Category: Africa

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Minister undertakes oversight visit to Lesotho Highlands Water Project

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister undertakes oversight visit to Lesotho Highlands Water Project

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina is this weekend leading a South African delegation to Lesotho for an oversight visit to assess progress on Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP).

The Minister is accompanied by Deputy Minister David Mahobo and Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Seiso Mohai.

The delegation is scheduled to meet Lesotho’s Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko.

Majodina will be joined on the two-day visit beginning on Saturday, 14 December 2025, by representatives of the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission, on behalf of the two countries, as well as the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA), which is the implementing agency for the project.

The oversight visit will include inspections of key infrastructure sites, including the Polihali Dam construction site, the Katse Dam Outfall Tunnel system, and the Senqu Bridge, among other infrastructure associated with the project.

The Minister will also lead bilateral consultation meetings to discuss project progress and ensure the continued success of the landmark initiative.

The LHWP remains central to strengthening bilateral relations between South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho, while advancing development and economic prosperity in both countries.

The project involves the construction of a network of tunnels and dams to transfer water from the Orange–Senqu River in the Lesotho highlands to South Africa, and to use the water-delivery system to generate hydro-electric power in the Kingdom of Lesotho.

Phase II of the water transfer component includes the construction of an approximately 165-metre-high concrete-faced rockfill dam at Polihali, located downstream of the confluence of the Khubelu and Senqu-Orange Rivers, as well as an approximately 38 kilometre concrete-lined gravity tunnel linking the Polihali and Katse reservoirs.

Upon completion, Phase II will increase the annual water transfer from Lesotho to South Africa by an additional 490 million cubic metres, raising total transfers from the current 780 million cubic metres per year to make it 1260 million cubic metres per year. The additional water will feed into South Africa’s Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS).

“The IVRS is the biggest system in the country, which supplies water to our economic hub of Gauteng and comprises 14 dams with catchments in four provinces, namely Free State, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, and North West, with the Polihali dam becoming the 15th dam in the system,” the department said in a statement on Saturday.

Earlier this month, the Ministers responsible for water from the four Orange–Senqu River Basin states have reiterated their shared commitment to safeguarding the river basin as a strategic resource underpinning regional water security, climate resilience, economic development, and ecological sustainability.

The visit will conclude on Sunday, 15 December 2025.  – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

GabiK

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Maroc : la Banque africaine de développement accorde 270 millions d’euros pour moderniser les infrastructures aéroportuaires et faire du Royaume un hub aérien de référence

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Conseil d’administration du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) a approuvé un financement de 270 millions d’euros au Maroc pour la mise en œuvre du Programme d’extension et de modernisation des infrastructures aéroportuaires (PEMIA).

Cette opération vise à renforcer la compétitivité du transport aérien au Maroc à travers la modernisation de ses principales plateformes.

Le programme ambitionne d’accroître les capacités opérationnelles des aéroports du Royaume grâce à la mise à niveau des infrastructures, à l’extension du système de navigation aérienne et au renforcement des dispositifs de sûreté. Il permettra de répondre à la croissance du trafic passagers et fret à l’horizon 2030, notamment en vue de la co-organisation par le Maroc de la Coupe du monde de football en 2030.

Ces investissements seront complétés par l’installation d’équipements de sûreté de dernière génération, de systèmes automatisés de traitement des bagages et d’équipements de mobilité modernes. L’objectif est d’offrir une expérience de voyage plus fluide, sûre et confortable.

« Développer encore plus la destination Maroc et renforcer sa compétitivité logistique pour préparer un événement d’ampleur mondiale comme la Coupe du monde de football 2030 reste notre priorité stratégique », a déclaré Achraf Hassan Tarsim, responsable du bureau pays du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement au Maroc.

Le projet prévoit la modernisation des aéroports de Marrakech, Agadir, Tanger et Fès, comprenant l’agrandissement des aérogares, la construction d’une nouvelle tour de contrôle à Marrakech et l’aménagement de 1,5 million de mètres carrés de parkings avions et de 7,6 kilomètres de voies de circulation.

« Ce projet contribuera à propulser la dynamique touristique du Maroc et à moderniser sa logistique aérienne. En réponse à une croissance soutenue du trafic aérien, il modernisera les infrastructures aéroportuaires pour offrir une expérience de voyage sûre, efficace et conforme aux standards internationaux », a souligné Mike Salawou, directeur du Département des infrastructures et du développement urbain du Groupe de la Banque.

Ce programme innovant combine différents aspects de numérisation, de fluidité et de confort pour transformer l’expérience des voyageurs au Maroc.

