Category: Africa

Source: APO

• The 12th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary was officially inaugurated by the Vice President of The Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Mr. MUHAMMAD B. S. JALLOW and Merck Foundation Chairman, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp.
• The conference was co-chaired by The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW and Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej and attended by The First Ladies of Burundi, Central Africa, Liberia, Nigeria, São Tomé & Príncipe and Senegal, as Guests of Honor.
• The conference was attended by close to 1,600 participants including healthcare providers, policymakers and media from 52 English, French, and Portuguese speaking countries, who benefited from three parallel scientific and social sessions to advance healthcare capacity and awareness in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. Additionally, the conference had 2.25 million viewers online from 53 countries, further amplifying its impact and extending access to knowledge and dialogue across continents.
• Merck Foundation celebrated the 13-year journey of their development programs, during 2025 Luminary. 
• Watch the video of MFFLI Committee Meeting held during the 12 Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025: https://apo-opa.co/3K4UBrK

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 12^th Edition of their annual conference, “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary”, in partnership with the Government of The Gambia in Banjul, The Gambia. The conference was inaugurated by H.E. Mr. MUHAMMAD B. S. JALLOW, Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, together with Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of Gambia and Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative along with The First Ladies of African countries, who joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers:

• H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE, First Lady of the Republic of Burundi
• H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, First Lady of Central African Republic
• H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, First Lady of the Republic of Liberia
• H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBI, CON First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
• H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe
• H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, First Lady of the Republic of Senegal

On Day 2 of the Summit, the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Committee (MFFLI) was conducted.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Co-Chairperson of 12^th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 emphasized, “It was a privilege to convene the Merck Foundation Africa First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Committee Meeting together with our Chairman and my dear sisters, the First Ladies of Africa, who are also our Ambassadors of the ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother’.

During the meeting, we evaluated the impact of our ongoing programs and discussed the 2026 strategy to further strengthen healthcare and media capacity and address critical social and health issues including Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Ending Child Marriage and FGM, Stopping GBV, Empowering Women, and raising awareness about health concerns such as Diabetes and Hypertension.” Watch the video of Merck Foundation CEO during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/3MyQTao

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, expressed, “It was truly encouraging to hear from the First Ladies of Africa and Asia about the significant progress made in their countries through Merck Foundation’s initiatives and the meaningful impact these programs have had nationally.” Watch the video of Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/48RzWzN

H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of Republic of The Gambia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother, also the co-chair of the luminary emphasized, “I am delighted to welcome my dear sisters, the First Ladies of Africa, along with the Merck Foundation CEO and Chairman, to my country. MFFLI is a vital platform that allows us to reflect on our achievements and discuss the way forward.

I take pride in my partnership with Merck Foundation, through which we are reshaping our public healthcare system and making history by providing scholarships for our very first specialists in crucial fields such as oncology, fertility, and more. Merck Foundation has provided 94 scholarships for Gambian doctors in many critical specialties. Moreover, we are also providing annual scholarships for 40 deserving yet underprivileged girls, helping them to complete their education and achieve their full potential.” Watch the video of The Gambia first Lady during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/4pJ2LVx

Merck Foundation also released a new children’s storybook and its animation film adaptation titled “Ray of Hope” to raise awareness about cancer, with a special focus on early detection, prevention and access to quality cancer care specially in childhood cancer. The storybook and animation film were released by Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, together with First Ladies of Burundi, Central Africa, The Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria, São Tomé & Príncipe and Senegal.

Read ‘Ray of Hope’ storybook here:

https://apo-opa.co/4pj0Ozu

Watch ‘Ray of Hope’ animation film here:

https://apo-opa.co/3MhKZdG

During the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Committee (MFFLI) committee meeting, the African First Ladies shared the progress of Merck Foundation programs in their countries and discussed the 2026 strategy.

