Category: Africa

Source: APO – Report:

On July 31, 2026, in Dakar, Senegal, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission concluded the meeting of the Directors General of the National Statistical Institutes (NSIs) of member states. Held from July 27 to 31, 2026, this meeting was part of the implementation of the ECOWAS Statistical Policy, which aims to strengthen the harmonization of national statistical systems in order to produce reliable, comparable, and timely data to inform public policy and support regional integration.

Over the course of five days, the Directors-General of the NSIs, experts from the ECOWAS Commission, and representatives of technical and financial partners assessed the progress made in implementing the Regional Statistical Program (RSP 2023–2027) and the PHASAO and PHASAOC projects. Participants also reviewed several strategic methodological documents designed to strengthen the quality, consistency, and comparability of official statistics produced in member states.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Directors-General approved several regional methodological guides intended to serve as common references for the production of official statistics within the ECOWAS region. These include the Methodological Guide for the Industrial Production Index (IPI), the Methodological Guide for the Business Register (RSE), and the Methodological Guide for Public Debt Statistics. Participants also reviewed the Methodological Guide for the Table of Government Financial Transactions (TOFE-ECOWAS) as well as the guides on Quarterly National Accounts (QNA), for which they made recommendations with a view to their finalization and harmonized implementation.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to review progress on regional statistical modernization projects, challenges related to the transition to the System of National Accounts 2008 (SNA 2008), the development of quarterly national accounts, the strengthening of statistical business registers, and the integration of new technologies and innovative data sources into statistical production.

These results mark an important milestone in the implementation of the ECOWAS Statistical Policy. The validated guidelines will help enhance the quality, comparability, and availability of official statistics needed to monitor Community policies, achieve macroeconomic convergence, and deepen regional integration. As emphasized by Dr. Kaliou Sylla, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture—represented by the Acting Director of Research and Statistics at the ECOWAS Commission, Professor N’Zué Félix Fofana—in his closing remarks, “Data today is a lever for sovereignty, economic transformation, and regional integration,” thereby underscoring the strategic role of statistics in the development of evidence-based public policies and in the realization of ECOWAS’s Vision 2050.

The Directors-General also made several recommendations to the member states and the ECOWAS Commission. These include the gradual adoption of validated methodological guidelines, capacity building for national statistical systems, the adoption of the legal instruments necessary for the implementation of regional standards, support for member states in their transition to the 2008 SNA, and the development of digital solutions and technical cooperation mechanisms to accelerate statistical harmonization in the region.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants reaffirmed their commitment to translating the adopted recommendations into concrete actions and to continuing to strengthen regional          cooperation in order to equip ECOWAS with a harmonized, modern, and efficient statistical system capable of effectively supporting public policies, monitoring community programs, macroeconomic convergence, and the implementation of ECOWAS Vision 2050.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

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

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany officially launched their Educating Linda program in Kenya in partnership with The First Lady of Kenya & Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” at the Kenya State House. The program was chaired by Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, CEO of Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej and The First Lady of Kenya, H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H..

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign said, “I am very happy to meet my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of Kenya & Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, and officially launch our Educating Linda program in the country, to support girl education.

As a part of Educating Linda, we are providing annual scholarships to 47 deserving, high performing, yet underprivileged Kenyan schoolgirls, till they finish their education. This will ensure they are not forced to abandon their education due to financial hardship. We truly believe that an educated girl transforms the entire community.”

H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of Kenya & Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, expressed, “I deeply appreciate all the programs of Merck Foundation including the Educating Linda program, through which we are providing annual scholarships to our 47 deserving schoolgirls to support their education until they graduate. We believe that every girl in Kenya, and across Africa, deserves the opportunity to pursue her dreams. Every barrier that prevents a girl from going to school must be dismantled, and this program is one powerful means of doing exactly that. I am confident these young girls will reach their full potential and go on to inspire many others.”

During the program, the Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, together with the First Lady of Kenya, took the opportunity to meet and encourage the Kenyan schoolgirls who are the beneficiaries of the Educating Linda program, and to hear directly from them and their parents about the impact the scholarships have had on their lives.

The Educating Linda program by Merck Foundation in partnership with African First Ladies, is providing annual scholarships to more than 1,250 schoolgirls across 21 African countries, including Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and others. The program also ensures that thousands of schoolgirls across Africa receive essential school supplies, removing further practical obstacles to their education.

