Category: Africa

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Perspectives économiques de l’Afrique 2025 : la Banque africaine de développement présente son Rapport-pays sur la République démocratique du Congo

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le bureau pays du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) en République démocratique du Congo a présenté officiellement son Rapport-pays 2025 pour la RDC, dans le cadre des publications nationales issues de son rapport annuel phare : les Perspectives économiques en Afrique.

Placée sous le thème « Tirer le meilleur parti du capital de la République démocratique du Congo pour favoriser son développement », la présentation du rapport a eu lieu, le 10 juillet 2025, à l’Hôtel Hilton Kinshasa, en présence d’une centaine de participants parmi lesquels des représentants des institutions publiques, du secteur privé, des partenaires techniques et financiers, des organisations de la société civile et des universitaires.

Outre le vice-Premier ministre, ministre du Plan et de la Coordination de l’aide au développement, représenté par son Secrétaire général Daniel Epembe Mosango, et la vice-ministre des Finances, O’Neige N’Sele, l’événement a enregistré la participation du ministre des Mines, Kizito Pakabomba, du Premier vice-gouverneur de la Banque centrale du Congo William Pambu Pambu, et de la deuxième vice-présidente de la Fédération des entreprises du Congo Eliane Munkeni Kiekie.  Le représentant résident du Fonds monétaire international en RDC, René Tapsoba, et le coordonnateur résident des Nations unies en RDC, Bruno Lemarquis, ainsi que d’autres partenaires techniques et financiers étaient également présents.

Une croissance résiliente malgré les défis structurels

Selon le rapport, la croissance économique de la RDC a atteint 6,5 % en 2024, essentiellement soutenue par le dynamisme du secteur minier. Pour 2025, la croissance est projetée à 5 %, et à 5,3 % en 2026. Le rapport note également la décélération de l’inflation, qui est passée de 19,9 % en 2023 à 17,9 % fin 2024 et devrait s’établir à 8,8 % 2025, traduisant une meilleure coordination des politiques économiques.

Toutefois, la RDC reste confrontée à des déficits budgétaires et courants persistants, à une faible mobilisation des ressources fiscales avec un taux de pression fiscale à 13,6 % du PIB et à un accès limité aux infrastructures de base.

Le rapport souligne que le capital naturel de la RDC est estimé à 858 milliards de dollars, dont 56 % sont constitués d’actifs renouvelables. Toutefois, plus de 74 % de la population vit toujours avec moins de 2,15 dollars par jour et l’indice de développement humain reste faible (0,481 en 2022), confirmant la nécessité d’approfondir les réformes.

Au nom du ministre des Finances, la vice-ministre des Finances, a salué la pertinence de ce rapport pour guider la RDC dans ses ambitions économiques et sociales.

« Aucun succès en matière économique ne peut se réaliser sans un minimum de rigueur ainsi qu’une bonne gouvernance et une cohérence des politiques publiques formulées sur la base d’évidences scientifiques. », a-t-elle déclaré.

Elle a réaffirmé l’engagement du gouvernement à poursuivre les réformes pour renforcer la résilience de l’économie congolaise et faire de la RDC un pôle de stabilité économique et de croissance durable en Afrique.

Des recommandations concrètes pour renforcer la résilience économique

Le rapport recommande d’accélérer la diversification économique en renforçant les réformes budgétaires et structurelles, les infrastructures, le secteur financier et en améliorant la gestion du capital naturel et humain. Il plaide pour un renforcement du cadre institutionnel avec l’accélération de la digitalisation du service public, une lutte accrue contre la corruption, une meilleure valorisation des ressources humaines et naturelles.

« Le potentiel de la RDC est immense et la dynamique de croissance est bien enclenchée. Il reste maintenant à accélérer la mobilisation des ressources, renforcer la gouvernance et améliorer l’efficacité de la dépense publique. Ce sont des leviers essentiels pour libérer pleinement ce capital et accompagner durablement le développement du pays », a déclaré Olivier Manlan, économiste-pays de la Banque africaine de développement pour la RDC.

Les rapports pays de la Banque africaine de développement sont une déclinaison à l’échelle nationale des analyses continentales des Perspectives économiques en Afrique 2025. Ce document évalue la performance économique des 54 pays africains et leurs perspectives de croissance, en analysant les dynamiques économiques, les défis structurels et les priorités stratégiques.

Le rapport continental a été publié en mai 2025, lors des Assemblées annuelles du Groupe de la Banque à Abidjan, sous le thème « Tirer le meilleur parti du capital de l’Afrique pour favoriser son développement ».

L’économiste pays de la Banque en RDC, a rappelé que le rapport constitue un outil stratégique d’aide à la décision pour soutenir le dialogue entre la Banque, les autorités congolaises et les partenaires au développement. Il a souligné que l’exploitation optimale du potentiel naturel, humain et financier de la RDC demeure un levier essentiel pour asseoir une croissance inclusive et durable dans un contexte mondial de plus en plus contraignant.