À court terme, la mise en service d’infrastructures modernisées améliorera la sécurité des opérations et générera plusieurs milliers d’emplois, en particulier pour les femmes et les jeunes. À moyen terme, le programme stimulera le tourisme, le commerce et les investissements publics et privés dans les secteurs liés au transport.

À l’horizon 2030, le programme permettra une augmentation notable des capacités du Royaume : 14 millions de passagers à Marrakech, cinq millions à Agadir, 3,6 millions à Tanger et trois millions à Fès. Ces évolutions renforceront le rôle du Maroc comme plateforme aérienne régionale.

En adéquation avec les Quatre points cardinaux du Groupe de la Banque (http://apo-opa.co/4oPU0Is) et le Nouveau modèle de développement du Maroc, ce projet soutient la mise en œuvre de la « Vision touristique 2030 » et l’ambition du Royaume de devenir un hub aérien de référence sur le continent africain.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact médias :
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures  
Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement
media@afdb.org

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Marrocos: 270 milhões de euros do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento para modernizar as infraestruturas aeroportuárias e fazer do Reino uma plataforma aérea de referência

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org) aprovou um financiamento de 270 milhões de euros destinado à implementação do Programa de Ampliação e Modernização das Infraestruturas Aeroportuárias em Marrocos (PEMIA). 

Esta operação visa reforçar a competitividade do transporte aéreo em Marrocos através da modernização das suas principais plataformas.

O programa vai aumentar as capacidades operacionais dos aeroportos do Reino através da modernização das infraestruturas, da expansão do sistema de navegação aérea e do reforço dos dispositivos de segurança. Permitirá responder ao crescimento do tráfego de passageiros e de carga até 2030, nomeadamente com vista à coorganização por Marrocos do Campeonato do Mundo de Futebol, em 2030.

Estes investimentos serão complementados pela instalação de equipamentos de segurança de última geração, sistemas automatizados de tratamento de bagagens e equipamentos de mobilidade modernos. O objetivo é oferecer uma experiência de viagem mais fluida, segura e confortável.

“Continuar a desenvolver Marrocos como destino e reforçar a sua competitividade logística para preparar e realizar com sucesso um evento de magnitude mundial como o Campeonato do Mundo de Futebol, em 2030, continua a ser a nossa prioridade estratégica”, afirmou Achraf Hassan Tarsim, responsável por Marrocos no Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento.

O projeto prevê a modernização dos aeroportos de Marraquexe, Agadir, Tânger e Fez, incluindo a ampliação dos terminais, a construção de uma nova torre de controlo em Marraquexe e a criação de 1,5 milhões de metros quadrados de estacionamento para aeronaves e 7,6 quilómetros de pistas de circulação.

“Este projeto contribuirá para impulsionar a dinâmica turística de Marrocos e modernizar a sua logística aérea. Em resposta ao crescimento anual de 6 % do tráfego aéreo, modernizará as infraestruturas aeroportuárias para oferecer uma experiência de viagem segura, eficiente e em conformidade com as normas internacionais”, afirmou Mike Salawou, diretor do Departamento de Infraestruturas, Cidades e Desenvolvimento Urbano.

O programa inova ao combinar digitalização, fluidez e conforto para transformar a experiência dos passageiros que viajam para Marrocos.

A curto prazo, a entrada em funcionamento de infraestruturas modernizadas melhorará a segurança das operações e gerará vários milhares de empregos, em particular para mulheres e jovens. A médio prazo, o programa estimulará o turismo, o comércio e os investimentos públicos e privados nos setores relacionados com os transportes.

Até 2030, o projeto permitirá um aumento significativo da capacidade: 14 milhões de passageiros em Marraquexe, 5 milhões em Agadir, 3,6 milhões em Tânger e 3 milhões em Fez. Estas evoluções reforçarão o papel de Marrocos como plataforma aérea regional.

Em consonância com os Quatro Pontos Cardeais do Banco (http://apo-opa.co/3XRuNm8) e o Novo Modelo de Desenvolvimento do país, este projeto apoia a implementação da ‘Visão Turística 2030’ e a ambição do Reino de se tornar um centro logístico africano de referência.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contacto para os media:
Departamento de Relações Externas e Comunicação, 
media@afdb.org

Sobre o Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é a principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento em África. Inclui três entidades distintas: o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), o Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF) e o Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF). Presente no terreno em 41 países africanos, com uma representação externa no Japão, o Banco contribui para o desenvolvimento económico e o progresso social dos seus 54 Estados-membros. Mais informações em www.AfDB.org/pt

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Orange Money Group et Visa annoncent un partenariat stratégique pour accélérer les paiements en ligne en Afrique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Orange Money Group (www.Orange.com) et Visa annoncent un partenariat stratégique visant à accélérer les paiements en ligne et à démocratiser l’accès aux services financiers à travers l’Afrique et le Moyen-Orient.

