Category: Africa

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Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) meets Maldives First Lady & 13 First Ladies of Africa at 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit to discuss their joint programs to transform patient care landscape and address critical social and health issues

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 recently. It was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative and H.E. Madam SAJIDHA MOHAMED, First Lady of the Republic of Maldives and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” along with First Ladies of Angola, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria, São Tomé & Príncipe, Senegal, and Zimbabwe.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed, “I was a pleasure meeting my dear sister, H.E. Madam SAJIDHA MOHAMED, First Lady of the Republic of Maldives and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” for the 7th Edition of our Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit. I also visited Maldives recently to meet her. During our meeting

we discussed our joint programs and underscored our commitment towards building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care landscape by providing scholarships for local doctors. We have already started to enroll doctors for Fertility and Embryology trainings”.

H.E. Madam SAJIDHA MOHAMED, First Lady of the Republic of Maldives, and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” emphasized, “I am very proud of our partnership with Merck Foundation. I am happy to share that we have already started providing scholarships for our local doctors in Fertility and Embryology training. These are two very critical specialties for our country. We also plan to enroll our doctors in other specialties, further underscoring our partnership with the Merck Foundation to enhance healthcare capacity in the country.”

Watch the Speech of The First Lady of Maldives & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/47O0hzM

Watch the video of Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej receiving H.E. Madam SAJIDHA MOHAMED, First Lady of the Republic of Maldives, and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”:  https://apo-opa.co/4ndekne

On day 2 of the Summit, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative- MFFLI committee meeting was conducted between The First Ladies of Africa and Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, where the African and Asian First Ladies shared the impact report of Merck Foundation programs in their respective countries, and future strategy was discussed.

Watch the video of MFFLI committee meeting: https://apo-opa.co/4nAIKzA

“We have so far provided 2280 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 underserved medical specialties. We will continue to build and enhance healthcare capacity in the Maldives, African countries, and beyond”, added Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Through their Community Awareness Programs, Merck Foundation is also closely working with The First Lady of Maldives to address a wide range of critical social issues like breaking infertility stigma, stopping gender-based violence and women empowerment, and important health issues including promoting the importance of healthy lifestyle, and diabetes and hypertension awareness.

Merck Foundation together with the First Lady Maldives will soon conduct their Health Media Training for Maldivian media representatives, to emphasize on the important role of media to address these critical social and health issues and be the voice of the voiceless.

Moreover, Merck Foundation also announced the Call for applications for their 8 important awards in partnership with The First Lady of Maldives for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.

Moreover, in partnership with The First Lady of Maldives, Merck Foundation is launching seven children’s storybooks, “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future” and “Sugar free Jude”, and “Mark’s Pressure”. The storybooks address various social and health issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, stopping GBV, diabetes and hypertension awareness.

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

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4nboG78), X (https://apo-opa.co/4nCuGWl), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/42BORLQ),  and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4nFOGaF).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4nzgH3x), X (https://apo-opa.co/3VlVy0I), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/46kHB8d), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4nwVRBJ).

Link to the YouTube live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/4ngm1t2

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

• 2280+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for doctors from 52 Countries in more than 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.  

Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:

• 3700+ Media Persons from more than 35 countries trained to better raise awareness about different social and health issues

• 8 Different Awards launched annually for best media coverage, fashion designers, films, and songs

• Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa

• 8 Children’s Storybooks in three languages – English, French, and Portuguese

• 7 Awareness Animation films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes & Hypertension and supporting girl education.

• Pan African TV Program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community

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

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

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

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

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4nboG78
X: https://apo-opa.co/4nCuGWl
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4nFOGaF
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/42BORLQ
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4n0Nhvg
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/46qdUT8
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3K7AgRZ

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4nboG78), X (https://apo-opa.co/4nCuGWl), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/42BORLQ), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4nFOGaF), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4n0Nhvg) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/46qdUT8).

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

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Ghana’s Petroleum Commission to Spotlight E&P Opportunities at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

Source: APO – Report:

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Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle, Acting CEO of the Petroleum Commission of Ghana, will participate as a featured speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores Ghana’s ambition to accelerate upstream activity, attract new investment and consolidate its role as a competitive E&P hub in West Africa.

The Petroleum Commission continues to spearhead Ghana’s upstream drive, advancing new licensing opportunities, streamlining regulatory processes and introducing reforms that enhance competitiveness. With 17 oil and gas projects scheduled for development by 2027, Ghana is working to expand exploration, ramp up production and deepen private sector participation.

Recent initiatives include a promotion, marketing and revenue-sharing agreement with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) covering data from the Voltaian Basin – one of the country’s largest onshore sedimentary basins. The deal lays the groundwork for future upstream licensing and underscores Ghana’s intent to unlock untapped onshore hydrocarbon potential, with GNPC planning to drill its first exploration well in the basin in early 2026.

In April, the Commission also convened its first official engagement with the Ghana Upstream Petroleum Chamber since Hardcastle’s appointment, addressing regulatory compliance, local participation and investment barriers. The dialogue highlighted both challenges and opportunities, with commitments from both sides to strengthen Ghana’s upstream investment climate.

