Category: English

Source: APO

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– Collaboration Supports BAL’s Social Impact and Court Development Programming Across Africa –

– 2026 BAL Season Will Continue with Playoffs and Finals in Kigali, Rwanda from May 22-31 –

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) (http://BAL.NBA.com) and Qatar Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that supports human and social development through programs focused on education, research and innovation, and community development, today announced a multiyear collaboration that makes Qatar Foundation the BAL’s first Official Community Partner.

Through the collaboration, which is being facilitated by Qatar Sports Investments, Qatar Foundation is supporting the BAL’s social impact programming and efforts to make basketball more accessible across the continent, including through court renovations as part of NBA Africa’s broader commitment to build 1,000 courts across the continent, and BAL4HER – the league’s platform for advancing gender equality in the African sports ecosystem. 

As part of the collaboration, Qatar Foundation will also serve as Presenting Partner of the BAL’s Ubuntu Trophy, which is awarded annually to a BAL player who has made an impact on the local community during the BAL season.  Qatar Foundation’s logo is also displayed on the back of all BAL game uniforms.

“At Qatar Foundation, we believe that the true strength of a nation lies in the wellbeing and potential of its people,” said Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani.  “We see sport as one of the most powerful tools for positive change. It is not only a means of physical activity, but a catalyst for healthier lives, stronger communities, and more resilient societies. It brings people together, creating bonds across backgrounds and building communities around shared purpose.

“Our vision is to harness this power of sport for good, ensuring that it is accessible, inclusive, and designed to meet the needs of all.  We are committed to creating environments where participation is safe, welcoming and inspiring, and where the values of teamwork, discipline and leadership are nurtured.”

“Qatar Foundation shares our commitment to giving back to the youth, fans and communities that support the BAL year-round,” said BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall. “This collaboration will enhance our ongoing social impact programming that uses the power of basketball to positively impact lives across the continent.”

Beginning this season, Qatar Foundation is supporting BAL4HER Power Hours in each BAL host city, which connects young women pursuing careers in the sports industry with leading executives and practitioners through structured conversations, networking and immersive programming – creating a platform for visibility, relationship-building and professional advancement within the African sports ecosystem.

The collaboration builds on Qatar Foundation’s broader work in harnessing sport for social development alongside Qatar Sports Investments – a leading strategic investment group in sports, culture, entertainment and lifestyle – reinforcing a shared commitment to using sport as a platform for opportunity, inclusion and long‑term community impact.  Qatar Foundation leads and supports sport-for-development programs, including in Africa, that prioritize agency and ownership, culturally grounded delivery, safeguarding, and active community participation, with its sport-focused efforts in Qatar, the Middle East and North Africa region, and internationally having a particular emphasis on enabling and empowering sporting participation among women and girls.

The 2026 BAL season has featured 12 of the top club teams from 12 African countries playing a total of 42 games across the Kalahari Conference group phase from March 27 – April 5 at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa; the Sahara Conference group phase from April 24 – May 3 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco; and the Playoffs and Finals from May 22 – 31 at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.

Eight teams have qualified for the 2026 BAL Playoffs: Petro de Luanda (Angola), Al Ahly (Egypt), the RSSB Tigers (Rwanda), Club Africain (Tunisia), Al Ahly Ly (Libya), FUS Rabat (Morocco), ASC Ville de Dakar (Senegal) and Dar City (Tanzania).  In the opening game on Friday, May 22, Al Ahly will take on ASC Ville de Dakar at 4 p.m. CAT, followed by the RSSB Tigers facing FUS Rabat at 7 p.m. CAT.  Tickets for Playoffs and Finals are on sale at http://apo-opa.co/4uL8xZp.  Fans who purchase tickets will also have free access to the BAL Fan Zone at BK Arena.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Contacts:
Marie-Pierre Anamba Onana
Basketball Africa League 
+221 78 637 70 62
manamba@nba.com

Quatar Foundation Press Office
pressoffice@qf.org.qa

About the BAL:
The Basketball Africa League (BAL), a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that tipped off its sixth season in March 2026.  Headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, the BAL builds on foundation of club competitions FIBA Africa has organized across the continent and marks the NBA’s first collaboration to operate a league outside North America.  Fans can follow the BAL (@theBAL) on Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/42u4Rzj), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4wunhNS), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3PF2WF6), X (https://apo-opa.co/48VF7zw), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4nvUxQW) and register their interest in receiving more information at http://BAL.NBA.com.