Déjà opérationnel avec succès au Botswana, à Madagascar et en Jordanie, où le partenariat vient d’être reconduit, la carte virtuelle Visa vient d’être lancée par Orange Money Côte d’Ivoire. Ce lancement réussi, illustre parfaitement notre ambition commune avec Visa, offrir un écosystème financier plus inclusif permettant à des millions d’utilisateurs d’accéder à une solution simple, sécurisée et reconnue internationalement.

Fort du succès rencontré dans ces pays, ce partenariat sera progressivement étendu à de nouveaux marchés, notamment la Guinée, le Burkina Faso et la République Démocratique du Congo.

Accessible directement depuis l’application Max it, la carte virtuelle Orange Money Visa permet à chaque utilisateur de créer en quelques clics une carte qu’il peut approvisionner à tout moment depuis son compte Orange Money pour effectuer des paiements en ligne sur des sites locaux et internationaux. Une carte physique sera également disponible dans un second temps dans les points de vente Orange Money agréés.

Orange Money est fier de ce partenariat avec Visa en raison de son expertise mondiale en matière de paiements sécurisés et de son réseau d’acceptation international, garantissant aux utilisateurs Orange Money une expérience fluide et de confiance, où qu’ils se trouvent.

Pour Orange Money, ce partenariat s’inscrit dans sa mission d’inclusion financière : simplifier l’accès aux services digitaux et permettre à chacun de participer pleinement à l’économie numérique, quel que soit son pays ou son niveau d’équipement.

Thierry Millet, Directeur Général, Orange Money Group, commente : « Grâce à Orange Money, nos 45 millions de clients règlent déjà leurs achats au quotidien, aussi bien auprès de millions de commerçants que sur les plateformes de e-commerce de leur pays. Désormais, particuliers comme entrepreneurs peuvent créer en quelques secondes leur carte Visa virtuelle et payer en ligne à l’international dans tout le réseau Visa. Cette première étape de notre partenariat stratégique rapproche Orange Money d’un objectif clair : devenir un moyen de paiement accepté partout, des grands sites marchands aux commerces de proximité »

Ismahill Diaby, Vice-Président, Directeur Général – Afrique de l’Ouest et Centrale Francophone & Lusophone, Visa, commente : « Nous sommes heureux de collaborer avec Orange Money afin de rendre les avantages de l’économie numérique accessibles à des millions de personnes en Afrique. En alliant la technologie fiable de Visa à la forte présence locale d’Orange Money, ce partenariat offre une solution simple et sécurisée pour permettre à davantage de particuliers et de petites entreprises de payer en ligne — et de participer en toute confiance au commerce quotidien. »

Avec plus de 173 millions de clients et 45 millions de comptes actifs dans 17 pays en Afrique, Orange poursuit son engagement pour accompagner la transformation numérique et financière du continent, en s’appuyant sur la technologie de confiance de Visa.

Distribué par APO Group pour Orange Middle East and Africa.

Contacts Presse :
Orange Afrique et Moyen-Orient (OMEA)
Stella Fumey
stella.fumey@orange.com

Tom Wright
tom.wright @orange.com

Visa
Lesego Charlie
lcharlie@visa.com

Yvan Guehi
yguehi@visa.com

A propos d’Orange Money:
Orange Money, solution pionnière de l’inclusion financière, est utilisée chaque mois par plus de 45 millions de personnes dans 17 pays en Afrique et au Moyen Orient. Orange Money Group a la responsabilité, en lien avec les entités Orange Money locales et Orange Bank Africa, de définir la stratégie des services financiers mobiles de la zone Moyen Orient et Afrique. Elle apporte aux entités locales le support opérationnel leur permettant d’accélérer leur croissance, de nouer de nouveaux partenariats, d’accompagner leurs plans de mise en conformité et les aide à développer de nouvelles activités à valeur répondant aux attentes du marché.

À propos d’Orange Afrique et Moyen-Orient (OMEA):
Orange est présent dans 17 pays en Afrique et au Moyen Orient et compte plus de 173 millions de clients au 30 novembre 2025. Avec 7,7 milliards d’euros de chiffre d’affaires en 2024, Orange MEA est la première zone de croissance du groupe Orange. Orange Money, son offre de transfert d’argent et de services financiers, est disponible dans 17 pays et compte plus de 100 millions de clients. Orange, opérateur multi-services, partenaire de référence de la transformation digitale apporte son expertise pour accompagner le développement de nouveaux services digitaux en Afrique et au Moyen-Orient.

