Category: Africa

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Northern Cape a province making strides

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared the Northern Cape a province “on the move”. following a Presidential engagement between national and provincial leaders in Kimberley on Friday.

The President spoke to the media following the engagement which was held at the province’s Sol Plaatje University.

The President was accompanied by various Minster, Deputy Ministers and senior government officials. 

“We were very impressed with the presentation that they gave us and the vision that they have for the Northern Cape, [and] various projects, which they are hoping would turn around the economy of the province — from Boetgooebaa,i which is the port, water projects, roads and a whole number of projects. 

“This is the province that’s on the move. And… as you know, when it comes to renewable energy, it is the one province that has attracted more investment,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said the province is seen as a future leader of industrialisation and manufacturing.

“We’re looking at setting up an SEZ and making sure that manufacturing does come here which will be underpinned by the natural resources that the province has.

“The [irradiation] in this province are second to none in the world and that is why we’ve been able to attract so many investments to come to this province,” he said.

In a statement, the Presidency explained the key issues discussed at the engagement with the Northern Cape’s executive.

“The meeting discussed the ongoing roll out of catalytic economic development projects that require the deepening of cooperation between the national and provincial governments.

“These include the Boegoebaai Harbor and SEZ development, revitalisation and expansion of Vaalharts, Namakwa SEZ and the development of the infrastructure masterplan. The meeting further affirmed closer cooperation on issues of climate change mitigation considering the province’s vulnerability to erratic weather conditions.

“The national executive pledged to continue working closely with the province in areas of Transport and Logistics, Basic Education, Water and Sanitation infrastructure development, Human Settlements, Tourism and Energy and Electricity,” the statement read.

The engagement with the Northern Cape’s provincial government is the sixth such following meetings with executive councils of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape.

According to the Presidency, the sessions have resulted in “strengthening cooperative governance, breaking down silos and cooperative project planning that leads to collaborative execution”.

“As President Ramaphosa said during the Budget Debate last week, when the three spheres of government work together, the lives of the people of South Africa are improved.

“The President emphasised the importance of structured engagements between the national and provincial executives that assist government coordinate more efficiently, resolve challenges together and to plan smarter.

“The meetings are also meant to facilitate innovative ideas and proposals to address service delivery and skills challenges,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

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La Fondation Merck célèbre la Journée Mondiale de la Procréation Médicalement Assistée 2025 en offrant 716 bourses d’études en Embryologie, Fertilité et Soins Reproductive dans 41 pays d’Afrique et d’Asie

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

  • La Fondation Merck a marqué l’histoire en formant les premiers embryologistes et experts en reproduction et fertilité locaux dans de nombreux pays tels que la Gambie, Libéria, Burundi, Guinée, Tchad, Niger, Sierra Leone, Malawi et Congo. Elle a également soutenu la formation du personnel des premiers centres publics de FIV au Rwanda, Burundi, Éthiopie, Niger, Bangladesh et Myanmar.
  • La Fondation Merck a lancé le film d’animation « Plus Qu’une Mère » qui sensibilise sur la lutte contre la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, la prévention de l’infertilité et sur l’infertilité masculine. Visionnez-le ici : https://apo-opa.co/44PGUEB

La Fondation Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), la branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne, célèbre la « Journée Mondiale de la Procréation Médicalement Assistée (PMA) 2025 » en collaboration avec les Premières Dames Africaines et Asiatiques, qui sont également les Ambassadrices de la Campagne « Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère », en renforçant et en améliorant les capacités en matière de soins de fertilité en Afrique et en Asie.

Sénatrice Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck et Présidente de « Plus Qu’une Mère », a souligné : « À la Fondation Merck, nous célébrons la Journée Mondiale des Technologies de Procréation Médicalement Assistée en renforçant les capacités en matière de Fertilité et de Soins de Reproduction et en autonomisant les femmes infertiles en améliorant leur accès à l’information, en changeant les mentalités et en leur fournissant des soins de fertilité de qualité et équitables en Afrique et en Asie, dans le cadre de notre campagne ‘Plus Qu’une Mère’ ».

Je suis très fière d’annoncer que nous avons accordé jusqu’à ce jour 716 bourses d’études en Embryologie, Fertilité et Soins Sexuels et Reproductifs à de jeunes médecins de 41 pays d’Afrique et d’Asie pour qu’ils deviennent des Embryologistes et des experts locaux en Fertilité et Soins de Reproduction dans leurs pays. De plus, nombre de nos anciens boursiers ont été formés pour devenir les premiers experts locaux dans leurs pays où ils n’avaient jamais eu un seul embryologiste ou spécialiste de la fertilité avant notre programme, comme en Gambie, Burundi, Guinée, Tchad, Niger, Sierra Leone, Libéria, Malawi, Congo, Mozambique, etc.

En collaboration avec les Premières Dames Africaines et d’autres partenaires importants, nous écrivons l’histoire et remodelons le paysage de la fertilité et des soins de reproduction en Afrique et au-delà », a ajouté le Dr. Kelej.

La Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » est une campagne puissante qui définit des interventions visant à renforcer les capacités de soins de fertilité et de reproduction de qualité et équitables, à briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité et à sensibiliser sur la prévention de l’infertilité et l’infertilité masculine en particulier.

La Fondation Merck a accordé 2 280 bourses à des médecins de 52 pays dans 44 spécialités médicales critiques et mal desservies.