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

Contact médias :
Solange Kamuanga-Tossou
chargée principale de la communication régionale pour l’Afrique centrale
media@afdb.org

À propos du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement :
Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement est la principale institution de financement du développement en Afrique. Il comprend trois entités distinctes : la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), le Fonds africain de développement (FAD) et le Fonds spécial du Nigeria (FSN). Représentée dans 41 pays africains, avec un bureau extérieur au Japon, la Banque contribue au développement économique et au progrès social de ses 54 États membres régionaux. Pour plus d’informations: www.AfDB.org

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Chairperson of the African Union Commission Welcomes the 19 April Peace Agreement in the Central African Republic and the Dissolution of the Unité pour la Paix en Centrafrique (UPC) and Réclamation et Réhabilitation (3R) Armed Groups

Source: APO


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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf welcomes the signing of the Peace Agreement concluded on 19 April 2025 in N’Djamena between the Government of the Central African Republic and the armed groups Unité pour la Paix en Centrafrique (UPC) and Retour, Réclamation et Réhabilitation (3R), as part of efforts to revitalize the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic (APPR-RCA).

The Chairperson further welcomes the formal announcement of the dissolution of the UPC and 3R, made on 10 July 2025 in Bangui by the respective leaders of the two groups. He calls on all remaining armed groups in the Central African Republic to lay down their arms and to commit in good faith to inclusive national dialogue and reconciliation in the supreme interest of the Central African people.

The Chairperson pays tribute to the distinguished role played by H.E. General Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, President of the Republic of Chad, whose direct facilitation of the agreement stands as a compelling illustration of the principle of “African solutions to African problems.”

He reaffirms the unwavering commitment of the African Union to support the Central African authorities and all stakeholders in the full and inclusive implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation, with a view to consolidating stability, strengthening national cohesion, and advancing the country’s sustainable development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

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The #AfricaEducatesHer Campaign – African Union’s International Centre for Girls and Women’s Education in Africa (AU CIEFFA) Field Visit in Seychelles

Source: APO


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The African Union’s International Centre for Girls and Women’s Education in Africa (AU CIEFFA) has begun a 3-day field visit to Seychelles as part of its monitoring and evaluation efforts for the implementation of the #AfricaEducatesHer Campaign. This visit, which takes place from 16th – 18th July 2025, in Victoria, aims to gauge the status of girls’ education, assess the effectiveness of re-integration mechanisms, including policies and programs for Out-of-school girls and evaluate the implementation status of the #AfricaEducatesHer campaign, highlighting its impact, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

AU CIEFFA delegates will also utilise the opportunity to examine the impact of national investments on girls’ education and the sustainability of #AfricaEducatesHer campaign initiatives and provide technical assistance to address harmful socio-cultural norms and gender-based violence (GBV), notably school-related GBV.

The Minister of Education, H.E. Dr Justin Valentin, while officially welcoming the AU CIEFFA delegation, expressed his appreciation for the timely visit. He commended the work of CIEFFA in promoting girls and women’s education on the continent. He renewed Seychelles’ commitment to providing education opportunities for all children across all levels in the country, including STEAM opportunities. “Seychelles is working towards an inclusive education while tackling the issue of dropouts of boys from the education system”, he stated.

Seychelles joined the second phase of the #AfricaEducatesHer campaign in October 2024. The campaign was launched by the Ministry of Education to reaffirm the country’s engagement to ensuring inclusive and equitable education for girls. Challenges identified include school dropouts, mental health issues, and teenage pregnancies, which the Campaign seeks to address. During the visit, the Minister of Education for Seychelles, H.E. Dr Valentin, was handed the trophy of recognition for being one of the countries that have successfully launched and are implementing programmes under the Campaign.

The #AfricaEducatesHer has now been launched in 14 AU Member States, with other Member States pledging to launch the campaign in their respective countries.

The AU CIEFFA delegation was also received by the Principal Secretary from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Family. As part of the visit, the team visited several schools and conducted a workshop on Gender-Responsive Education Planning and Policy Analysis, engaging key education stakeholders in Seychelles to strengthen national efforts toward inclusive and equitable education for girls.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

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Merck Foundation CEO, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, emphasizes the transformative power of creativity in driving social change on the occasion of World Art Day 2025

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks ‘World Art Day 2025’ through their Pan African ‘Art and Fashion with Purpose’ Community, established by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. Through this dynamic community, Dr. Kelej continues to raise awareness on critical health and social issues while empowering artists across Africa and beyond to use their creativity as a powerful tool for advocacy, education, and fostering a cultural shift within their communities.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and One of 100 Most Influential Africans 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 emphasized, “I am delighted to mark ‘World Art Day 2025’ as I strongly believe that art, fashion, and media hold immense power in raising awareness and addressing critical social and health issues—ultimately creating a culture shift in the communities. Art and fashion, to me, go far beyond aesthetics or entertainment, they serve as meaningful tools for education and advocacy. With this vision, we have launched many initiatives including our first-ever pan-African TV program, Our Africa by Merck Foundation, which uniquely highlights pressing issues across the continent through the voices of our ‘Fashion and Art with Purpose’ community. Through this one-of-a-kind show and our other unique initiatives, we continue to raise awareness about critical social issues such as Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Ending Child Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation, Stopping Gender-Based Violence, Women’s Empowerment, and also about health issues like diabetes, hypertension, and much more.”

‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ is a pan African TV program that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation to feature African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa. The program has captured the attention and hearts of millions of viewers across Africa.

The TV program has been broadcasted on prime TV stations of many countries like KTN HOME (Kenya), GH One & TV3 (Ghana), NTV (Uganda), BTV (Botswana) Mashariki TV (Burundi), QTV (The Gambia), KTN (Kenya), LNTV (Liberia), Mibawa TV (Malawi), Deffi Media (Mauritius), AYV (Sierra Leone), NTV (Uganda), ZNBC (Zambia), ZTN (Zimbabwe), NTV (Namibia) and more.

“Our Africa” TV Program is currently on social media handles of Social Media handles of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej [Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/46RQTdN), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4lTPOXP), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/4kMZJNc) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/44STkKp)] and Merck Foundation [Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3GvgIG0), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/46Az9nl), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/4eTMSYd) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4o1OJ1A)].

Watch the Promo of the Program here: https://apo-opa.co/4nXnAMX

Beyond Our Africa TV Program, Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa announces annually 8 important Awards, under two themes, for Media, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers and Musicians/ Singers, and potential young African talents in these fields. The themes of the two categories of awards are: 1) Breaking Infertility Stigma, Support Girls’ Education, End Child Marriage, End FGM, Stopping GBV and/ or Women Empowerment at all levels and 2) promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. The 2025 editions were announced during the 11th edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary held in Tanzania in October 2024.

Dr. Kelej emphasized, “It is very well known that Africa’s creativity reflects its rich heritage, expressed in the form of art, fabrics, music, and storytelling and is carried forward through generations. Hence, we launch these awards annually, with my dear sisters, the African First Ladies who are also the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”. Through our Awards, we aim to inspire the continent’s youth to use their innate talents to address our important and critical social and health issues, by raising awareness through their creative work at all levels.”

Entries for the Awards can be sent to: submit@merck-foundation.com

Also, as a part of the Community Awareness Programs, Merck Foundation has created over 30 songs with many African Artists, in English, French, Portuguese and also local African languages to address critical issues like breaking infertility stigma, empowering women, supporting girl education, ending child marriage, diabetes awareness, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and more.

Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa has also launched 8 Children’s Storybooks in three languages: English, French and Portuguese. Additionally, Merck Foundation has adapted these storybooks to create interesting animation films with the purpose of reaching out to the communities to raise awareness on the important issues with an aim of instilling change at grassroot levels.

To listen to the Merck Foundation songs, read Merck Foundation storybooks and watch Merck Foundation animation films, click on the below links:  

https://apo-opa.co/44Q8BvC

https://apo-opa.co/46iSl90 

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/3GvgIG0
X: https://apo-opa.co/4eTMSYd
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4o1OJ1A
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/46Az9nl
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/44Dc6H2
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/44USpcs
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3GwUMKD

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/3GvgIG0), X (https://apo-opa.co/4eTMSYd), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/46Az9nl), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4o1OJ1A), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/44Dc6H2) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/44USpcs).

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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CEO de la Fondation Merck, Sénatrice Dr. Rasha Kelej, souligne le pouvoir transformateur de la créativité pour impulser le changement social à l’occasion de la Journée Mondiale de l’Art 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Fondation Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne, célèbre la « Journée Mondiale de l’Art 2025 » à travers sa communauté panafricaine « Art et Mode avec un But », créée par la Sénatrice Dr Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck. Grâce à cette communauté dynamique, le Dr Kelej continue de sensibiliser le public aux problèmes sanitaires et sociaux cruciaux, tout en permettant aux artistes d’Afrique et d’ailleurs d’utiliser leur créativité comme un puissant outil de plaidoyer, d’éducation et de promotion d’un changement culturel au sein de leurs communautés.

Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck et l’Une des 100 Africaines les Plus Influentes en 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 et 2024, a souligné : « Je suis ravie de célébrer la Journée Mondiale de l’Art 2025, car je crois fermement que l’art, la mode et les médias ont un pouvoir immense pour sensibiliser et résoudre les problèmes sociaux et sanitaires critiques, créant ainsi un changement de culture au sein des communautés. L’art et la mode, pour moi, vont bien au-delà de l’esthétique ou du divertissement, ils servent d’outils significatifs pour l’éducation et le plaidoyer. Forts de cette vision, nous avons lancé de nombreuses initiatives, notamment notre toute première émission télévisée panafricaine, Notre Afrique par la Fondation Merck, qui met en lumière de manière unique les problèmes urgents à travers le continent à travers les voix de notre communauté « Mode et Art avec un But ». Grâce à ce spectacle unique en son genre et à nos autres initiatives uniques, nous continuons à sensibiliser aux problèmes sociaux cruciaux tels que la lutte contre la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, le soutien à l’éducation des filles, mettre fin aux mariages des enfants et mutilations génitales féminines, lutte contre les violences sexistes, autonomisation des femmes, ainsi que sur des questions de santé telles que le diabète, l’hypertension et bien plus encore. »

« Notre Afrique par la Fondation Merck » est une émission télévisée panafricaine conceptualisée, produite, réalisée et co-animée par la Sénatrice, Dr Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck. Elle met en vedette des créateurs de mode, des chanteurs et d’éminents experts africains de divers domaines, dans le but de sensibiliser et de créer un changement de culture en Afrique. L’émission a captivé l’attention et le cœur de millions de téléspectateurs à travers l’Afrique.