Ghana’s upstream portfolio continues to expand, with both new projects and brownfield developments advancing. After bringing three new wells onstream at Jubilee South East, Tullow Oil plans additional drilling in 2025, while Eni is paving the way for the development of its Eban-Akoma discovery in the Cape Three Points 4 deepwater block. Kosmos Energy has pledged $2 billion toward upstream expansion, signaling long-term confidence in Ghana’s oil sector. Together, these initiatives reflect Ghana’s strategy to counter natural declines in mature fields, ramp up production and attract sustained international investment.

“Strong partnerships are essential to advancing Africa’s E&P industry. Ghana is demonstrating how reforms, proactive regulation and private sector engagement can translate into sustainable growth and opportunity,” stated Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement at the African Energy Chamber.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About African Energy Week (AEW):

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

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Turan Bank Azerbaijan Signs $15 Million Line of Financing Agreement with the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD)

Source: APO – Report:

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Turan Bank, a leading player in Azerbaijan’s banking sector recognized for its strong international partnerships, has signed a financing agreement with the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (https://ICD-ps.org), the private sector arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group.

Under this agreement, ICD will extend a USD 15 million Line of Finance for a term of five years to support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Azerbaijan and improve access to financial resources for the private sector, in line with Turan Bank’s mission to foster sustainable economic growth in Azerbaijan.

This new facility represents a significant step toward advancing Turan Bank’s strategic objectives, particularly in strengthening SME development, expanding private sector financing, promoting Islamic finance, and contributing to the diversification of Azerbaijan’s economy. The financing is also expected to revitalize economic activity in the country’s regions and promote the growth of the non-oil sector. The initiative is fully aligned with ICD’s strategic focus on fostering the growth of SMEs and supporting private sector development as a key driver of sustainable economic progress across its member countries.

The agreement was signed by Dr Khalid Khalafallah, Acting CEO of ICD, and Orkhan Garayev, Chairman of the Management Board of Turan Bank.

This latest financing marks the sixth collaboration between Turan Bank and ICD since 2008, further reinforcing the long-standing and reliable partnership between the two institutions.

– on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).

For further details, please contact:
Turan Bank
Ramil Khalilov,
Chief Business Development Officer at Turan Bank,
rkhalilov@turanbank.az
Website: https://www.TuranBank.az

Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD)
Nabil El-Alami,
Communications & Corporate Marketing Division Manager at ICD,
Nalami@isdb.org
Website: https://ICD-ps.org/

About Turan Bank:
Turan Bank OJSC, established in 1992, is one of Azerbaijan’s most stable and reputable banks, offering a wide range of financial services to its customers in line with international standards. With 22 points of sale across the country, Turan Bank has steadily grown over its 33 years of operations. Known for its transparency, reliability, and commitment to social responsibility, Turan Bank continues to play a key role in Azerbaijan’s financial sector.

About the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD):
ICD is a multilateral organization and a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. ICD’s mandate is to support economic development and promote the growth of the private sector in its member countries through providing financing facilities and/or investments in accordance with Shariah principles. Additionally, ICD offers advisory services to governments and private organizations to encourage the establishment, expansion, and modernization of private enterprises.  ICD is rated ‘A2’ by Moody’s, ‘A+’ by Fitch, and ‘A’ by S&P.

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O Centro Africano de Investigação e Inovação (ARIH) do Afreximbank pretende gerar ganhos económicos anuais de 70 mil milhões de dólares para África

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Centro Africano de Investigação e Inovação (ARIH), recentemente lançado pelo Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), pretende gerar até 70 mil milhões de dólares americanos por ano em ganhos económicos para África, impulsionando o crescimento sustentável orientado para a inovação.

Prevê-se que o ARIH catalise a soberania tecnológica, o comércio intra-africano, o crescimento sustentável e a transformação estrutural das economias africanas, promovendo a investigação científica, a inovação e a comercialização de tecnologias desenvolvidas localmente. O objectivo é o de acelerar o comércio intra-africano e a transformação estrutural, explorando as ligações orgânicas entre a academia, a indústria e os decisores políticos com inovações escaláveis.

O centro está estruturado de modo a abordar o baixo investimento em investigação e desenvolvimento (I&D) em África e o fraco desempenho do continente em termos de resultados de investigação. Para tal, vai promover a comercialização da inovação e estabelecer parcerias entre a academia, a indústria e os decisores políticos, com o objectivo de duplicar as despesas com I&D em África, a fim de desbloquear benefícios económicos.

Em declarações durante a Feira Comercial Intra-Africana (IATF2025), o Dr. Yemi Kale, Economista-Chefe do Grupo e Director-Geral de Investigação do Afreximbank, afirmou: “A criação do Centro Africano de Investigação e Inovação marca um momento crucial para o ecossistema científico e tecnológico de África. Sinaliza o compromisso do Afreximbank em tirar partido do talento local africano e transformar o capital intelectual de África em competitividade industrial, expansão comercial e desenvolvimento sustentável.”

O Dr. Kale assinalou que actualmente África contribui com menos de 3% da produção global de investigação, apesar dos desafios urgentes que enfrenta, afirmando que “acelerar o ecossistema de inovação de África para apoiar o crescimento económico, a diversificação comercial e a soberania tecnológica é, portanto, um objectivo com o qual nos comprometemos com prazer”.