H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, The First Lady of the Republic of Senegal & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, “I’m proud to join my sisters on this esteemed platform. Each time I get an opportunity to learn more about Merck Foundation’s impactful programs and their far-reaching benefits. I’m pleased to share that Merck Foundation has provided 29 scholarships for our young doctors in Oncology, Diabetes, Fertility, and Embryology, and I’m eager to scale up this effort. I am also happy to launch the Merck Foundation Community Awareness initiatives tin my country to be raise awareness about critical social and health issues. Moreover, we have started the Educating Linda program and are providing annual scholarships to 40 underprivileged but high performing schoolgirls.” Watch the video of The First Lady of Senegal during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/4otdlza

H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother stated, “I am honored to be part of this prestigious platform and to bring Merck Foundation’s impactful programs to my country as the Ambassador of the More Than a Mother campaign. Through the Educating Linda and Lindo program, we are annually supporting the education of 40 high-performing yet underprivileged girls and boys, giving them the chance to complete their studies and follow their dreams. Merck Foundation has also started to enroll our local doctors for specialty trainings. This is the first time we are working on such programs in our country.” Watch the video of The First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/4iveowZ

H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, “I found the discussions during the MFFLI Committee Meeting truly inspiring and motivating. I’m deeply impressed by the impact Merck Foundation has made in Nigeria, particularly the 81 scholarships for our young doctors in vital fields such as Fertility, Oncology, and Diabetes and many more. I am also deeply passionate about girls’ education, and through the Educating Linda program, we are currently providing annual sponsorships to support the education of 71 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls. I am happy to empower the deserving girls in our country.” Watch the video of The First Lady of Nigeria during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/49RWT82

H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, “I truly value this platform as it helps us share our progress and shape the way forward. Through our partnership with Merck Foundation, we’ve provided 52 scholarships for doctors in Fertility, Embryology, Oncology, and Diabetes care, and we are now look forward to expanding into additional critical specialties. We also remain committed to supporting girls’ education, with 40 deserving schoolgirls currently being benefiting from the Educating Linda program annual scholarships.” Watch the video of The First Lady of Liberia during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/48vCAuQ

H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of Central Africa & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother emphasized “As one of the early members of this esteemed platform, I remain committed to working closely with Merck Foundation to build healthcare capacity by supporting scholarships for our doctors. I’m also deeply invested in the ‘Educating Linda’ program, through which we’re sponsoring 40 underprivileged schoolgirls in our country. I look forward to expanding these initiatives to further amplify their impact.” Watch the video of The First Lady of Central African Republic during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/4rvWL4r

H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE, First Lady of the Republic of Burundi & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than A Mother shared, “I’m truly pleased to engage in meaningful discussions with my dear sisters on the impact of our partnership with Merck Foundation. I’m proud to share that we’ve provided 244 scholarships for Burundian doctors and will continue expanding this support across 44 critical specialties. We also deeply value the Educating Linda program, through which we are providing annual scholarships for 40 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls. Promoting girls’ education remains a shared priority for all of us.” Watch the video of The First Lady of Burundi during the MFFLI Committee Meeting in The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/4ao1VJp

The conference was held in a hybrid format and was attended by close to 1,600 participants including healthcare providers, policymakers and media from 52 English, French, and Portuguese speaking countries, who benefited from three parallel scientific and social sessions to advance healthcare capacity and awareness in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. Additionally, the conference had 2.25 million viewers online from 53 countries, further amplifying its impact and extending access to knowledge and dialogue across continents.

The 12^th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary was streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/3K8379r), X (http://apo-opa.co/3K83913), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/48cQp2e), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/48Mu1gc).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/48cQq6i), X (http://apo-opa.co/4rxIXq3), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/48yTWXz), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/3XuA7LW).