Le programme télévisé a été diffusé sur les principales chaînes de télévision de nombreux pays comme KTN HOME (Kenya), GH One & TV3 (Ghana), NTV (Ouganda), BTV (Botswana), Mashariki TV (Burundi), QTV (Gambie), KTN (Kenya), LNTV (Libéria), Mibawa TV (Malawi), Deffi Media (Maurice), AYV (Sierra Leone), NTV (Ouganda), ZNBC (Zambie), ZTN (Zimbabwe), NTV (Namibie) et plus encore.

L’émission télévisée « Notre Afrique » est actuellement diffusée sur les réseaux sociaux de la Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej [Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/46RQTdN), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4lTPOXP), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/4kMZJNc) et YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/44STkKp)] et de la Fondation Merck [Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3GvgIG0), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/46Az9nl), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/4eTMSYd) et YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4o1OJ1A)].

Regardez la promotion de l’émission ici : https://apo-opa.co/4nXnAMX

Au-delà de l’émission télévisée « Notre Afrique », la Fondation Merck, en partenariat avec les Premières Dames d’Afrique, annonce chaque année 8 prix importants, sous deux thèmes : les médias, les créateurs de mode, les cinéastes et les musiciens/chanteurs, ainsi que les jeunes talents africains potentiels dans ces domaines. Les thèmes des deux catégories de prix sont : 1) Briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, soutenir l’éducation des filles, mettre fin au mariage des enfants, mettre fin aux MGF, mettre fin à la violence sexiste et/ou à l’autonomisation des femmes à tous les niveaux et 2) promouvoir un mode de vie sain et sensibiliser à la prévention et au dépistage précoce du diabète et de l’hypertension. Les éditions 2025 ont été annoncées lors de la 11ème édition du Fondation Merck Africa Asia Luminary, qui s’est tenue en Tanzanie en octobre 2024.

Dr. Kelej a souligné : « Il est bien connu que la créativité de l’Afrique reflète son riche patrimoine, exprimé sous forme d’art, de tissus, de musique et de récits, et se transmet de génération en génération. C’est pourquoi nous lançons ces prix chaque année, avec mes chères sœurs, les Premières Dames Africaines, qui sont également les Ambassadrices de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère ». Grâce à nos Prix, nous souhaitons inspirer la jeunesse du continent à utiliser ses talents innés pour répondre à nos enjeux sociaux et sanitaires importants et critiques, en sensibilisant le public à travers leur travail créatif à tous les niveaux. »

Les candidatures pour les Prix peuvent être envoyées à : submit@merck-foundation.com

De plus, dans le cadre de ses Programmes de Sensibilisation Communautaire, la Fondation Merck a créé plus de 30 chansons avec de nombreux artistes africains, en anglais, français, portugais et dans les langues africaines locales, pour aborder des questions cruciales telles que la lutte contre la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, l’autonomisation des femmes, le soutien à l’éducation des filles, mettre fin aux mariages des enfants, la sensibilisation au diabète, la promotion d’un mode de vie sain, et plus encore.

La Fondation Merck, en partenariat avec les Premières Dames d’Afrique, a également lancé 8 livres d’histoires pour enfants en trois langues : anglais, français et portugais. De plus, la Fondation Merck a adapté ces livres d’histoires pour créer des films d’animation captivants afin de sensibiliser les communautés aux enjeux importants et d’instaurer un changement au niveau local.

Pour écouter les chansons de la Fondation Merck, lire les livres d’histoires de la Fondation Merck et regarder les films d’animation de la Fondation Merck, cliquez sur les liens ci-dessous :  

https://apo-opa.co/44Q8BvC

https://apo-opa.co/46iSl90 

Distribué par APO Group pour Merck Foundation.

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

Rejoignez la conversation sur nos plateformes de réseaux sociaux ci-dessous et faites entendre votre voix :
Facebook : https://apo-opa.co/3GvgIG0
X : https://apo-opa.co/4eTMSYd
YouTube : https://apo-opa.co/4o1OJ1A
Instagram : https://apo-opa.co/46Az9nl
Threads : https://apo-opa.co/44Dc6H2
Flickr : https://apo-opa.co/44USpcs
Site Web : www.Merck-Foundation.com
Télécharger l’Application de la Fondation Merck : https://apo-opa.co/3GwUMKD

À propos de la Fondation Merck :
La Fondation Merck, créée en 2017, est la branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne, vise à améliorer la santé et le bien-être des populations et à faire progresser leur vie grâce à la science et à la technologie. Nos efforts sont principalement axés sur l’amélioration de l’accès à des solutions de soins de santé de qualité et équitables dans les communautés mal desservies, à renforcer les capacités de recherche sur les soins de santé et la recherche scientifique, l’autonomisation des filles à travers l’éducation et l’autonomisation des personnes en STEM (Science, Technologie, Ingénierie et Mathématiques) avec un accent particulier sur les femmes et les jeunes. Tous les communiqués de presse de la Fondation Merck sont distribués par e-mail en même temps qu’ils deviennent disponibles sur le site Web de la Fondation Merck. Veuillez visiter www.Merck-Foundation.com pour en savoir plus. Pour en savoir plus, contactez nos réseaux sociaux de la Fondation Merck : Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3GvgIG0), X (https://apo-opa.co/4eTMSYd), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/46Az9nl), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4o1OJ1A), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/44Dc6H2) et Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/44USpcs).