À propos de Visa:
Visa (NYSE: V) est un leader mondial des paiements numériques, facilitant les transactions entre les consommateurs, les commerçants, les institutions financières et les entités gouvernementales dans plus de 200 pays et territoires. Notre mission est de connecter le monde grâce au réseau de paiements le plus innovant, le plus pratique, le plus fiable et le plus sûr, permettant aux individus, aux entreprises et aux économies de prospérer. Nous croyons que les économies qui incluent tout le monde partout, élèvent tout le monde partout et nous considérons l’accès comme fondamental pour l’avenir du mouvement de l’argent.

En savoir plus sur www.Visa.com.

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Orange Money Group and Visa Announce a Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Online Payments in Africa

Source: APO – Report:

Orange Money Group (www.Orange.com) and Visa announce a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating online payments and democratizing access to financial services across Africa and the Middle East.

Already successfully deployed in Botswana, Madagascar, and Jordan, where the partnership is renewed, the virtual visa card has been recently launched by Orange Money Côte d’Ivoire. This launch was a success and perfectly illustrates our shared vision with Visa for a more inclusive and accessible financial ecosystem. 

This partnership marks a new milestone in the shared ambition of the two companies: to provide millions of users with a simple, secure, and internationally recognized payment solution.

Building on the success in these countries, it will be gradually rolled out to new markets such as Guinea, Burkina Faso, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Directly accessible from the Max it app, the Orange Money Visa virtual card allows users to instantly create a card that can be funded anytime from their Orange Money account, enabling secure online payments on local and international websites. A physical card will also be made available at authorized Orange Money points of sale at a later stage.

Orange Money is proud to partner with Visa, given its global expertise in secure digital payments and its extensive international acceptance network—ensuring Orange Money users enjoy a seamless and trusted payment experience wherever they are.

For Orange Money, this partnership is fully aligned with its mission to promote financial inclusion—simplifying access to digital services and empowering everyone to participate fully in the digital economy, regardless of their country or device.

Thierry Millet, CEO, Orange Money Group comments: “Thanks to Orange Money, our 45 million customers can make everyday payments at millions of physical retail locations and with online merchants in their country. Whether they are individuals or entrepreneurs, they can now create their virtual Visa card in just a few seconds and make international online payments across the Visa network. This is the first step in this strategic partnership, which will help make Orange Money a widely accepted payment method, from major online platforms to local neighborhood merchants.”

Ismahill Diaby, Vice-President, General Manager – Western and Central Francophone & Lusophone Africa, Visa comments: “We’re excited to partner with Orange Money to bring the advantages of the digital economy to millions of people across Africa. By combining Visa’s trusted technology with Orange Money’s local reach, this partnership offers a simple, secure way for more people and small businesses to pay online—helping them participate confidently in everyday commerce.”

With over 173 million customers and 45 million active accounts across 17 countries in Africa, Orange continues to drive digital and financial transformation across the continent, supported by Visa’s trusted technology.

– on behalf of Orange Middle East and Africa.

Press contacts:
Orange Middle-East and Africa (OMEA)
Stella Fumey
stella.fumey@orange.com

Tom Wright
tom.wright @orange.com

Visa
Lesego Charlie
lcharlie@visa.com

Yvan Guehi
yguehi@visa.com

About Orange Money Group:
Orange Money, a pioneering solution for financial inclusion, is used every month by more than 45 million people across 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East. Orange Money Group, in coordination with local Orange Money entities and Orange Bank Africa, is responsible for defining the mobile financial services strategy for the Middle East and Africa region. It provides local entities with operational support to help them accelerate their growth, establish new partnerships, support their compliance plans, and develop new value-added activities that meet market expectations.

About Orange Middle-East and Africa (OMEA):
Orange is present in 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East and has 173 million customers at 30 november 2025. With 7.7 billion euros of revenues in 2024, Orange MEA is the first growth area in the Orange group. Orange Money, its flagship mobile-based money transfer and financial services offer is available in 17 countries and has more than 100 million customers. Orange, multi-services operator, key partner of the digital transformation provides its expertise to support the development of new digital services in Africa and the Middle East.

About Visa:
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities in more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling people, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, lift everyone everywhere, and we see access as fundamental to the future of the movement of money.

Find out more about www.Visa.com.