“When a girl is educated, entire nation is empowered. Educated girls grow into empowered women, who drive prosperity, strengthen families, and advance nations. That is the vision behind everything we do: Girl Education today for Women Empowerment tomorrow,” said Dr. Kelej.

Merck Foundation together has provided 328 scholarships for Kenyan healthcare providers in 44 critical and underserved specialties; including Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Oncology, Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Gastroenterology, Psychiatry, Neurology, and many more. During the visit, Merck Foundation also conducted their Alumni Summit 2026, to acknowledge and meet their Alumni. Moreover, they also met and recognized the Merck Foundation Awards Winners of 2024 and 2025.

Merck Foundation in partnership with the First Lady of Kenya is also launching 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 storybooks address critical social and health issues and will be available in both English and Swahili. Thousands of copies of these storybooks will be distributed to schoolchildren across Kenya.

Merck Foundation and the First Lady of Kenya also annually launch their 8 important awards for best media, film, fashion designs and songs. Together they have also conducted several editions of Merck Foundation Health Media Training Program, enabling Kenyan journalists to be equipped to be the voice of the voiceless and report responsibly and effectively on sensitive subjects including infertility, child marriage, gender-based violence, diabetes, and hypertension.

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/4xcon0k

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.

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

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About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4g5BScw), X (https://apo-opa.co/4bqlLUd),Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4xco0Ts), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4wxKL4p), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4ySabLy) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/3TL8teX).

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

 

Source: APO – Report:

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Fresh criticism of Perenco’s operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has once again brought one of Africa’s biggest energy development challenges the fore: NGO-led smear campaigns.

While framed as a challenge to one company’s environmental performance, the campaign reflects a broader pattern of NGO-led attacks on African oil development. As the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) strongly condemns the attack, recognizing it as a direct attempt to stop Perenco’s activities, limit DRC oil exploration and prevent any meaningful development across the country’s economy.

The scrutiny follows allegations published by Human Rights Watch regarding environmental impacts linked to Perenco’s operations in Muanda, as well as a government-commissioned environmental review that identified areas requiring further attention. Perenco has disputed aspects of the findings, maintaining that it operates in accordance with applicable regulations and has implemented environmental management measures across its operations.

For the AEC, this latest report demonstrates a tactic whereby NGOs rely on sensationalized rhetoric rather than facts and technical evaluations to promote a false narrative about energy companies’ operations. This approach has been seen across other smear campaigns, and the AEC strongly urges the Government of the DRC to be careful not to fall into this trap.   

Perenco has operated in the DRC for more than two decades, establishing itself as the country’s only producing oil operator through its onshore subsidiary Perenco Rep and offshore subsidiary Muanda International Oil Company. The company’s operations support average combined production of approximately 19,500 barrels of oil per day and employ around 1,500 DRC nationals, contributing to local economic activity and the country’s energy sector.

Beyond production, Perenco has invested in infrastructure and community development initiatives in Muanda. Through its 20 MW gas-fired power plant, the company supplies electricity to local installations, including those of the Société Nationale d’Électricité, while also providing power to the city of Muanda and surrounding villages.

The company has also supported community programs focused on education, healthcare, infrastructure, water access, electricity, employment, culture, sport and environmental initiatives. Across its global operations, Perenco has highlighted efforts to improve environmental management, reduce emissions and strengthen operational efficiency.

“Africa cannot afford to drive away the companies that are investing in our future,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “Perenco has spent more than two decades operating in the DRC, creating jobs, supporting communities, investing in infrastructure and helping deliver energy where it is needed most. Companies operating in Africa must be held accountable, but accountability cannot become a pretext for undermining responsible investors who are helping African countries develop their resources and fight energy poverty.”

The AEC believes responsible resource development requires both strong environmental oversight and recognition of the companies working to create economic opportunity across the continent. Africa cannot achieve industrialization, strengthen energy security or expand access to reliable power without investment from experienced operators with the technical expertise and capital required to develop its resources.

The DRC, like many African countries, faces the challenge of balancing environmental protection with the need to leverage its natural resources for economic transformation. Achieving this balance requires strong regulatory institutions, transparent processes and partnerships between governments, companies and communities.

As global competition for energy investment intensifies, Africa must ensure that legitimate environmental discussions do not become a broader deterrent to responsible development. The continent’s future depends on attracting companies committed to long-term partnerships, responsible operations and delivering shared value.

