Category: English

Source: APO

.

As global aluminium prices surge – hitting a four-year high of $3,492 per ton in March 2026 – driven by tensions in the Middle East, the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2026, scheduled for October 14-16 in Cape Town, will explore the challenges and opportunities emerging for Africa within the global aluminium supply chain.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz – which accounts for approximately 12% of global aluminium trade – and attacks on industrial infrastructure across the Middle East – a region responsible for 9% of global output – are disrupting the global supply chain.

For Africa, these developments present both risks and opportunities. The continent currently has only one operational alumina refinery – the RUSAL-operated Friguia refinery in Guinea – leaving African markets highly exposed to global supply disruptions and price volatility. Despite holding more than 30% of the world’s bauxite reserves, Africa accounts for less than 1% of global alumina refining capacity, highlighting a significant gap between resource availability and downstream processing infrastructure. As a result, many African economies rely heavily on imported aluminium products, particularly from the Middle East. South Africa, the continent’s most industrialized economy, sources a large share of its unwrought aluminium imports from Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, with Bahrain alone accounting for more than 42% of these imports.

Against this backdrop, AMW 2026 will convene government officials, project developers, investors and industry leaders to explore strategies for strengthening Africa’s role in the global aluminium supply chain. Discussions will focus on accelerating investments in bauxite mining, alumina refining and aluminium processing infrastructure to reduce import dependence and build a more resilient regional industrial base.

Already, several projects are underway to unlock Africa’s potential as a global aluminium hub. Guinea, the world’s leading bauxite producer, is targeting the development of six alumina refineries with a combined capacity of approximately seven million tons per year by 2030. Meanwhile, Nigeria is advancing plans for its first large-scale alumina refinery, backed by $1.3 billion in financing from the Africa Finance Corporation and the Solid Minerals Development Fund. Ghana and Cameroon are also pursuing alumina refining projects to strengthen mineral beneficiation, build local industrial capacity and reduce exposure to global supply shocks.

Through high-level panel discussions, project showcases and networking sessions, AMW will connect global investors with African projects across bauxite and alumina value chains. The event represents an ideal platform for partnership formations and deal signings to accelerate Africa’s transition from a major exporter of raw materials to a competitive player in the global aluminium industry.

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

Source: APO

.

President John Dramani Mahama is set to officially launch his flagship Free Primary Health Care Programme this Wednesday, aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage.

The initiative, a cornerstone of the President’s social contract with the Ghanaian people, will begin its first phase by targeting 150 underserved districts nationwide over the next two months.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series at the Presidency, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh (MP), detailed the massive logistical rollout accompanying the policy.

To ensure that no Ghanaian is left behind, the government is establishing over 350 container-based service delivery points in high-traffic areas, including major markets and lorry parks.

“This is governance with a heart,” the Health Minister stated. “We are not just waiting for patients to come to us; we are taking healthcare to where the people are in their homes, schools, workplaces, and markets.”

To support the rollout, the Ministry of Health has commenced the nationwide deployment of 24,534 pieces of essential medical equipment. This investment is designed to upgrade the capacity of CHPS compounds and health centres to provide immediate, high-quality care.

The Free Primary Health Care Programme shifts the national focus from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. The minister said the policy covers routine screenings for hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and various cancers; antenatal and postnatal care; immunisations; full treatment for malaria, diarrhoea, and respiratory infections; and counselling on family planning, menstrual hygiene, and safe water management.

Mr Akandoh explained that the policy is built on a seamless referral system. While simple conditions will be managed at the community level, complex cases will be referred to polyclinics or secondary facilities, with a “back-referral” system to ensure community-level follow-up care.

“What we are building is a complete system—from prevention to treatment to specialised care,” the Minister emphasised.

“This is what the pathway to health sovereignty looks like under a responsible government. We are ensuring that diseases are detected early, avoidable deaths are reduced, and the overall health of our population is secured.”

The launch of the Free Primary Health Care Programme represents one of the most significant expansions of the Ghanaian social safety net in decades, fulfilling President Mahama’s vision of a country where healthcare is a right, not a privilege.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO – Report:

.

Effort, in collaboration with the community and Government institutions, is being exerted to expand basic health care services to the public in Kerkebet sub-zone, Gash Barka Region.

Nurse Tesfazgi Yohannes, head of health facilities in the sub-zone, said that there is one health center in Amalait and health stations in the administrative areas of Himbol-Kechech, Hamesh-Diba, Lokaib, Atai, and Agmnait, and that strong effort is being made to provide health care services in the remote areas of the sub-zone through bare-foot doctors.