Acrescentou que: “A nossa visão é que o ARIH seja uma plataforma transformadora que procure converter o capital intelectual em competitividade industrial e crescimento impulsionado pelo comércio, reconhecendo que uma duplicação das despesas com I&D em África em 1% do PIB poderia gerar até 70 mil milhões de dólares americanos anualmente. Vemos igualmente o ARIH a posicionar-se como um canal vital que estabelece a ligação entre a academia, a indústria, os decisores políticos e os investidores, a fim de acelerar a caminhada de África rumo a um crescimento inclusivo e sustentável.”

As actividades do ARIH na IATF2025 incluíram a entrega de prémios a 12 projectos pioneiros de investigação e inovação de toda África e das Caraíbas, demonstrando um potencial real para enfrentar os desafios prementes de África. Os vencedores foram seleccionados entre mais de 200 investigadores, estudantes, educadores e cientistas que se candidataram a um concurso iniciado pelo Afreximbank. Os prémios, que incluíram certificados e prémios em dinheiro, foram entregues pela Sr.ª Kanayo Awani, Vice-Presidente Executiva do Afreximbank para o Comércio Intra-Africano e Desenvolvimento das Exportações.

Ao felicitar os vencedores, o Dr. Anthony Coleman, Director de Investigação para o Desenvolvimento do Afreximbank, exortou-os a alargar os seus horizontes inovadores para fazer face de forma eficaz às lacunas tecnológicas e aos desafios de desenvolvimento de África. Garantiu-lhes ainda o compromisso do Afreximbank em fomentar o ARIH como uma via de longo prazo para o ecossistema de inovação de África. O Dr. Coleman desafiou-os ainda a manter o ímpeto, aproveitando a plataforma como trampolim para esforços de colaboração entre cientistas, inovadores e empreendedores, a fim de promover o comércio intra-regional e a transformação económica de África.

Participaram igualmente no lançamento o Dr. Kamel Bidari, Ministro do Ensino Superior e Investigação Científica da Argélia; o Dr. Noureddine Ouadah, Ministro da Economia do Conhecimento, Startups e Microempresas da Argélia; o Sr. Kamal Rezig, Ministro do Comércio Externo e Promoção das Exportações da Argélia; o Sr. Tiroeaone Ntsima, Ministro do Empreendedorismo e Comércio do Lesoto; e o Sr. Patrick Thierry Akoloza, Ministro do Comércio e Indústria da República Centro-Africana.

Com a participação de mais de 112.000 visitantes de 132 países, a IATF2025, que decorreu de 04 a 10 de Setembro, terminou com um resultado notável, com 48,3 mil milhões de dólares em acordos comerciais e de investimento assinados ao longo dos sete (7) dias da exposição continental. A exposição recebeu 2.148 expositores.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Afreximbank.

Contato para a imprensa:
media@intrafricatradefair.com
press@afreximbank.com

Sobre a Feira Comercial Intra-Africana:
Organizada pelo Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank), pela Comissão da União Africana (CUA) e pelo Secretariado da Zona de Comércio Livre Continental Africana (ZCLCA), a Feira Comercial Intra-Africana (IATF) tem como objectivo proporcionar uma plataforma única para facilitar o intercâmbio de informações sobre comércio e investimento, com vista a apoiar o aumento do comércio e do investimento intra-africanos, especialmente no contexto da implementação do Acordo de Comércio Livre Continental Africano (ACLCA). A IATF reúne actores continentais e globais para apresentar e expor os seus produtos e serviços e explorar oportunidades de negócios e investimento no continente. Constitui igualmente uma plataforma para partilhar informações sobre comércio, investimento e mercado com as partes interessadas e permite aos participantes discutir e identificar soluções para os desafios que o comércio e o investimento intra-africanos enfrentam. Para além dos participantes africanos, a Feira Comercial está igualmente aberta a empresas e investidores de países não africanos interessados em fazer negócios em África e em apoiar a transformação do continente através da industrialização e do desenvolvimento das exportações.

Para mais informações, visite  www.IntrAfricanTradeFair.com.

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Consumer inflation slows in August

Source: Government of South Africa

Statistics South Africa has recorded a slight decrease in annual consumer inflation for August – easing from some 3.5% to 3.3%.

This as fuel and food inflation slowed last month.

“The monthly change was also lower. The consumer price index (CPI) decreased by 0.1% between July and August, with four of 13 categories in the inflation basket registering monthly declines.

“These were food and non-alcoholic beverages [NAB] (-0,1%); furnishings, household equipment & routine maintenance (-0,1%); transport (-0,2%); and information & communication (-0,2%),” Stats SA said.

The annual rate for food and non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) edged lower to 5.2% in August from 5.7% in July.

Lower rates were also recorded in cereal products; fish and other seafood; milk, other dairy products and eggs; fruits and nuts, and vegetables.

“The rate for cereal products retreated from 2.1% in July to 1.5% in August. Some staples are cheaper than a year ago, including hot cereals (-7.8%) and white rice (-7.2%). Bread and pasta products recorded zero or low-price increases. 

“Examples include white bread (0.0%), brown bread (+0.4%), macaroni (+0.5%) and spaghetti (+0.6%). Some items are notably more expensive, such as samp (+14.8%) and maize meal (+8.2%),” the institution said.