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Senegal’s Energy, Petroleum & Mines Minister Announces MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026

Source: APO – Report:

Birame Soulèye Diop, Minister of Energy, Petroleum & Mines of Senegal, announced that the next MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power Conference and Exhibition will take place from December 1-3, 2026, in Dakar, Senegal. The announcement was made during a fireside chat at the 2025 edition of the event, with Minister Diop underscoring the need to continue investing in regional energy.

“MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 will build on the success of this year’s event and provide a platform to accelerate investment and regional collaboration in the energy sector,” said Minister Diop. “We invite investors, partners and stakeholders to join us in shaping the future of energy in the MSGBC region.”

During the discussion, Minister Diop also highlighted the importance of local content and national capacity in developing Senegal’s energy sector.

“Local content must be understood as both a legal and economic foundation – a legal entity capable of participating in commercial activity and contributing expertise,” he said. “It also refers to individual human resources: financial experts, geological engineers, petrochemical and electromechanical specialists – the backbone of national capacity.”

The Minister also spoke about the role of the national private sector in nation-building. “Our states are right to affirm that nation-building relies on developing a strong national private sector. We are not exclusivist; we do not exclude anyone,” he said. “When we invite partners, we ask them to show openness and the willingness to transfer skills and share knowledge.”

On the topic of domestic gas usage and energy access, Minister Diop emphasized the urgent need to provide affordable, clean energy. “Everyone knows that in Africa, clean cooking methods are still far from widespread. In remote villages, women still cook with firewood, while children rely on kerosene lanterns to study,” Minister Diop said. “Gas must be a transition energy for achieving universal energy access. If all African gas-producing countries used their full capacity, their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions would be only 0.5%.”

Minister Diop also called for regional collaboration to leverage Africa’s comparative advantages. “We must build together around shared interests: electricity through West African Power Pool, gas through the Nigeria–Morocco pipeline and other strategic corridors. No one can dictate our path; we will build our projects, like Yakaar-Teranga, with Senegalese priorities first,” he said.

Minister Diop concluded by underlining the vision for long-term sustainable development, stating that “the future of Senegal’s energy sector depends on strong local content, strategic partnerships and regional cooperation. We are building our continent’s energy future together.”

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Afreximbank announces US$1.1-million donation to aid Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts in Jamaica and Haiti

Source: APO – Report:

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African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has announced a donation of US$1.1 million to the governments of Jamaica and Haiti to support their recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in October.

Hurricane Melissa, which passed through the northern Caribbean, unleashed unprecedented devastation on a number of countries in the region, including Haiti and Jamaica both of which are Afreximbank member states. According to letters of solidarity sent by Dr. George Elombi, President of Afreximbank, to the respective governments, $600,000 of the donation will go to Jamaica and US$500,000 to Haiti.

The donation followed separate meetings held on 31 October and 3 November between Dr. Elombi and H.E. Laurent Saint-Cyr, Chairman of the Transitional Presidential Council of Haiti, and the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, respectively, during which he expressed condolences and affirmed Afreximbank’s commitment to supporting the two countries in their rebuilding efforts.

President Elombi informed the two leaders that Afreximbank would engage with relevant agencies and authorities to explore the possibility of developing country programmes to support recovery projects in the two countries. To this end, the Caribbean Office of the Bank was mandated to engage with both governments to explore ways of providing further support towards the reconstruction process.

According to the United Nations, Hurricane Melissa, which reached Category 5 Status in Jamaica, impacted more than 1.6 million people in the country.

President Dr. Elombi, captured the urgency of the moment, stating: “We commiserate with our brothers and sisters in Haiti, Jamaica, and other places devastated by Hurricane Melissa. While extending our support towards immediate relief efforts in the region, we recognise the scale of damage to vital infrastructure and to people’s livelihoods. We remain steadfast in our support for recovery and restoration efforts and in building our collective resilience against future climate shocks.”

The Caribbean hurricane season runs from June to November when the region experiences increased weather systems, like tropical storms and hurricanes, characterised by destructive winds, storm surges and excessive rainfall. Researchers have predicted that the severity of hurricanes will continue to intensify as a result of climate change and have partially attributed the severity of Hurricane Melissa, described as “one of the strongest Atlantic storms ever recorded”, to the especially high temperatures in the Caribbean this year.

Afreximbank will continue to work with Caribbean governments, through the Bank’s CARICOM Office based in Barbados, to explore long-term financing solutions that strengthen resilience, restore livelihoods, and reinforce critical infrastructure for the future.

