Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Dakar 2026 : jour J -500, une célébration audacieuse de la jeunesse, du sport et de l’identité africaine

À 500 jours très précisément des Jeux Olympiques de la Jeunesse de Dakar 2026 – le premier événement olympique à se tenir sur le sol africain, le comité d’organisation (COJOJ) de Dakar 2026 propose, à travers le Sénégal, toute une série d’activités culturelles portées par les communautés, associant sport, art et jeunesse dans le cadre d’une célébration locale inédite d’un phénomène mondial.

Une déclaration d’amour à l’Afrique : lancement de la vidéo officielle de Dakar 2026

Pièce maîtresse des célébrations marquant les 500 derniers jours avant le début des JOJ, la diffusion de la vidéo officielle de Dakar 2026 – un récit captivant, accompagné d’images poétiques, qui donne le ton de l’événement à venir. Cette vidéo promotionnelle rend hommage au pouvoir du sport, à la force de la jeunesse et à la diversité de l’Afrique.

Chargé d’émotion, ce film, dans lequel apparaît le Sénégalais Amadou Dia Ba, médaillé d’argent olympique (400 m haies, Séoul 1988), met également à l’honneur de jeunes athlètes de tout le pays et donne un aperçu des 35 sports inscrits au programme des JOJ. Il offre un regard exaltant sur les villes qui accueilleront les compétitions – Dakar, Diamniadio et Saly – et porte haut les valeurs que véhiculeront ces Jeux historiques.

Le street art, véritable lien entre les Jeux et les communautés

Afin que l’esprit olympique gagne les lieux publics, dix jeunes artistes seront invités à réaliser des fresques à Dakar, Diamniadio, Saly, Ziguinchor et Saint-Louis dans le cadre d’une campagne nationale de graffitis. Chaque œuvre d’art entremêlera le logo et la devise de Dakar 2026 – “L’Afrique accueille, Dakar célèbre” – à des expressions vivantes de l’identité et de la fierté nationales. Grâce à cette initiative, les Jeux s’inviteront dans la rue pour créer un lien direct avec la jeunesse sénégalaise.

Les jeunes et le sport à l’honneur à l’occasion de la Journée olympique

Les célébrations de Dakar 2026 se poursuivront lors de la Journée olympique, le 23 juin, avec une manifestation d’une demi-journée qui réunira plus de mille écoliers à Dakar. Au programme, des démonstrations dans 12 disciplines sportives, une séance de remise en forme collective et des ateliers de sensibilisation interactifs consacrés aux valeurs olympiques.

Pour rappel, les JOJ de Dakar 2026 se tiendront sur deux semaines à partir du 31 octobre et réuniront les meilleurs jeunes athlètes du monde âgés de 17 ans au maximum. Ces Jeux se dérouleront sur trois sites (Dakar, Diamniadio et Saly).

Distribué par APO Group pour International Olympic Committee (IOC).

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La 7ème Édition de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck réunit 14 Premières Dames d’Afrique et d’Asie pour discuter de l’impact de leurs programmes

  • Lien vers la diffusion en direct de la Session Inaugurale de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – Sommet MFFLI 2025 : https://apo-opa.co/3G1Afxo

La Fondation Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne, a organisé la 7ème Édition de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – Sommet MFFLI 2025 les 19 et 20 juin à Dubaï, aux Émirats Arabes Unis. Il a été inauguré par le Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman du Conseil d’Administration de la Fondation Merck, et la Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck et Présidente de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck, ainsi que par les Premières Dames de 14 Pays Africains et Asiatiques, qui se sont joints à nous en tant qu’Invités d’Honneur et Conférencières Principales.

Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck et Présidente de « l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck », a souligné : « C’est un grand honneur pour moi d’accueillir nos distingués Invités d’Honneur et Conférencières Principales, les Premières Dames d’Afrique et d’Asie, et Ambassadrices de notre Campagne « Plus Qu’une Mère » à la 7ème Édition de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – Sommet MFFLI.

Grâce à cette plateforme importante, nous avons collectivement échangé de précieuses expériences et engagé des discussions constructives sur l’impact de nos programmes, qui visent à transformer les soins aux patients et à sensibiliser à un large éventail de questions sociales et sanitaires cruciales. »

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman du Conseil d’Administration de la Fondation Merck, a ajouté : « À la Fondation Merck, notre objectif est d’améliorer la santé et le bien-être en général en renforçant les capacités en matière de soins de santé et en offrant un accès à des solutions de soins de santé de qualité et équitables en Afrique, en Asie et au-delà. Je tiens à remercier sincèrement nos Ambassadrices et partenaires. Ensemble, avec votre soutien et votre collaboration indéfectibles, nous continuerons à œuvrer pour notre vision d’un monde où chacun peut mener une vie saine et heureuse. »