About Qatar Foundation – Unlocking Human Potential:
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) is a non-profit organization focused on education, research and innovation, and community development that supports Qatar on its journey to becoming a diversified and sustainable economy.  Across its ecosystem comprising more than 50 entities, QF strives to serve the people of Qatar and beyond through its work across progressive education, sustainability, artificial intelligence, precision healthcare, and social progress.

QF was founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who shared the vision to provide Qatar with quality education.  This vision has evolved into a globally unique, multidisciplinary ecosystem of knowledge offering opportunities for lifelong learning, fostering innovation, and empowering people to be socially engaged citizens and drivers of positive change.

This diverse and interconnected ecosystem comprises a world-class education landscape spanning the full spectrum of learning from pre-school to post-doctoral level; research, innovation, and policy centers addressing global challenges; alongside community facilities for people of all ages to seek knowledge, embrace active lifestyles, and expand their horizons within QF’s Education City, spanning 12 square kilometers in Doha, Qatar.  Through a unique approach to multidisciplinary, global education, Education City represents Qatar Foundation’s large-scale legacy investment focused on building human capacity for the future of Qatar, the region, and the world.

For a complete list of QF’s initiatives and projects, please visit: www.QF.org.qa.  To stay up to date on our social media activities, follow our accounts on: Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/49KjbaE), Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/43cNZ01), X (https://apo-opa.co/436a6VU) and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/4dHN65L).

Source: APO

Utilities modernising their metering infrastructure must avoid treating legacy prepayment systems and smart metering platforms as competing technologies, industry experts said during a recent webinar hosted by ESI Africa, part of VUKA Group (www.WeAreVUKA.com), in partnership with STS Association and DLMS User Association.

The on-demand webinar, “Securing the Bridge Between Legacy and Smart Metering”, brings together leading metering specialists to unpack how interoperability, standardisation and secure data exchange are shaping the next phase of smart utility infrastructure.

The recording is freely available here: https://apo-opa.co/4dHSwOc

The discussion featured Lance Hawkins-Dady, STSA Board Chairman, Sergio Lazzarotto, DLMS UA President and Franco Pucci, STSA Technical Consultant. The session was moderated by Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl, Editor-in-Chief of ESI Africa.

Opening the session, Pombo-van Zyl said the webinar would explore how strategic alignment between STS and DLMS supports secure token transport, interoperability and coordinated roadmaps for smart metering.

Hawkins-Dady said the collaboration reflects the need for utilities to balance trusted legacy systems with modern smart infrastructure.

“STS remains a secure, reliable mechanism for prepaid revenue collection. This strategy supports a practical, structured transition, avoiding disruptive changes,” he said.

He noted that more than 80 million STS-enabled devices remain active worldwide, making backward compatibility and investment protection critical for operators planning future metering strategies.

“There may be a perception in parts of the sector that, as smart metering advances, technologies like STS will naturally become obsolete,” Hawkins-Dady said. “What this liaison accomplishes is that it removes the notion of competition between standards and replaces it with coordination and synergy between different standards.”

Lazzarotto drew parallels between today’s metering transition and the standardisation journey in the personal computer sector, where common technologies such as USB and Bluetooth helped create more interoperable ecosystems.

“We were still miles away from this concept of interoperability,” he said, reflecting on early smart metering deployments. “What I am trying to do is push for standardisation that is at the service of manufacturers.”