« Pour donner un aperçu, sur nos 716 bourses d’études en Fertilité et Soins de Reproduction, nous avons accordé plus de 324 bourses de formation clinique et pratique à des spécialistes de la fertilité et des embryologistes, et plus de 392 bourses de Diplômes Post-Universitaire et de Master en Médecine Sexuelle et Reproductive, Psychiatrie Clinique, Santé des Femmes, Biotechnologie de la Procréation Médicalement Assistée et Embryologie, Urologie, Chirurgie Laparoscopique et Médecine Familiale à des médecins de 41 pays d’Afrique et d’Asie. Nous sommes fiers de cette réussite », a ajouté le Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Selon les données de l’OMS, plus de 180 millions de couples dans les pays en voie de développement, soit un couple sur quatre, souffrent d’infertilité. Dans de nombreuses cultures africaines, l’infertilité est fortement stigmatisée. Les femmes sont les seules responsables de l’échec de la conception, et la stigmatisation sociale liée à l’infertilité, en particulier pour les femmes, conduit à l’isolement et à la stigmatisation, et se traduit par la discrimination et l’ostracisme. Cela conduit généralement au divorce ou à la violence physique ou psychologique. Dans le cadre de la campagne « Plus Qu’une Mère », la Fondation Merck a lancé de nombreuses initiatives pour briser cette stigmatisation et créer un changement de culture.

La Fondation Merck a également autonomisé les femmes sans enfants et infertiles grâce à son initiative « Empowering Berna » dans le cadre de son mouvement « Plus Qu’une Mère ». Cette initiative aide les femmes qui ne peuvent plus être traitées pour infertilité en les aidant à se former à la création de petits commerces afin qu’elles puissent être indépendantes et rebâtir leur vie. Grâce à « Empowering Berna », la vie de nombreuses femmes infertiles a été transformée dans de nombreux pays africains comme le Kenya, l’Ouganda, Nigéria, République Centrafricaine, Niger, Malawi et bien d’autres.

« Il s’agit avant tout d’accorder à chaque femme le respect et l’aide qu’elle mérite pour mener une vie épanouissante, avec ou sans enfant », a ajouté le Dr. Kelej.

De plus, la Fondation Merck a formé plus de 3 700 représentants des médias de plus de 35 pays afin de sensibiliser la communauté et de briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité et aux femmes infertiles et sans enfants.

La Fondation Merck, en partenariat avec les Premières Dames d’Afrique, a également lancé le livre d’histoires pour enfants « Plus Qu’une Mère » afin de mettre en avant les valeurs familiales fortes d’amour et de respect dès le plus jeune âge qui sera reflété sur l’élimination de la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité et des violences conjugales qui en découlent à l’avenir. Les livres d’histoires ont été adaptés pour chaque pays et en trois langues, anglais, français et portugais, afin de mieux toucher les jeunes lecteurs. Le livre d’histoires a également été adapté en film d’animation.

Regardez le film d’animation « Plus Qu’une Mère » ici : https://apo-opa.co/44PGUEB

L’émission télévisée panafricaine de la Fondation Merck « Notre Afrique », conceptualisée, produite, réalisée et co-animée par la Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck, et mettant en vedette des créateurs de mode, des chanteurs et d’éminents experts africains de divers domaines dans le but de sensibiliser et de créer un changement de culture à travers l’Afrique, comporte de nombreux épisodes consacrés sur la sensibilisation de l’infertilité et briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité.

Regardez les épisodes ici :

Épisode 3 : https://apo-opa.co/44OQc3I

Épisode 5 : https://apo-opa.co/4f6JZDz

Épisode 10 : https://apo-opa.co/4lgc7Wx

La Fondation Merck a également publié une trentaine de chansons, dont beaucoup ont été créées dans le but de briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, dans le cadre de sa campagne « Plus Qu’une Mère ». Écoutez quelques chansons ici :

  1. Regardez, partagez et abonnez-vous à « Plus qu’une Mère », composée et interprétée par Mme Lucky-Lou, fille du Président et de la Première Dame du Burundi : https://apo-opa.co/46YM2aD
  2. Regardez, partagez et abonnez-vous à la chanson « More Than a Mother » de Cwesi Oteng et Adina du Ghana : https://apo-opa.co/3H5X2bP
  3. Regardez, partagez et abonnez-vous à la chanson « More Than a Mother » de la chanteuse soul zambienne Wezi : https://apo-opa.co/4f3DIIM
  4. Regardez, partagez et abonnez-vous à la chanson « More Than a Mother » de Sunita Daffeh de Gambie : https://apo-opa.co/471MBAx

Écoutez toutes les chansons de « Plus Qu’une Mère » Ici :

https://apo-opa.co/4mai2wX

« Pour répondre à cet enjeu important de lutte contre la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, ainsi qu’à un large éventail d’autres problèmes sociaux, nous lançons chaque année les Prix « Plus Qu’une Mère » de la Fondation Merck, en partenariat avec les Premières Dames Africaines. J’invite également la communauté africaine des médias, de la mode, du cinéma et de la musique, les étudiants et les talents potentiels de ces domaines à postuler aux prix cette année en partageant leurs créations à l’adresse submit@merck-foundation.com », a conclu la Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Distribué par APO Group pour Merck Foundation.

Images supplémentaires : 
https://apo-opa.co/4f3DDEY

Contact :
Mehak Handa
Responsable du programme de sensibilisation communautaire
Téléphone : +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
E-mail : mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Rejoignez la conversation sur nos plateformes de réseaux sociaux ci-dessous et faites entendre votre voix :
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Site Web : www.Merck-Foundation.com
Télécharger l’Application de la Fondation Merck : https://apo-opa.co/3GR2fEp

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/4f6SOgJ), X (https://apo-opa.co/4f9yYRV), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4mgf4XZ), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4lIrMyD), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3IEKOaL) et Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4lIrQ1l).