La Fondation Merck se consacre à l’amélioration des résultats sociaux et sanitaires pour les communautés dans le besoin. Bien qu’elle collabore avec divers partenaires, y compris des gouvernements, pour atteindre ses objectifs humanitaires, la fondation reste strictement neutre sur le plan politique. Elle ne s’engage pas et ne soutient pas d’activités, d’élections ou de régimes politiques, se focalise uniquement sur sa mission d’élever l’humanité et d’améliorer le bien-être tout en maintenant une position strictement apolitique dans toutes ses activités.

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Vice-Primeiro Ministro afirma a disponibilidade de Cabo Verde ser país piloto em matéria de desenvolvimento de Soluções de Alerta Precoce com dados espaciais

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Vice-Primeiro Ministro, Ministro das Finanças e Ministro da Economia Digital, afirmou a total disponibilidade de Cabo Verde ser um país piloto em matéria de desenvolvimento de Soluções de Alerta Precoce com dados espaciais – GNSS e para acolher um futuro Centro Regional de Cooperação em Alerta Precoce baseado em tecnologias espaciais.

Olavo Correia fez esta afirmação durante o seu discurso de encerramento oficial da Conferência Africana de Navegação por Satélite – Pré-evento de Alto Nível 2025, com o tema: “Aproveitando a Tecnologia GNSS para o Reforço dos Sistemas de Alerta Precoce de Riscos Múltiplos (MHEWAS) em África”, que decorreu de 16 a 17 de julho, no TechParkCV, na cidade da Praia.

“Mas não o faremos sozinhos e nós não o faremos também fora de um quadro mais estratégico que temos para Cabo Verde, fazer deste país uma nação digital”, referiu.

O Ministro afirmou que o Governo de Cabo Verde está a investir na política de dados abertos e na política de acesso aos dados, assim como na segurança informática e cibernética. Além disso, acrescentou que estão a investir também nas infraestruturas públicas digitais, como a literatura digital, a interoperabilidade e os pagamentos digitais.

“Continuamos a investir nas infraestruturas de conexão internacional e nacional, incluindo cabo submarino e fibra ótica. Vamos continuar a investir no capital humano e no seu poder de empreender, inovar, criar e cocriar”.

Nesta jornada, segundo Olavo Correia, Cabo Verde precisa de parcerias e de alianças firmes e fortes, de investimento estruturado e consistente, além de uma diplomacia tecnológica africana que reconheça o papel estratégico das tecnologias satelitais e da governação do risco e de emergência.

“Apelamos aos nossos parceiros internacionais, regionais e ao setor privado a unirem-se para esta causa comum. Investir em sistemas de alerta precoce não é despesa, mas sim um investimento em segurança de vida, desenvolvimento sustentável e justiça climática”.

A justiça, afirmou o ministro, começa no acesso a dados, informação, financiamento e, acima de tudo, a vontade política para agir. “Deixo-vos então com esta visão que temos em Cabo Verde: queremos uma África que se antecipa ao desastre, que age em tempo real, e que protege o seu povo com a força da inovação e a sabedoria da cooperação”.

De Cabo Verde para o resto do mundo e para o continente africano, sobretudo, Olavo Correa, lançou uma mensagem clara e um apelo. “Estamos prontos para ter um papel mais ativo e vamos contribuir com tudo o que temos para que o futuro chegue mais cedo, com mais tecnologia e segurança para todos. Porque no final do dia a tecnologia só é útil se for para servir as pessoas, para tornar as pessoas mais felizes, promover a segurança das pessoas e das nações, e amplificar as oportunidades”.

O Vice-Primeiro Ministro concluiu agradecendo em nome da organização a todos pelo compromisso e entusiasmo ao longo destes dois dias de conferência, sublinhando que é para isso que o TechParkCV foi criado, “para Cabo Verde e para o mundo. Para partilha, troca e aprendizado, para que o nosso contributo possa ser, a cada dia, melhor, mais rápido e mais transformativo”.