Although beef continues to have high annual rates, the monthly increase in August is the lowest since April.

“Beef mince recorded a 12-month change of 27.2% and a monthly rise of 0.2%. Stewing beef reached an annual rate of 32.3% while its monthly change was 0.6%. Beef steak prices were 28.6% higher than a year ago but down by 1.2% between July and August.

“These low monthly changes follow factory-gate inflation of -7.8% in July for beef carcasses,” Stats SA noted.

Furthermore, the price index for milk, other dairy products and eggs “declined by 1.1%, the lowest annual print since March 2011 when the rate was -1.4%. Prices for fresh full-cream milk decreased by 2.9% between August 2024 and August 2025”. – SAnews.gov.za

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Paul Biya at 92: will defections weaken his grip on absolute power in Cameroon?

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By David E Kiwuwa, Associate Professor of International Studies, University of Nottingham

Cameroonians go to the polls in October 2025 in what some people hoped might be a break from the country’s troubled recent past. They thought that President Paul Biya (92) might stand aside to allow a transition.

Three years ago I was one of those who expressed optimism about the 2025 poll. But I was wrong.

Biya is set to run yet again for an 8th term. He is already one of Africa’s longest ruling presidents, behind only Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Nguema.

Biya is on the cusp of achieving lifetime presidency since taking office in 1982.

In July 2025, after months of speculation, he confirmed in a tweet that he would run again.

Having weathered coups, silenced dissent, defied death rumours, and outlasted generations of challengers, he reminded friend and foe alike that he remains at the centre of Cameroon’s political ecosystem.

I am a long time scholar of and commentator on African politics, regime transformation, democratic transition and broader governance. Given regional developments that have seen the military deposing long term leaders, one might expect Biya to superintend a managed transition. The intriguing question is: what is it about the situation in Cameroon that continues to defy logic?

There is evident restlessness and frustration among young Cameroonians as well as clear clamour for change. Yet, the incumbent remains the front-runner, supported by the ruling party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, and his near-total command of the state’s political machinery.

Simply, the system has been designed to serve Biya’s interests. With government control of the media, resources, and judicial and electoral institutions, it is unlikely that the opposition can bring about systemic change.

Some things have changed, however. Biya’s previous wins were landslides that left no room for debate. This time things could potentially be different on account of high-profile defections from his party. These men will be challenging him at the polls.

The field

The last electoral cycle, leading up to the 2018 poll, was characterised by subdued challenges and a co-opted or deeply divided opposition. This time Biya appears to face a relatively organised opposition.

Initially, 83 candidates signalled their interest. In July the electoral commission cleared 13 to run. The commission controversially disqualified Maurice Kamto, a renowned legal scholar who performed respectably in the 2018 electoral cycle with 14% of the vote.

Human Rights Watch warned that this would cast a shadow over the credibility of the electoral process.

Nevertheless, several credible figures across the political spectrum remain in the race and present alternatives.

Biya faces two other former allies turned political adversaries.

One is Issa Tchiroma Bakary, his minister of employment and vocational training. A longtime insider of the regime, he served in various ministerial roles and was long considered a loyalist. Yet in June 2025, he resigned from the government, delivering a searing critique of the system he once represented.

He then launched his campaign, running on the ticket of the Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon.

The minister of tourism and leisure, Bello Bouba Maigari, still formally holding office, declared his intention in July 2025 to run against his boss in the October elections.

This announcement was especially striking given the deep political history between the two men. Maigari is not just any cabinet member. He is a long-standing confidant of the president, having been appointed Biya’s prime minister in 1982 and hailing from the vote-rich northern region. The decision to enter the race marks a shift from loyal lieutenant to presidential challenger, revealing the growing fissures within the ruling elite.

Others in the race worth noting are:

  • Akere Muna, a former speaker who swore in Biya in 1982 and a tireless advocate for transparency and accountability. He ran for the top job in 2018 (but withdrew at the last minute).

  • Cabral Libii, from the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation, a young and dynamic leader who also ran for president in 2018 and garnered 6% of the total vote.

  • Joshua Osih, a seasoned politician with a strong track record.

The issues

The nation’s pressing issues remain the same as they have been for a long while.

These include:

  • Endemic corruption. Cameroon is ranked 140 out of 180 countries by Transparency International. The reasons are systemic decay of state institutions and maladministration.

  • Economic stasis, including stubborn unemployment forecast at 7.34% by Statista; 23% live below the international poverty line and 3.3 million are food insecure.

  • The ongoing anglophone regional crisis pitting the English speaking regions against the dominant francophone centre.

  • Biya’s ability to govern and the succession question, given his very advanced age and the potential vacuum or infighting if he couldn’t complete his term.

The external dimension

Western actors have been consistent critics of Biya’s regime in the recent past. However, some have adopted a more cautious tone, balancing criticism with strategic interests.

The US, for instance, suspended some military assistance to Cameroon in 2019 over human rights abuses. But it continues counter-terrorism cooperation against Boko Haram.

The European Union, while pressing for peaceful resolution of the anglophone conflict, remains an important trade and aid partner.