In 2024, Afreximbank contributed over USD 500,000 to support disaster relief and rebuilding efforts across Caribbean countries affected by Hurricane Beryl. This move further reflects the Bank’s ongoing commitment to assisting nations disproportionately impacted by climate-related disasters.

– on behalf of Afreximbank.

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

Follow us on: 
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Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3YmuNdV
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About Afreximbank: 
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

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Afreximbank annonce un don de 1,1 millions de dollars US pour aider à la reconstruction en Jamaïque et en Haïti après le passage de l’ouragan Melissa

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) a annoncé un don de 1,1 millions de dollars US en faveur des gouvernements de la Jamaïque et d’Haïti en vue de soutenir leurs efforts de reconstruction à la suite des dégâts causés par l’ouragan Melissa au mois d’octobre.

L’ouragan Melissa, qui a traversé le nord des Caraïbes, a causé des dégâts sans précédent dans un certain nombre de pays de la région, dont Haïti et la Jamaïque, qui sont tous deux des États membres d’Afreximbank. Dans ses lettres de solidarité adressées aux gouvernements respectifs, le Dr George Elombi, Président d’Afreximbank, affirme que 600 000 dollars US de la donation iront à la Jamaïque et 500 000 dollars à Haïti.

Ce don fait suite à des réunions séparées tenues les 31 octobre et 3 novembre entre le Dr Elombi et S.E. Laurent Saint-Cyr, Président du Conseil Présidentiel de Transition d’Haïti, et Andrew Holness, Premier Ministre de la Jamaïque. Au cours de ces réunions respectives, le Dr Elombi a présenté ses condoléances et a réaffirmé l’engagement d’Afreximbank à soutenir les deux pays dans leurs efforts de reconstruction.

Le Président Elombi a informé les deux dirigeants qu’Afreximbank collaborerait avec les agences et autorités compétentes pour explorer la possibilité d’élaborer des programmes nationaux visant à soutenir les projets de reconstruction dans les deux pays. C’est à cet effet que le Bureau de la Banque aux Caraïbes a été chargé de collaborer avec ces deux gouvernements afin d’explorer les moyens de fournir un soutien supplémentaire au processus de reconstruction.

Selon les Nations Unies, l’ouragan Melissa, qui a atteint la catégorie 5 en Jamaïque, a touché plus de 1,6 millions de personnes dans le pays.

Dr. Elombi, Président d’Afreximbank a saisi l’urgence de la situation en déclarant : « Nous compatissons avec nos frères et sœurs d’Haïti, de la Jamaïque et d’autres régions dévastées par l’ouragan Melissa. Tout en apportant notre soutien aux efforts de secours immédiats dans la région, nous reconnaissons l’ampleur des dégâts causés aux infrastructures vitales et aux moyens de subsistance des populations. Nous restons déterminés à soutenir les efforts de reconstruction et de restauration et à renforcer notre résilience collective face aux futurs chocs climatiques ».

La saison des ouragans dans les Caraïbes s’étend de juin à novembre, lorsque la région connaît des systèmes météorologiques accrus, comme les tempêtes tropicales et les ouragans caractérisés par des vents destructeurs, des ondes de tempête et des précipitations excessives. Les chercheurs ont prédit que l’intensité des ouragans continuera de s’accroître en raison du changement climatique et ont reconnu la gravité de l’ouragan Melissa, décrit comme « l’une des tempêtes atlantiques les plus fortes jamais enregistrées », à cause des températures particulièrement élevées dans les Caraïbes cette année.

Afreximbank continuera à travailler avec les gouvernements des Caraïbes, par l’intermédiaire de son Bureau de la CARICOM basé à la Barbade, afin d’explorer des solutions de financement à long terme qui renforceront la résilience, rétabliront les moyens de subsistance et consolideront les infrastructures essentielles pour l’avenir.

En 2024, Afreximbank a décaissé plus de 500 000 de dollars US pour soutenir les efforts de secours et de reconstruction dans les pays des Caraïbes touchés par l’ouragan Beryl. Cette initiative reflète l’engagement continu de la Banque à aider les nations touchées de manière disproportionnée par les catastrophes liées au climat.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

Contact Presse :
Vincent Musumba
Responsable des communications et de la gestion événementielle (Relations presse)
Courriel : press@afreximbank.com

