artistes musicaux africains sont invités à créer et à partager une CHANSON dans le but d’aborder un ou plusieurs des problèmes sociaux suivants tels que : briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, soutenir l’éducation des filles, l’autonomisation des femmes, mettre fin au mariage des enfants, mettre fin aux MGF et/ou mettre fin à la VBG à tous les niveaux.

Date limite de soumission : 30 septembre 2026.

5. Prix de Reconnaissance des Médias de la Fondation Merck « Diabètes & Hypertension » 2026 : les représentants des médias sont invités à présenter leur travail à travers des messages forts et influents pour promouvoir un mode de vie sain et sensibiliser à la prévention et à la détection précoce du diabète et de l’hypertension.

Date limite de soumission : 30 octobre 2026.

6. Prix du Film de la Fondation Merck « Diabètes & Hypertension » 2026 : tous les cinéastes africains, étudiants des établissements de formation en réalisation cinématographique ou jeunes talents d’Afrique sont invités à créer et à partager un long ou un court FILMS, qu’il s’agisse d’un drame, d’un documentaire ou d’un docudrame, pour délivrer des messages forts et influents visant à promouvoir un mode de vie sain et à sensibiliser à la prévention et à la détection précoce du diabète et de l’hypertension.

Date limite de soumission : 30 octobre 2026.

7. Prix de la Mode de la Fondation Merck « Diabètes & Hypertension » 2026 : tous les étudiants et créateurs de mode africains sont invités à créer et à partager des créations pour transmettre des messages forts et influents visant à promouvoir un mode de vie sain et à sensibiliser à la prévention et à la détection précoce du diabète et de l’hypertension.

Date limite de soumission : 30 octobre 2026.

8. Prix de la Chanson de la Fondation Merck « Diabètes & Hypertension » 2026 : tous les chanteurs et artistes musicaux africains sont invités à créer et à partager une CHANSON dans le but de promouvoir un mode de vie sain et de sensibiliser à la prévention et à la détection précoce du diabète et de l’hypertension.

Date limite de soumission : 30 octobre 2026.

Postulez ici : https://apo-opa.co/3UicOXh

Les candidatures pour tous les prix doivent être soumises par courrier électronique à : submit@merck-foundation.com

Distribué par APO Group pour Merck Foundation.

Rejoignez la conversation sur nos plateformes de réseaux sociaux ci-dessous et faites entendre votre voix :
Facebook : https://apo-opa.co/4zm1WaP
X : https://apo-opa.co/4gipLrF
YouTube : https://apo-opa.co/3U2uaYa
Instagram : https://apo-opa.co/4hz5BMc
Threads : https://apo-opa.co/4bU2Kda
Flickr : https://apo-opa.co/4xQljaN
Site Web : www.Merck-Foundation.com
Télécharger l’Application de la Fondation Merck : https://apo-opa.co/3SdN6CA

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/4zm1WaP), X (https://apo-opa.co/4gipLrF), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4hz5BMc), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3U2uaYa), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4bU2Kda) et Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4xQljaN).

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.

Media files

Posted on

O Conselheiro Presidencial para a Energia, Olu Verheijen, irá destacar a dinâmica de investimento da Nigéria na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Os esforços da Nigéria para reposicionar o seu setor energético e atrair uma nova vaga de investimento assumirão um papel central na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, tendo sido confirmada a participação de Olu Verheijen, Conselheiro Especial do Presidente para a Energia da República Federal da Nigéria, no evento.

A sua participação surge num momento em que a administração do Presidente Bola Ahmed Tinubu continua a implementar uma ambiciosa agenda de reformas energéticas destinada a reverter anos de subinvestimento, melhorar a viabilidade económica dos projetos e restaurar a posição da Nigéria como um dos principais destinos africanos para o capital destinado ao petróleo, gás e infraestruturas.

Desde que assumiu o cargo em 2023, a administração tem dado prioridade a medidas destinadas a reforçar a confiança dos investidores, incluindo a implementação da Lei da Indústria Petrolífera, reformas para reforçar a eficiência regulatória e uma série de medidas executivas concebidas para acelerar o investimento em todo o setor a montante. O governo tem-se também concentrado em melhorar o desempenho comercial da NNPC, conduzindo a transição da empresa petrolífera nacional para um modelo operacional mais orientado para o investimento e expandindo as parcerias com operadores internacionais.