China has become Cameroon’s largest bilateral creditor and a top trading partner. According to a report by Business in Cameroon, in 2024 Cameroon owed about 64.8% of its external bilateral debt to China. This is primarily for infrastructure loans that have funded projects like the Kribi Deep Sea Port, the Yaoundé-Douala highway, and hydropower stations.

For regime survival, Biya has pursued a pragmatic foreign policy. Beijing’s diplomatic stance of non-interference and respect for sovereignty resonates with Cameroonian political elites wary of western scrutiny and criticism over democratic backsliding and the anglophone conflict.

But Biya has not severed ties with the west. For example, the government maintains partnerships with France for security training, with Germany for decentralisation support, and with the US for counterinsurgency.

This balancing is not simply geopolitical. It is also deeply embedded in domestic patronage networks. Foreign aid, loans and investments serve as resources to consolidate elite power, strengthen the patronage system and suppress dissent.

The October polls are sure to reaffirm the status quo.

– Paul Biya at 92: will defections weaken his grip on absolute power in Cameroon?
– https://theconversation.com/paul-biya-at-92-will-defections-weaken-his-grip-on-absolute-power-in-cameroon-264915

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L’Africa Research and Innovation Hub [Centre africain de recherche et d’innovation (ARIH)] d’Afreximbank cherche à générer des gains économiques annuels d’une valeur de 70 milliards de dollars US au profit de l’Afrique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

L’Africa Research and Innovation Hub [Centre africain de recherche et d’innovation (ARIH)], récemment lancé par la Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank).(www.Afreximbank.com), cherche à mobiliser jusqu’à 70 milliards de dollars US par an en gains économiques pour l’Afrique en stimulant une croissance durable axée sur l’innovation.

L’ARIH devrait catalyser la souveraineté technologique, le commerce intra-africain, la croissance durable et la transformation structurelle des économies africaines en favorisant la recherche scientifique, l’innovation et la commercialisation des technologies locales. Il s’agit d’accélérer le commerce intra-africain et la transformation structurelle en tirant parti des liens organiques entre les universités, l’industrie et les décideurs grâce à des innovations évolutives.

Le Centre est structuré de manière à remédier aux faibles investissements dans la recherche et le développement (R&d) en Afrique et à la sous-performance du continent en termes de résultats de recherche. Pour ce faire, il devra promouvoir la commercialisation de l’innovation et établir des partenariats entre les universités, l’industrie et les décideurs politiques afin de doubler les dépenses de R&D et de générer des retombées économiques en Afrique.

S’exprimant lors de la Foire commerciale intra-africaine (IATF2025), Dr Yemi Kale, Économiste en chef du Groupe et Directeur général de la Recherche (Afreximbank), a déclaré : « La création de l’ Africa Research and Innovation Hub marque un moment charnière pour l’écosystème scientifique et technologique africain. Elle témoigne de l’engagement d’Afreximbank à tirer parti des talents locaux et à transformer le capital intellectuel africain en compétitivité industrielle, expansion du commerciale et développement durable ».

Le Dr Kale a souligné que l’Afrique contribue actuellement à moins de 3 % de la production mondiale en matière de recherche. Il a ajouté qu’en dépit des défis urgents auxquels le continent est confronté, « l’accélération de l’écosystème d’innovation africain visant à soutenir la croissance économique, la diversification commerciale et la souveraineté technologique est donc un objectif auquel nous sommes heureux de nous engager ».

Il a ajouté : « Notre vision est de faire de l’ARIH une plateforme de transformation visant à convertir le capital intellectuel en compétitivité industrielle et en croissance tirée par le commerce, en reconnaissant qu’un doublement des dépenses de R&D de l’Afrique, pour atteindre 1 % du PIB, pourrait générer jusqu’à 70 milliards de dollars US par an ». Nous voyons également l’ARIH se positionner comme un vecteur essentiel reliant le monde universitaire, l’industrie, les décideurs politiques et les investisseurs afin d’accélérer la croissance inclusive et durable de l’Afrique ».

Les activités de l’ARIH lors de l’IATF2025 comprenaient la remise de prix pour 12 projets de recherche et d’innovation pionniers provenant de toute l’Afrique et des Caraïbes, démontrant un réel potentiel pour relever les défis urgents de l’Afrique.  Les lauréats ont été sélectionnés parmi plus de 200 chercheurs, étudiants, éducateurs et scientifiques ayant soumis leurs candidatures au concours lancé par Afreximbank. Les prix, composés de certificats et de récompenses financières, ont été remis par Mme Kanayo Awani, Vice-présidente exécutive d’Afreximbank, en charge du Commerce Intra-africain et du Développement des Exportations.

Tout en les félicitant, le Dr Anthony Coleman, Directeur de la Recherche pour le Développement d’Afreximbank, a exhorté les lauréats à élargir leurs horizons en matière d’innovation afin de combler efficacement les lacunes technologiques et de relever les défis du développement de l’Afrique. Il leur a assuré de l’engagement d’Afreximbank à faire de l’ARIH une plateforme à long terme pour l’écosystème d’innovation africain. Le Dr Coleman les a en outre encouragés à maintenir l’élan en utilisant cette plateforme comme tremplin pour des efforts collaboratifs entre scientifiques, innovateurs et entrepreneurs, afin d’accélérer le commerce intra-africain et la transformation économique du continent.