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À propos d’Afreximbank : 
La Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) est une institution financière multilatérale panafricaine dédiée au financement et à la promotion du commerce intra et extra-africain. Depuis 30 ans, Afreximbank déploie des structures innovantes pour fournir des solutions de financement qui facilitent la transformation de la structure du commerce africain et accélèrent l’industrialisation et le commerce intrarégional, soutenant ainsi l’expansion économique en Afrique. Fervente défenseur de l’Accord sur la Zone de Libre-Échange Continentale Africaine (ZLECAf), Afreximbank a lancé les le Système panafricain de paiement et de règlement (PAPSS) qui a été adopté par l’Union africaine (UA) comme la plateforme de paiement et de règlement devant appuyer la mise en œuvre de la ZLECAf. En collaboration avec le Secrétariat de la ZLECAf et l’UA, la Banque a mis en place un Fonds d’ajustement de 10 milliards de dollars US pour aider les pays à participer de manière effective à la ZLECAf. À la fin de décembre 2024, le total des actifs et des garanties de la Banque s’élevait à environ 40,1 milliards de dollars US et les fonds de ses actionnaires s’établissaient à 7,2 milliards de dollars US. Afreximbank est notée A par GCR International Scale, Baa2 par Moody’s, AAA par China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI), A- par Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) et BBB par Fitch. Au fil des ans, Afreximbank est devenue un groupe constitué de la Banque, de sa filiale de financement à impact appelée Fonds de développement des exportations en Afrique (FEDA), et de sa filiale de gestion d’assurance, AfrexInsure, (les trois entités forment « le Groupe »). La Banque a son siège social au Caire, en Égypte.

Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez visiter www.Afreximbank.com

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Regional Leaders Launch One Health Action in High-Level Ceremony in Lusaka

Source: APO – Report:

Government Ministers from Zambia and their counterparts from across the region have launched a landmark One Health Regional Call to Action in a special signing ceremony during the first-ever Eastern and Southern Africa Regional One Health Conference (www.ESAfricaOneHealth.com) in Lusaka, Zambia. During the ceremony, Ministers of Health, Agriculture and the Environment jointly pledged their commitment to safeguard the health and well-being of people, animals, plants, and ecosystems within and across SADC Member States by strengthening One Health systems in the region.

The inaugural Eastern and Southern Africa Regional One Health Conference is being hosted by the Government of Zambia and co-organized by SADC, the World Bank Group, and the Quadripartite Alliance, comprising the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) (www.FAO.org), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (www.UNEP.org), the World Health Organization (WHO) (www.WHO.int), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) (www.WOAH.org).

Conference co-host and keynote speaker, Honorable Dr. Elijah J. Muchima, Minister of Health of Zambia, said: “For too long we have ignored the overlaps between human, animal and environmental health and approached each sector separately. Not only has this hampered our collective health security, but it is also an inefficient use of precious public resources. The first ever Eastern and Southern Regional One Health Conference inspires us to embrace a smarter, more sustainable One Health approach. I urge everyone to join the Regional One Health Call-to-Action and help us advance the health of people, animals and the planet together.”

Over the course of the two-day high-level regional conference, government ministers, health sector experts, development partners, and youth and community representatives will discuss collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health, with a focus on addressing transboundary and cross-sector health threats such as infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), foodborne illnesses, and climate-induced shocks.

The Conference agenda includes thematic sessions on topics such as leveraging One Health for economic resilience, building a next generation One Health workforce, circular food systems, integrated surveillance, laboratory resilience, and conservation and climate.

It will also feature an interactive Innovation Marketplace, where leading researchers and entrepreneurs from across the world will be showcasing their unique One Health solutions, including five Zambian organizations.

Commenting on the conference, Achim Fock, Zambia Country Manager, The World Bank Group, said: “The region’s commitment to stronger coordination, integrated systems, and community-centred solutions shows that effective health security is achievable and essential for sustainable development. The World Bank remains committed to supporting governments as they build resilient, efficient, and inclusive One Health systems that protect lives and livelihoods across the region.”  

One Health is a unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. It recognizes that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and interdependent.

The Regional One Health Joint Call-to-Action is now published online (www.ESAfricaOneHealth.com), where any member of the public can add their name and support the One Health cause.

– on behalf of Regional One Health Conference Eastern and Southern Africa.

For interview requests, please contact:
Zambia National Public Health Institute
Dr Doreen Shempela
doreenshempela@gmail.com 

Conference
Winnie Kariuki
Global Health Strategies
wkariuki@globalhealthstrategies.com

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Merck Foundation Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the First Lady of Zimbabwe Celebrate 7 Years of Long-Term Partnership to Train healthcare providers, Support Infertile Women & Girl Education

Source: APO – Report:

  • Merck Foundation marked a milestone of providing 166 scholarships for Zimbabwean doctors in 44 critical specialties during their annual Alumni Summit – Celebrating 7 years of partnership between Merck Foundation and Zimbabwe First Lady and Government, and a remarkable legacy of transforming the country’s patient care landscape.
  • Merck Foundation Zimbabwe Alumni Summit and Awards Ceremony 2025 was conducted in Harare, chaired by Zimbabwe First Lady and Merck Foundation CEO and Chairman.
  • Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO recognized Zimbabwe First Lady for her great efforts as Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” Campaign.