Link to the Facebook live stream of Inaugural Session of 12^th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary: https://apo-opa.co/49SorKy

Summarizing Merck Foundation’s initiatives and impact:

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

• 2400+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for healthcare providers from 52 Countries in 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 Representatives from more than 35 countries trained by Merck Foundation to better raise awareness about different social and health issues
• 8 Different Awards launched annually for best Media coverage, Song, Films, and Fashion.
• Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa
• 9 Children’s Storybooks in four languages – English, French, Portuguese, and Swahili
• 6 Awareness Animation Films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education and prevention and early detection of Diabetes, Hypertension & Cancer.
• Pan African TV Program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community
• 1100+ Scholarships provided annually to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls from 18 countries, to help them to complete their studies and empower them to reach their full potential
• 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8.5 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/3KANvv6
X: https://apo-opa.co/3KtbgVN
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/48tKPHM
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4amxa7J
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/3MacuWI
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4ivx0gB
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/49SK0dM

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/3KANvv6), X (https://apo-opa.co/3KtbgVN), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/48tKPHM), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4amxa7J), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3MacuWI) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4ivx0gB).

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

Source: APO

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved financing of €25 million to help Cameroon’s Crédit Communautaire d’Afrique-Bank (CCA-Bank) expand its trade finance offerings to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other businesses.

The facility, approved at a Board session held on 1 December in Abidjan, will be deployed as a Transaction Guarantee (https://apo-opa.co/4pMGlTC), a Bank Group product that provides risk cover to eligible African banks for their trade finance transactions.

“The facility will support Cameroon’s economy by facilitating imports of equipment for the industrial, agro-industrial and telecommunications sectors. It will also enable the African Development Bank to provide up to a 100 percent guarantee to confirming banks, to facilitate the confirmation of letters of credit and other similar trade finance instruments issued by CCA-Bank for the benefit of SMEs in Cameroon,” explained Lamin Drammeh, Head of the Bank Group’s Trade Finance Division.

Léandre Bassolé, Director General of the Bank’s Central Africa region, emphasised that the operation was in line with the institution’s ambition to increase its direct interventions in favour of the private sector in Cameroon. “It will strengthen CCA-Bank’s capacity to support the activities of SMEs, including those owned by women and young people, to boost the local productive sector, facilitate economic growth, and create and maintain thousands of jobs,” he said.

Marguerite Fonkwen Atanga, Managing Director of CCA-Bank, welcomed this debut direct financing support from the African Development Bank Group: “We would like to express our gratitude to the African Development Bank Group for this important trade finance facility. This strategic partnership marks a major milestone for our institution and will significantly strengthen our capacity to support small and medium-sized enterprises, women entrepreneurs and start-ups in Cameroon and Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Alexis Adélé
Communications and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the AfDB Transaction Guarantee: 
The Transaction Guarantee is a trade finance instrument put in place by the African Development Bank to support commercial banks in Africa. It was launched in 2021 and covers a variety of trade finance instruments, including confirmed letters of credit, commercial loans, irrevocable repayment undertakings, endorsed drafts and promissory notes, among others. The facility is available to all banks registered and operating in Africa that have passed the African Development Bank’s due diligence process.

About the African Development Bank Group: 
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s leading development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Represented in 41 African countries, with a field office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

Source: APO

.

With upstream capital expenditure set to reach $41 billion in 2026, Africa’s rising exploration and production (E&P) activity highlights the evolving landscape of above-ground attractiveness across the continent. According to the African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org) State of African Energy 2026 Outlook, African countries currently fall mostly in the mid-range of global attractiveness scores. However, a series of reforms, fiscal adjustments and strategic licensing initiatives are set to improve investor returns and deepen engagement across the continent.

Above-Ground Trends Shaping Investment

Political change, civil activism and shifting governance structures are creating new dynamics for African E&P. The waning of legacy European influence is being replaced by growing engagement from foreign powers, including China, Russia, the U.S. and Middle Eastern investors, impacting the diplomatic and investment landscape. Recent elections in South Africa, Senegal and Mozambique demonstrate how political flux can impact investor confidence and E&P operations.