Les Premières Dames de 14 pays, qui sont également les Ambassadrices de la « Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère », étaient Invités d’Honneur et Conférencières Principales. Il s’agit de :

  • S.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, La Première Dame de la République d’Angola
  • S.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, La Première Dame de la République du Cap-Vert
  • S.E. Madame BRIGITTE TOUADERA, La Première Dame de la République Centrafricaine
  • S.E. Madame ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, La Première Dame de la République Gabonaise
  • S.E. Mme FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, La Première Dame de la République de Gambie
  • S.E. Mme LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, La Première Dame de la République du Ghana
  • S.E. Mme RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., La Première Dame de la République du Kenya
  • S.E. Mme KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, La Première Dame de la République du Libéria
  • S.E. Mme SAJIDHA MOHAMED, La Première Dame de la République des Maldives
  • S.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, La Première Dame de la République du Mozambique
  • S.E. Sénatrice OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, La Première Dame de la République Fédérale du Nigéria
  • S.E. Mme MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, La Première Dame de la République Démocratique de São Tomé et Príncipe
  • S.E. Madame MARIE KHONE FAYE, La Première Dame de la République du Sénégal
  • S.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, La Première Dame de la République du Zimbabwe

Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej a déclaré : « Je suis fière d’annoncer que la Fondation Merck a octroyé plus de 2 280 bourses à de jeunes médecins de 52 pays dans 44 spécialités cruciales et mal desservies. Nombre de nos Anciens Boursiers de la Fondation Merck deviennent les premiers spécialistes de leur pays. Avec nos Ambassadrices et partenaires, nous écrivons l’histoire et transformons le paysage des soins aux patients en Afrique et au-delà. Nombre d’entre eux deviennent les premiers spécialistes de leur pays. »

« Lors de notre Conférence, nous avons également célébré ensemble le Mois Mondial de Sensibilisation à l’Infertilité, célébré en juin, grâce à notre campagne phare « Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère », qui vise à autonomiser les femmes infertiles et sans enfant en leur donnant accès à l’information, à l’éducation et à un changement de mentalité. Je suis heureuse d’annoncer que sur un total de 2 280 bourses, plus de 700 bourses ont été accordées pour des formations en Fertilité, Embryologie, Médecine Sexuelle et Reproductive, Psychiatrie Clinique, Santé des Femmes, Urologie, Compétences Chirurgicales Laparoscopiques et Médecine Familiale, afin d’améliorer l’accès aux soins de fertilité et la santé des femmes », a-t-elle ajouté. 

Lors de la 7ème Édition du Sommet « l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – MFFLI », deux événements importants ont été célébrés : Le 8ème Anniversaire de la Fondation Merck et les 13 années des Programmes de Développement de la Fondation Merck, lancés en 2012.

Le premier jour, la Session Plénière du Sommet de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – MFFLI a eu lieu, avec une table ronde de haut niveau réunissant les Premières Dames d’Afrique et d’Asie. De plus, une table ronde ministérielle de haut niveau a réuni des ministres africains et des experts de la santé du monde entier.

Le deuxième jour de la conférence comprendra trois sessions parallèles clés : deux sessions médicales et scientifiques portant sur l’Oncologie et la Fertilité, et une session de sensibilisation communautaire, la Formation des Médias sur la Santé de la Fondation Merck. Cette session mettra l’accent sur le rôle crucial des médias pour influencer les communautés et favoriser le changement culturel, concernant un large éventail de 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 les violences basées sur le genre, l’éradication du mariage des enfants et des MGF, l’autonomisation des femmes, et la sensibilisation sur le diabète et à l’hypertension.

La conférence se déroule dans un format hybride, permettant à plus de 6 000 participants de plus de 70 pays de bénéficier, de se rencontrer et de discuter de stratégies et de solutions pour relever les défis sanitaires et sociaux dans leurs pays, en toute sécurité et efficacement.

Pays participant à la 7ème Édition de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck :

Allemagne, Angola, Bangladesh, Bénin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroun, Canada, Cambodge, Côte d’Ivoire, République du Congo, République Démocratique du Congo, Egypte, Éthiopie, France, Gabon, Ghana, Guinée-Bissau, Guinée-Conakry, Inde, Indonésie, Kenya, Lesotho, Libéria, Malawi, Malaisie, Maldives, Mali, Mauritanie, Maurice, Mexique, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibie, Népal, Niger, Nigeria, Pérou, Philippines, Russie, Rwanda, Sénégal, Sierra Leone, Somalie, Afrique du Sud, Sri Lanka, Soudan, Tanzanie, Thaïlande, Gambie, Togo, Tunisie, Émirats Arabes Unis, Royaume-Uni, Ouganda, États-Unis, Vietnam, Zambie, Zimbabwe et plus encore.