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Fundação Merck celebra o Dia Mundial da Tecnologia de Reprodução Assistida (TRA) 2025 com a concessão de 716 bolsas de estudo em Embriologia, Fertilidade e Cuidados Reprodutivos em 41 países da África e da Ásia

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

  • A Fundação Merck fez história ao treinar os primeiros embriologistas e especialistas em reprodução e fertilidade locais em diversos países, como Gâmbia, Libéria, Burundi, Guiné, Chade, Níger, Serra Leoa, Malawi e Congo. Além disso, apoiou o treinamento da equipa dos primeiros centros públicos de fertilização in vitro em Ruanda, Burundi, Etiópia, Níger, Bangladesh e Mianmar.
  • A Fundação Merck lançou o filme de animação “Mais do Que uma Mãe”, que conscientiza sobre a quebra do estigma da infertilidade, a prevenção da infertilidade e a infertilidade masculina. Assista aqui. https://apo-opa.co/44PGUEB

Fundação Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), o braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha, celebra ‘Dia Mundial da TRA (Tecnologia de Reprodução Assistida) 2025’ junto com Primeiras-Damas africanas e asiáticas, que também são Embaixadoras da campanha “Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe”, desenvolvimento e promovendo a capacidade de cuidados de fertilidade em África e na Ásia.

A Senadora, Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck e Presidente da “Mais do Que uma Mãe” enfatizou: “Na Fundação Merck nós celebramos Dia Mundial da Tecnologia de Reprodução Assistida desenvolvendo capacidade em Fertilidade e Cuidados Reprodutivos e empoderar mulheres com infertilidade, melhorar o seu acesso à informação, mudança de mentalidade e cuidados de fertilidade de qualidade e equitativos em toda a África e Ásia como parte da nossa campanha “Mais do Que uma Mãe”.

Estou muito orgulhoso de partilhar que fornecemos até hoje 716 bolsas de estudo em Embriologia, Fertilidade e Cuidados Sexuais e Reprodutivos para jovens médicos de 41 países da África e da Ásia para serem os embriologistas locais, especialistas em fertilidade e cuidados reprodutivos em seus países. Além disso, muitos de nossos ex-alunos foram treinados para serem os primeiros especialistas locais em seus países, onde nunca houve nenhum embriologista ou especialista em fertilidade local antes do nosso programa, como: Gâmbia, Burundi, Guiné, Chade, Níger, Serra Leoa, Libéria, Malawi, Congo, Moçambique e muito mais.

Juntamente com as Primeiras-Damas Africanas e outros parceiros importantes, estamos a fazer história e a remodelar o cenário da fertilidade e cuidados reprodutivos em toda a África e além”, acrescentou a Dra. Kelej.

A Fundação Merck “Mais do Que uma Mãe” é uma campanha poderosa que define intervenções para desenvolver capacidade de cuidados reprodutivos e de fertilidade de qualidade e equitativos, quebrar o estigma da infertilidade e aumentar a conscientização sobre a prevenção da infertilidade e a infertilidade masculina.

A Fundação Merck concedeu 2280 bolsas de estudo para médicos de 52 países em 44 especialidades médicas críticas e carentes. “Para dar uma visão geral, do nosso total de 716 bolsas para Fertilidade e Cuidados Reprodutivos, nós fornecemos mais de 324 bolsas de estudo para treinamento clínico e prático para especialistas em fertilidade e embriologistas, e mais de 392 bolsas de estudo para diploma de pós-graduação e mestrado em medicina sexual e reprodutiva, psiquiatria clínica, saúde da mulher, biotecnologia de reprodução humana assistida e embriologia, urologia, habilidades cirúrgicas laparoscópicas e medicina de família para médicos de 41 países da África e da Ásia. Estamos orgulhosos desta conquista”, acrescentou a Dra. Rasha Kelej.

Segundo dados da OMS, mais de 180 milhões de casais em países em desenvolvimento – ou seja, 1 em cada 4 casais – sofrem de infertilidade. Em muitas culturas africanas, a infertilidade é um enorme estigma. As mulheres são as únicas culpadas por não conseguirem engravidar, e o estigma social da ausência de filhos, especialmente para as mulheres, leva ao isolamento e à estigmatização, resultando em discriminação e ostracismo. Isso também leva, em grande parte, ao divórcio ou à violência física ou psicológica. Como parte da campanha “Mais Que uma Mãe”, a Fundação Merck lançou diversas iniciativas para quebrar esse estigma e promover uma mudança cultural.

A Fundação Merck também tem capacitado mulheres sem filhos e com infertilidade através da sua iniciativa “Empoderar Berna” sob o seu movimento “Mais do Que uma Mãe”. Esta iniciativa ajuda mulheres que não podem mais ser tratadas para infertilidade, capacitando-as para abrir pequenos negócios, permitindo-lhes ser independentes e reconstruir suas vidas. Através do programa “Empoderar Berna”, a vida de muitas mulheres com infertilidade foi transformada em muitos países africanos, como Quénia, Uganda, Nigéria, República Centro-Africana, Níger, Malawi e muitos outros.

“Trata-se de dar a cada mulher o respeito e a ajuda que ela merece para levar uma vida plena, com ou sem filhos”, acrescentou a Dra. Kelej.

Além disso, a Fundação Merck treinou mais de 3.700 representantes da mídia de mais de 35 países para aumentar a conscientização da comunidade e quebrar o estigma em torno da infertilidade e das mulheres com infertilidade e sem filhos.

