Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

Claudio Descalzi, CEO of global technology-driven energy company Eni, has joined the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference as a keynote speaker. Taking place September 3-4 in Luanda, AOG is the largest event of its kind in the country, returning for its next edition as Angola celebrates 50 years of independence in 2025. Descalzi’s participation comes as the Eni-bp joint venture Azule Energy advances major oil and gas projects in Angola and is poised to create new avenues for collaboration across the sector.

Following the merger of Eni and bp’s Angolan operations in 2022, the companies created Angola’s largest independent equity producer of oil and gas: Azule Energy. With 18 licenses – 11 of which are operated – and a combined portfolio of 210,000 barrels per day (bpd), Azule Energy plays an instrumental role in monetizing the country’s hydrocarbon resources. Descalzi joins bp CEO Murray Auchincloss and Azule Energy CEO Adriano Mongini at the event, and will deliver a keynote speech during the main conference agenda. The participation of three executives signals a strong commitment to Angola’s oil and gas future, reaffirming AOG as the premier meeting place for Angola’s upstream operators.

AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Leveraging the experience of Eni – one of the world’s energy majors – Azule Energy has accelerated the development of offshore oil and gas resources, with a view to increasing its Angolan oil production to 250,000 bpd. In July 2025, the company reached a milestone with the start of operations at the Agogo FPSO. The vessel – forming part of the broader Agogo Integrated West Hub Development in Block 15/06 – joins the operational Ngoma FPSO to harness resources from the Agogo and Ndungu fields and will see combined reserves of 450 million barrels and peak production projected at 175,000 bpd. The Agogo FPSO – completed in just 29 months – is the country’s first offshore facility with fully offset operational emissions. Beyond Agogo, Azule Energy has been working with partners such as TotalEnergies to bring other strategic offshore projects online. These include the CLOV Phase 3 Development – of which Azule Energy has a 11.84% stake – which is situated in Block 17, 140km offshore. The project has a capacity of 30,000 bpd and comprises four wells tied back to the CLOV FPSO.

In the natural sector, Azule Energy – as operator of the New Gas Consortium (NGC) – is advancing the development of Angola’s first non-associated gas project. The project will harness resources from the Quiluma & Maboqueiro (Q&M) shallow water fields and features the construction of an onshore facility and a connection to the Angola LNG plant in Soyo. As of February 2025, the offshore platforms for the Q&M fields were complete, with the NGC partners targeting an early-2026 project start. Azule Energy also made a new gas discovery at the Gajajeira-01 exploration well in Block 1/14 in July 2025. Situated in the Lower Congo basin, the discovery showed estimated reserves of upwards of one trillion cubic feet of gas and 100 million barrels of associated condensate. As the first dedicated gas exploration well in the country, Gajajeira-01 is expected to trigger a new era of gas-led exploration and development in Angola.

Stepping into this picture, Descalzi’s participation at AOG 2025 reflects a broader commitment by Eni to drive Angola’s oil and gas goals. As sub-Saharan Africa’s second largest oil producer, the country has the potential to play an even greater role in global supply chains. Eni’s involvement at the conference is expected to unlock new opportunities for collaboration as the country seeks to boost production and accelerate economic growth.  

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO – Report:

Angola has become the official Lead Sponsor of the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – Africa’s largest energy event scheduled for September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. Powered by the country’s upstream regulator the National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency (ANPG) and national oil company (NOC) Sonangol, the sponsorship comes as Angola celebrates 50 years of independence in 2025 and reflects a broader commitment to advancing African energy production.  

With goals to enhance crude production while fast-tracking non-associated gas development, Angola is leveraging flexible investment structures and forward-looking policy to increase capital expenditure across the oil and gas value chain. Building on decades of success as one of the continent’s leading oil and gas producers, the country is laying a strong foundation for future growth by engaging global investors, introducing new block opportunities and gearing up for regional trade and integration. As the AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 Lead Sponsor, Angola has committed to working with regional partners to advance Africa’s energy goals.  

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. 

Over the past five decades, Angola has positioned itself as sub-Saharan Africa’s second biggest oil producer, with output measuring above one million barrels per day (bpd) in recent years. While the country has faced production decline since peaking in 2008, aggressive reforms by the government have already begun to turn this trend around. Reforms came with the establishment of the ANPG in 2019 and divestment of Sonangol – enabling the NOC to focus its activities as an operator. Since this restructuring, Angola has enacted a series of bold measures to attract fresh investment in exploration blocks, introducing a multi-year licensing strategy that seeks to award 50 concessions by 2025. To date, up to 40 concessions have been awarded, with a 2025 licensing round offering a further ten blocks in the offshore Kwanza and Benguela basins. The country also introduced a permanent offer scheme, enabling companies to invest through direct negotiation, as well as five marginal field opportunities. These investment avenues grant companies the flexibility they need to invest, laying the foundation for significant spending across the market.  