Nurse Tesfazgi went on to say that commendable progress is being registered in pre- and post-natal treatment, children’s vaccination programs, as well as delivery services. He also said that with the increasing number of health practitioners and the introduction of laboratory and diagnostic instruments, coupled with health care services to remote areas through bare-foot doctors and village health representatives, a conducive ground has been created for most of the public to receive health care services in their localities.

The beneficiaries, on their part, said that with the improvement of health facilities from time to time, they are able to receive encouraging health care services, and called for more effort for better outcomes.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

.

Arbaete-Asmara sub-zone in the Central Region has officially declared free of female genital mutilation (FGM) at a ceremony held under the theme “No to Females’ Genital Mutilation.”

According to the coordinators of the program, the achievement registered was the result of the relentless awareness raising activities by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare and the National Union of Eritrean Women branches in the Central Region.

Ms. Alganesh Tiku’e, administrator of the sub-zone, called on residents and institutions to ensure continuous monitoring and support for its sustainability.

According to report from the Central Region, similar efforts to eradicate females’ genital mutilation is being conducted in all the sub-zones in the region.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

.

Senegal is reinforcing the policy architecture behind its new hydrocarbons era, with the Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines launching reforms to the legal framework for local content in the extractive sector in March 2026. The reforms are aimed at improving national value retention while maintaining momentum on upstream and infrastructure development.

The move comes as Dakar works to translate first oil and first gas into broader industrial growth, stronger domestic participation and long-term energy security. Against this backdrop, Birame Soulèye Diop, Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, will speak at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 – taking place in Cape Town from October 12-16 – where he is expected to present Senegal’s roadmap for balancing investor engagement, gas monetization and sovereign energy development. 

In January 2026, 3.8 million barrels of crude oil were exported from the Sangomar field, while the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project is expected to nearly double its LNG cargoes in 2026 as the FLNG ramp‑up continues. Beyond current production, Senegal is also pushing to expand its resource pipeline. Petrosen has announced plans for a $100 million onshore exploration program in 2026, while the government has also signaled a stronger strategic focus on Yakaar-Teranga, with Senegalese investors encouraged to take a greater role in developing the 25 trillion cubic feet gas resource to prioritize domestic needs while keeping export optionality on the table.

Dakar is now focused on the next phase: using domestic gas resources to lower electricity costs, improve fuel security and support industrial competitiveness. A key pillar of this strategy is the 250 MW Gandon power plant, expected to be supplied through new gas infrastructure linked to the GTA system, alongside the broader Cap des Biches and northern gas corridor buildout. At the same time, Dakar is continuing to strengthen the regulatory foundations of its power transition. In March 2026, the Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines validated Senegal’s first national standards for solar photovoltaic equipment, a move designed to improve quality, safety and performance as the country scales renewable energy deployment in parallel with oil and gas infrastructure.

At AEW 2026, Minister Diop is expected to provide strategic insight into how Senegal is navigating the transition from discovery and commissioning to full-scale execution. His participation is set to reinforce Senegal as one of the few frontier African producers pursuing an integrated model that combines hydrocarbons, gas-to-power and renewables under a single national development agenda.

“Minister Diop represents the kind of pragmatic African leadership that is turning resource potential into real economic transformation. Senegal is showing how first oil and first gas can become the basis for industrial growth, stronger regional integration and long-term energy security and his insights will bring great value to AEW 2026,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO – Report:

.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) has welcomed bp’s acquisition of a 60% operating interest in three offshore exploration blocks in Namibia, describing the move as a strong endorsement of Africa’s frontier basins and the continent’s growing role in global energy supply.

The transaction, which gives bp operatorship of blocks PEL97, PEL99 and PEL100 in Namibia’s Walvis Basin, marks a significant expansion of the UK supermajor’s African upstream footprint. The assets were acquired from Eco Atlantic Oil & Gas, with bp stepping into a position that places it closer to Namibia’s rapidly evolving deepwater exploration corridor adjacent to the Orange Basin.

The deal reinforces the shift in Africa’s exploration narrative – from perceived frontier risk toward increasingly competitive global opportunity, underpinned by geological potential, improving partnerships and rising investor confidence.