Fundação Merck em parceria com as Primeiras-Damas Africanas, também lançou Livro de histórias infantis ‘Mais do Que Mãe’ para enfatizar fortes valores familiares de amor e respeito desde a infância, o que refletirá na eliminação do estigma da infertilidade e da violência doméstica resultante no futuro. Os livros de histórias foram localizados para cada país e em três idiomas: inglês, francês e português, para melhor conectar-se com os jovens leitores. O livro também foi adaptado para um filme de animação.

Assista o filme de animação Mais do Que uma Mãe aqui: https://apo-opa.co/44PGUEB

O Programa Televisivo pan-africano “Nossa África” da Fundação Merck que é conceituado, produzido, dirigido e co-apresentado pela Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck e apresenta estilistas de moda africanos, cantores e especialistas proeminentes de vários domínios com o objectivo de aumentar a conscientização e criar uma mudança cultural em toda a África, tem muitos episódios dedicados a aumentar a conscientização sobre a infertilidade e quebrar o estigma da infertilidade.

Assista aos episódios aqui:

Episódio 3: https://apo-opa.co/44OQc3I

Episódio 5: https://apo-opa.co/4f6JZDz

Episódio 10: https://apo-opa.co/4lgc7Wx

A Fundação Merck também lançou cerca de 30 músicas, muitas delas criadas com o objectivo de quebrar o estigma da infertilidade, como parte da campanha “Mais do Que uma Mãe”. Ouça algumas das músicas aqui:

  1. Assista, partilhe & subscreva-se à música ‘Plus qu’une MERE’ composta e cantada pela Sr.ª Lucky-Lou, a filha do Presidente e da Primeira-Dama do Burundi: https://apo-opa.co/46YM2aD
  2. Assista, partilhe & subscreva-se à música “More Than a Mother” cantada por Cwesi Oteng e Adina do Gana: https://apo-opa.co/3H5X2bP
  3. Assista, partilhe & subscreva-se à música “More Than a Mother” cantada por Cantora de soul zambiana Wezi:
  4. Assista, partilhe & subscreva-se à música “More Than a Mother” cantada por Sunita Daffeh da Gâmbia: https://apo-opa.co/471MBAx

Ouça todas as músicas de “More than a Mother” aqui:

https://apo-opa.co/4mai2wX

Para abordar esta importante questão de quebrar o estigma da infertilidade e também uma ampla gama de outras questões sociais, lançamos anualmente o Prêmio “Mais Que uma Mãe” da Fundação Merck em parceria com as Primeiras-Damas Africanas. Gostaria também de convidar a Comunidade Africana de Mídia, Moda, Cinema e Música, estudantes e potenciais talentos nessas áreas a se candidatarem aos prêmios deste ano, compartilhando seus trabalhos criativos em submit@merck-foundation.com”, concluiu Senadora, Dra. Rasha Kelej.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Merck Foundation.

Imagens Adicionais: 
https://apo-opa.co/4f3DDEY

Contato:
Mehak Handa
Gerente do Programa de Conscientização Comunitária
Telefone: +91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Junte-se à conversa nas plataformas das nossas mídias sociais e deixe a sua voz ser ouvida:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4f6SOgJ
X: https://apo-opa.co/4f9yYRV
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4lIrMyD
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4mgf4XZ
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/3IEKOaL
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4lIrQ1l
Site: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Baixar a Aplicação da Fundação Merck: https://apo-opa.co/3GR2fEp

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/4f6SOgJ), X (https://apo-opa.co/4f9yYRV), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4mgf4XZ), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4lIrMyD), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3IEKOaL) e Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4lIrQ1l). 

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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Merck Foundation marks World ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) Day 2025 by providing 716 scholarships of Embryology, Fertility and Reproductive care in 41 countries in Africa and Asia

Source: APO – Report:

  • Merck Foundation has made history by training the first local Embryologists and Reproductive & Fertility Experts in many countries such as The Gambia, Liberia,  Burundi, Guinea, Chad, Niger, Sierra Leone, Malawi, and Congo. Moreover, supported training for the staff of First Public IVF Centers in Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Niger, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
  • Merck Foundation launched “More Than a Mother Animation Film” that raises awareness about breaking infertility stigma, infertility prevention and male infertility, watch here: https://apo-opa.co/44PGUEB

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks ‘World ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) Day 2025’ together with African and Asian First Ladies, who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” Campaign, by building and advancing fertility care capacity in Africa and Asia.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than  a Mother” emphasized, “At Merck Foundation we mark World Assisted Reproductive Technology Day by building Fertility and Reproductive Care capacity and empowering infertile women by improving their access to information, change of mindset and quality & equitable fertility care across Africa & Asia as part of our “More than a Mother” campaign.

I am very proud to share that we have provided till today 716 scholarships of Embryology, Fertility and Sexual & Reproductive care to young doctors from 41 countries in Africa and Asia to be the local Embryologists, Fertility & Reproductive care experts in their countries. Moreover, many of our Alumni were trained to be the first local experts in their countries where they never had even a single local embryologist or fertility specialist before our program such as; The Gambia, Burundi, Guinea, Chad, Niger, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Malawi, Congo , Mozambique and more.

Together with African First Ladies, and other important partners, we are making history and reshaping the landscape of fertility & Reproductive care across Africa and beyond”, added Dr. Kelej.

Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” is a powerful campaign that defines interventions to build quality and equitable Reproductive and Fertility Care Capacity, Break Infertility Stigma and Raise Awareness about Infertility Prevention and Male Infertility.