Estas reformas estão a impulsionar um novo dinamismo em todo o setor a montante da Nigéria em 2026, com grandes operadores internacionais a avançarem com novos investimentos em projetos de exploração de petróleo e gás em águas profundas. A ExxonMobil e os seus parceiros estão a avançar com um investimento de mil milhões de dólares no Projeto Usan Infill, que se prevê que aumente a produção em aproximadamente 40 000 barris por dia, enquanto a Shell continua a expandir o seu portfólio de gás em águas profundas e integrado através de projetos como o Bonga North e o projeto de exploração de gás HI. Prevê-se que o Bonga North produza até 110 000 barris por dia no pico de produção, enquanto o projeto HI foi concebido para fornecer 350 milhões de pés cúbicos padrão de gás por dia à Nigeria LNG. Estes investimentos refletem a confiança crescente na base de recursos da Nigéria e destacam oportunidades para uma maior mobilização de capital em projetos de desenvolvimento offshore, infraestruturas de gás e serviços energéticos.

Com aproximadamente 200 biliões de pés cúbicos de reservas comprovadas de gás natural, a Nigéria procura acelerar a comercialização do gás através da expansão do GNL, de projetos industriais, do processamento de gás e de iniciativas de conversão de gás em energia. Espera-se que projetos como a expansão do Train 7 da Nigeria LNG, a par de esforços mais amplos para reforçar as infraestruturas de abastecimento interno de gás, desempenhem um papel fundamental na melhoria da segurança energética, no apoio ao crescimento industrial e na expansão da posição da Nigéria nos mercados globais de gás. Os desenvolvimentos recentes estão também a destacar o crescente dinamismo em torno de projetos de gás liderados por entidades locais, incluindo o acordo de fornecimento de gás de 15 anos da UTM Offshore com uma joint venture entre a NNPC e a Seplat Energy para fornecer 200 milhões de pés cúbicos padrão por dia de gás a partir do campo de Yoho para o primeiro projeto de GNL flutuante da Nigéria liderado por entidades locais.

O setor a jusante da Nigéria está igualmente a entrar numa nova fase na sequência do aumento da produção da Refinaria de Petróleo Dangote, que tem capacidade para processar 650 000 barris por dia e deverá reduzir a dependência de produtos refinados importados, criando simultaneamente novas oportunidades nas áreas da logística, do comércio e das infraestruturas energéticas.

«A Nigéria dispõe dos recursos, da dimensão de mercado e da força empreendedora necessários para liderar a próxima era de investimento energético em África», afirmou NJ Ayuk, presidente executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia. «As reformas em curso sob a administração do Presidente Tinubu centram-se em tornar o setor mais competitivo, reforçar a confiança dos investidores e garantir que a Nigéria obtenha maior valor dos seus recursos de petróleo, gás e energia. A AEW 2026 constitui uma plataforma fundamental para ligar estas reformas aos investidores, empresas e parceiros necessários para impulsionar o crescimento.»

Na qualidade de Conselheira Especial do Presidente para a Energia, Verheijen tem estado intimamente envolvida na promoção das prioridades energéticas da Nigéria, incluindo a promoção do investimento, a coordenação do setor e a implementação de políticas. A sua participação na AEW 2026 proporcionará às partes interessadas uma visão sobre a estratégia da Nigéria para mobilizar capital e acelerar o desenvolvimento ao longo de toda a cadeia de valor energética.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

Media files

Baixar .tipo

Posted on

Dr Rasha Kelej Recognized Gabon First Lady for Her Great Efforts as Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” Campaign Since 2024

Source: APO

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/3UicOXh

Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to:

submit@merck-foundation.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4zm1WaP
X: https://apo-opa.co/4gipLrF
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3U2uaYa
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4hz5BMc
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4bU2Kda
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4xQljaN
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3SdN6CA

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/4zm1WaP), X (https://apo-opa.co/4gipLrF), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4hz5BMc), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3U2uaYa), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4bU2Kda) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4xQljaN).

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.

Media files

.