La 7ème Édition de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck est diffusée en direct sur les réseaux sociaux de la Fondation Merck et de la Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck :

@ Merck Foundation : Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4edCwCi), X (https://apo-opa.co/4n8k2qI), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3G4ZQ8w), et YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4kQbVOf).

@ Rasha Kelej : Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3ZBhIi7), X (https://apo-opa.co/3FT5D13), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3HNpOOr), et YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3ZF3Xiq).

Lien vers la retransmission en direct sur Facebook de la Session Inaugurale du Panel de Haut Niveau des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck : https://apo-opa.co/3G1Afxo

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 2280 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 950 bourses accordées à des écolières africaines brillantes mais défavorisées pour leur permettre de terminer leurs études.

• 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
+91 9310087613
+91 9319606669
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Rejoignez la conversation sur nos plateformes de réseaux sociaux ci-dessous et faites entendre votre voix :
Facebook : https://apo-opa.co/4edCwCi
X : https://apo-opa.co/4n8k2qI
YouTube : https://apo-opa.co/4kQbVOf
Instagram : https://apo-opa.co/3G4ZQ8w
Threads : https://apo-opa.co/460CnzW
Flickr : https://apo-opa.co/460Conu
Site web : www.Merck-Foundation.com
Télécharger l’Application de la Fondation Merck : https://apo-opa.co/460ClIk

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/4edCwCi), X (https://apo-opa.co/4n8k2qI), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3G4ZQ8w), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4kQbVOf), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/460CnzW) et Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/460Conu).

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.

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500 days to Dakar 2026: a bold celebration of youth, sport and African identity

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

Today marks 500 days to go until the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026 – the first Olympic event to take place on African soil. To mark the milestone, the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee (YOGOC) is rolling out a series of cultural and community-led initiatives across Senegal, blending sport, art and youth engagement in a uniquely local celebration of global spirit.

A love letter to Africa: Dakar 2026 official video launched

At the heart of the 500-days-to-go celebration is the release of the official Dakar 2026 promotional video – a powerful piece of storytelling and poetic imagery that sets the tone for what lies ahead. The video is a tribute to the power of sport, the strength of youth and the diversity of Africa.

Narrated with emotional depth and featuring a special appearance by Senegalese Olympic silver medallist Amadou Dia Ba (400m hurdles, Seoul 1988), the film also showcases young athletes from across Senegal and teases the 35 sports featured on the YOG programme. It offers a vibrant look at the host sites – Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly – and reflects the values that will define these historic Games.

Street art connects Games to communities

To bring the Olympic spirit into public spaces, a national graffiti campaign will see 10 young artists create murals in Dakar, Diamniadio, Saly, Ziguinchor and Saint-Louis. Each artwork will weave the Dakar 2026 logo and motto – “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates” – into vivid expressions of local identity and pride. This initiative will bring the Games into the streets and aims to connect directly with Senegalese youth.

Olympic Day to shine a spotlight on youth and sport

Looking ahead, the Dakar 2026 celebrations will continue on Olympic Day, 23 June, with a half-day event bringing together more than 1,000 schoolchildren in Dakar. The programme will feature sports demonstrations across 12 disciplines, a group fitness session and interactive educational spaces celebrating the Olympic values.

The YOG Dakar 2026 will take place over two weeks from 31 October, bringing together the world’s best young athletes up to the age of 17. The Games will be held across three host sites (Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly).

– on behalf of International Olympic Committee (IOC).

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Merck Foundation’s 7th Edition of First Ladies Initiative Summit Brings Together 14 African and Asian First Ladies to discuss the impact of their programs

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

  • Link to Live Stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025: https://apo-opa.co/3G1Afxo

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 on 19th and 20th June in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative along with The First Ladies of 14 African and Asian countries, who joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative” emphasized, “It is my great honor to welcome our esteemed Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, The First Ladies of Africa and Asia, and Ambassadors of our ‘More Than a Mother’ campaign to the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit.

Through this important platform, we have collectively exchanged valuable experiences and engaged in meaningful discussions on the impact of our programs, which are aimed at transforming patient care and raising awareness of a wide range of critical social and health issues.”

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees added, “At Merck Foundation, our goal is improving overall health and well-being by building healthcare capacity and by providing access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in the Africa, Asia and beyond. I would like to sincerely thank our Ambassadors and partners. Together, with your unwavering support and collaboration, we will continue to work towards our vision of a world where everyone can lead a healthy and happy life.”