Merck Foundation has provided 2280 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

“To give an overview, out of our total 716 scholarships for Fertility and Reproductive care, we have provided more than 324 Scholarships for clinical and practical training to Fertility Specialists and Embryologists, and more than 392 Scholarships for PG Diploma and Master Degree in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women’s Health, Biotechnology of Human Assisted Reproduction & Embryology, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical skills and Family Medicine to doctors from 41 countries across Africa and Asia. We are proud of this achievement”, added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

According to WHO data, more than 180 million couples in developing countries – that is 1 in every 4 couple, suffer from infertility. In many cultures in Africa, infertility is a huge stigma. Women are solely blamed for failing to conceive and the social stigma of childlessness, especially for women leads to isolation and stigmatization and results in discrimination and ostracism. This mostly also leads to divorce or physical or psychological violence. As a part of “More Than a  Mother” Campaign, Merck Foundation has launched many initiatives to break this stigma and create a culture shift.

Merck Foundation has also been empowering childless and infertile women through their “Empowering Berna” initiative under their “More Than a Mother” movement. This initiative helps women who cannot be treated for infertility anymore by helping them get trained to establish small businesses so that they can be independent and rebuild their lives. Through ‘Empowering Berna’, the lives of many infertile women have been transformed in many African countries like Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Central African Republic, Niger, Malawi, and many more.

“It’s all about giving every woman the respect and the help she deserves to lead a fulfilling life, with or without a child,” added Dr. Kelej.

Moreover, Merck Foundation has trained more than 3700 media representatives from more than 35 countries to raise community awareness and break the stigma around infertility and infertile and childless women.

Merck Foundation in partnership with Africa’s First Ladies, has also launched ‘More Than Mother’ Children’s storybook to emphasize strong family values of love and respect from a young age which will reflect on eliminating the stigma of infertility and the resulted domestic violence in the future. The storybooks have been localized for each country and in three languages, English, French and Portuguese to better connect with the young readers. The book has also been adapted to an animation film.

Watch More Than a Mother Animation Film here: https://apo-opa.co/44PGUEB

Merck Foundation’s pan African TV program “Our Africa”, that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and features African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa, has many episodes dedicated to raise awareness about infertility and breaking infertility stigma.

Watch the episodes here:

Episode 3: https://apo-opa.co/44OQc3I

Episode 5: https://apo-opa.co/4f6JZDz

Episode 10: https://apo-opa.co/4lgc7Wx

Merck Foundation has also released about 30 songs, many of these songs have been created with the aim to break the infertility stigma, as a part of their “More Than a Mother” campaign. Listen to some of the songs here:

  1. Watch, share & subscribe to the ‘Plus qu’une MERE’ composed and sung by Ms. Lucky-Lou, the daughter of The President and The First Lady of Burundi: https://apo-opa.co/46YM2aD
  2. Watch, share & subscribe to the “More Than a Mother” song by Cwesi Oteng and Adina from Ghana: https://apo-opa.co/3H5X2bP
  3. Watch, share & subscribe to the “More Than a Mother” song by Zambian Soul Singer Wezi: https://apo-opa.co/4f3DIIM
  4. Watch, share & subscribe to the “More Than a Mother” song by Sunita Daffeh from the Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/471MBAx

Listen to all “More than a Mother” songs here:

https://apo-opa.co/4mai2wX

“To address this important issue of breaking infertility stigma and also a wide range of other social issues, we annually launch Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother’ Awards in partnership with African First Ladies. I would also like to invite the African Community of Media, Fashion, Filmmaking, and Musicians, students, and potential talents in these fields to apply for the awards this year by sharing their creative work on submit@merck-foundation.com”, concluded Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

– on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Addtional Images: 
https://apo-opa.co/4f3DDEY

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

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4f6SOgJ
X: https://apo-opa.co/4f9yYRV
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4lIrMyD
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4mgf4XZ
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/3IEKOaL
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4lIrQ1l
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3GR2fEp

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 and scientific research capacity 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/4f6SOgJ), X (https://apo-opa.co/4f9yYRV), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4mgf4XZ), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4lIrMyD), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3IEKOaL) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4lIrQ1l).

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Angola’s National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency (ANPG) Drives Ambitious Investment Strategy, Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 as Diamond Partner

Source: APO – Report:

Angola’s upstream regulator the National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency (ANPG) has joined Africa’s largest energy event – African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies – as a Diamond Partner. The ANPG’s participation comes as Angola witnesses a $60 billion investment drive across its upstream oil and gas industry between 2025 and 2030, led by a series of ambitious exploration and production projects. As the country strives to sustain oil production above one million barrels per day (bpd) while diversifying the industry through non-associated gas development, AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 will serve as a vital platform for advancing investment across Angola’s blocks.

Angola’s upstream capital expenditure drive is largely accredited to the ANPG’s multi-year licensing strategy – launched in 2019 -, which laid the foundation for greater investment in both brownfield and greenfield blocks. Through this strategy, the ANPG aims to award 50 concessions by 2025, with 30 new concessions already awarded to date. Currently, the ANPG is preparing to launch its next licensing round in 2025, offering ten blocks for investment in the offshore Kwanza and Benguela basins. At AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, insights into this licensing strategy will support future investments in Angola.

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 https://AECWeek.com/ for more information about this exciting event.

Beyond the multi-year licensing strategy, the ANPG has introduced a series of flexible investment structures that enable operators to invest in Angolan blocks out of the confines of traditional bid rounds. Through its permanent offer program, the ANPG has enticed spending across blocks that have not been awarded under the bid rounds. At present, up to 11 blocks are available on direct negotiation. Meanwhile, the country also launched five marginal fields for investment in 2024. These fields are suited for smaller players seeking near-term production and are situated in producing blocks with proven petroleum systems. The ANPG also introduced an Incremental Production Initiative in 2024, aimed at enticing investment in producing and maturing assets. The program features improved fiscals for operators seeking to reinvest in ageing assets and has already yielded positive results. Energy major ExxonMobil, for example, made a discovery at the Likember-01 well in 2024. This find represented the first under the initiative.