Posted on

Dra. Rasha Kelej reconheceu Primeira-Dama do Gabão pelos seus esforços como Embaixadora da campanha Fundação Merck “Mais do que uma Mãe” desde 2024

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Fundação Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), o braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha lançou oficialmente os seus programas em parceria com S. Exa. a Sra. Zita Oligui Nguema, Primeira-Dama da República Gabonesa e também Embaixadora da “Fundação Merck Mais do que uma Mãe”. Os programas, que começaram em 2024, têm como objectivo transformar o atendimento ao paciente, desenvolver a capacidade do sistema de saúde, quebrar o estigma da infertilidade, empoderar mulheres e apoiar a educação de meninas no Gabão e no resto da África.

O programa foi presidido pela Primeira-Dama do Gabão, S. Exa. a Sra. Zita Oligui Nguema, pelo Presidente do Conselho de Curadores da Fundação Merck, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, ​​e pela CEO da Fundação Merck, Dra. Rasha Kelej. O evento aconteceu no Palácio Presidencial, no Gabão.

A Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej (aposentada), CEO da Fundação Merck e Presidente da campanha “Mais do que uma Mãe”, enfatizou: “É uma grande honra manter encontro com a minha querida irmã, S.E. a Sra. Zita Oligui Nguema, Primeira-Dama do Gabão. Declaramos oficialmente a sua nomeação como Embaixadora da campanha Fundação Merck ‘Mais do que uma Mãe’. Também lançamos formalmente os programas da Fundação Merck no país e reforçamos o nosso compromisso com o desenvolvimento da capacidade dos sectores da saúde e mídia, a transformação do cenário de atendimento ao paciente, o combate ao estigma da infertilidade e o apoio à educação de meninas, em conjunto no país.”

O Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp acrescentou: “O nosso objectivo é melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar geral das pessoas, desenvolvendo a capacidade dos serviços de saúde em África, Ásia e outros países em desenvolvimento. Estamos fortemente comprometidos com a transformação do cenário de atendimento ao paciente através do nosso programa de bolsas de estudo.”

S.E. A Sra. Zita Oligui Nguema, Primeira-Dama da República Gabonesa e Embaixadora da “Fundação Merck Mais do que uma Mãe”, declarou: “É um prazer receber e manter encontro com Presidente e a CEO da Fundação Merck no nosso país. Juntos, lançamos oficialmente os nossos programas conjuntos e também celebramos marcos importantes do grande sucesso dos nossos programas conjuntos para desenvolver a capacidade da área da saúde, transformar o atendimento ao paciente, quebrar o estigma da infertilidade e apoiar a educação de meninas. Esta é a primeira vez que trabalhamos em programas de tão grande impacto; estamos a fazer história. Conquistamos muito num curto período de tempo, através da nossa parceria de longo prazo, que começou em 2024.

Tenho muito orgulho de partilhar que, através da nossa parceria, concedemos 16 bolsas de estudo para os nossos profissionais de saúde locais, que serão os futuros especialistas em saúde do Gabão, que já se formaram, estão a formar-se ou iniciarão em breve as bolsas de estudo da Fundação Merck para treinamento em especialidades críticas e carentes, como Fertilidade, Embriologia, Oncologia, Diabetes e Hipertensão.”

“Também tenho muita satisfação em partilhar que, juntamente com a Primeira-Dama do Gabão, estamos a apoiar a educação de meninas, oferecendo bolsas de estudo anuais para 40 alunas de alto desempenho, porém carentes, até a formatura, para que possam alcançar o seu potencial e realizar os seus sonhos”, acrescentou a Dra. Rasha Kelej.

A Fundação Merck concedeu mais de 2.600 bolsas de estudo para profissionais de saúde de 52 países em 44 especialidades médicas críticas e carentes.

Do total de 16 bolsas de estudo concedidas no Gabão, a Fundação Merck ofereceu:

– 4 bolsas de estudo para Fertilidade e Embriologia. Essas bolsas consistiram em treinamentos práticos na Índia. O primeiro embriologista do país foi formado através do programa.

– 4 bolsas de estudo para Diabetes e Hipertensão, incluindo um curso de mestrado especial de 3 meses em Diabetes em francês e uma especialização clínica em Diabetes e Hipertensão. Ao concluírem o treinamento, esses especialistas terão conhecimento necessário para estabelecer clínicas dedicadas em hospitais e centros de saúde, aprimorando significativamente a prevenção e o controlo de diabetes, hipertensão e doenças cardíacas, trazendo imensos benefícios para a população do Gabão.