A Conferência Africana de Navegação por Satélite – Pré-evento de Alto Nível 2025 que decorreu de 16 a17 de julho, foi organizado pelo Escritório Conjunto do Programa SatNav África (JPO), em parceria com o Governo de Cabo Verde, através do Ministério da Economia Digital. Servirá como um pré-evento para a planeada Conferência sobre Navegação por Satélite em África, a primeira do seu tipo, agendada para 2026 em Dakar, Senegal.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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CEO da Fundação Merck, Senadora Drª Rasha Kelej, enfatiza o poder transformador da criatividade na promoção de mudanças sociais por ocasião do Dia Mundial da Arte de 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

A Fundação Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha, celebra o “Dia Mundial da Arte 2025” por meio da sua Comunidade Pan-Africana “Arte e Moda com Propósito”, criada pela Senadora Drª Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck. Por meio dessa comunidade dinâmica, a Drª Kelej continua a conscientizar sobre questões críticas de saúde e sociais, ao mesmo tempo em que empodera artistas em toda a África e em outros lugares a usar a sua criatividade como uma ferramenta poderosa para advocacia, educação e promoção de uma mudança cultural nas suas comunidades.

A Senadora, Drª Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck e uma das 100 africanas mais influentes em 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 e 2024, enfatizou: “Estou muito feliz em celebrar o ‘Dia Mundial da Arte 2025’, pois acredito firmemente que a arte, a moda e a mídia têm um imenso poder na conscientização e no enfrentamento de questões sociais e de saúde críticas, criando, em última análise, uma mudança cultural nas comunidades. A Arte e a moda, para mim, vão muito além da estética ou do entretenimento; elas servem como ferramentas significativas para a educação e a defesa de direitos. Com essa visão, lançamos muitas iniciativas, incluindo o nosso primeiro programa televisivo pan-africano, Nossa África da Fundação Merck, que destaca de forma única questões urgentes em todo o continente por meio das vozes da nossa comunidade ‘Moda e Arte com Propósito’. Por meio deste programa único e de nossas outras iniciativas exclusivas, continuamos a conscientizar sobre questões sociais críticas, como Quebrar o Estigma da Infertilidade, o Apoiar a Educação de Meninas, Acabar com o Casamento Infantil e a Mutilação Genital Feminina, Acabar com a Violência do Género, Empoderamento Feminino e também sobre questões de saúde como diabetes, hipertensão e muito mais.

“A Nossa África da Fundação Merck” é um programa televisivo pan-africano idealizado, produzido, realizado e coapresentado pela Senadora Drª Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck, que apresenta estilos de moda africanos, cantores e especialistas renomados de diversas áreas, com o objectivo de conscientizar e promover uma mudança cultural em toda a África. O programa atraiu a atenção e o coração de milhões de telespectadores em todo o continente.

O programa televisivo foi transmitido nas principais estações televisivas de muitos países, como KTN HOME (Quénia), GH One & TV3 (Gana), NTV (Uganda), BTV (Botswana) Mashariki TV (Burundi), QTV (Gâmbia), KTN (Quénia), LNTV (Libéria), Mibawa TV (Malawi), Deffi Media (Maurícias), AYV (Serra Leoa), NTV (Uganda), ZNBC (Zâmbia), ZTN (Zimbabwe), NTV (Namíbia) e muito mais.

O Programa Televisivo “Nossa África ” está actualmente nas redes sociais da Senadora Drª Rasha Kelej [Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/46RQTdN), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4lTPOXP), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/4kMZJNc) e YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/44STkKp)] e Fundação Merck [Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3GvgIG0), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/46Az9nl), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/4eTMSYd) e YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4o1OJ1A)].

Assista à promoção do programa aqui: https://apo-opa.co/4nXnAMX

No programa televisivo Além da Nossa África, a Fundação Merck, em parceria com as Primeiras-Damas Africanas, anuncia anualmente 8 importantes prémios, divididos em dois temas: Mídia, Moda, Cinema e Canção, além de jovens talentos africanos em potencial nessas áreas. Os temas das duas categorias de prémios são: 1) Quebrar o Estigma da Infertilidade, Apoiar a Educação de Meninas, Acabar com o Casamento Infantil, Acabar com a MGF, Acabar com a VBG e/ou o Empoderamento Feminino em todos os níveis; e 2) Promover um estilo de vida saudável e conscientizar sobre a prevenção e o diagnóstico precoce de Diabetes e Hipertensão. As edições de 2025 foram anunciadas durante a 11ª edição da Luminária África Ásia da Fundação Merck, realizado na Tanzânia em outubro de 2024.

A Drª Kelej enfatizou: “É amplamente sabido que a criatividade da África reflete a sua rica herança, expressa na forma de arte, tecidos, música e narrativas, e é transmitida de geração em geração. Por isso, lançamos esses prêmios anualmente, com minhas queridas irmãs, as Primeiras-Damas Africanas, que também são Embaixadoras da Fundação Merck “Mais Que uma Mãe”. Através dos nossos prémios, buscamos inspirar os jovens do continente a usar os seus talentos inatos para abordar as nossas importantes e críticas questões sociais e de saúde, conscientizando-os através do seu trabalho criativo em todos os níveis.

”As candidaturas para os prémios podem ser enviadas para: submit@merck-foundation.com

Além disso, como parte dos Programas de Conscientização Comunitária, a Fundação Merck criou mais de 30 músicas com diversos artistas africanos, em inglês, francês, português e também em línguas africanas locais, para abordar questões críticas como quebrar o estigma da infertilidade, empoderamento das mulheres, apoiar a educação de meninas, acabar com casamento infantil, conscientização sobre a diabetes, promover um estilo de vida saudável e muito mais.