The AEC will continue advocating for an energy sector that supports both environmental responsibility and economic progress, recognizing that Africa’s development goals require investment, expertise and partnerships.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO – Report:

Industry leaders at the Venezuela Energy Week London Industry Showcase on Thursday highlighted Venezuela’s newly implemented hydrocarbons framework as a major step toward restoring the country’s competitiveness as an upstream investment destination, pointing to simplified fiscal terms, greater operational flexibility and rising production as key drivers of renewed investor interest.

Presented to international investors and industry stakeholders in London, the country’s regulatory framework establishes a combined government take as low as 20% on greenfield upstream projects through a streamlined fiscal system that replaces more than 20 legacy taxes. According to industry analysis shared during the showcase, the reforms position Venezuela among Latin America’s most competitive upstream jurisdictions.

The new terms, set out in implementing regulations signed into force in July, pair a variable royalty with the Integrated Hydrocarbons Tax to produce combined rates of 20% for greenfield developments and 25% for extra-heavy and diluted crude projects. The windfall tax and shadow tax – both previously identified by investors as barriers to high-CapEx developments – have been repealed.

Carlos Bellorin, Executive Vice President of Macro Analysis at Welligence Energy Analytics, said his firm has modeled expansion under the new framework and found Venezuela’s terms highly competitive on a global scale. Production has recovered to approximately 1.2 million barrels per day, he said, with Welligence forecasting output to reach between 1.4 million and 1.6 million barrels per day by the end of 2026.

“Below two million barrels per day it’s an OpEx game,” Bellorin said. “After that, you need the big companies to come in.”

Juan Carlos Andrade, CEO of Araya Energy Group and Director and Legal Counsel at the Venezuelan Petroleum Chamber, said the regulatory overhaul has removed constraints that previously forced operators to resolve shortcomings through contractual workarounds. Operators now have the right to trade their own barrels, manage their own cash flow and develop on-site power generation.

“This is no longer a theory,” Andrade said. “What exists is an opportunity.”

Andrade projected that Productive Participation Contracts could deliver between 250,000 and 500,000 barrels per day, with mixed operating companies contributing a similar volume. Combined, these two contract structures are expected to form the foundation of Venezuela’s near-term production growth.

The London Industry Showcase marks the first in a series of international engagements leading up to Venezuela Energy Week 2026, taking place October 26-29 in Caracas. The event will convene government officials, international operators, investors and technology providers to examine the country’s evolving regulatory framework, upstream opportunities and long-term energy development strategy.

Supporting Venezuela’s Earthquake Recovery

Our thoughts are with the people and communities affected by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. As the country begins the long process of recovery, we encourage members of the global energy community to support relief and reconstruction efforts through the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela, which channels contributions from individuals, companies and organizations to emergency assistance, essential services and long-term rebuilding efforts.

To learn more or make a contribution, please visit the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela (https://apo-opa.co/4xdED11).

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO

The latest edition of VUKA Group’s (https://WeAreVuka.com/) Mining Review Africa (MRA) Issue 4 is now available as a free digital magazine, featuring exclusive insights into the technologies, projects and trends shaping Africa’s mining landscape. 

This issue explores the innovations transforming underground mining, with a strong focus on improving safety, productivity, and operational efficiency. Sponsored by UMS Group (https://apo-opa.co/3S81U5I) (https://UMSint.com/), the underground mining feature examines how digital technologies are reshaping modern mining operations. 

DOWNLOAD MRA ISSUE 4 HERE: (https://apo-opa.co/4vVGeaP) 

Leading this edition is the cover story, “Invincible Valves: Driving global growth through engineering excellence,” which highlights how the company continues to expand its international footprint through innovation and engineering expertise. 

Readers can also explore a range of exclusive features, including: 

• Trinity Metals: Driving Rwanda’s critical minerals expansion (https://apo-opa.co/4xhybGE), examining the company’s role in developing one of Africa’s emerging critical minerals hubs.  

• Trident: Redefining tailings management in Africa (https://apo-opa.co/3TOKT0S), showcasing innovative approaches to safer and more sustainable tailings storage.  

• Digitising the deep: A pragmatic approach to underground mining technology (https://apo-opa.co/4x7NGkc), featuring Cementation Africa’s perspective on the practical adoption of digital solutions underground.  

• KEFI Gold: Tulu Kapi achieves liftoff (https://apo-opa.co/3S5B4Ly), providing an update on one of East Africa’s most anticipated gold developments.  