“Credit must be given to bp for recognizing the scale of opportunity in Namibia, and equally to Gil Holzman and Eco Atlantic for pioneering early exploration efforts that helped position these blocks on the global radar,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “This is what African energy development should look like – international majors and African-focused companies working together to unlock value, build knowledge and accelerate development.”

Namibia has rapidly emerged as one of the world’s most closely watched frontier exploration provinces, following a wave of offshore discoveries in the Orange Basin by operators including Shell, TotalEnergies and Galp. These discoveries have repositioned the country as a potential multi-billion-barrel deepwater oil province and triggered a surge of international interest.

The Walvis Basin, where bp has now established operatorship, remains less explored but is increasingly seen as a geological extension of the same broader petroleum system. Early indicators point to comparable reservoir characteristics, positioning it as a potential next frontier for exploration-led investment. While appraisal and development timelines remain long-cycle, Namibia is expected to see first production from offshore discoveries by the end of the decade, assuming continued exploration success and infrastructure alignment.

bp’s move reflects a broader rebalancing in global upstream portfolios, as international oil companies prioritize high-impact exploration opportunities capable of delivering long-term reserves growth.

Africa is increasingly benefiting from this shift. As mature basins face declining output and rising costs, frontier regions such as Namibia are emerging as strategic alternatives offering scale, geological upside and relatively open acreage.

Under the agreement, Eco Atlantic will retain a minority stake alongside Namibia’s national oil company NAMCOR, ensuring continued local participation in the development of the blocks. This model is critical to ensuring that exploration success translates into domestic value creation, local capability development and long-term production capacity.

While Namibia remains in the exploration phase, the pace of activity points to a rapidly evolving basin trajectory. bp’s entry adds technical expertise and financial capacity that could accelerate appraisal drilling and future development planning.

The deal also reflects a broader validation of Africa’s upstream sector as a central pillar of future global energy security, particularly as supply diversification becomes a strategic priority for international markets. bp’s investment, alongside the groundwork laid by Eco Atlantic under Gil Holzman’s leadership, underscores a collaboration model that positions Namibia not just as a frontier play, but as an emerging cornerstone of Africa’s deepwater future.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO – Report:

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany officially launched their programs in partnership with H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of Gabonese Republic, also the Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, the programs which started in 2024 with the aim to transform patient care, build healthcare capacity, break the stigma of infertility, empower women, support girl education in Gabon and the rest of Africa.

The program was chaired by The First Lady of Gabon, H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, and CEO of Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej. The program took place at the State House, Gabon.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign emphasized, “It is a great honor to meet my dear sister, H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of Gabon. We officially declared her as the Ambassador of the ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother’ campaign. We also formally launched the Merck Foundation programs in the country and underscored our commitment towards building healthcare and media capacity, patient care landscape transformation, breaking infertility stigma and supporting girl education, together in the country.”

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp added, “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia and other developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patientcare landscape through our scholarships program.”

H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of Gabonese Republic & Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” expressed, “It is a pleasure to welcome and meet Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO to our country. Together we officially launched our joint programs and also celebrated important milestones of the great success of our joint programs to build healthcare capacity, transform patientcare, break infertility stigma and support girl education. This is the first time that we are working on such impactful programs, it is history in the making. We have achieved a lot in a very short span of time, through our long-term partnership, which started in 2024.

I am very proud to share that through our partnership, we have provided 16 scholarships for our local healthcare providers who will be the future healthcare experts of Gabon, who have either graduated, undergoing or will be starting soon the Merck Foundation scholarships of training in critical and underserved specialties such as Fertility, Embryology, Oncology, Diabetes and Hypertension.”

“I am also very happy to share that together with The First Lady of Gabon, we are also supporting girl education by providing annual scholarships to support the education of 40 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls, till they graduate, so that they can reach their potentials and achieve their dreams”, Dr. Rasha Kelej added.

Merck Foundation has provided more than 2600 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Out of the total 16 scholarships provided in Gabon, Merck Foundation has provided:

• 4 scholarships for Fertility and Embryology. These were hands on practical trainings in India. The first ever embryologist of the country has been trained through the program.
• 4 scholarships for Diabetes & Hypertension, including a special 3 months Diabetes Mastercourse in French language and Clinical Fellowship in Diabetes and Hypertension. Upon completion of the training, these specialists will have the expertise to establish dedicated clinics in hospitals and health centers, significantly enhancing the prevention and management of diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases, bringing immense benefits to the people of Gabon.
• 8 Scholarships for Oncology Nursing, which is very critical for cancer care.