Resource nationalism and local content requirements are also becoming more prominent. Governments are increasingly seeking to optimize national benefits from hydrocarbons through greater state participation, local ownership and employment measures. Countries such as Senegal, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Namibia are actively debating these policies. The evolving regulatory and social environment could empower civil society and labor unions, while environmental activities continue to scrutinize exploration in sensitive regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Namibia and South Africa.

Strategic Licensing and Renewed Investor Interest

Amid renewed interest in deepwater exploration, sub-Saharan African producers are driving competitive licensing rounds to attract international operators and national oil companies (NOCs). Bid rounds are ongoing or planned in Angola, the Republic of Congo, the DRC, Nigeria and Tanzania, with host countries offering more attractive fiscal and contractual terms. African governments are also increasingly flexible in dealing with a diverse investor base, ranging from local independents to international NOCs and financiers such as Middle Eastern banks, Asian export credit agencies and global trading firms.

Countries including Angola and Nigeria have implemented institutional, regulatory and contractual reforms aimed at unlocking upstream investment. Streamlined mergers and acquisitions approvals, clearer legislation and transparent licensing frameworks are critical to attracting cross-border capital. Emerging markets such as Ivory Coast, Kenya, Namibia and Senegal/Mauritania are under investor scrutiny as potential sites for strategic acquisitions and greenfield projects.

Focus on Gas Regulation and Industrialization

African governments are also prioritizing gas regulation to unlock lower-carbon growth opportunities. Clear frameworks for the gas value chain are expected to stimulate domestic industrialization, power access and international supply diversification. While pioneering projects such as Congo Floating LNG have advanced, other initiatives in Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania have been delayed due to contractual and offtake uncertainties. Pending gas master plans and legislation in Angola, the Republic of Congo, Nigeria and South Africa will be pivotal in determining how much of Africa’s undeveloped gas potential can be mobilized for export and domestic consumption.

Spotlight on Key Country Developments

Angola has emerged as a leading host country for E&P investment in Africa. Its above-ground risk score has steadily improved since 2017, reflecting extensive regulatory and institutional reforms. Angola’s fiscal incentives, including terms for gas, marginal fields, and incremental production, have successfully attracted upstream investment, consolidating its status as a continental leader.

Ivory Coast maintains a pragmatic approach to foreign investment. Regardless of the outcome of the 2025 presidential election, authorities are expected to continue supporting upstream investors while emphasizing adherence to local content requirements, particularly for offshore developments.

Mozambique is witnessing a cautious restart of onshore LNG projects following the stabilization of post-election political challenges and improved security in Cabo Delgado. TotalEnergies’ Mozambique LNG project is set to resume construction in the second half of 2025, while Eni’s Coral North FLNG project remains on track. Despite progress offshore, onshore development may remain gradual due to lingering security risks.

Namibia is transitioning toward full producer status under President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. The country has consolidated oil and gas oversight under the presidency and is establishing an independent hydrocarbon regulator. Proposed increases in NOC NAMCOR’s share and local content requirements aim to strengthen the sector but could slow project approvals during a critical development phase.

Nigeria is reinvigorating its licensing program with updated terms and incentives targeting specific terrains and resource types. The government plans its third licensing round in three years, signaling a departure from decades of limited acreage availability. Renewed interest in projects such as TotalEnergies’ Ubeta onshore gas development and Shell’s Bonga North deepwater FID highlights growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s upstream potential.

African Energy Week 2026

Africa’s E&P sector is at a pivotal moment. Strategic licensing, institutional reform and evolving fiscal frameworks are enhancing above-ground attractiveness, while political and social dynamics continue to shape the operating environment. As international investors seek opportunities across the continent’s hydrocarbon frontier, the upcoming African Energy Week conference – returning to Cape Town in 2026 – will explore how clear regulation, competitive fiscal terms and effective risk management will drive new investment and support Africa’s long-term energy ambitions.