• Mental health: Under the hard hat is a human (https://apo-opa.co/4vWgmvp), exploring the growing importance of mental wellbeing across the mining industry.  

Beyond underground mining, Issue 4 shines a spotlight on water management strategies, highlighting technologies and practices that help mines improve water efficiency and sustainability. 

The edition also features the latest developments from East Africa, highlighting mining projects gaining momentum across the region and exploring how sustainable mining value chains can support long-term growth and industry resilience.

In addition, readers can access a special Electra Mining Africa preview, offering an early look at one of the continent’s premier mining, industrial and technology exhibitions. 

Whether you are a mining executive, engineer, supplier, investor or industry professional, Mining Review Africa Issue 4 provides valuable insights into the trends and opportunities driving the sector. 

Download your FREE (https://apo-opa.co/4vVGeaP) copy of Mining Review Africa Issue 4 today and stay informed with the latest developments from across Africa’s mining industry. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Media Contact:   
Gerard Peter:
Editor-in-Chief   
Mining Review Africa   
VUKA Group   
Email: gerard.peter@wearevuka.com   
Phone: +27 (0) 81 813 7580   

Rochelle Botha:
Business Development Manager    
Mining Review Africa    
VUKA Group   
Email: Rochelle.Botha@wearevuka.com   

About Vuka Group:
VUKA Group is a leading platform for convening Africa’s green economy, investment, and climate transition communities through high-level summits, industry forums, and strategic convenings, including the Carbon Markets Africa Summit.   

About Mining Review Africa: 
Mining Review Africa is the leading bi-monthly magazine and digital platform in the African mining industry. Every month, MRA reaches an audience of over 50 000 influential mining authorities and key decision makers through a variety of channels, including an interactive website, videos and print distribution at all major mining conferences in Africa and across the globe.  

MRA serves as a knowledge, news and information sharing platform which drives upliftment and sustainable development across the mining sector in Africa through articles on project developments and the technology and financial models that drive them.  

Through close interaction with major, mid-tier and junior mining houses; suppliers of capital; technology and plants, MRA is recognised as the industry’s thought leadership, innovation and strategic business content leader.

Source: APO

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has concluded financing facilities totalling US$190 million for CBZ Bank Limited of Zimbabwe, which is expected to support Zimbabwe’s economic growth.

In three separate facility agreements, signed in El Alamein, Egypt, by Haytham Elmaayergi, Executive Vice President, Global Trade Bank, Afreximbank, and Valeta Mthimkhulu, Managing Director, CBZ Bank Limited. The facilities aim to strengthen CBZ Bank’s capacity to provide financing products to companies across Zimbabwe.

The first facility is a US$150-million revolving trade finance facility for CBZ Bank Limited, enabling it to provide funding and letters of credit support to companies in Zimbabwe, helping bridge the trade finance gap in Africa.

A second facility, a US$20-million dual-tranche SME finance facility, will support CBZ Bank Limited by strengthening its capacity to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) engaged in trade and other trade-related activities. It is expected to strengthen CBZ Bank’s capacity to support SMEs through financing products and capacity building.

Finally, the two institutions also signed an agreement for a US$20-million dual-tranche on-lending facility to CBZ Bank Limited to help reduce power deficits and increase power stability in Zimbabwe and the SADC region, positioning CBZ Bank to participate in an approved US$210-million syndicated dual-tranche facility for the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company.

Mr. Haytham Elmaayergi, Executive Vice President, Global Trade Bank, Afreximbank, noted that the facilities, directly and indirectly, supported export-oriented businesses within Zimbabwe, serving as enablers to the generation of much-needed foreign exchange and easing of pressure on foreign currency, thereby boosting economic growth in the country.

He added that Afreximbank’s SME and trade finance interventions centred around financing, legal and regulatory frameworks, awareness and capacity building, services, and strategic partnerships.

“The US$150-million revolving trade finance facility will benefit several productive sectors in Zimbabwe, contributing to the country’s Vision 2030 aspiration: Towards a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030,” added Mr El Maayergi.

Speaking on the agreements, CBZ Bank Managing Director Valeta Mthimkhulu reiterated how through this agreement, CBZ is better positioned to deliver financing solutions that unlock opportunities for our clients across the spectrum.

“From exporters to small businesses, we are committed to enabling growth while contributing to key national priorities, including energy development,” she said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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

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For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com