He said proprietary systems have created long-term operational risk for utilities, particularly when suppliers exit markets or discontinue support. Standardisation allows utilities to reduce vendor lock-in while enabling manufacturers to scale products more efficiently across regions.

“There is something known in the IT sector called plug-and-play,” Lazzarotto said. “I plug it and it plays. I don’t have to take care about how it works.”

Interoperability takes centre stage

Much of the discussion focused on interoperability and the technical integration of STS token technology into the DLMS/COSEM framework.

Pucci explained that the STS token itself has not changed. Instead, the token is now encapsulated within a DLMS object for transmission through smart metering networks.

“An STS token is still an STS token,” he said. “The only difference now is that you need to wrap it up in a DLMS COSEM object.”

He added that this approach gives utilities operational flexibility by maintaining both keypad entry and remote token delivery options.

“You now have essentially two paths to take your token to the meter,” Pucci said. “If a network is down, you can still type in your token at your meter and get your credit.”

Cybersecurity also emerged as a priority during the discussion. Lazzarotto warned that the increasing digitalisation of utility infrastructure requires stronger collaboration between standards bodies.

“We are speaking about strategic infrastructure,” he said. “We cannot play with that.”

He added that future work between the two organisations would focus heavily on secure architecture for electricity, water and gas applications.

The panel also highlighted the need for regional flexibility, particularly in Africa, where utilities operate under different regulatory and infrastructure conditions.

Lazzarotto said DLMS is working closely with regional standardisation organisations to accommodate country-specific requirements without fragmenting the broader framework.

“One thing is for sure,” he said. “There will be regional specificities and country specificities.”

The panellists repeatedly returned to the importance of open standards for utilities planning long-term smart metering rollouts.

“Do not get locked into a supplier,” Pucci warned during his closing remarks. “Use a system that you can purchase from as many suppliers as you wish.”

Hawkins-Dady said the collaboration ultimately gives utilities a lower-risk route into modernisation.

“It’s about protecting what already works while enabling what comes next,” he said. “Ultimately bringing a more connected, flexible and future-ready metering ecosystem.”

The on-demand recording is relevant for utilities, municipalities, metering specialists, revenue managers, manufacturers, system integrators and decision-makers responsible for smart metering procurement, infrastructure upgrades and digital transformation strategies.

Watch the webinar recording here: https://apo-opa.co/4dHSwOc

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

About ESI Africa:
ESI Africa is Africa’s trusted power, energy, water and utility multimedia platform. Positioned as an impartial industry mouthpiece, ESI Africa has delivered technical developments and analysis in print and digital formats since 1996.

Through its print, digital and webinar platforms, ESI Africa connects readers with solution providers and delivers insight into Africa’s energy, power, utility and water transformation.

Website: www.ESI-Africa.com

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group connects people and organisations across Africa’s energy, mining, mobility, green economy and retail sectors through events, content and strategic networking. VUKA Group is a venture partner to The Global Trust Project and a leader of NPO Go Green Africa.

Website: www.WeAreVUKA.com

Source: APO

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Mining is rapidly becoming a driver of power market development in Africa, as energy supply constraints reshape how projects are financed and executed. From renewables and storage to fuel logistics and transmission, operators are increasingly securing integrated energy solutions to sustain output and manage risk.

Against this backdrop, the African Mining Week (AMW) Conference and Exhibition – taking place October 14–16, 2026, in Cape Town – will convene global investors, energy developers and mining stakeholders to examine pathways for strengthening power infrastructure to support mining activities across the continent. The event will feature a dedicated panel titled Accelerating Mineral Production: The Energy-Mining Nexus, bringing together policymakers, utilities and mining companies to discuss investment, infrastructure challenges and strategies for scaling production.

The discussion comes at a time when energy availability is becoming the defining constraint – and enabler – of mining growth across Africa. As a result, many companies are partnering with energy providers to secure power deals.