Les personnalités suivantes ont également pris part au lancement : Dr Kamel Bidari, Ministre de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche scientifique de l’Algérie ; Dr Noureddine Ouadah, Ministre de l’Économie de la connaissance, des Startups et des Microentreprises de l’Algérie ; M. Kamal Rezig, Ministre du Commerce extérieur et de la Promotion des exportations de l’Algérie ; M. Tiroeaone Ntsima, Ministre de l’Entrepreneuriat et du Commerce du Lesotho ; et M. Patrick Thierry Akoloza, Ministre du Commerce et de l’Industrie de la République centrafricaine.

L’IATF 2025, qui a été tenue du 4 au 10 septembre, a accueilli 2148 exposants et plus de 112 000 visiteurs venus de 132 pays. L’évènement d’une semaine s’est achevé sur une note particulièrement positive avec la signature de transactions commerciales et d’investissements d’une valeur de 48,3 milliards de dollars US.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

Contact pour les médias :
media@intrafricatradefair.com
press@afreximbank.com

À propos de la Foire commerciale intra-africaine :
Organisée par la Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank), la Commission de l’Union africaine (CUA) et le Secrétariat de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf), la Foire commerciale intra-africaine vise à fournir une plate-forme unique pour faciliter l’échange d’informations sur le commerce et l’investissement afin de soutenir le développement du commerce et de l’investissement intra-africains, en particulier dans le contexte de la mise en œuvre de l’Accord sur la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf). La Foire commerciale intra-africaine réunit les acteurs continentaux et internationaux afin qu’ils présentent et exposent leurs biens et services, tout en explorant les opportunités d’affaires et d’investissement sur le continent. L’IATF offre en outre une plateforme pour partager des informations sur le commerce, les investissements et le marché avec les parties prenantes et permet aux participants d’examiner et d’identifier des solutions aux difficultés auxquelles sont confrontés le commerce et l’investissement intra-africain. Outre les participants africains, la foire commerciale est ouverte aux entreprises et aux investisseurs de pays non africains qui souhaitent faire des affaires en Afrique et soutenir sa transformation grâce à l’industrialisation et au développement des exportations

Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez consulter le site : www.IntrAfricanTradeFair.com

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Pan African Visions Launches Special Edition Celebrating 5 Years of African Energy Week

Source: APO – Report:

Pan African Visions (www.PanAfricanVisions.com) magazine is proud to release a special edition titled “AEW at 5 – From Vision to Global Energy Leader,” marking the fifth anniversary of African Energy Week (AEW).

Launched by the African Energy Chamber in 2021, AEW has grown into Africa’s largest energy event—generating billions in potential deals and attracting top global industry leaders, policymakers, and investors to Cape Town each year.

“Africa has the resources, the talent, and the vision to lead,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “AEW has shown the world what Africa is capable of.”

This special edition of Pan African Visions highlights key voices shaping the continent’s energy future, including:

  •  NJ Ayuk on the AEW Revolution
  • Gwede Mantashe: South Africa’s Energy Gatekeeper
  • Jean-Richard Itoua: Championing Congo’s Energy Future
  • Nigeria: President Tinubu’s Energy Vision
  • Foday Mansaray: Sierra Leone’s Roadmap to First Oil
  • Omar Ibrahim Farouk: The Strategic Vision for the AEB
  • Dietsmann: Expanding Africa’s Energy Footprint
  • Proscovia Nabbanja: Shaping Uganda’s Oil Destiny
  • Rene Awambeng: The Dealmaker Redefining Africa’s Energy Future
  • Forvis Mazars: Innovation and Insight in Africa’s Energy Growth

From profiles of leading energy actors like Wale Tinubu of OANDO, Maxime Ominga of SNPC, Vermer Ayukeba, Vice President of the AEC, Gabriel Obiang Lima of the Central African Pipeline System (CAPS) , to interviews with others like Nikki Martin of EnerGEO ,Jude Kearney of Asafo, and  more, the  AEW at 5 special edition of  PAV magazine offers deep insights into AEW’s impact and Africa’s strategic role in the global energy transition.

AEW 2025 runs from September 29 – October 3 in Cape Town, South Africa and is on course to defy attendance records.

Read the  Full Special Edition Here https://apo-opa.co/468CR6V

– on behalf of Pan African Visions.

For press inquiries, media partnerships, or interview requests, please contact:
Media Inquiries:
pav@panafricanvisions.com 
WhatsApp: +1 240 429 2177

About Pan African Visions:
Pan African Visions is a leading pan-African media outlet delivering daily news, analysis, and features across politics, business, development, health, energy, culture, innovation, and more. With a robust digital readership and monthly print circulation, it connects African leaders, experts, and entrepreneurs with global audiences and investors—fostering dialogue and unlocking Africa’s vast potential.

Visit www.PanAfricanVisions.com for more.

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Canon Central & North Africa Provides a Global Stage for Regional Content Creators at Canon Vision 2025 in Amsterdam

Source: APO – Report:

  • Nearly 70 influencers from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa gathered in Amsterdam for an immersive Canon Vision 2025 experience, centered on Canon’s newly launched PowerShot V1 and EOS R50V, both purpose-built for creators.
  • Canon reaffirmed its video-first strategy, inspiring the next generation of African content creators.