These investment structures have laid the groundwork for billion-dollar projects in Angola. Between 2025 and 2028, the country expects several major projects to come online. These include the Cabinda Oil Refinery (2025); the Agogo Integrated West Hub Development (2025); the New Gas Consortium’s non-associated gas project (2026); and the Kaminho Deepwater Development (2028). The country is also spearheading onshore exploration with the aim of revitalizing production across inland basins. A range of onshore contracts have been signed by the ANPG and international operators in recent months, covering strategic acreage in the onshore Kwanza and Lower Congo basins. The ANPG also signed deals with XTG and ReconAfrica for exploration rights in the frontier Etosha-Okavango basin, with the companies targeting play-opening discoveries.  

As sub-Saharan Africa’s second largest oil producer, Angola is also making forays into non-associated gas development. With the majority of the country’s gas developed through associated projects, the country is targeting gas-focused exploration wells under efforts to enhance feedstock for the Angola LNG plant, increase LPG production and support long-term economic growth through gas-to-power, petrochemicals and job creation opportunities. In July 2025, project partners at Block 1/14 in the Lower Congo basin made a new gas discovery at the Gajajeira-01 exploration well. Initial assessments suggest reserves of up to one trillion cubic feet of gas and up to 100 million barrels of associated condensate. An upcoming Gas Master Plan – offering a comprehensive guide to investing in Angola’s gas industry – is expected to further support discoveries of this nature, affirming the country’s position as a major gas producer.

“The ANPG’s investment strategy is one that should be replicated across various African countries. It’s multi-year licensing round offers recurring opportunities for companies to invest in onshore and offshore blocks while its permanent offer program introduces flexibility for operators. Marginal fields entice smaller players to invest while incremental production encourages spending in producing assets. This strategy has already led to large-scale projects and will continue to strengthen Angola’s oil and gas market for years to come,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Coca-Cola Beverages Africa invests R365m in new high-speed line in South Africa

Source: APO – Report:

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) (www.CCBAGroup.com) has invested R365m in a new state-of-the-art bottling line capable of producing 72,000 bottles per hour at its plant in Midrand, South Africa.

The high-speed production line marks a South African first, producing Bonaqua Pump Still 750ml and Powerade 500ml packs with an innovative sports bottle cap. Beyond this milestone, the line will also produce Bonaqua Still in 330ml and 500ml packs, further driving the company’s efforts to expand its hydration category. Underscoring a commitment to innovation, the line will additionally produce the recently launched Powerade Springboks Edition.

“By launching this new line, we strengthen our ability to meet growing consumer demand and create shared value across the local value chain, including for our customers and communities,” said Moses Lubisi, Manufacturing and Technical Director at Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), a company in the CCBA group.

“Importantly, this investment reaffirms the Coca-Cola system’s local approach – we produce locally, distribute locally and, where possible, source locally.”

“At CCBA, our passion for refreshing the continent drives everything we do,” said Sunil Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of CCBA. “This new production line in South Africa represents a key step in our ambitious growth plans in all our markets on the continent. It enhances our ability to meet consumer needs while reinforcing our commitment to delivering reliability and top-quality beverages across Africa.”

To help support the company’s environmental goals, the new production line features advanced technology to optimise water and energy use. Additionally, the line required skills training for employees, contributing to the development of a future-ready workforce for both the business and the country.  

– on behalf of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.

ISSUED BY:
Motshidisi Mokwena
Head: Reputation and Communication Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa
Tel: +27 83 306 0349
Email: mmokwena@ccbagroup.com

Keli Fernie
Head: Reputation and Communication Coca-Cola Beverages Africa
Tel: +27 82 419 8766
Email: kfernie@ccbagroup.com

Follow us on: 
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/456e7ua

About CCBA:
CCBA is the eighth largest Coca-Cola authorised bottler in the world by revenue, and the largest on the continent. It accounts for over 40% of all Coca-Cola ready-to-drink beverages sold in Africa by volume. With over 18,000 employees in Africa, CCBA group services more than 735,000 customers with a host of international and local brands. CCBA group operates in 15 countries, including its six key markets of South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Mozambique and Namibia, as well as Tanzania, Botswana, Ghana, Zambia, the islands of Comoros and Mayotte, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Malawi.

Learn more at  https://www.CCBAGroup.com

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Proposals sought to raise funds for foreign currency borrowing programme 

Source: Government of South Africa

The Republic of South Africa, through the National Treasury, has called for eligible market participants to submit proposals that will raise a minimum amount of US$ 500 million for the country’s foreign currency borrowing programme.

This as National Treasury is seeking to supplement its foreign currency borrowing programme for the 2025/26 fiscal year by exploring innovative and cost-effective financing mechanisms.

“Proposals should raise, on a stand-alone or combined basis, a minimum amount of US$ 500 million. If funding is offered in another hard currency, the counterparty must commit to swapping the proceeds into US dollars at closing,” National Treasury said in a statement on Friday.

This funding initiative aims to diversifying the sovereign’s hard currency funding toolkit beyond a traditional Eurobond; reduce execution risk and minimise the all-in cost of funds; and maintain flexibility for future liability management actions aligned with evolving market conditions.

Government is expecting responses from primary dealers in South African government securities; internationally active arranging banks; multilateral institutions; institutional investors; and other regulated financial entities with capacity to fund at scale, either directly or through an arranging bank.