One of the clearest examples of this is EDF power solutions – a joint venture (JV) between mining company Anglo American and energy company EDF. The JV is advancing a portfolio of renewable energy projects to power mining operations across South Africa. In mid-April, the company commissioned the 140 MW Umsobomvu facility as part of the broader 520 MW Koruson 2 cluster, following the earlier delivery of approximately 480 MW under the Koruson 1 cluster in early April. These projects are contributing to the decarbonization of mining operations by displacing coal-based grid electricity for miners such as Valterra Platinum, Kumba Iron Ore and De Beers.

Sibanye-Stillwater is also turning to renewable energy to optimize its operations. The company is advancing a 725 MW renewable energy portfolio secured via long-term power purchase agreements with developers including NOA Group, Red Rocket and Sola Group. These developments align with South Africa’s strategy to generate 40% of its electricity using renewables by 2030, a move aimed at lowering electricity costs and improving energy security for energy-intensive sectors such as mining.

Similar case studies are being seen across other mineral-rich provinces in Africa. In Zambia, First Quantum Minerals is advancing a 430 MW renewable energy project alongside Total Eren and Chariot Limited. The project will strengthen energy supply to the company’s mines, enabling First Quantum to contribute to a national target to increase copper output to three million tons by 2031.

Meanwhile, Eurasian Resources Group is investing in transmission infrastructure and cross-border power solutions between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to stabilize energy supply for cobalt operations.

While renewables are scaling rapidly, mining companies are also reinforcing energy security through fuel agreements. In February 2026, Valterra Platinum signed a three-year fuel supply deal with TotalEnergies for its South African operations. Puma Energy and BHL Group have also launched a five-year fuel transport agreement moving supply between Namibia’s Walvis Bay and Zambian mining hubs.

As such, AMW 2026 comes at a pivotal time when energy and mining are no longer parallel sectors, but deeply interconnected growth engines. From renewables and transmission to fuel logistics and financing, the continent is witnessing a structural shift toward integrated energy–mining ecosystems. The AMW 2026 panel will spotlight how innovative partnerships, blended financing models and private-sector participation are accelerating both energy deployment and mineral production – positioning Africa to meet rising global demand while advancing its own industrialization agenda.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO

• A strategically significant transaction for Italy’s industrial and energy sectors, restoring the country’s most important refining complex to Italian ownership.
• Subject to clearance under Golden Power and antitrust procedures, the acquisition will see ISAB evolve from a traditional refinery into an Energy Company, underpinning competitiveness, security of supply and the development of new energy value chains.
• With ISAB, the Ludoil Group takes a decisive step up in scale and industrial scope: spanning power generation, crude oil processing and advanced biofuels, the enlarged group will become Italy’s leading privately held energy operator, with expected consolidated revenues exceeding €10 billion per year.

Ludoil Capital S.r.l. (www.Ludoil.it), a wholly-owned subsidiary of holding company Ludoil Energy S.p.A. (“Ludoil” or the “Group”), has signed a Sale and Purchase Agreement (“SPA”) with GOI Energy S.r.l. to acquire GOI Energy’s equity stake in ISAB S.r.l. (“ISAB”), owner of the Priolo Gargallo refinery and its associated industrial, logistics and energy infrastructure. The transaction is structured in two phases, the first covering a 51% interest and subject, among other conditions, to clearance from the Italian Government under the special powers regime applicable to assets of national strategic importance (Decree-Law 21/2012, the so-called Golden Power), and to the requisite antitrust and regulatory approvals.

Located in south-eastern Sicily, in the Province of Syracuse and straddling the municipalities of Priolo Gargallo, Augusta, and Melilli, the facility is Italy’s largest refining complex, with an authorised capacity of 20 million tonnes per year and a balanced capacity of 15 million tonnes per year, and represents a strategic infrastructure for national energy security, and represents critical national infrastructure for energy security. Through this transaction, an asset of vital national importance returns to Italian ownership.