“The continent offers compelling opportunities for investors who are prepared to engage in a transparent, regulated, and increasingly competitive E&P landscape,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC. “Governments and operators must continue to balance national priorities with investor confidence to unlock Africa’s vast hydrocarbon potential.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

While many couples might prepare for retirement as their years get along, Elaine and David Sigalet chose a different path. It is a path that lets them sail across oceans, transform lives, and deepens their bond in ways they could never have imagined. In the final years of their medical careers, this Canadian couple found renewed purpose with Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.org), a global charity that delivers free surgical care and healthcare professional training to some of Africa’s most underserved regions. For the Sigalets, volunteering with the organization has been a deeply transformative journey.

Now serving for the fourth time on board the Global Mercy™, the Sigalets embody what it means to serve with both skill and heart. For them, this isn’t just volunteering. It is a calling.

David, a pediatric surgeon, spends his days performing life-changing surgeries for children. He repairs their hernias, removes their tumors, and restores lost hope to their families.

“What keeps me coming back is the sense of community,” David shared. “We’re not only transforming individual lives, we’re building something that lasts. The focus on teaching locals is the most meaningful part, because we leave something behind.”

Elaine has also seen the fruits of her labor, particularly in her work with local nurses.

“Today, I work with nurses I trained over a year ago, and their knowledge and ability to critically think in the moment have really improved. It’s very satisfying to see that growth.”

Elaine has a Ph.D. in medical education and serves as the Simulation Coordinator for Mercy Ships’ Education, Training, and Advocacy (ETA) team. Her role involves creating realistic medical scenarios that allow local healthcare professionals to practice and refine their skills in a safe, risk-free environment. This ensures that the knowledge and skills they gain will remain long after the ship has sailed.

Recent studies (https://apo-opa.co/3KC76uX) show that simulation-based training in Sub-Saharan Africa can significantly enhance surgical and clinical competencies among local health professionals. For example, a systematic review found that simulation training is a highly promising modality to improve access and quality of surgical skills in underserved regions. By designing and delivering this supported training on board the Global Mercy, Elaine Sigalet puts theory into practice.

Married for 39 years, the Sigalets say their shared service aboard Mercy Ships has brought them even closer together. Between long days in the hospital and quiet reflective evenings on deck, they’ve rediscovered what first brought them together: a shared belief that faith and compassion can change the world.

“We try to always sit together for meals, attend services, and take evening walks,” Elaine reminisces. “Serving others side by side has taken our relationship, and our faith, to a deeper level. Until you experience it, you don’t really get it. It takes life, and love, to a whole new level.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.

For more information about Mercy Ships, contact:
international.media@mercyships.org 

About Mercy Ships:
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.      

Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal.

Source: APO

Black Swan, a Mauritius-based FinTech startup, has been named the winner of the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2025 (https://Meltwater.org), following a high-energy Grand Finale at Innovation City, Cape Town on November 26, 2025.

Led by the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) and powered by Absa Group, the MEST Africa Challenge is one of the continent’s leading Pan-African pitch competitions, providing a platform for early-stage startups to secure funding, mentorship, and global visibility.

The 2025 edition turned its focus to FinTech; spotlighting startups and embedded financial solutions driving inclusion, smarter payments, and digital transformation across Africa’s economies.

Co-founded by Derick Kazimoto, Black Swan is on a mission to “Make Africa Bankable.” Across Africa, millions of consumers and MSMEs remain invisible to formal lenders because their data is fragmented, informal, and difficult to verify; a gap that locks out capable borrowers and limits credit growth. Black Swan tackles this challenge by turning fragmented data into instant credit intelligence that enables precise affordability assessments and inclusive lending at scale. Its platform helps financial institutions see real risk, unlocking new pathways for growth and economic mobility across the continent.