The First Ladies of 14 countries, who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, joined as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers. They are:

  • H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola
  • H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, The First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde
  • H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of the Central African Republic
  • H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of the Gabonese Republic
  • H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia
  • H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana
  • H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya
  • H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia
  • H.E. Mrs. SAJIDHA MOHAMED, The First Lady of the Republic of Maldives
  • H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, The First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique
  • H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
  • H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe
  • H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, The First Lady of the Republic of Senegal
  • H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej stated, “I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided more than 2280 scholarships for young doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties. Many of our Merck Foundation Alumni are becoming the first specialists in their countries. Together with our Ambassadors and Partners, we are making history and transforming the patient care landscape across Africa and beyond. Many of them are becoming the first specialists in their countries.”

“During our Conference, we also marked together the World Infertility Awareness Month, observed in June, through our signature campaign “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, which aims to empower infertile and childless women by providing access to information, education, and change of mindset. I am happy to share that out of the total 2280 scholarships, more than 700 scholarships have been provided for training in Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women’s Health, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, and Family Medicine, to improve access to fertility care and women’s health”, she further added. 

During the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit, two important occasions were marked; the 8th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 13 years of Merck Foundation’s development programs that started in 2012.

On the first day, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit took place, featuring a high-level panel discussion with the participating First Ladies of Africa and Asia. Moreover, a high-level ministerial panel discussion was held with African Ministers and top healthcare experts from across the globe.

The Day 2 of the conference will have three key parallel session will be held- Two medical and scientific sessions covering Oncology and Fertility Topics, and a community awareness session, Merck Foundation Health Media Training. This session will emphasize the critical role of the media in influencing communities and driving cultural change, with regards to a wide range of social and health issues like Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls’ Education, Stopping GBV, Ending Child Marriage & FGM, Empowering Women, Diabetes and Hypertension Awareness.

The conference is being conducted in a hybrid format, enabling over 6,000 audiences from more than 70 countries to benefit, meet and discuss strategies and solutions for the health and social challenges in their countries safely and effectively.

Countries participating in the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative:

Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central Africa Republic, Cambodia, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Guinea – Bissau, Guinea – Conakry, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Gambia, Togo, Tunisia, U.A.E, UK, Uganda, US, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe and more.

The 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative is streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation:

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4edCwCi), X (https://apo-opa.co/4n8k2qI), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3G4ZQ8w), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4kQbVOf).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3ZBhIi7), X (https://apo-opa.co/3FT5D13), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3HNpOOr), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3ZF3Xiq).

Link to the Facebook live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/3G1Afxo

Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:

• 2280+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for doctors 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

• 950+ Scholarships provided to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls to empower them to complete their studies

• 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8 Million Followers.

– on behalf of Merck Foundation.

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

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
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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/4edCwCi), X (https://apo-opa.co/4n8k2qI), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3G4ZQ8w), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4kQbVOf), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/460CnzW) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/460Conu).

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

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7ª Edição da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck reúne 14 Primeiras-Damas Africanas e Asiáticas para debater o impacto dos seus programas

  • Link para transmissão ao vivo da sessão de abertura da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck – MFFLI 2025: https://apo-opa.co/3G1Afxo 

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 nos dias 19 e 20 de Junho em Dubai, Emirados Árabes Unidos. Foi inaugurada pelo Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Presidente do Conselho de Curadores da Fundação Merck e pela Senadora, Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck e Presidente da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck juntamente com Primeiras-Damas de 14Países Africanos e Asiáticos, que participaram como Convidadas de Honra e Oradores Principais.

A Senadora Drª Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck e Presidente da “Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck” enfatizou, “É uma grande honra para mim, dar as boas-vindas às nossas estimadas Convidadas de Honra e Oradoras Principais, as Primeiras-Damas de África e da Ásia e Embaixadoras da nossa campanha “Mais do que uma Mãe” na 7ª Edição da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck – MFFLI.

Através dessa importante plataforma, trocamos experiências valiosas colectivamente e envolvemo-nos em discussões significativas sobre o impacto dos nossos programas, que visam transformar o atendimento ao paciente e aumentar a conscientização sobre uma ampla gama de questões sociais e de saúde críticas. ”

O Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, ​​Presidente do Conselho de Curadores da Fundação Merck acrescentou: “Na Fundação Merck, o nosso objectivo é melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar em geral, fortalecendo a capacidade de atendimento à saúde e garantindo o acesso a soluções de saúde de qualidade e equitativas em África, Ásia e em outros lugares. Gostaria de agradecer sinceramente às nossas Embaixadoras e parceiras. Juntos, com o seu apoio e colaboração inabaláveis, continuaremos a trabalhar em prol da nossa visão de um mundo onde todos possam gozar uma vida saudável e feliz. ”

As Primeiras-Damas de 14 Países, que também são Embaixadoras da “Fundação Merck Mais Que uma Mãe”, participaram como Convidadas de Honra e Oradoras. Elas são:

  • S.E. Drª. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, Primeira-Dama da República de Angola
  • S.E. Drª. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, Primeira-Dama da República de Cabo Verde
  • S.E. Senhora BRIGITTE TOUADERA, Primeira-Dama da República Centro-Africana
  • S.E. Senhora ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, Primeira-Dama da República Gabonesa
  • S.E. Sr.ª FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, Primeira-Dama da República da Gâmbia
  • S.E. Sr.ª LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, Primeira-Dama da República do Gana
  • S.E. Sr.ª RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., Primeira-Dama da República do Quénia
  • S.E. Sr.ª KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, Primeira-Dama da República da Libéria
  • S.E. Sr.ª SAJIDHA MOHAMED, Primeira-Dama da República de Maldivas
  • S.E. Drª. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, Primeira-Dama da República de Moçambique
  • H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, Primeira-Dama da República Federal da Nigéria
  • S.E. Sr.ª MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, Primeira-Dama da República Democrática de São Tomé e Príncipe
  • S.E. Senhora MARIE KHONE FAYE, Primeira-Dama da República do Senegal
  • S.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, Primeira-Dama da República do Zimbabwe

A Senadora, Drª Rasha Kelej disse, “Tenho orgulho de partilhar que a Fundação Merck concedeu mais de 2280 bolsas de estudo a jovens médicos de 52 países em 44 especialidades críticas e carentes. Muitos dos nossos ex-alunos da Fundação Merck estão a tornar-se nos primeiros especialistas nos seus países. Juntamente com as nossas Embaixadoras e Parceiras, estamos a fazer história e a transformar o cenário do atendimento ao paciente em toda a África e além. Muitos deles estão a tornar-se os primeiros especialistas nos seus países. ”

“Durante a nossa Conferência, também celebramos juntos o Mês Mundial de Conscientização sobre Infertilidade, observado em junho, através da nossa campanha de assinatura “Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe”, que visa empoderar mulheres com infertilidade e sem filhos, proporcionando acesso à informação, educação e mudança de mentalidade. Tenho o prazer de partilhar que, do total de 2.280 bolsas, mais de 700 bolsas de estudo foram fornecidos para treinamento em Fertilidade, Embriologia, Medicina Sexual e Reprodutiva, Psiquiatria Clínica, Saúde da Mulher, Urologia, Habilidades Cirúrgicas Laparoscópicas e Medicina de Família, para melhorar o acesso aos cuidados de fertilidade e saúde da mulher”, acrescentou ela. 

Durante a 7ª Edição da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck -MFFLI, duas ocasiões importantes foram marcadas; o 8º aniversário da Fundação Merck e 13 anos dos programas de desenvolvimento da Fundação Merck que tiveram início em 2012.

No primeiro dia, a Sessão Plenária da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck -MFFLI ocorreu, com a condução de um painel de discussão de alto nível com a participação de Primeiras-Damas de África e da Ásia. Além disso, foi realizado um painel de debate ministerial de alto nível com ministros africanos e importantes especialistas em saúde de todo o mundo.

O segundo dia da conferência contou com três sessões paralelas importantes: duas sessões médicas e científicas abordando tópicos de oncologia e fertilidade, e uma sessão de conscientização comunitária, o Treinamento em Mídia da Saúde da Fundação Merck. Esta sessão enfatizou o papel fundamental da mídia em influenciar comunidades e impulsionar mudanças culturais, em relação a uma ampla gama de questões sociais e de saúde, como o combate do estigma da infertilidade, o apoio à educação de meninas, o combate à violência do género, o fim do casamento infantil e da mutilação genital feminina, o empoderamento das mulheres e a conscientização sobre a diabetes e a hipertensão.

A conferência foi realizada num formato híbrido, permitindo que mais de 6.000 pessoas de mais de 70 países se beneficiassem, se reunissem e discutissem estratégias e soluções para os desafios sociais e de saúde nos seus países de forma segura e eficaz.

Países participantes da 7ª Edição Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck:

Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Camarões, Canadá, República Centro-Africana, Camboja, Chade, Costa do Marfim, República do Congo, República Democrática do Congo, Egipto, Etiópia, França, Gabão, Alemanha, Gana, Guiné – Bissau, Guiné – Conakri, Índia, Indonésia, Quénia, Lesotho, Libéria, Malawi, Malásia, Maldivas, Mali, Mauritânia, Maurícias, México, Moçambique, Mianmar, Namíbia, Nepal, Níger, Nigéria, Peru, Filipinas, Rússia, Ruanda, Senegal, Serra Leoa, Somália, África do Sul, Sri Lanka, Sudão, Tanzânia, Tailândia, Gâmbia, Togo, Tunísia, Emirados Árabes Unidos, Reino Unido, Uganda, EUA, Vietname, Zâmbia, Zimbabwe e muito mais.