The acquisition marks the beginning of a new chapter for ISAB, which will be transformed into an Energy Company with an integrated portfolio that spans crude oil processing through to advanced biofuels, positioning the business as a strategic hub for energy flows between Europe, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East. Operations will follow a shared-value model, ensuring that ISAB strengthens its role in safeguarding energy supplies and continues to deliver prosperity to the local community and the country at large.

Over the medium term, industrial strategy will centre on advanced bio-processing. The plan envisages the progressive build-out of new value chains for the production of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), BioOil, second-generation bioethanol and BioETBE – a comprehensive set of renewable energy carriers aligned with European decarbonisation policy.

Investments will be structured to comply with the European RED III Directive, reflecting the Group’s commitment to internationally recognised sustainability standards. Alongside the bio activities, the site already hosts a 540 MW power and cogeneration plant and will see the addition of further renewable generation assets totalling 20 MW. These investments form part of a broader transformation of the Priolo industrial district, which is already attracting significant capital flows into biorefining and helping to establish the Syracuse area as a leading hub for the energy transition in the Mediterranean.

On employment, the existing workforce will be retained in full. ISAB represents a wealth of engineering expertise built over decades in Sicily – the historic heart of Italian refining and petrochemicals. It is a nationally recognised centre of excellence which Ludoil intends to develop further and take onto the international stage. The growth plan and new facilities under development are also expected to create further employment opportunities locally, including through partnerships with academic and research institutions.

The complementarity between Ludoil’s commercial and infrastructure capabilities and ISAB’s industrial expertise will enable full vertical integration across the value chain — from feedstock sourcing through downstream operations to distribution. The Group’s portfolio comprises coastal storage terminals, logistics infrastructure, a fuel retail network and a diversified mix of renewable generation assets, from biomethane to solar PV and wind.

The transaction establishes Ludoil as Italy’s leading privately held Multi-Energy Company, with expected consolidated revenues exceeding €10 billion per year, ranking the Group among Italy’s largest companies by revenue and placing it at the forefront of the transformation of the national energy system.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ludoil.

Source: APO

• Merck Foundation CEO announced call for application of 2026 Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards in partnership with African and Asian First Ladies – apply now at https://apo-opa.co/4eEHRot

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with the First Ladies of Africa, announced the winners of the Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2025 under the categories “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension.” The awards recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of journalists who are raising awareness about critical social and health issues across Africa and beyond.

The Awards Ceremony was conducted virtually to honour and celebrate the outstanding contributions of all the winning media professionals. The winners were warmly acknowledged by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” campaign.

Congratulating the winners, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation, shared, “I am very happy to announce and celebrate the 124 outstanding winners from 32 countries, together with my dear sisters, the First Ladies of Africa, who are also the Ambassadors of the ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother’.

I am proud of the remarkable participation we have witnessed in form of entries for the awards. Congratulations to each and every one of our outstanding winners.”

This year, Merck Foundation also recognized and awarded emerging and promising media talents under the Emergent Journalist Award category. All the winners will be acknowledged and celebrated by the CEO of Merck Foundation during a virtual award ceremony.

Dr. Rasha Kelej further emphasized, “I strongly believe in the power of media and the significant role it plays in shaping our society. As I always say, media enters every home, even without an invitation. Therefore, journalists have the unique ability to make a meaningful difference through their day-to-day work by raising awareness and driving a cultural shift in their communities.”

The theme of the “More Than a Mother” Media Awards is to raise awareness about important social issues like: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending Female Genital Mutilation and/or Stopping Gender-Based Violence. The theme of the “Diabetes and Hypertension” Media Awards is to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle and Raise Awareness about Prevention, Early detection and Management of Diabetes and Hypertension.

The Merck Foundation Media Awards were first launched in 2017 and have been announced annually since then, in partnership with the First Ladies of Africa and Asia.

Highlighting the long-term impact of the program, Dr. Rasha added, “We launched our Media Awards nine years ago with the aim of empowering journalists to spotlight important health and social issues in their respective communities. I am proud to share that, to date, we have recognized and celebrated more than 760 winners from 52 countries.”