“Africa’s financial system cannot see the true creditworthiness of millions of consumers and Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) because their data is fragmented, informal, and invisible to traditional lenders,” said Derick Kazimoto, Co-founder and CEO of Black Swan. “This invisibility locks out capable borrowers, limits credit growth, and slows economic mobility. Our mission is to make Africa bankable.” Kazimoto added, “We believe Africa is shifting from informal, collateral-heavy lending to data-driven credit. A transformation that’s changing how banks and FinTechs trust, lend, and grow.”

MAC 2025 attracted hundreds of applications from eight of Absa priority markets, including Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, Seychelles, and Mauritius. After a rigorous selection process, ten startups advanced to the Cape Town finale, where they pitched to a panel of judges comprising investors, Absa executives, and industry leaders.

The Grand Finale was a celebration of Africa’s ingenuity;  where founders showcased real, scalable solutions tackling challenges across payments, credit, insurance, and trade finance.

“Congratulations to Black Swan and all ten finalists of this year’s MEST Africa Challenge,” said Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor at MEST Africa. “This year showed a clear shift toward building for scale; founders are prioritizing compliance, interoperability, and cross-border readiness from day one. FinTech is now powering real sectors like agriculture, energy, and trade, and that’s where lasting impact will come from. At MEST, we’re inspired to see entrepreneurs building solutions that are deeply local yet globally adaptable. It reflects a new maturity in African innovation; grounded in customer realities, and ambitious enough to scale across borders.”

As the 2025 winner, Black Swan will receive US $50,000 in equity investment, entry into the MEST Portfolio, and the opportunity to pilot commercial solutions with Absa business units across Africa; support that will help the company scale its technology and expand its impact across the continent.

“This year’s Challenge brought forward solutions that reflect how people and businesses want to manage their financial lives in a simpler, more accessible, and more integrated way. Black Swan secured the winning position because their solution meets a clear need and shows potential to complement the services we provide across our markets. The Challenge has revealed just how much opportunity exists to enhance customer experiences through thoughtful innovation,” says Tawanda Chatikobo, Head of Digital for Absa Regional Operations (ARO), Retail and Business Banking.

Now in its seventh year, the MEST Africa Challenge has become a launchpad for early-stage founders across the continent; offering visibility, mentorship, and access to partners who can help them grow. The Challenge continues to serve as a bridge between emerging startups and established industry players, uniting the agility of innovation with the scale of corporate collaboration.

“Congratulations to Blackswan on reaching this milestone. What resonated with us was the technical discipline behind their approach: the architecture, the clarity of the build, and the way they’re thinking about scaling responsibly. For us, the Challenge is about expanding Absa’s view of the technology landscape and identifying where new capabilities or partnerships might emerge.” Tamu Dutuma, Head of Strategy and Transformation for Technology at Absa Regional Operations (ARO).

Since 2008, MEST Africa has trained and supported over 2,000 entrepreneurs and invested in over 90 startups. The MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) is its flagship pan-African pitch competition designed to identify and support high-potential technology ventures.

Visit: https://apo-opa.co/48Rjvn5

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa).

Media Contact (MEST Africa):
Ophesmur Adjei
Marketing and Communications Manager
marketing@meltwater.org

About MEST Africa:
Established in 2008 as the non‑profit arm of Meltwater, the Meltwater Foundation drives job creation and economic growth in Africa through software entrepreneurship. Headquartered in Accra, Ghana, the Foundation’s Entrepreneurial Support Organisation, MEST Africa, delivers a full-time, in-person intensive tech‑entrepreneurship training to emerging talent from more than 22 African countries and provides early‑stage investment to promising ventures. To extend this impact, the Foundation launched MESTx, a suite of collaborative programs designed and delivered with like‑minded partners to expand digital‑skills training and startup acceleration across the continent. Since its inception, the Meltwater Foundation has trained 2,000+ entrepreneurs and invested in 90+ startups across the continent; fueling innovation, creating jobs, and shaping Africa’s next generation of tech entrepreneurs.

Learn more about MEST Africa: https://Meltwater.org