A 7ª Edição da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck é transmitida ao vivo nas redes sociais da Fundação Merck e da Senadora, Drª Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck:

@ Fundação Merck: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4edCwCi), X (https://apo-opa.co/4n8k2qI), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3G4ZQ8w), e YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4kQbVOf).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3ZBhIi7), X (https://apo-opa.co/3FT5D13), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3HNpOOr), e YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3ZF3Xiq).

Link para a transmissão ao vivo do Facebook da Sessão de Abertura do Painel de Alto Nível das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck: https://apo-opa.co/3G1Afxo 

Fundação Merck está a transformar o cenário de atendimento ao paciente e a fazer história junto com os seus parceiros em África, Ásia e além, através de:

• Mais de 2.280 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 a quebrar o silêncio sobre uma ampla gama de questões sociais e de saúde em África e em comunidades carentes por meio:

• 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 lançado anualmente para melhor cobertura da mídia, estilistas de moda, filmes e músicas

• Cerca de 30 músicas que abordam 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 suaíli para aumentar a conscientização sobre a prevenção e detecção precoce da diabetes e da hipertensão e apoiar a educação de meninas.

• Programa Televisivo Pan-Africano “Nossa África pela Fundação Merck” que aborda questões sociais e de saúde em África por meio da comunidade “Moda e ARTE com propósito”

• Mais de 950 bolsas de estudo foram concedidas a estudantes africanas de alto desempenho, mas desfavorecidas, 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
+91 9310087613
+91 9319606669
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

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Sobre a Fundação Merck:
A Fundação Merck, criada em 2017, é o braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha, tem como objectivo melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar das pessoas e aprimorar as suas vidas atravez da ciência e da tecnologia. Os nossos esforços estão focados principalmente na melhoria do acesso a soluções de saúde de qualidade e equitativas em comunidades carenciadas, no desenvolvimento da capacidade de saúde e na investigação científica, no empoderamento das raparigas na educação e no empoderamento de 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 a mídia social da Fundação Merck: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4edCwCi), X (https://apo-opa.co/4n8k2qI), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3G4ZQ8w), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4kQbVOf), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/460CnzW) e Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/460Conu).

A Fundação Merck está dedicada a melhorar os resultados sociais e de saúde para comunidades necessitadas. Embora colabore com vários parceiros, incluindo governos, para atingir os seus objectivos humanitários, a Fundação permanece estritamente neutra em questões políticas. Ela não se envolve ou apoia nenhuma actividade política, eleições ou regimes, 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.

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Qatar Participates in Senior Officials Meeting on Afghanistan

Source: Government of Qatar

Brussels, June 18, 2025

The State of Qatar participated in the Senior Officials Meeting 2025 on Afghanistan (SOM 2025), which was held in the Belgian capital of Brussels, with the participation of representatives of the European Union (EU), United Nations (UN), World Bank, the G7 countries, as well as several regional countries and humanitarian organizations. 

In the meeting, the State of Qatar’s delegation was led by Acting Director of the International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Ahmed Al Asiri. 

During the meeting, Al Asiri emphasized the importance of strengthening humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan and ensuring that aid reaches the most vulnerable groups in light of the political and economic challenges that the country is facing. 

He also stressed the importance of collective action and coordinated initiatives to ensure a tangible and sustainable impact on relief and development efforts, highlighting the role that donor countries and humanitarian organizations can play in supporting Afghan society’s capacity-building for resilience and recovery. 

Acting Director of the International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed the State of Qatar’s commitment to continuing to support the Afghan people, working with international partners to ensure respect for the principles of international humanitarian law, and promoting comprehensive development solutions that guarantee stability and dignity for all.

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HH the Amir Receives Written Message from Iranian President

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, June 18, 2025

HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received a written message from HE President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian pertaining to bilateral ties and the means to enhance them.

The message was received by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi during a meeting with HE Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the State of Qatar Ali Salehabadi.

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HH the Amir Receives Written Message from President of Panama

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, June 18, 2025

HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thaniآ received a written message from HE President of the Republic of Panama Jose Raul Mulino, pertaining to bilateral relations and means of supporting and developing them.

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received the message during his meeting Wednesday with HE Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to the State of Qatar Johnny Mayani. 

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African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 to Host Dedicated Energy Finance Track

The African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town – will host an Energy Finance Track, dedicated to exploring the opportunities, challenges and emerging trends across Africa’s investment environment. The Energy Finance Track – hosted across the three-day main conference agenda – covers a variety of topics and aims to reduce risk perception, identify strategic investment avenues while exploring innovative finance models that drive projects forward in Africa.