Looking ahead, Angola has secured $60 billion in upstream investment over the next five years, reflecting a strong drive by international operators to maximize the potential of Angola’s hydrocarbon resources. A series of large-scale projects are on track to bolster crude production while forays into non-associated gas development will enhance LNG exports and domestic gas utilization. These include the Azule Energy-led Agogo Integrated West Hub Development in Block 15/06, which achieved first oil from the Agogo FPSO in July 2025. The vessel joins the operational Ngoma FPSO at the site, increasing production capacity to 175,000 bpd. TotalEnergies also brought two oil projects online in July 2025: the 30,000 bpd Begonia project and the 30,000 bpd CLOV Phase 3 Development. Situated in Block 17/06 and Block 17 respectively, the projects offer a boost to the country’s production portfolio. Meanwhile, Angola’s first non-associated gas project – led by the New Gas Consortium – is advancing to first production in early-2026. Featuring the Quiluma and Maboqueiro fields, the project will provide feedstock for the Angola LNG facility, enhancing exports and revenue generated from gas. In July 2025, Angola also made a gas discovery at Block 1/14 in the Lower Congo basin, with initial estimated showing reserves of one trillion cubic feet.  

These developments will not only consolidate Angola as a major oil and gas supplier but bring significant economic benefits for the population. The country’s AEW: Invest in African Energies sponsorship is poised to support its industry goals, while creating new pathways for investment and deals.  

“Angola is on the precipice of unlocking significant production growth, with recent projects pointing to greater economic opportunities for the country. Angola’s last 50 years have shown a country that is resilient, focused on growth and committed to laying strong foundations for the economy. But it is the country’s next 50 years that will truly define it as a global oil and gas hub,” stated Verner Ayukegba, Senior Vice President, African Energy Chamber.  

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO – Report:

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Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide—despite being almost entirely preventable. Each year, over 600,000 women are diagnosed, and more than 340,000 die from the disease globally. The burden is heaviest in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where nine out of ten cervical cancer deaths occur due to limited access to screening, early detection, and vaccination.

In Africa, cervical cancer is not only a health issue but a gender equity crisis, cutting short the lives of women in their most productive years and straining families, communities, and health systems. Ghana is no exception. The country records an estimated 3,000 new cervical cancer cases and nearly 2,000 deaths each year, many of which could be prevented through timely Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.

In line with WHO’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem, Ghana is preparing to introduce the HPV vaccine in September 2025, targeting girls aged 9 to 14 years through a nationwide campaign, and thereafter into the routine immunization schedule for girls aged 9 years.

As part of preparations for the rollout, the Ghana Health Service, with support from WHO and with funding from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, convened a National Education Stakeholder Engagement in Kumasi, aimed at galvanizing support from the education sector, a key partner in reaching eligible girls and influencing community perception.

“Cervical cancer continues to claim too many lives, but HPV vaccination remains our best chance at prevention. That’s why engaging education stakeholders today is vital—to rally support and protect the future of girls from cervical cancer”, said Dr. Fiona Braka, WHO Representative in Ghana. 

Schools are at the heart of this campaign because they provide direct access to the target age group—girls aged 9 to 14 years. This is the age range recommended by WHO for HPV vaccination, ideally before exposure to the virus. Most girls in this age bracket are enrolled in school, making educational institutions a strategic and efficient platform for vaccine delivery, education, and advocacy. Teachers and school administrators are also trusted voices in their communities, capable of addressing concerns, dispelling myths, and encouraging parents to consent to vaccination. By partnering with the education sector, the campaign can reach more girls equitably, create supportive environments for vaccine acceptance, and ensure the long-term success of cervical cancer prevention efforts.

The meeting brought together key actors from all 16 regions of the country including Ghana Education Service, Ghana National Council of Private Schools, Ghana National Association of Private Schools and development partners. Participants discussed how schools and teachers can become powerful advocates in their communities—addressing misinformation, encouraging uptake, and ensuring no girl is left behind.

“The HPV vaccine is not just a health campaign—it’s a national duty and investment into our nation’s future. Protecting girls today means a healthier generation and a stronger health system tomorrow”, emphasized Dr. Fred Adomako-Boateng, Ashanti Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service.

“The support of our communities’ hinges on how well we advocate and communicate about the HPV vaccine, which is why this campaign is so important. We fully support it as a critical step toward protecting the health and future of our girls”, noted Dr. William Kwame Amankrah Appiah, Ashanti Regional Director of Education. 