Canon Central & North Africa (CCNA) (https://Canon-CNA.com) brought together ten regional content creators from Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania to participate in Canon Vision 2025 in Amsterdam. These creators, spanning genres such as tech, lifestyle, fashion, documentary, travel, film, wildlife and wedding photography, joined more than 100 peers from across Europe and the Middle East. The event provided them with hands-on production opportunities, networking, and collaborative learning experiences, showcasing Canon’s commitment to nurturing talent and empowering storytellers.

Canon Vision 2025, hosted by Canon Europe, marked a groundbreaking initiative to connect with the global creator community. Canon is investing in the future of creativity recognising influencers as key drivers of brand engagement and consumer trust. This initiative reflects our commitment to evolving with social media dynamics, where short-form video content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels dominates audience attention.

#Unfreeze – Breaking Conventions

The event was hosted under the theme #Unfreeze, a call to break away from traditional conventions, explore motion, and unlock new creative possibilities. This marked a significant shift in Canon’s journey toward becoming a motion-first brand that embodies a creator-first mindset, aligning with how audiences interact with content today.

Creators explored Canon’s newest vlogging cameras, the PowerShot V1 and EOS R50V, designed specifically for creating content. The PowerShot V1 provides a compact and easy-to-use option for capturing quick videos and telling travel stories.  Featuring a flip screen and built-in stabilisation, it ensures effortless, steady filming even when capturing content on the move. The EOS R50V provides more advanced features. With 4K video, interchangeable lenses, and fast autofocus, it delivers high-quality footage and flexibility.

The program also featured workshops and masterclasses, including specialized Shooting Like a Pro sessions on advanced storytelling techniques, emerging trends, and industry best practices. The agenda combined creativity with collaboration, offering group content challenges with prizes, a gala dinner for networking, and visits to Amsterdam’s innovative NXT Museum for immersive exhibitions and content-making opportunities.

Industry Leadership at IBC 2025

As part of the wider experience, participants also attended IBC 2025, where Canon showcased its professional video imaging ecosystem and multi-cam solutions. The company unveiled its new EOS C50, a highly versatile, full-frame, RF-mount hybrid Cinema EOS camera for professional videographers and agile production crew. With this new launch, Canon reinforces its commitment to making professional-grade technology accessible to creators of all levels.

“At Canon, our driving strategy revolves around ICE- Innovation, Customer, and Employee Experience. Canon Vision 2025 is a perfect example of how we are elevating customer experience by creating meaningful platforms for creators, who are not just our customers but also the voice of future generations of customers. By empowering influencers and content creators with high-quality tools, we enable them to tell authentic stories that inspire their audiences. This event underlines our commitment to placing the creative community at the heart of our journey, ensuring they have both the technology and the inspiration to thrive.” said Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director, Canon Central & North Africa

Empowering the Next Generation of Creators

For Canon Central & North Africa, engaging with influencers and creators has always been a core pillar. From ongoing campaigns such as “#CelebrateAfrica”, “Generation R”, “Loved by Creators”, and “Go Cinematic”, to initiatives like Canon Vision 2025, Canon continues to build long-term relationships with the creative community. This event serves as another milestone in the brand’s mission to support storytellers, enabling them to expand their craft and redefine what is possible with Canon technology.

– on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (https://Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/3VRzQ4L) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: https://Canon-CNA.com

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Des experts africains préconisent des réformes de gouvernance, une mobilisation des ressources nationales et des partenariats plus solides pour la transformation économique des États en transition

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Des économistes africains et des leaders du développement ont appelé à de vastes réformes de la gouvernance, à une plus forte mobilisation des ressources nationales et à des partenariats novateurs pour accélérer la transformation économique dans les États africains en transition. 

Cet appel a été lancé lors d’un dialogue politique de haut niveau organisé par l’Institut africain de développement (IAD) du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement lors de la 66e Conférence annuelle de la Nigerian Economic Society (NES) à Abuja, au Nigéria. La session, intitulée « Piloter la transformation économique de l’Afrique dans les États en transition : le rôle du renforcement des capacités et de la gestion des connaissances », était animée par Chidiebere Ibe, chargé en chef du développement des capacités à l’IAD. 

La session a attiré des centaines de délégués de toute l’Afrique et du monde entier, y compris des économistes de premier plan, des décideurs politiques, des universitaires, des étudiants et des partenaires du développement internationaux. 

Les États africains en transition ont les économies les plus vulnérables du continent, confrontés à un large éventail de défis politiques, économiques, sécuritaires et environnementaux, et s’efforçant d’atteindre une plus grande stabilité et une plus grande résilience. 

Ouvrant le dialogue, Abdul Kamara, directeur général du Groupe de la Banque pour le Nigéria, a déclaré que l’Afrique devait accélérer son rythme de croissance pour atteindre au moins 7 % par an et réaliser une hausse du PIB par habitant de 3,5 % pendant quatre à cinq décennies afin de réaliser les objectifs de l’Agenda 2063 de l’Union africaine. 