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany conducted the Merck Foundation Zimbabwe Annual Summit and Awards Ceremony 2025 in Harere, Zimbabwe, chaired by The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, and CEO of Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign emphasized, “It is a great honor to meet my dear sister, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe and to recognize her for her tremendous efforts as the Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”. We celebrated our seven-year partnership journey and discussed our joint programs to build healthcare and media capacity, empower infertile women, and support girl education. Together, we reflected on our remarkable achievements and marked an important milestone of success and impact since 2018.

I am very proud to share that that we have transformed the patientcare landscape of Zimbabwe by providing 166 scholarships for the local doctors in 44 critical and underserved specialties such as Fertility, Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Respiratory, Acute Medicine, Sexual and Reproductive care, Embryology, Critical care, Psychiatry, and many more. This is a huge milestone and revolution in patient care across Zimbabwe.

Moreover, it was a pleasure to honor the Zimbabwean winners of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2022 – 2024 and discuss with them the critical role they can play to create a culture shift, be the voice of the voiceless and be the Merck Foundation health and social champions.”

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Merck Foundation Board of Trustees emphasized, “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia and other developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patientcare landscape through our scholarships program.”

H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” expressed, “It is a great pleasure to welcome and meet the Chairman and CEO of Merck Foundation in our country. Together we celebrated an important milestone of the great success of our joined programs and also shared the impact of our 7-year partnership journey that we have with Merck Foundation to build healthcare capacity, transform patientcare, break infertility stigma and support girl education in our country since 2018.

In a very short time, Merck Foundation has provided 166 scholarships for our young doctors in many specialties which are very critical for us. Moreover, together we are providing annual scholarships to support the education of 40 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls, till they graduate, as a part of the Educating Linda Program. This is for the first time that we work on such an impactful program, it is history in the making.”

Merck Foundation has provided more than 2400 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Out of the total 166 scholarships provided in Zimbabwe, Merck Foundation has provided:

  • 60 scholarships for doctors in Diabetes, Endocrinology, Cardiology, Cardiovascular Preventive, and Obesity & Weight Management. This represents a significant number of experts in the public healthcare system addressing the lifestyle-related health issues that are on the rise in our country and the rest of Africa.
  • 48 scholarships have been provided for Fertility, Embryology, and the one-year diploma and two-year master’s degree programs in Sexual & Reproductive Care, Women’s Health, Family Medicine and Psychiatry.
  • 58 scholarships have been provided for critical yet underserved specialties, including Oncology and Cancer care, Respiratory Care, Acute Medicine, Pain Management, Infectious Diseases, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Neuroimaging for Research, Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, Orthopedics, Critical Care, Care for Older Person and Rheumatology.

During the Summit, Merck Foundation Awards Ceremony was held, during which 13 Winners of the Merck Foundation Awards were acknowledged by Merck Foundation Chairman, Merck Foundation CEO together with Zimbabwe First Lady. Merck Foundation has so far celebrated more than 60 winners of the Media, Song, Film, and Fashion Awards, since 2017.

The beneficiaries of the Educating Linda program were also present at the Summit, where a few of them shared inspiring testimonies on how the scholarships have changed their lives.

“I really believe that when the girls are educated, their countries become more powerful, stronger & prosperous”, added Senator Kelej.  

Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Lady of Zimbabwe has launched eight children’s storybooks, “More Than a Mother”, ‘Educating Rujeko”, “Make the Right Choice”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future”, “Sugar free Jude” and “Mark’s Pressure”. These books address critical social and health issues to young children. Thousands of copies of these storybooks have been distributed to schoolchildren, several more are going to be distributed soon.

Moreover, Merck Foundation has conducted six editions of their Health Media Training for the Zimbabwean journalists in order to empower them to raise awareness about sensitive issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, stopping GBV, ending Child marriage and FGM and raise awareness about diabetes and hypertension prevention and early detection.

Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Lady of Zimbabwe has also announced the Call for Application for their 8 important Awards for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.

Details of the Awards:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Media representatives and media students are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

2. Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026:  All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

4. Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

5. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

6. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

7. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

8. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to: submit@merck-foundation.com

– 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 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/44WFYxD), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/44nz4RZ), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4pz1tNp), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4pyDD4e) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/44oPF7W).

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