With just weeks to go before the rollout, Ghana is intensifying efforts to build awareness, promote community ownership, and ensure readiness across all regions. The introduction of the HPV vaccine marks a turning point in the fight against cervical cancer—and the country’s education sector is poised to be one of its strongest allies.

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Ghana.

Source: APO – Report:

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HE Vice President of the Presidential Council of the sisterly State of Libya, Abdullah Al Lafi, met with HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Libya, Dr. Khaled Mohammed bin Zabin Al Dosari.

The meeting discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

Source: APO – Report:

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This morning, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi cast his vote in the 2025 Senate elections, which are taking place in Egypt today and tomorrow.

The President voted at his polling station in the Martyr Mustafa Yousry Emeira School in Heliopolis.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO – Report:

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Cameroon is embarking on a transformative journey to revamp its emergency medical services (EMS) system, marking a significant milestone in public health. The Ministry of Public Health, with the unwavering support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has validated the 2024 evaluation report that sheds light on the critical state of emergency care across the nation.

Conducted from September 1st to October 30th, 2024, and validated in April 2025, the assessment utilized the WHO Emergency and Critical Care System Assessment (ECCSA) tool, systematically analysing the core pillars essential for emergency care. These foundational areas included governance and financing, data and quality improvement, onsite care and transport, hospital-based care and rehabilitation, and emergency preparedness.

The participatory approach taken during the assessment drew insights from over 170 diverse stakeholders from all ten regions of Cameroon, ensuring that local voices shaped the findings and recommendations. Even the report’s translation into English was performed by a dedicated team of experts to promote inclusivity and foster ownership of the outcomes.

Identifying Systemic Weaknesses

Despite efforts to deliver emergency services, the ECCSA evaluation uncovered urgent gaps that need to be bridged. Key findings include a troubling the absence of both a strategic plan and a legal framework for emergency care, lack of trained emergency technicians and ambulance drivers, with the current prehospital care coverage estimated at a mere 25%. Furthermore, less than one-quarter of hospitals meet basic functional emergency unit standards, highlighting significant infrastructural deficits.

The absence of a national system for standardized patient records, fragmented emergency numbers lacking legal mandates, and restrictions on timely access to emergency blood transfusion are alarming deficiencies that compromise patient outcomes. Additionally, the report noted the absence of a dedicated strategic framework for rehabilitation services, which are essential for holistic recovery following emergency incidents.

Strategic Priorities for Reform

In response to these alarming findings, the Ministry of Public Health has embraced a comprehensive roadmap consisting of 15 strategic priorities categorized under five thematic areas. Among these priorities is the development of a national strategic plan aimed at optimizing the organization of emergency care services throughout the country.

The establishment of a robust legal framework that encompasses community, prehospital, hospital, and rehabilitation care will be a pivotal step forward. Moreover, the creation of a dedicated fund for emergency response signifies a commitment to sustainable financing of these essential services.

Key initiatives will also include the design of a data management guide to facilitate the collection and use of emergency care data, as well as the launch of comprehensive training programs for health professionals on emergency response protocols. Emphasizing logistics and accessibility, there will be a renewed focus on strengthening transport systems and enhancing the availability of ambulances.

The Ministry is committed to building the capacity of emergency care professionals and ensuring a reliable supply chain for emergency medicines and materials. By defining and implementing care standards across all facility levels, the Ministry aims to guarantee that every citizen receives timely and effective care when they need it most.

As Cameroon charts this ambitious course toward reforming its emergency care system, it is crucial for all stakeholders to engage collaboratively in this life-saving endeavour. With effective implementation of set priorities, Cameroon can aspire towards a more responsive and resilient emergency care system, ultimately enhancing health outcomes for its population.

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Cameroon.

Source: APO – Report:

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President John Dramani Mahama has moved to calm fears among Nigerian nationals residing in Ghana and their government, assuring a special envoy dispatched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that there will be no mass deportations.

During a courtesy call from Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who is Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, President Mahama assured that Ghana has no intention of resorting to mass expulsions, emphasising the shared history and inter-dependence of the two countries.

He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to ECOWAS protocols, dismissing any anxieties in Nigeria over any potential mass deportation of its citizens from Ghana following the emergence of a viral video.

Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu conveyed the “anxieties” of the Nigerian people and government, citing the viral video, widespread apprehension of mass deportations, and fears of shops belonging to Nigerian traders being burned.

The concerns, she noted, have led to emergency sessions in Nigeria’s National Assembly and traditional rulers instructing relatives in Ghana to return home.

President Mahama acknowledged the historical relations between Ghana and Nigeria, describing them as “siblings of the same parents, and so our destinies are joined together.”