A Fundação Merck, em parceria com as Primeiras Damas Africanas, também lançou 8 livros de histórias infantis em três línguas: inglês, francês e português. Além disso, a Fundação Merck adaptou esses livros de histórias para criar filmes de animação interessantes com o objectivo de alcançar as comunidades e conscientizar sobre questões importantes, com o objectivo de promover mudanças a nível local.

Para ouvir as músicas da Fundação Merck, ler os livros de histórias da Fundação Merck e assistir aos filmes de animação da Fundação Merck, clique nos links abaixo:

https://apo-opa.co/44Q8BvC

https://apo-opa.co/46iSl90 

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Merck Foundation.

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

Junte-se à conversa nas plataformas das nossas mídias sociais e deixe a sua voz ser ouvida:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3GvgIG0
X: https://apo-opa.co/4eTMSYd
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4o1OJ1A
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/46Az9nl
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/44Dc6H2
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/44USpcs
Site: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Baixar a Aplicação da Fundação Merck: https://apo-opa.co/3GwUMKD

Sobre a Fundação Merck:
A Fundação Merck, criada em 2017, é o braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha, tem como objectivo melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar das pessoas e aprimorar as suas vidas atravez da ciência e da tecnologia. Os nossos esforços estão focados principalmente na melhoria do acesso a soluções de saúde de qualidade e equitativas em comunidades carenciadas, no desenvolvimento da capacidade de saúde e na investigação científica, no empoderamento das raparigas na educação e no empoderamento de pessoas em STEM (Ciência, Tecnologia, Engenharia e Matemática) com foco especial em mulheres e jovens. Todos os comunicados de imprensa da Fundação Merck são distribuídos por e-mail ao mesmo tempo em que são disponibilizados no site da Fundação Merck. Visite www.Merck-Foundation.com para ler mais. Siga a mídia social da Fundação Merck: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3GvgIG0), X (https://apo-opa.co/4eTMSYd), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/46Az9nl), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4o1OJ1A), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/44Dc6H2) e Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/44USpcs).

A Fundação Merck está dedicada a melhorar os resultados sociais e de saúde para comunidades necessitadas. Embora colabore com vários parceiros, incluindo governos, para atingir os seus objectivos humanitários, a Fundação permanece estritamente neutra em questões políticas. Ela não se envolve ou apoia nenhuma actividade política, eleições ou regimes, concentrando-se exclusivamente na sua missão de elevar a humanidade e melhorar o bem-estar, mantendo uma postura estritamente apolítica em todos os seus esforços.

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South Africa: Deputy President Mashatile concludes Working Visit to China

Source: APO


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Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile has today, Friday, 18 July 2025, concluded a successful Working Visit to the People’s Republic of China, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and economic cooperation between South Africa and China. 

At the invitation of the Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Mr Ren Hongbin, the Deputy President participated in the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), taking place from 16 – 20 July 2025 in Beijing, China.

CISCE is the world’s first national-level expo dedicated to global supply chains, hosted under the auspices of the Chinese central government and organised by the CCPIT. 

The Deputy President used South Africa’s participation at CISCE as a strategic opportunity to advance the South-Africa China All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era. This also reinforced South Africa’s role as a key gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa for trade, investment and industrial cooperation. 

During the Expo, the Deputy President officially launched the South African National Pavilion. The Pavilion showcased over 30  South African entities from a variety of sectors including Agro-Processing, Electronics, Chemicals, Leather, Footwear and Textiles, Cosmetics, Mining Services, and the creative industries.

The opening of the 2025 South African National Pavilion is a focused response to resolutions made at the FOCAC in Beijing in 2024. This is significant in that it demonstrates how South Africa is an important trade partner to China. 

During the Working Visit, the Deputy President held a bilateral meeting with Vice President Han Zheng of the People’s Republic of China. 

Vice President Zheng expressed confidence in the South African Government and emphasised the importance of strengthening existing cooperation. He further reiterated China’s support for South Africa’s Presidency of the G20. 

The Deputy President expressed appreciation for China’s longstanding partnership and extended an invitation to Vice President Zheng to visit South Africa to co-chair the 9th South Africa-China Bi-National Commission at a mutually agreeable date early in 2026.

Deputy President Mashatile also met with Mr Ren Hongbin, Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), where he emphasised the significance of the Expo in South Africa’s efforts to advance the promotion of trade, investment cooperation, the growth of innovation, and the encouragement of learning and interchange.

In an effort to strengthen bilateral economic relations and explore strategic investment opportunities across key sectors, the Deputy President had the opportunity to experience some of the fascinating work being done by companies such as SINOMA international engineering company, the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) and the Beijing Automotive International Corporation (BAIC).

Furthermore, the Deputy President’s engagement with the ICBC & Standard Bank and the South-Africa China Business Forum demonstrated the commitment to strengthening Africa-China Relations.