The CEO of Merck Foundation also announced the Call for Applications for the Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026.

“I am pleased to invite entries for the Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension” 2026, in partnership with the African and Asian First Ladies. I look forward to receiving another outstanding round of impactful and inspiring entries this year,” said Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Entries can be submitted here: https://apo-opa.co/4eEHRot

Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2025

Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA; The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia, H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI; The First Lady of Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

• Alfred Nii Arday Ankrah, The Spectator, Ghana (First Position)
• Mackie Muctarr Jalloh, New Times Daily, Sierra Leone (Second Position)
• Alao Abiodun, The Nation Newspaper, Nigeria (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Prince Kwame Tamakloe, Rainbow Radio Online, Ghana (First Position)
• Odimegwu Onwumere, The Nigerian Voice, Nigeria (Second Position)
• Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Freelancer, Ghana (Second Position)
• Nyima Sillah, Voice of Gambia, Gambia (Third Position)
• Never Garmah Lomo, News Public Trust, Liberia (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

• Hadiza Abdulrahman, Radio Nigeria, Nigeria (First Position)
• Joyce Kantam Kolamong, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Ghana (First Position)
• Chinasa Ossai, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Nigeria (Second Position)
• Olufunke Fayemi, Voice of Nigeria, Nigeria (Second Position)
• Ojo Isaac Olufemi, Splash FM, Nigeria (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

• Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun, News Central TV, Nigeria (First Position)
• Marshall Anthoni Ononye, News Central TV, Nigeria (Second Position)
• Grace Hammoah Asare, TV3, Ghana (Second Position)
• Maltiti Sayida Sadick, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Ghana (Third Position)

Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Botswana, H.E. Mrs. KAONE BOKO; The First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, H.E. Prof. GERTRUDE MUTHARIKA; The First Lady of Republic of Zambia, H.E. Mrs. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

• Jessie Ngoma, Times of Zambia, Zambia (First Position)
• Gresham Ngwira, Nation, Malawi (First Position)
• Zipporah Mushala, Zambia Daily Mail, Zambia (Second Position)
• Caroline Somanje, Nation Publications Limited, Malawi (Second Position)
• Lame Lucas, The Midweek Sun, Botswana (Second Position)
• Faith Kaunde, Nation Publications Limited, Malawi (Third Position)
• Daisy Peloewetse, The Voice, Botswana (Third Position)
• Brenda Nkosi, Malawi News Agency (MANA), Malawi (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• June Shimuoshili, Unwrap.online, Namibia (First Position)
• Fugai Lupande, The Herald, Zimbabwe (First Position)
• Maria David, Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), Namibia (Second Position)
• Nhau Mangirazi, News Day, Zimbabwe (Third Position)
• Patricia Mashiri, ZimNow, Zimbabwe (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Natasha Nyarai Mhandu, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation Classic 263 Radio, Zimbabwe (First Position)
• Charlotte Nambadja, The Namibian Newspaper, Namibia (Second Position)
• Doreen Sonani, Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, Malawi (Third Position)
• Philis Sitenge, FAITH RADIO, Zambia (Third Position)
• Yamikani Simutowe, Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, Malawi (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

• Keneilwe Pono Patricia Lephoi, YTV, Botswana (First Position)

Here are the winners from East African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H.

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

• Elizabeth Angira, People Daily, Kenya (First Position)
• Shaban Njia, Nipashe Newspaper, Tanzania (Second Position)
• Angeline Ochieng, Nation Media Group, Kenya (Second Position)
• Agutu Rosa, Standard Media Group, Kenya (Third Position)
• Francisca Emmanuel, Tanzania Standard Newspaper, Tanzania (Third Position)
• Vitus Audax, The Guardian, Tanzania (Third Position)
• Francis Dhamira Kajubi, The Guardian, Tanzania (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Mbabazi Joan, The New Times, Rwanda (First Position)
• Isabella Maua Chemosit, NewsLine, The Times, Kenya (First Position)
• Irissheel Shanzu, Standard Media Group, Kenya (Second Position)
• Julius Maricha, The Citizen, Tanzania (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Moraa Obiria, Nation Media Group, Kenya (First Position)
• Namale Hajara Shahista, CBS FM 89.2 Radio, Uganda (Second Position)
• Mildrine Sabwami, North Rift Radio, Kenya (Third Position)
• Caren Waraba Sisya, Royal Media Services, Kenya (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