Treasury will consider a range of instruments, including, but not limited to:
•    bilateral term loans;
•    private placements of floating rate notes;
•    repurchase agreements against sovereign collateral;
•    cross-currency or total return swaps with funding legs in US dollars, and
•    other structured note formats.

Proposals incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) or sustainability-linked features are encouraged, particularly if aligned with the National Treasury’s ESG framework.

Proposals will be assessed on the basis of:
•    overall cost of funds (spread over the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) or equivalent benchmark);
•    speed and certainty of execution;
•    compatibility with the sovereign’s maturity profile and debt service peaks;
•    operational simplicity; and resilience to market shocks, including currency volatility and rate spikes.

Interested parties have been advised to submit a PDF term sheet, including proposed amount, tenor, pricing and indicative spread; settlement date; key covenants or conditions precedent; collateral requirements (if any); governing law and documentation platform; and any relevant ESG characteristics.

Deadline for submission

The deadline for the submission of proposals is Wednesday, 6 August 2025, at 12:00 South African Standard Time (SAST).
The evaluation window will start on Thursday, 7 August 2025 – Friday, 29 August 2025.

This request contains no material, non-public information and may be shared with public-side desks. All proposals and follow-up discussions will be treated confidentially and will comply with all applicable South African public finance regulations.

Submission channel and contacts are as follows:
•    Please email proposals to: debtissuanceandmanagement@treasury.gov.za

Enquiries may be directed to:
•    Terry Bomela Msomi Director: Treasury Funding Tel: +27 12 315 5135
•    Wanga Cibi Chief Director: Liability Management Tel: +27 12 315 5132

– SAnews.gov.za

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Boosting Growth with Inclusive Financial Development Crucial to Unlock Angola’s Poverty Alleviation Efforts

Source: APO


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Angola recorded the highest economic expansion since 2014, with real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth reaching 4.4% in 2024. According to the latest edition of the Angola Economic Update (AEU) published by the World Bank Group (WBG) today, titled Boosting Growth with Inclusive Financial Development, this growth was driven by the oil sector’s recovery and diamond extraction, along with strong expansion in commerce and fishing.

The report highlights that despite a rebound in economic activity in 2024, Angola still struggles with the lasting impacts of prolonged stagnation. From 2016 to 2020, the economy contracted by approximately 10.4%, averaging a 2.1% annual decline. This sluggish growth stemmed from structural challenges and heavy dependence on the oil sector, making it susceptible to global price fluctuations. Real GDP growth is projected at an average of 2.9% from 2025 to 2027, but this is unlikely to significantly improve living standards. Increased global uncertainty, including falling oil prices, emphasizes the need for Angola to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil.

“The Angolan economy is in urgent need of establishing a consistent pathway toward robust growth to address nearly a decade of stagnation and to improve conditions for poverty alleviation. There is optimism that the comprehensive economic reforms currently being implemented by the government will produce positive outcomes and unlock the country’s potential,” said Juan Carlos Alvarez, World Bank Country Manager for Angola. “The country must intensify its support for key sectors that can significantly contribute to the essential process of economic diversification. A deeper analysis of these sectors and the needed structural reforms are discussed in the Angola Country Economic Memorandum, also published today,” he added.

The AEU emphasizes the importance of promoting inclusive financial development in Angola to address the existing significant inequality and exclusion, particularly in rural areas where access to formal banking services is limited. Women and older adults are particularly affected. Compared to other countries in the region, Angolan households have less access to credit, savings, and digital financial services. Advancing financial inclusion can boost economic participation and resilience, leading to sustainable growth and poverty reduction. Access to banking, credit, and insurance empowers small businesses, farmers, and entrepreneurs, enhancing productivity and job creation. Moreover, financial inclusion can reduce income inequality by providing marginalized groups with opportunities to build assets and improve their well-being.

The report highlights that implementing key reforms can create a more robust and inclusive financial sector in Angola, essential for diversifying the economy and fostering growth and job creation. It emphasizes the need for broader access to financial services beyond Luanda, especially as Angola focuses on economic activities in the Lobito Corridor and develops secondary cities. Additionally, the rise of digital banking and mobile payments offers a significant opportunity to reach underserved populations, enhancing economic resilience and promoting inclusive development.

The report outlines essential reforms that Angola can implement to foster the growth of its financial sector and enhance accessibility in an inclusive manner. These reforms include:

  1. Developing digital payments to expand access to financial services in remote areas.
  2. Making digital payments more accessible and intuitive.
  3. Establishing a favorable regulatory framework to increase access to finance for Microcredit and Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
  4. Promoting lending to MSMEs and improving the transparency and market alignment of initiatives to finance MSMEs.
  5. Implementing the Financial Action Task Force action plan and addressing deficiencies in the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) Framework. 
  6. Increasing access to insurance for individuals and MSMEs, including weather-based-index insurance for agricultural activities.

“While addressing financial inclusion in Angola has several challenges, particularly for low-income and rural communities, there are constructive opportunities to address these barriers. By implementing regulatory reforms, embracing digital innovations, and enhancing financial education, Angola can pave the way for a more diverse economy and unlock new avenues for growth and job creation,” said Benedicte Baduel, World Bank Senior Country Economist for Angola.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

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Mobilisation is urgently needed to avoid further deaths from northern Nigeria malnutrition crisis

Source: APO


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  • In northern Nigeria, our teams are seeing an ever-increasing number of children in need of treatment for malnutrition.
  • We have begun a preventive campaign in Mashi local government area, distributing nutrition supplements for 66,000 children.
  • Urgent mobilisation is needed to save lives from this malnutrition crisis.