Deputy President Mashatile was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Thandi Moraka; the Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams; Minister of Tourism, Ms Patricia de Lille; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau; Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Pemmy Majodina; and Minister of Agriculture, Mr John Steenhuisen.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

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Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) strengthens the resilience of farming and pastoral communities through mechanical restoration of degraded land

Source: APO


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In Niger, farmers and herders lose nearly 100,000 hectares of land every year due to degradation. This situation reduces available space for productive activities and undermines their hopes of achieving food and nutrition sovereignty. Ongoing land degradation is a major contributor to the country’s recurring cereal and fodder shortages, exposing farming and pastoral households to repeated food crises.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is supporting Niger in its efforts to build more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems to improve production, nutrition, the environment, and livelihoods, leaving no one behind. Through the Action Against Desertification  programme, FAO is working to restore degraded land for agricultural and pastoral use in support of the Great Green Wall (GGW) initiative. This support focuses on land restoration activities, reseeding, plant care, establishing community management committees, training members in association life, management and marketing, benefit-sharing from restored sites, and networking.

In total, FAO has helped restore and utilize over 20,000 hectares of land across 55 sites in the regions of Tillabéri, Dosso, and Tahoua. The mechanical land preparation is carried out using a Delfino plough, which can cover more than 15 hectares per day. The machine carves half-moon shapes that enhance rainwater infiltration and retention, up to 1,000 litres per basin, giving trees, shrubs, and forage the best chance of growing and surviving in the early months after planting.

The Delfino tractor-plough unit has become a central tool in the collaboration between FAO and the National Agency of the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), enabling large areas to be treated and significantly reducing the need for manual labour.  

Half-moons are better than those we dig by hand

At the Awanchalla site in Bagaroua, Tahoua region, communities expressed their amazement at the Delfino plough, which restored 100 hectares in a very short time in an area where labour has become increasingly scarce. “Our dream has come true, to see this land recovered by the machine. We had abandoned it for decades because it was unfit for farming or livestock. The work of the Delfino is impressive, fast, and saves us time. The half-moons it creates are better than those we dig by hand,” said Bizo Abarchi, a community member and representative of the village chief.

For fellow community member Issa Matto, the restored site offers new opportunities: “Now that the land is recovered, I no longer need to migrate. I can stay in the village. With FAO’s support, we’ll grow forage for sale, a highly profitable activity in our pastoral zone. We’ll also receive plant seedlings based on our selections, tend to them, and eventually sell the fruits. These activities expand our farming space and give me hope that my life will improve,” he said.

To ensure the site is well-managed and sustainable, “we’re determined to give our best,” said Abdoul Moumouni Djimraou, another local. “We’ve already set up a management committee. We’ve thought through the mechanisms for successful land use, marketing, benefit-sharing, working with local authorities, and managing potential conflicts between users and surrounding communities.”

Partners with the European Union

By promoting the mechanical use of the Delfino plough to restore degraded land at scale, thanks to the European Union funded project “Knowledge for Action in Implementing the Great Green Wall” (K4GGWA), FAO, together with the EU, national authorities and local communities, is helping to create the conditions for advancing the Great Green Wall in Niger and strengthening the resilience of farming and pastoral communities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

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Libyan University students: Elections are needed urgently

Source: APO


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Fifty-seven young men and women from universities across Libya joined the United Nations Support Mission in Libya for in a dedicated youth consultation on Wednesday to share their ideas around the Advisory Committee’s recommendations and stressed the need for urgent inclusive election to establish stability and legitimacy. 

Students from Bent Bayya, Western Mountain, Gharyan, Ain Zara, Azzawya, Abu Salim, Tripoli Center, Sabratha, Zintan, Qasr Ben Ghashir, Sirt, Al-Bayda, Hay Andlus, Sebha, Benghazi, Murzuq, Al-Khums, Al-Araban, and Kabo joined the discussion, with many favouring the first option, which suggests holding near simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections.  over others to avoid perpetuating division. 

Participants said it was essential that the military be unified and divisive instituons be institutions to avoiding reproducing the status quo. They highlighted a lack of trust and said that corruption was a significant obstacle to securing fair elections. Others added that cultural components are often marginalized politically in Libya, making the reality of inclusive elections unlikely. 

 “The second option, holding legislative elections first, is a continuation of a vicious cycle that we have tried twice and which has not succeeded since 2011,” said one participant. “We need presidential elections.”  

Others agreed saying they feared a repeat of the 2014 scenario when a parliament was elected that rejected a peaceful transfer of power and added that the first option avoided the prolongation of transitional periods. 

“The people’s current priority is to expedite the dismantling of existing institutions,” another participant said, arguing in favour of the Advisory Committee’s fourth option, under which a political dialogue forum would be convened to establish a constituent assembly that would establish an interim government. “National reconciliation is being used to make money by those in power. The fourth option is the best option for the roadmap.” 

Other participants highlighted that there must be agreement on a clear constitutional basis before moving forward with elections – the Advisory Committee’s third option – saying democracy could not be built in the current distorted situation. 

“The lack of legitimacy is the greatest challenge,” said another participant. “Therefore, a clear and binding date must be set, under the supervision of UNSMIL, allowing everyone to participate in the elections without excluding any party for any reason, and ensuring the voice of the people is heard.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).