• Walter Mwesigye, NTV, Uganda (First Position)
• Eunice Omollo, NTV, Kenya (Second Position)
• Omary Hussein, Star TV, Tanzania (Third Position)

Here are the winners from African French Speaking Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI; The First Lady of Republic of Senegal, H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

• Nkurunziza Moïse, Le Renouveau du Burundi, Burundi (First Position)
• Issa Moussa, The Niger Times , Niger (Second Position)
• Guillaume Aimée Mete, Le Jour, Cameroon (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Mapote Gaye, Infomedia27, Senegal (First Position)
• Azododassi Mêmèdé Ambroisine, Savoir News, Togo (Second Position)
• Iradukunda Odette, Burundian Press Agency, Burundi (Second Position)
• Bréhima Traoré, Lettre d’Afrique, Mali (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Harerimana Theobard, Radio TV Buntu, Burundi (First Position)
• Boureima Ouedraogo, Radio la Voix du Paysan, Burkina Faso (Second Position)
• Moussa Kone, Radio Channel 2, Mali (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

• Matthias Kabuya, Radio Television Debout Kasaï (RTDK), DRC (First Position)
• Nadège Omoladé SANNY, Société de Radiodiffusion et Télévision du Bénin (SRTB), Benin (Second Position)
• Chris Irambona, Radio TV Buntu, Burundi (Second Position)
• Amadou BELLO, Balafon Media Group, Cameroon (Third Position)
• Joseph Murindajambo, Mashariki TV, Burundi (Third Position)

Here are the winners from African Portuguese Speaking Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde, H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO; and The First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique, H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS                                                                       

• Sheilla Ribeiro, Expresso das Ilhas, Cabo Verde (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Quinton Nicuete, Moz24h, Mozambique (First Position)

Merck Foundation “Diabetes & Hypertension” Media Recognition Awards 2025

Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA; and The First Lady of Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

• Annastacia Delali Sika, Daily Graphic, Ghana (First Position)
• Ochiaka Ugwu, People’s Daily, Nigeria (Second Position)
• Agnes Opoku Sarpong, Ghanian Times, Ghana (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Ojoma Akor, Daily Trust, Nigeria (First Position)
• Nana Ama Asantewaa Kwarko, Modern Ghana, Ghana (First Position)
• Patience Ivie Ihejirika, Leadership Newspaper, Nigeria (Second Position)
• Idowu Abdullahi, Punch Nigeria, Nigeria (Second Position)
• Nelson Manneh, Gambia Press Union, Gambia (Third Position)
• Dr. Fatoumata S Sarjo, The Standard, Gambia (Emergent Journalist Award)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Yecenu J. Sasetu, Montage 99.7FM, Nigeria (First Position)
• Vanessa Ukamaka Richard Bassey, Sparkling 92.3FM, Nigeria (Second Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

• Ezedimbu Karen Ogomegbunem, AIT live, Nigeria (First Position)
• Sarah Apenkroh, TV3, Ghana (Second Position)
• Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, Arise News, Nigeria (Third Position)

Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Botswana, H.E. Mrs. KAONE BOKO; The First Lady of Republic of Zambia, H.E. Mrs. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

• Nancy Kefilwe Ramokhua, The Patriot on Sunday, Botswana (First Position)
• Taati Niilenge, The Namibian, Namibia (Second Position)
• Melody Mupeta, Zambia Daily Mail, Zambia (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Veronica Gwaze, Zimpapers, Zimbabwe (First Position)
• Pitso Molemane, Kaya FM, South Africa (Second Position)
• Bridget McNulty, Sweet Life Diabetes Community, South Africa (Emergent Journalist Award)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Chileshe Kapenda, ZAMCOM Radio, Zambia (First Position)
• Sera Tamina, Radio Icengelo, Zambia (Second Position)

Here are the winners from East African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H.