The Energy Finance Track features a suite of companies, all of which will tackle strategic topics. These include African and global national oil companies, global energy and intelligence firms, energy and technology service providers, downstream regulators, upstream operators, African E&P firms, renewable energy developers, and many more. From access to finance to investment risks to Merger & Acquisition (M&A) activity, regional projects and development finance, the track will support decision-making and deal-signing in Africa’s energy sector.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Africa’s energy sector continues to witness a surge in investment, as both operators and financiers expand their portfolios across the continent. In 2025, capital expenditure across the continent is projected to hit $43 billion, rising to $54 billion by 2030. Onshore projects are expected to represent the lion’s share of expenditure at 56%, while natural gas is estimated to draw the majority of capital by 2030, accounting for over 60% of hydrocarbon investment during this period. Deepwater exploration is also on the rise, particularly in frontier markets such as Namibia and Ivory Coast. Financing exploration and production projects remains a key challenge, however, as the global capital pool continues to decline. The AEW: Invest in African Energies Energy Finance Track will address this challenge, with panels geared towards exploring innovative strategies to raise capital for oil and gas projects. Sessions include Reducing Barriers to Entry in African Energy Investments; Financing Upstream Projects for Domestic Energy Security; Sourcing International and African Capital for the Acquisition and Development of Marginal and Undeveloped Fields; and African Equity Risk Premium.

Africa’s M&A landscape has also proven to be dynamic in recent years, with future projections showing a positive growth trajectory as companies seeks new investment and partnership opportunities across the continent. Driven by rising capital expenditure, a surge in exploration and a focus on frontier basins across the continent, M&A activity continues to grow in Africa. Amid this growth, the Energy Finance Track will address strategies for supporting future M&A activity. Sessions on Strategic Financing for M&A and Navigating Risk and Insurance in African M&A, will examine identified risk and liabilities between buyers and sellers and how access to capital, regulatory hurdles and shifting investment trends are impacting Africa’s M&A landscape.

Beyond oil and gas, Africa’s renewable energy and power landscape is on track for significant growth, as countries diversify their energy systems and seek to support broader economic growth. With over 600 million people living without access to electricity across the continent, African countries are accelerating the pace and development of power infrastructure, from generation to transmission to storage. Yet, financing challenges remain. The International Energy Agency projects that to meet the continent’s energy access, climate and development goals, Africa requires annual energy investments to more than double to over $240 billion by 2030. Key sectors include energy access, power systems and emerging industries such as clean energy technologies.

The Energy Finance Track will unpack the role innovative financing mechanisms and regional collaboration plays in achieving the continent’s energy and development goals. Sessions on Intra-Africa Commodities Trading and Financing Cross-Border Pipelines and Shared Infrastructure Projects will explore how increased regional trade can serve as a catalyst for economic development in Africa. Additionally, sessions on Integrated Energy Projects: Is Financing Easier and Energy Finance Strategies: Lessons Across Africa will examine how blended finance, public-private partnership models and development finance can support energy development.

“The AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 Energy Finance Track offers a unique opportunity for African financiers to gain insight into emerging opportunities across the continent. At the same time, the track offers project developers, governments and public institutions the chance to explore new methods of financing, while addressing critical challenges to energy development,” stated Oré Onagbesan, AEW: Invest in African Energies Program Director.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Nigeria’s economy is growing but rural poverty is rising: 5 key policies to address the divide

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Stephen Onyeiwu, Professor of Economics & Business, Allegheny College

The Nigerian economy grew at a robust rate of 3.4% in 2024, the highest it has been since 2019 (except 2021 when the COVID rebound occurred).

This should have been cheering news, worthy of firecrackers and champagne-popping. Rather it came with a catch: the country’s poverty profile worsened.

In its annual review of the country, the World Bank applauded Nigeria for its economic reforms. These include the removal of fuel subsidies, liberalisation of the foreign exchange market and maintenance of a contractionary monetary policy. This is a policy of raising interest rates, reducing money supply and increasing borrowing costs to rein in inflation.

But the bank also drew attention to the fact that the country’s poverty profile has become grim. About 31% of Nigerians lived in poverty prior to the COVID-19 epidemic. Since then, an additional 42 million have become poor, increasing the poverty rate to about 46% in 2024.

Poverty is even worse in Nigeria’s rural communities: 75.5% live on US$2.15 or less per day (based on 2017 prices). The average poverty rate for sub-Saharan African countries was 36.5% in 2024 and 0.8% for East Asia and the Pacific.

Nigeria’s poverty rate would have been higher if the multidimensional poverty index had been used. In addition to income, the index considers access to education, health, decent housing, nutrition, sanitation, electricity and water. Access to these critical services has worsened for many Nigerians, despite improvements in macroeconomic stability.

Read more: Poor rural infrastructure holds back food production by small Nigerian farmers

A challenge for policy makers is how to translate impressive macroeconomic outcomes into high-paying jobs, lower poverty rates and access to health, good sanitation, education, electricity and affordable housing. The question is even more acute for people in rural areas.

