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Merck foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Rasha Kelej underscores their commitment to the long-term partnership with Burundi First Lady to support girl education and build healthcare and media capacity

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 12th Edition of their annual conference, “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary”, in partnership with the Government of The Gambia. The conference was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, First Lady of Gambia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President of More Than a Mother. First Lady of Burundi, H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE along with The First Ladies of Central Africa, Liberia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Senegal joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.

Dr. Rasha Kelej shared, “It was such a pleasure meeting my dear sister, H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE, First Lady of Burundi & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” during the 12th Edition of our Luminary in The Gambia. Our partnership journey began in 2020, and since then, we have achieved a lot. I am happy to share that we have provided till today 55 scholarships for local Burundian doctors, in specialties such as Oncology, Embryology, Fertility, Diabetes, Sexual and Reproductive Care, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Endocrinology, and Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine and more. We are looking forward to enrolling more doctors in many more specialties and together, we will continue to advance the healthcare capacity in the country.

We have also launched together many initiatives to address a wide range of social and health issues in Burundi and beyond”.

H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE, First Lady of Burundi & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” emphasized, “I congratulate Merck Foundation for completing 13 years of their valuable development programs. Since our partnership started in 2020, great outcomes have transpired. I am pleased to share that Merck Foundation has in total provided 55 scholarships to our local doctors, and one of the graduates of the Diabetes Master course has established the First Diabetes center in Burundi. Moreover, we have also launched the first public IVF center, where fertility specialists, embryologists, and technicians have been trained through Merck Foundation scholarships.

We are also working together to support girl education by providing annual scholarships to 40 best-performing but underprivileged girls, as a part of Educating Linda program. This is extremely important as Education is the way forward to empower our girls.”

Watch the Speech of The First Lady of Burundi & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/3OxqavO

Watch the video of Merck Foundation Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation receiving Burundi First Lady, H.E. Madam ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE: https://apo-opa.co/3O6XHNp

On Day 1 of the conference, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 took place, featuring keynote speeches of First Ladies of Africa. Moreover, a high-level ministerial panel discussion was also held with African Ministers to discuss the Merck Foundation African Research Summit MARS strategy to build scientific research capacity and empower women in STEM with special focus on scientific research. 

On Day 2 of the conference, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative- MFFLI committee meeting was conducted between The First Ladies of Africa and Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, where the African First Ladies shared the impact report of Merck Foundation programs in their respective countries, and future strategy was discussed.

Watch the video of MFFLI committee meeting: https://apo-opa.co/4qpivwS

Together with Burundi First Lady, Merck Foundation has provided 55 scholarships for local doctors in Burundi in many critical and underserved specialties. Out of 55 scholarships,  

  • 16 scholarships have been provided for doctors in Fertility and Embryology, and PG Diploma and two-year Master degree in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine. This has contributed and will continue to contribute towards promoting the well-being of infertile women, breaking the infertility stigma and empowering these women through access to information, education and change of mindset. With the inauguration of First Public IVF Center in Burundi, infertile couples are getting treatment and medical advice in their home country for the first time.
  • 4 scholarships have been provided for Oncology Fellowship program and PG Diploma and Master degree in Acute Medicine and Respiratory Medicine.
  • Moreover, 35 scholarships have been provided for Diabetes Master course and PG Diploma in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine with an aim to build Diabetes Care Capacity in Burundi. For the Diabetes Master course in French and English, one young doctor from each province in Burundi has been enrolled.  After completion, these Doctors can establish diabetes clinics in their respective Health centers or Hospitals to help prevent and manage the disease in their respective communities. This has provided Burundi with its very first diabetes center in the country and was established by one of the graduates of Merck Foundation Master course. Alumni of Merck Foundation have also recently launched Burundi’s first Diabetology Society.

“Merck Foundation has always believed in the importance of building healthcare capacity and has been working for it since 2012. We have so far provided 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 underserved medical specialties. We will continue to provide scholarships for doctors from Burundi and beyond,” added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Merck Foundation together with The First Lady of Burundi launched nine children’s storybooks; “More Than a Mother”, ‘Educating FIFI”, “Make the Right Choice”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ray of Hope”, “Ride into the Future” and “Sugar free Jude” and “Mark’s Pressure”, to raise awareness about various social issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, ending child marriage, ending GBV and also health issues like diabetes, hypertension and cancer. Thousands of copies of these storybooks have been distributed to school students of Burundi. 

Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi has also conducted 4 editions of their Health Media Training to empower the journalists to be the voice of the voiceless and also announced the Call for applications for their 8 important awards for Media representatives, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.

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

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4trtVDg), X (http://apo-opa.co/4r5dxGK), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4rKLegZ), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/3O40AOZ).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4aFufXu), X (http://apo-opa.co/45QNfzK), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/3O6oQzZ), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4trfW04).

Link to the Facebook live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/4rwVI3a

Summarizing Merck Foundation’s initiatives and impact:

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

  • 2500+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for healthcare providers from 52 Countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:

  • 3700+ Media Representatives from more than 35 countries trained by Merck Foundation to better raise awareness about different social and health issues
  • 8 Different Awards launched annually for best Media coverage, Song, Films, and Fashion.
  • Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa in English, French, Portuguese, and local languages.
  • 9 Children’s Storybooks in four languages – English, French, Portuguese, and Swahili
  • 6 Awareness Animation Films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education and prevention and early detection of Diabetes, Hypertension & Cancer.
  • Pan African TV Program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community
  • 1200+ Scholarships provided annually to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls from 18 countries, to help them to complete their studies and empower them to reach their full potential
  • 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8.5 Million Followers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: http://apo-opa.co/4trtVDg
X: http://apo-opa.co/4r5dxGK  
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3O40AOZ
Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/4rKLegZ
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/3LZo735
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4rwWdu4 
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com 
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3Mza58p

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 (http://apo-opa.co/4trtVDg), X (http://apo-opa.co/4r5dxGK), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4rKLegZ), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3O40AOZ), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3LZo735) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4rwWdu4).