– 8 Bolsas de Estudo para Enfermagem Oncológica, área crucial para o tratamento do câncer.

Durante o programa de lançamento, as beneficiárias do programa Educar Linda também estiveram presentes, e algumas delas compartilharam testemunhos inspiradores sobre como as bolsas de estudo transformaram as suas vidas.

“Eu realmente acredito que, quando as meninas são formadas, os seus países tornam-se mais poderosos, fortes e prósperos”, acrescentou a Senadora Kelej.

A Fundação Merck, em parceria com a Primeira-Dama do Gabão, lançou sete livros infantis: “Mais do que uma Mãe”, “Educar Linda”, “Resgate da Jaqueline”, “Você Não É Quem É”, “Viagem ao Futuro”, “Jude Livre de Açúcar” e “Pressão de Mark”. Esses livros abordam questões sociais e de saúde cruciais para crianças pequenas. Alguns exemplares dos livros foram autografados pela Primeira-Dama do Gabão, pelo Presidente e CEO da Fundação Merck. Milhares de exemplares desses livros serão distribuídos para alunos de escolas.

Além disso, a Fundação Merck realizou duas edições do seu Treinamento Online de Mídia em Saúde para jornalistas gaboneses, a fim de capacitá-los a conscientizar sobre questões sensíveis, como quebrar o estigma da infertilidade, apoiar a educação de meninas, combater a violência do género, acabar com o casamento infantil e a mutilação genital feminina, e conscientizar sobre a prevenção e detecção precoce da diabetes e da hipertensão.

A Fundação Merck, em parceria com a Primeira-Dama do Gabão, também anunciou a Chamada para Candidaturas para os seus 8 importantes Prémios anuais de Jornalismo, Canção, de Moda, Cinema, para estudantes e novos talentos com potencial nessas áreas.

Informações sobre os Prémios:

1. Prémio de Jornalismo África Fundação Merck “Mais do Que uma Mãe” 2026: Representantes da mídia e estudantes de comunicação são convidados a apresentar seus trabalhos para conscientizar sobre uma ou mais das seguintes questões sociais: Combater o estigma da infertilidade, apoiar a educação de meninas, empoderar mulheres, acabar com o casamento infantil, acabar com a mutilação genital feminina e/ou erradicar a violência de gênero em todos os níveis.

Prazo para submissão: 30 de setembro de 2026.

2. Prémio do Cinema Fundação Merck “Mais do Que uma Mãe” 2026:  Todos os cineastas africanos, estudantes de instituições de formação cinematográfica ou jovens talentos da África estão convidados a criar e compartilhar um filme ou curta-metragem, seja drama, documentário ou docudrama, que transmitam mensagens fortes e impactantes que abordem uma ou mais das seguintes questões sociais: quebrar o estigma da infertilidade, apoiar a educação de meninas, empoderar mulheres, acabar com o casamento infantil, acabar com a mutilação genital feminina e/ou combater a violência do género em todos os níveis.

Prazo para submissão: 30 de setembro de 2026.

3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “Mais do Que uma Mãe” 2026: Todos os estudantes e estilistas de moda africanos estão convidados a criar e compartilhar designs que transmitam mensagens fortes e impactantes para conscientizar sobre uma ou mais das seguintes questões sociais: Quebrar o estigma da infertilidade, apoiar a educação de meninas, empoderamento feminino, acabar com o casamento infantil, acabar com a mutilação genital feminina e/ou combater a violência de gênero em todos os níveis.

Prazo para submissão: 30 de setembro de 2026.

4. Merck Foundation Song “Mais do Que uma Mãe” 2026: Todos os cantores e artistas musicais africanos estão convidados a criar e compartilhar uma MÚSICA com o objectivo de abordar uma ou mais das seguintes questões sociais: Quebrar o estigma da infertilidade, apoiar a educação de meninas, empoderar mulheres, acabar com o casamento infantil, acabar com a mutilação genital feminina e/ou acabar com a violência do género em todos os níveis.

Prazo para submissão: 30 de setembro de 2026.

5. Prémio de Jornalismo Fundação Merck 2026 “Diabetes & Hipertensão”: Os representantes da mídia são convidados a apresentar o seu trabalho través de mensagens fortes e impactantes para promover um estilo de vida saudável e aumentar a conscientização sobre a prevenção e a detecção precoce da diabetes e da hipertensão.