As an economist who has studied the Nigerian economy for over four decades and lived in a rural community, I believe Nigeria needs a radical shift in its economic policy approach.

One major step should be a change in the country’s growth drivers. Oil, information and communications technology and finance are the major drivers of growth in Nigeria.

These sectors are not employment-intensive, and they require skills that most Nigerians don’t have. Because of the lack of employment opportunities in these sectors, most Nigerians gravitate towards the informal sector, which accounts for about 90% of employment in the country.

By continuing to urge Nigerians to be patient for economic reforms to have a positive impact on their living conditions, the Tinubu administration appears to assume that improvements in macroeconomic performance will eventually manifest in lower unemployment and poverty rates. This notion of “trickle-down economics” is misconceived and illusory.

The government needs to intentionally create transmission mechanisms through which economic growth and macroeconomic stability can raise living standards.

Fostering growth with development

Concerted efforts will be needed to target poverty in general, and rural poverty in particular.

Five key policies could get Nigeria closer to this goal:

Building productive capacities: People who live in rural areas in Nigeria are eager to work and full of creative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. But they lack the resources and opportunity to fully unleash their potential.

Building their productive capacities would entail giving them access to basic education, technical and managerial skills, and other productive resources such as tools, equipment, finance and land. The government should identify the comparative advantage of different rural communities, and put in place policies that encourage those communities to use their comparative advantage and distinctive competencies.

Opportunity to diversify incomes: In developed countries, many people hold multiple jobs. Most rural dwellers in Nigeria, however, rely on agriculture as their only source of livelihood.

Because of limited access to inputs and modern technology, and outdated agricultural practices, their productivity is often very low. Their low income makes it difficult to save and invest in education, health and housing.

Non-agricultural activities, especially manufacturing, need to be located in rural communities, to give rural dwellers the opportunity to diversify their income sources.

Agriculture-led industrial strategy: This would involve the location of manufacturing plants close to the sources of agricultural raw materials.

Nigerian manufacturers locate their factories in urban areas. The result of urban-biased development strategy in Nigeria has been the lack of employment opportunities in rural communities, and a decline in the rural population, from about 85% in 1960 to 46% in 2023.

Moving manufacturing to rural areas would require massive investment in infrastructure such as electricity, water, roads and health services.

Read more: Nigeria’s new blue economy ministry could harness marine resources – moving the focus away from oil

Ending patriarchy and male domination: Women disproportionately bear the burden of rural poverty in Nigeria. A study in rural south-east Nigeria found that the poverty rate among women was 98%, compared to 85% for men. Men are often given preference regarding access to land, education, skills acquisition and financial inclusion.

Women are also imbued with the responsibility of caring for children, the elderly and the sick, as well as household chores. This leaves them with little time for paid work or opportunities to acquire marketable skills.

Ability to absorb shocks and vulnerability: Rural poverty is often exacerbated by shocks and vulnerability such as extreme weather conditions, attacks by insurgents and other criminal groups, and illness. With no safety nets, and little or no saving, most rural dwellers are unable to withstand shocks.

The Tinubu administration plans to disburse N25,000 (about US$17) each to 60 million Nigerians. But these kinds of support are too small, non-pervasive, irregular and unpredictable.

Read more: Nigeria needs to close the financial inclusion gap for women smallholder farmers

What India and China have to teach

Nigeria could do well to borrow from the Indian model of an institutionalised safety net.

India issues “ration cards” to eligible households. The cards enable poor people to purchase essential food items such as grains, milk, eggs, cooking oil and bread at subsidised prices from designated stores.

Nigeria could finance this kind of programme with a special tax on oil companies and financial institutions, which frequently post huge after-tax profits.

China has had an impressive record of poverty reduction. Using the US$1.90 poverty line, China’s poverty rate decreased from 88.1% in 1981 to 0.3% in 2018.

The fall in rural poverty is even more dramatic, from 96% in 1980 to 1% in 2019.

This reduction was accomplished in stages, starting with an increase in agricultural productivity. It then shifted focus to the development of non-agricultural sectors of the economy, including manufacturing. These sectors were able to draw surplus labour from the agricultural sector, giving them skills that led to higher wages and poverty alleviation.

Read more: Poor rural infrastructure holds back food production by small Nigerian farmers

Next steps

The World Bank in its report noted that addressing pressing social and humanitarian challenges remains critical to ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth in Nigeria.

Cash transfers and social assistance programmes could provide temporary relief for the poor in rural communities. But a long-term solution is to build their productive capacities and transform rural communities in ways that provide opportunities for income diversification.

– Nigeria’s economy is growing but rural poverty is rising: 5 key policies to address the divide
– https://theconversation.com/nigerias-economy-is-growing-but-rural-poverty-is-rising-5-key-policies-to-address-the-divide-257152