He invoked past unfortunate incidents of mass deportations in both countries—Ghana in the 1960s and Nigeria in the 1980s—, stating, “I think that that is a part of our past, and it’s an unfortunate past that we want to put behind us, and I believe that none of our two countries should mass deport our citizens ever again.”

“We are members of the ECOWAS, and we have the ECOWAS protocol that allows our citizens to travel freely between our countries.”

He also clarified that, although there have been isolated incidents and some individuals involved in criminal activity, such cases are addressed through proper legal procedures, not through collective punishment or mass expulsion. He stated that foreign residents in Ghana who engage in criminal activities shall be held individually liable and sanctioned.

President Mahama traced the recent tensions to the resurfacing of a 2013 video featuring an “Igbo king” discussing land acquisition for a kingdom, which was widely misinterpreted as a recent development.

He dismissed this as “a bit of a storm in a teacup,” assuring the Nigerian delegation that Ghanaian law governs the establishment of traditional councils, making such external claims impossible.

Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended President Mahama for de-escalating a potentially volatile situation, noting that the initial fears of widespread unrest upon their arrival in Accra proved unfounded.

– on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO

The  Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) (https://Meltwater.org/) today opened applications for the 7th edition of the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC 2025), a pan-African pitch competition that equips high-potential startups with funding and hands-on support.

This year’s edition is dedicated exclusively to FinTech startups, spotlighting founders who are reimagining how money is moved, managed, and insured across the continent. Applications run 30th July – 26th September 2025, after which 20 semi-finalists and 10 grand-finalists will be selected. The overall winner will secure a US $50,000 equity investment and the opportunity to pilot with strategic partners at scale.

“The MEST Africa Challenge is where Africa’s boldest ideas find the opportunity to scale,” said Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor & MAC Lead at MEST Africa. “Our partnership with Absa gives these visionary founders the lift they need—connecting them to the capital, expertise, and networks that turn promising startups into sector-defining businesses and drive inclusive growth across the continent.”

With US $30 million invested in more than 90 startups and 2,000 entrepreneurs to date, MEST is one of Africa’s most active early-stage tech investors. The 2025 edition of MAC deepens that impact through a strategic partnership with Absa that aligns the competition with the bank’s digital-finance priorities.

“Africa’s future will be shaped by bold ideas, local ingenuity, and scalable innovation. At Absa, we recognize the critical role entrepreneurs play in driving inclusive economic growth. This partnership with MEST reflects our commitment to backing those visionaries and shaping the future of financial services. It complements our digital transformation strategy and reflects our purpose of empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together, one story at a time,” said Omar Baig, Managing Executive: ARO Retail and Business Banking.

The collaboration between Absa and MEST aims to accelerate innovation by connecting FinTech startups with the resources and expertise needed to scale solutions that drive inclusive growth across Africa.

“Our partnership with MEST is a strategic step toward unlocking innovation that truly matters,” says Muhammad Ali Bhikhan, Managing Executive and Chief Information Officer at Absa Regional Operations. “It will allow us to connect with visionary startups, build a strong talent pipeline, and collaborate on solutions that can drive meaningful digital transformation and long-term impact across the continent, he concludes.”

Who should apply to MAC 2025?

MAC 2025 invites early-stage startups in FinTech and other high-value, value-chain solutions that are already active in at least one of Absa’s priority markets — countries including  Botswana, Uganda, Mauritius, Seychelles, Kenya, Mozambique, Zambia and Ghana. To qualify, a company must be three years old or younger, show minimum monthly recurring revenue of US $5,000, and have raised no more than US $1 million to date. Each venture should have at least two co-founders, be able to pitch in English, and—while not mandatory—Delaware registration is considered an advantage.

Founders can submit a short online application, including a three-minute video pitch, on https://apo-opa.co/40P2V41 from 31st July, 2025. Virtual semi-finals will take place in late October, and the top ten teams will present live in Cape Town at the Grand Finale in late November.

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 Organization—MEST—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/

About Absa Group Limited:
Absa Group Limited (Absa Group’) is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and is one of Africa’s largest diversified financial services groups.  

Absa Group offers an integrated set of products and services across personal and business banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth and investment management and insurance.  

Absa Group owns majority stakes in banks in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania (Absa Bank Tanzania and National Bank of Commerce), Uganda and Zambia and has insurance operations in Kenya and South Africa. Absa also has offices in the People’s Republic of China, Namibia, Nigeria and the United States, as well as securities entities in the United Kingdom and the United States, along with technology support colleagues in the Czech Republic. 

For further information about Absa Group Limited, visit www.Absa.Africa.