During the launch program, the beneficiaries of the Educating Linda program were also present, where a few of them shared inspiring testimonies on how the scholarships have changed their lives.

“I really believe that when the girls are educated, their countries become more powerful, stronger & prosperous”, added Senator Kelej.  

Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Lady of Gabon has launched seven children’s storybooks, “More Than a Mother”, ‘Educating Linda”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future”, “Sugar free Jude” and “Mark’s Pressure”. These books address critical social and health issues to young children. Few copies of the storybooks were signed by The First Lady of Gabon, Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO. Thousands of copies of these storybooks will be distributed to schoolchildren.

Moreover, Merck Foundation has conducted two editions of their Online Health Media Training for the Gabonese journalists in order to empower them to raise awareness about sensitive issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, stopping GBV, ending Child marriage and FGM and raise awareness about diabetes and hypertension prevention and early detection.

Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Lady of Gabon has also announced the Call for Application for their 8 important annual Awards for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.

Details of the Awards:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Media representatives and media students are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30^th September 2026.

2. Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026:  All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30^th September 2026.

3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30^th September 2026.

4. Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30^th September 2026.

5. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2026.

6. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2026.

7. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2026.

8. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2026.

Apply here: https://apo-opa.co/4tdXYha

Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to:

submit@merck-foundation.com

– 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/4t8IStr
X: https://apo-opa.co/4vpnzoK
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4voH54Q
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4vqWXnv
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4cl1RK5
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4vHkAZc
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4tj3XkP

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/4t8IStr), X (https://apo-opa.co/4vpnzoK), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4vqWXnv), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4voH54Q), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4cl1RK5) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4vHkAZc).

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

Source: APO

Few figures have been as closely associated with the rise of the cryptocurrency industry as Binance (www.Binance.com) co-founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ). In his new memoir,  Freedom of Money, A Memoir of Protecting Users, Resilience, and the Founding of Binance,  CZ offers a candid account of the early days of crypto, the rapid explosion of Binance, and the personal consequences of building at the centre of one of the fastest moving industries in modern finance.  

Available globally from 08th April 2026 on Amazon Kindle and Paperback, Freedom of Money traces CZ’s journey from his early life and unconventional path into technology through the founding and rapid growth of Binance during a period when the cryptocurrency industry was expanding at unprecedented speed.

Part memoir and part reflection on the evolution of digital assets, the book offers readers a builder’s perspective on what it was like to grow a global platform in a new industry where the rules were still being written.

“While many people congratulated me on being number one, something else gave me more satisfaction,” CZ writes in the book. “I was getting messages from users all around the world thanking us for providing them with financial access or even financial freedom.”

The memoir also reflects on the challenges that came with building at such speed, including the pressures of scaling a global company, regulatory scrutiny as the industry matured, and CZ’s personal experience serving a four month sentence in a U.S. federal prison.

“This memoir is not a sanitized corporate story,” CZ said. “It reflects on what it was like to build during a time when the crypto industry was still taking shape – the successes, the mistakes, and the lessons that came from both.”

Alongside the events that defined CZ’s career, Freedom of Money explores broader themes of money, technology and responsibility, and how his views on financial freedom have evolved over time.

Reflecting on a Defining Period in Crypto

Over the past decade, Binance has played a significant role in the growth of the digital asset ecosystem, helping support the development of infrastructure used by millions of users globally.

Freedom of Money provides CZ’s personal perspective on that period of rapid innovation and expansion in the cryptocurrency industry.

Richard Teng, Co-CEO of Binance, said: “The story of Binance is closely tied to the early evolution of the crypto industry. Freedom of Money offers a founder’s perspective on the challenges and opportunities that shaped digital assets during their formative years.”

Yi He, Co-Ceo of Binance, added: “The early days of crypto were fast-moving and full of possibility, even if not always fully understood. This book captures the energy of building in that moment and the incredible progress the industry has made since.”

Rachel Conlan, Chief Marketing Officer at Binance, said: “For many people, the story of crypto has been told through headlines and market cycles. What this book offers is a first person account from someone who helped build the infrastructure behind the industry’s growth.

Availability

• Freedom of Money (https://apo-opa.co/4muGafd) is available globally 08 April 2026 on Amazon Kindle and Paperback.
• The book is published in English and Chinese, with additional translations under consideration.
• All proceeds from CZ’s authorship of the book will be donated to charity

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.