Prazo para submissão: 30 de outubro de 2026.

6. Prémio do Cinema Fundação Merck 2026 “Diabetes & Hipertensão”: Todos os cineastas africanos, estudantes de instituições de formação cinematográfica ou jovens talentos da África estão convidados a criar e compartilhar um filme ou curta-metragem, seja drama, documentário ou docudrama, que transmitam mensagens fortes e impactantes que promovam um estilo de vida saudável e aumentem a conscientização sobre a prevenção e a detecção precoce de diabetes e hipertensão.

Prazo para submissão: 30 de outubro de 2026.

7. Prémio de Moda Fundação Merck 2026 “Diabetes & Hipertensão”: Todos os estudantes e designers de moda africanos estão convidados a criar e compartilhar designs que transmitam mensagens fortes e impactantes para promover um estilo de vida saudável e aumentar a conscientização sobre a prevenção e a detecção precoce da diabetes e da hipertensão.

Prazo para submissão: 30 de outubro de 2026.

8. Prémio da Canção Fundação Merck 2026 “Diabetes & Hipertensão”: Todos os cantores e artistas musicais africanos estão convidados a criar e compartilhar uma música com o objectivo de promover um estilo de vida saudável e aumentar a conscientização sobre a prevenção e a detecção precoce da diabetes e da hipertensão.

Prazo para submissão: 30 de outubro de 2026.

Inscreva-se aqui: https://apo-opa.co/3UicOXh

As inscrições para todos os prêmios devem ser enviadas por e-mail para:

submit@merck-foundation.com

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Merck Foundation.

Junte-se à conversa nas plataformas das nossas mídias sociais e deixe a sua voz ser ouvida!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4zm1WaP
X: https://apo-opa.co/4gipLrF
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3U2uaYa
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4hz5BMc
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4bU2Kda
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4xQljaN
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Baixar a Aplicação da Fundação Merck: https://apo-opa.co/3SdN6CA

Sobre Fundação Merck:
A Fundação Merck, criada em 2017, é o braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha e tem como objectivo melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar das pessoas e melhorar as suas vidas através da ciência e da tecnologia. Os nossos esforços estão focados principalmente em melhorar o acesso a soluções de saúde de qualidade e equitativas em comunidades carenciadas, desenvolver a capacidade de saúde e investigação científica, empoderar raparigas na educação e pessoas em STEM (Ciência, Tecnologia, Engenharia e Matemática), com um foco especial nas mulheres e nos jovens. Todos os comunicados de imprensa da Fundação Merck são distribuídos por e-mail ao mesmo tempo que são disponibilizados no site da Fundação Merck. Por favor, visite www.Merck-Foundation.com para ler mais. Siga a mídia social da Fundação Merck: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4zm1WaP), X (https://apo-opa.co/4gipLrF), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4hz5BMc), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3U2uaYa), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4bU2Kda) e Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4xQljaN).

A Fundação Merck dedica-se a melhorar os resultados sociais e de saúde para as comunidades carenciadas. Embora colabore com vários parceiros, incluindo governos, para atingir os seus objectivos humanitários, a fundação mantém-se estritamente neutra em questões políticas. Não se envolve nem apoia qualquer actividade política, eleição ou regime, concentrando-se exclusivamente na sua missão de elevar a humanidade e melhorar o bem-estar, mantendo uma postura estritamente apolítica em todos os seus esforços.

Media files

Baixar .tipo

Posted on

SADC leaders go into closed session with integration, trade and infrastructure top of mind

Source: Government of South Africa

SADC leaders go into closed session with integration, trade and infrastructure top of mind

Leaders of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) entered the closed session of the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government with regional integration and trade, infrastructure and energy high on the agenda.

This is according to Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, who spoke to the media on the sidelines of the summit in Durban on Monday. 

“The President has opened the summit. The executive secretary [of SADC] has also outlined [the agenda]. We will now be going into the closed sessions, where we are going to make decisions on the issues that have been outlined, including SADC regional integration, inter-regional trade, infrastructure, special/spatial projects, energy, the electricity power pool, and peace and security,” Lamola said.

He added that infrastructure development at border posts is the backbone of development in the region.