« L’Afrique a besoin de 811 milliards de dollars par an de financement pour réaliser une croissance inclusive et un développement durable. Pourtant, le continent est confronté à un déficit de financement d’environ 680 milliards de dollars chaque année », a souligné M. Kamara. « À eux seuls, les États en transition ont besoin de 210 milliards de dollars par an, avec un déficit de 188 milliards de dollars. » 

La croissance inclusive — axée sur la création d’emplois, l’autonomisation des jeunes et des femmes, et la réduction des goulets d’étranglement structurels — est au cœur de l’approche de la Banque, a-t-il précisé. M. Kamara a mis en avant des initiatives telles que le programme iDICE du Nigéria, doté de 618 millions de dollars, pour stimuler l’innovation et l’économie créative. Il a indiqué que la Banque investissait dans la jeunesse, les femmes, les infrastructures, l’énergie, l’éducation et la technologie pour relever les défis persistants du développement. 

Eric Ogunleye, directeur de l’IAD, a rappelé l’urgence de s’attaquer à la fragilité, notant que 24 pays africains sont désormais classés comme des États en transition, contre 22 au cours des quatre dernières années. 

« Plus de 250 millions d’Africains sont directement touchés par la fragilité, et plus de 44 millions d’entre eux avaient été déplacés de force à la mi -2024 », a déploré M. Ogunleye. « Les pays touchés par les conflits ont subi une chute de 20 % de leur croissance et un déclin significatif des résultats sociaux, car les ressources sont détournées des infrastructures et de la santé pour lutter contre les causes de la fragilité », a-t-il ajouté. 

M. Ogunleye a averti que les foyers d’instabilité à travers le Sahel, la Corne de l’Afrique et la région des Grands Lacs menaçaient le développement à long terme, à moins que les pays ne poursuivent des réformes audacieuses, ne renforcent la gouvernance et ne développent leur résilience face aux chocs climatiques. 

Les deux cadres dirigeants de la Banque africaine de développement ont mis l’accent sur le fait qu’une transformation soutenue nécessitait non seulement des ressources financières, mais aussi des investissements dans le développement des capacités et la gestion des connaissances. « Les capacités sont essentielles à l’élaboration des politiques et au renforcement des institutions », a insisté M. Ogunleye. Nous devons arrêter de “copier-coller” les politiques et développer des stratégies adaptées et pertinentes au niveau local, enracinées dans les connaissances autochtones et uniques de l’environnement. » 

D’autres experts ont fait écho à l’appel lancé en faveur de réformes.  

Pour Emmanuel Owusu-Sekyere, directeur de la recherche, des politiques et des programmes au Centre africain pour la transformation économique (ACET), la résolution des conflits et la réforme de la gouvernance doivent précéder tout développement significatif. « Les efforts doivent d’abord viser à mettre fin au conflit avant de pouvoir entreprendre toute activité de développement », a-t-il déclaré. « Le plus important est de veiller à ce que les réformes soient axées sur l’instauration d’une bonne gouvernance et d’un leadership visionnaire. C’est là que la responsabilité commence et se termine. » 

M. Owusu-Sekyere a alerté sur le fait que la corruption et le manque d’engagement politique demeuraient le « problème majeur » de l’Afrique. Il a exhorté les gouvernements à endiguer les flux financiers illicites, à maîtriser les transferts de fonds et à mettre en œuvre des plans de développement non partisans. 

En ce qui concerne le financement, Adeyemi Dipeolu, membre du corps professoral de l’unité du laboratoire des politiques de l’IAD et ancien conseiller du président du Nigéria sur les questions économiques, a pointé le faible ratio impôts/PIB de l’Afrique, de 17 %, contre 29 % en Amérique latine et 26 % en Asie de l’Est.  

M. Dipeolu a souligné l’importance de lutter contre les flux financiers illicites, qui coûtent à l’Afrique environ 90 milliards de dollars par an, et de tirer parti des transferts de fonds, qui ont atteint 56 milliards de dollars en 2024. Il a également mis en garde contre les emprunts insoutenables : « Parmi les pays en surendettement dans le monde, sept sur neuf sont africains », a-t-il noté. 

Pour sa part, Jane Mariara, directrice exécutive du Partenariat pour la politique économique (PEP), a regretté la diminution de l’aide au développement, mais elle a souligné les opportunités offertes par les flux de financement climatique vers l’Afrique, qui ont atteint 137 milliards de dollars en 2024. 

Mme Mariara a appelé à une capacité de gestion de la dette plus forte et à un recours plus large aux instruments de financement mixte et de partage des risques : « Les États en transition doivent donner la priorité au renforcement des capacités institutionnelles, tandis que les partenariats avec le secteur privé peuvent débloquer de nouvelles ressources. » 

De l’avis général des experts, la transformation des États africains en transition dépend d’une gouvernance forte, de stratégies de développement cohérentes, d’un financement durable et de partenariats solides. 

Dans son discours de clôture, Seedwell Hove, chef de division de la gestion des politiques à l’Institut africain de développement, a déclaré que l’un des principaux enseignements du dialogue politique était l’aspect fondamental du renforcement des capacités pour la croissance et la transformation économiques, tandis que la gestion des connaissances contribuait à amplifier l’impact. Ces éléments doivent sous-tendre les réformes si l’Afrique veut passer de la fragilité à la résilience et de la transition à la transformation. 

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

Cliquez sur ce lien pour l’album photos : https://apo-opa.co/4pml4k5

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

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