Northern Nigeria is currently facing an alarming malnutrition crisis. In Katsina state, for instance, where Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been present since 2021, the teams are seeing an ever-increasing number of malnourished children in our therapeutic feeding centres, with increasingly severe conditions and higher mortality rates.

In collaboration with the local authorities, we have begun distributing nutrition supplements for 66,000 children in the local government area of Mashi, as a method for emergency prevention. In the context of drastic cuts in international funding, the need for prevention and treatment of malnutrition is enormous in northern Nigeria, and urgent mobilisation is required.

By the end of June 2025, nearly 70,000 children with malnutrition had already received medical care from our teams in Katsina state, including nearly 10,000 who were hospitalised in serious condition. Without taking into account the new healthcare facilities opened by MSF during the year in the state, this represents an increase of approximately one-third compared to last year.

In addition, between January and June 2025, the number of children with nutritional oedema,1 the most severe and deadly form of malnutrition, rose by 208 per cent compared with the same period in 2024. Unfortunately, 652 children have already died in our facilities since the beginning of 2025 due to a lack of timely access to care.

A worrying sign of the growing severity of this major public health emergency, is that adults—particularly women, including pregnant and breastfeeding women—are also affected. A screening carried out in July, in all five MSF malnutrition centres in Katsina state, on 750 mothers of patients, revealed that more than half of adult caregivers were acutely malnourished, including 13 per cent with severe acute malnutrition.

To cope with the massive influx of children expected by the end of the lean season in October, we have increased our support to the local authorities in several states in north Nigeria where we provide care to communities. In Katsina state for instance, we opened a new outpatient therapeutic feeding centre in Mashi and an additional inpatient therapeutic feeding centre in Turai, to provide a total of 900 beds in two hospitals where MSF teams work.

“The year 2024 marked a turning point in northern Nigeria’s nutritional crisis, with an increase of 25 per cent from the previous year,” says Ahmed Aldikhari, country representative of MSF in Nigeria. “But the true scale of the crisis exceeds all predictions. We are currently witnessing massive budget cuts, particularly from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, which are having a real impact on the treatment of malnourished children.”

Earlier this week, the World Food Programme (WFP) announced it will be forced to suspend all emergency food and nutrition aid for 1.3 million people in northeast Nigeria by the end of July due to “critical funding shortfalls”.2

“At the same time, we observe ever-increasing needs, such as in Katsina state, where an increasing number of people cannot afford to buy food anymore, even though it is available in markets,” says Aldikhari.

A food security survey carried out by humanitarian organisations in the local government area of Kaita, in Katsina state, before the lean season began at the start of 2025 revealed that over 90 per cent of households had reduced the number of meals they ate each day.

Across the north, other factors worsening the malnutrition crisis include disease outbreaks, which are worsened by low vaccine coverage, availability, and accessibility of basic health services, and other socioeconomic indices complicated by insecurity and violence.

“The most urgent way to reduce the risk of immediate death from malnutrition is to ensure families have access to food,” says Emmanuel Berbain, nutrition adviser at MSF. “This can be done through large-scale distribution of food or nutrition supplements, as we are currently doing in the Mashi area, or through cash distributions when and where it is possible.” 

The capacity to care for and treat malnourished children must also be expanded, both by increasing the number of beds in health facilities, and by providing funding and access to ready-to-use therapeutic food. These actions must be undertaken as a priority in areas where the needs, such as the number of malnourished children, are greatest.

People over the age of five, who are also increasingly affected by malnutrition but are currently not covered by any assistance, should also be included in prevention programmes.

On 8 July, His Excellency Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima publicly sounded the alarm on the scale of malnutrition in Nigeria, warning that it deprives almost 40 per cent of children under the age of five of their full physical and cognitive potential. He described the situation as a national emergency requiring urgent and collective action.

MSF treated over 300,000 children with malnutrition in seven northern states in 2024, a 25 per cent increase from 2023. In the northwest alone, where MSF tackles malnutrition in the states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Zamfara, we have already treated almost 100,000 children suffering from severe and moderate acute malnutrition in outpatient treatment centres in the first six months of 2025, and hospitalised around 25,000 malnourished children.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

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Committee on Agriculture Commends Improved Performance of Agricultural Research Council (ARC), National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) and Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) in the Fourth Quarter of 2024/25

Source: APO


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The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture welcomed the briefings it received yesterday from the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), and the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) on their performance in the fourth quarter of the 2024/25 financial year and commended their notable performance.

In welcoming the briefings from the three entities of the Department of Agriculture, the Chairperson of the Committee, Ms Dina Pule, said the committee was happy about the progress that the entities reported to the committee. She said the committee notes the hard work the entities have demonstrated and called for more improvement in all the areas of work that included implementation of the Auditor General’s recommendations on their last audit outcomes.

The ARC reported that funding for building of the new Foot-and-mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine Facility is still a challenge and that, efforts to obtain the required funding for the new facility remains a priority. The entity reported that field assessment of the FMD vaccine in Mpumalanga and Limpopo is ongoing and the study on vaccine safety in pregnant cows and young calves has been initiated.

In appreciating the performance of the NAMC, the committee called on the entity to do more on finding market access for the small-scale farmers as markets are alfa and omega for their growth, survival and meaningful contribution to the South African economy and for national food security.

The Chairperson told the Deputy Minister of the Department of Agriculture, Ms Zoleka Capa, who led the departmental delegation, that the committee notes with appreciation the accountability of both the Minister and his Deputy that they demonstrate to the committee.

The Chairperson also said that accountability is a critical starting point for the success of the department. “We deeply appreciate your availability to our meetings with the department. Your presence solidifies the accountability of the department to the committee and the oversight responsibility of the committee over the department,” emphasised the Chairperson.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.