“[The] key issue that will be discussed is the North-South Corridor from the Durban Port, which goes up to the DRC [Democratic Republic of Congo], including the One-Stop Border Post at Lebombo and all the one-stop border posts that we are developing.

“This also includes those between Zambia and Zimbabwe, between Zimbabwe, Zambia and the DRC, and all those that have a regional impact in terms of economic trade and growth,” the Minister said.

The beneficiation of Southern Africa’s many raw minerals is also under discussion.

“We have identified about 10 of them that we believe can drive regional industrialisation and manufacturing. This meeting, now in a closed session, will look into the details of how that should be done and how it can be enhanced.

“South Africa has now taken this matter to another level. If you remember, it was one of the outcomes of the G20, where all the rich countries agreed to invest in the African continent for beneficiation at source in the global South.

“This is now an outcome of the African Union, which we must ensure happens. It is also going to be the outcome of this SADC regional meeting, where all the countries in the SADC region say this is how we should move forward in terms of beneficiation,” Lamola explained.

Electricity and SADC’s energy power pool are also key subjects, as energy security powers manufacturing plants, factories and industry. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

0

Posted on

President pledges to drive deeper economic integration as South Africa takes SADC chair

Source: Government of South Africa

President pledges to drive deeper economic integration as South Africa takes SADC chair

President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged to use South Africa’s chairship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to deepen regional economic integration and advance resilient, sustainable and inclusive industrialisation.

Accepting the SADC chairpersonship from Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the 46th Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in eThekwini on Monday, President Ramaphosa said South Africa assumed the responsibility with great humility and a deep sense of responsibility.

The handover marked the conclusion of Zimbabwe’s tenure and the beginning of South Africa’s leadership of the 16-member regional bloc.

President Ramaphosa said South Africa’s participation in SADC was deeply rooted in the region’s contribution to the country’s liberation.

“As a nation, we owe a debt of gratitude to the members of SADC and its predecessor, the Southern African Development Co-ordination Conference, for their contribution to the achievement of democracy in our country. Our participation in SADC is founded on this history,” the President said.

He said this history continued to underpin South Africa’s belief that the region’s future depended on working together.

“It is sustained by an abiding conviction that progress in our region will be secured only through unity, cooperation and solidarity,” President Ramaphosa said.

Driving regional economic integration

Setting out South Africa’s priorities for its tenure, President Ramaphosa pledged to work closely with all Member States while respecting the principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect and consensus building.

He said South Africa would build on the work of previous SADC chairpersons and take forward efforts to achieve the bloc’s Vision 2050 and implement the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan.

A key focus would be strengthening economic ties across the region.

“We will seek greater integration of our economies, building ties of trade and investment that drive resilient, sustainable and inclusive industrialisation,” he said.

The commitment comes as SADC seeks to unlock the economic potential of its regional market by strengthening trade and investment links, industrial capacity and cross-border cooperation.

President Ramaphosa also committed South Africa to promoting peace, security and stability across the region, describing these as essential conditions for the wellbeing and development of its people.

Building on a legacy of solidarity

The President placed South Africa’s new role within the broader history of regional solidarity, expressing gratitude to outgoing Chairperson President Emmerson Mnangagwa for his leadership.

He also thanked the SADC Secretariat, led by Executive Secretary Elias Magosi, for supporting the Community’s work.

As South Africa assumes the chairpersonship, President Ramaphosa said the country would seek to ensure continuity while advancing the region’s long-term development priorities.

He said South Africa’s leadership would be guided by the same spirit of solidarity that brought the region together during the liberation struggle.

“As the Government and the people of South Africa, we are determined that through our Chairship and through our continued participation in SADC, we will be worthy of the struggles that were fought by the members of this Community for the achievement of our freedom,” he said.

South Africa’s chairship comes as the regional bloc seeks to accelerate implementation of its development agenda, strengthen regional integration and translate its shared vision into tangible economic opportunities for its more than 400 million people. – SAnews.gov.za
 

DikelediM

6

Posted on

SADC Summit opens in Durban with cultural celebration and call for regional unity

Source: Government of South Africa

SADC Summit opens in Durban with cultural celebration and call for regional unity

The 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government officially opened in Durban on Monday, bringing together regional leaders for high-level discussions on strengthening integration, industrialisation and sustainable development across Southern Africa.