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

• Abeid Othman, Mwananchi, Tanzania (First Position)
• Christina Mwakangale, Nipashe, Tanzania (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Lucy John Bosco, Mwananchi, Tanzania (First Position)
• Phillys Chemtai Kirui, KASS Media Group, Kenya (Second Position)
• Melisa Mong’ina, Talk Africa, Kenya (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Angela Kezengwa, Royal Media Services Ltd, Kenya (First Position)
• Millicent Kubai, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, Kenya (Second Position)
• Mwanaisha Makumbuli, Highlands FM Radio, Tanzania (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

• Betty Mudondo, NTV, Uganda (First Position)

Here are the winners from African French Speaking Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; and The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

• Arsène Jonathan Mosseavo, LANOCA, Central African Republic (First Position)
• Astère Nduwamungu, Le Renouveau du Burundi, Burundi (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

• Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Diplomacy and Development, DRC (First Position)
• Manirakiza Richard, Burundian Press Agency, Burundi (Second Position)
• Aka Ahoussi, Credochristi, Cote d’Ivoire (Second Position)
• Kouton Emile, Savoir News, Togo (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

• Magnus Mfuranzima, Radio Isôko FM, Burundi (First Position)
• Samuel Niyokwizera, Radio IVYIZIGIRO, Burundi (Second Position)
• Josiane Clairia Kankundiye, Indundi Culture Radio, Burundi (Third Position)
• Kabamba Ngalamulume Fabrice, Education Radio and Television, DRC (Emergent Journalist Award)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

• Ornella Muco, Radio Television Isanganiro, Burundi (First Position)
• Jean Népomuscène Irambona, Radio TV Buntu, Burundi (Second Position)

Here are the winners from African Portuguese Speaking Countries in partnership with The First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde, H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO; and The First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique, H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

• Hugo Firmino, STV Notícias, Mozambique (First Position)

Here are the winners from ASIAN Countries:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

• Mini P Thomas, The Times of India, India (First Position)
• Vishal Shreshtha, Dainik Jagran, India (Second Position)
• Parvez Babul, The Daily Observer, Bangladesh (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNER

• Cristina Eloisa Baclig, Inquirer.net, Philippines (First Position)
• Puja Awasthi, The Week, India (Second Position)
• Disha Shetty, Health Watch Policy, India (Third Position)
• David Dizon, ABS-CBN, Philippines (Third Position)

Here are the winners from LATIN AMERICA Countries:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

• Leon Ferrari, O Estado de S.Paulo (Estadão), Brazil (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNER

• Ana Bottallo, Folha de S.Paulo, Brazil (First Position)

The Merck Foundation CEO also announces Call for Applications for the 2026 Media Awards. “I am pleased to announce entries for the Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026 – “More Than a Mother” & “Diabetes and Hypertension”, in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa and Asia. I am excited to see the creative and outstanding entries that we will be receiving this year” stated Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Details of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2026:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2026

Theme for the awards: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:

1. Southern African Countries
2. West African Countries
3. East African Countries
4. French Speaking African Countries
5. Portuguese Speaking African Countries

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

2. Merck Foundation Media Recognition “Diabetes & Hypertension” Awards 2026

Theme for the awards: Promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:

1. Southern African Countries
2. West African Countries
3. East African Countries
4. French Speaking African Countries
5. Portuguese Speaking African Countries
6. Latin American Countries
7. Asian Countries

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

All entries are to be submitted to submit@merck-foundation.com.

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  

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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/4fpu2KK), X (https://apo-opa.co/4dlRmqq), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3RDJs4f), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4dhqiKd), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4uRkvRv) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4uQeBA6).

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.