The Summit, hosted by South Africa under the theme: “Resilient, sustainable, and inclusive industrialisation through infrastructure development, agricultural and critical minerals transformation in pursuit of a just world”, places infrastructure development, agricultural transformation and the beneficiation of critical minerals at the centre of the region’s development agenda.

The official opening at the Durban International Convention Centre was marked by a celebration of Southern African unity and culture, setting a warm and reflective tone for the high-level gathering.

Acclaimed South African poet Lebo Mashile opened the proceedings with a moving poem dedicated to SADC, reflecting on the shared history, aspirations and interconnectedness of the region.

Her performance was followed by cultural presentations showcasing South Africa’s rich heritage, bringing a distinctly local character to the opening of the regional Summit.

The performances offered a reminder that beyond the political and economic agenda of SADC, the region is bound by a shared history, culture and collective aspirations.

A warm welcome from South Africa

Welcoming the regional leaders to South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa extended a warm greeting on behalf of the Government and people of the country.

“You have come not as strangers or visitors, but as brothers and sisters, as partners and as fellow custodians of a shared Southern African destiny,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa said the Summit was taking place at an important location in the history of African unity, noting that Durban was the city where the African Union was officially launched 24 years ago.

He also highlighted that the Summit was taking place exactly 34 years after the SADC Declaration and Treaty were signed in Windhoek, Namibia, on 17 August 1992.

“We therefore meet at the confluence of two defining moments in Africa’s history: the establishment of our Southern African Community and the birth of our continental Union,” he said.

Renewing the regional vision

President Ramaphosa said the historical milestones should serve as a reminder of the vision and determination of previous generations, while challenging current leaders to accelerate efforts to build an integrated and prosperous region.

“As SADC, we have embraced that vision. We gather at this Summit to give practical meaning to its promise: to transform borders into bridges, national economies into a shared market, and geographical proximity into shared prosperity,” the President said. 

He said the region had made important progress through initiatives such as the SADC Free Trade Area, the SADC Real-Time Gross Settlement System and the Southern African Power Pool.

However, he cautioned that the pace of transformation remained too slow.

“The people of our region are asking us to deliver the dividend of economic liberation. They want decent jobs, growing industries, reliable electricity, affordable food, quality healthcare, education and opportunities for young people,” President Ramaphosa said. 

He said the Summit must therefore focus on translating regional decisions into tangible improvements in people’s daily lives.

“Our communiqués must become construction sites, factories, power lines, water systems, laboratories, businesses and jobs,” he said. 

Building on solidarity 

President Ramaphosa also reflected on SADC’s history, describing the Community as having its roots in solidarity among Southern African countries during the struggle against colonialism, minority rule and apartheid. 

“The story of SADC is a story of the triumph of solidarity over division and adversity. Before we became a development community, we were a community of solidarity,” President Ramaphosa said. 

He called for this spirit of solidarity to now underpin efforts to deepen regional economic integration, strengthen infrastructure and energy cooperation, develop climate-resilient food systems and maximise the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area.

He also stressed that peace, security and democratic stability remained essential to the region’s development.

“Peace without development is fragile. Development without peace is impossible,” he said.

President Ramaphosa called for continued investment in preventive diplomacy, mediation and political dialogue, as well as stronger regional cooperation in responding to security and health challenges. 

He also expressed solidarity with the Democratic Republic of Congo amid the Ebola outbreak, calling for stronger regional preparedness and an urgent humanitarian response. 

A shared future

Drawing on the imagery of a river system, President Ramaphosa said the strength of SADC lay in bringing together countries with different histories, identities and capabilities in pursuit of a common future. 

“Our Community is like a great river system. Each Member State is a tributary, with its own history, identity, character and strength,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa said deeper integration would not diminish the sovereignty of individual countries but would instead strengthen their collective ability to secure the wellbeing of their people.

“A tributary does not lose its identity when it joins a great river. It gains reach, depth and power.

“In the same way, regional integration does not diminish our sovereignty. It multiplies our collective capacity to secure the well-being of our people,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa concluded by urging leaders to ensure that the Summit was remembered not only for the declarations adopted, but for the decisions implemented.

“Let us turn our borders into bridges. Let us turn our resources into industries. Let us turn our youthful population into a powerful demographic dividend. Let us turn our solidarity into shared prosperity,” the President said. 

He subsequently declared the 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community officially open. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM

3