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

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President offers words of comfort to Bishop Bolana’s family

Source: Government of South Africa

President offers words of comfort to Bishop Bolana’s family

President Cyril Ramphosa has visited the home of the late Bantu Church of Christ Bishop, Dr John Bolana, where he conveyed his condolences and words of comfort to the bereaved family.

The visit in Gqeberha on Monday reflected the nation’s shared sorrow and solidarity during this period of mourning, while honouring the life and legacy of a respected spiritual leader.

Bolana, the fifth Bishop of the Bantu Church of Christ (Ibandla Lika Krestu LaBantu), passed away on Tuesday, 03 February 2026, in Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape.

Last week Deputy President Paul Mashatile paid tribute to Bishop Bolana for being a pillar of strength within communities and a valued social partner in the collective effort to build a united and compassionate nation.

The Deputy President said he had engaged positively and constructively with the Bishop, working closely with interfaith leaders to strengthen unity, moral regeneration, and social solidarity across the country.

“Bishop Bolana provided unwavering spiritual guidance, moral clarity, and compassionate service to the church and broader society for many decades. His leadership reflected faith in action, rooted in love, dignity, and service to others,” the Deputy President said on Thursday.

He further acknowledged that Bolana’s counsel and ecumenical leadership were widely respected and sought after, not only by his congregation, but by leaders across South African society. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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Clergy wives in Ghana can be powerful – but it takes constant bargaining with men

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Abena Kyere, Research Fellow, University of Ghana

There is a story in the Bible of a sick woman who held on to the cloak of Jesus amid an impenetrable crowd. She did get her healing, as Jesus immediately felt the loss of power from within himself. However, he did not rebuke the woman for his loss. Rather, he commended her for her determination to get healing by tapping into his power.

I am reminded of this story whenever I think about women and religion, specifically Christianity. Can the church as a body ever make room for women in Africa? Are the fathers of the church willing to share their powers? What happens when the clergyman’s wife seeks to be or becomes as powerful as her husband?

As a social anthropologist, I have, over the past five years, conducted research on clergy wives in Ghana, sharing my work through publications and in the classroom.

In my recent study, I wanted to find out how Pentecostal and Charismatic pastors’ wives gain and use a position of power in the church. Through interviews and participant observation, I gathered data on clergy wives’ religious experiences in Ghana. I found that although clergy wives gain power through their husbands, they are not passive conductors of power. While they operate in a patriarchal system, they develop ways of, and become adept at, negotiating and bargaining to gain and keep it.

A study of clergy wives provides a view into the hidden, often unexplored, power dynamics that exist within churches as well as the agency and constraints that women experience in religious spaces.

The clergy wife and the road to power

The clergy wife’s position is rooted within the two-person career type of work. She is firmly integrated in her husband’s work. The literature on the clergy wife is replete with the picture of an overburdened woman who occupies one of the most difficult positions in the church and society. An advertisement which parodies the position reads:

HELP WANTED: Pastor’s wife. Must sing, play music, lead youth groups, raise seraphic children, entertain church notables, minister to other wives, have ability to recite Bible backward and choreograph Christmas pageant. Must keep pastor sated, peaceful and out of trouble. Difficult colleagues, demanding customers, erratic hours. Pay: $0.

This funny representation of the clergy wife places her firmly in the intersection of domestic responsibility, religious welfare and administrative authority. Clergymen hold pivotal roles in the life of believers, from spiritual leadership to pastoral care. Their position, which is considered divine, endows them with unquestionable authority and power. It can be subtle or profoundly apparent, particularly in the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements.

This power extends to their wives, a phenomenon which has been termed the First Lady Syndrome. This is a situation where a wife’s power and influence is conferred through her spouse and is contingent on her continual marital affinity to him. Some clergy wives in Ghana actually bear the title “first lady”.

The power that wives initially get from husbands can be manifested through various means, like leadership of women’s groups in the church, spiritual oversight, and counselling services. They are perceived as mothers, offering advice on critical life decisions.

One wife in my study noted:

As the mother of the church, it is my responsibility to ensure that my ‘children’ choose good partners. I have dissolved engagements before because I felt that they will not be good, and I have also been the one to arrange relationships that have led into marriages …

Wives can become very powerful, just like their husbands. This happens especially where they form and lead groups within the church. This is the moment that the position and role of the clergy wife becomes what social researcher Jane Soothill describes as mimicking “female charismatic dynasty”. This is a signal to the patriarchal system that there is a need to control such power.

Bargaining to keep power

While women are allowed in the “fathers” group, they are still expected to work within the restrictions and rules of the system. The clergyman, the most overt symbol of this system, benefits from divine immunity and his glory may not be shared, even with his wife.

I found that where clergy wives are perceived to be powerful, they are also regarded by the husband or the church leaders as dangerous. This results in their need to bargain with the system for self-preservation. The strategies which a clergy wife adopts to negotiate are based on her individual situation. They may range from silence to a show of feminine humility and submission. Display of submission and deferment to the husband is the most often used tactic.

One wife shared:

Sometimes when I interact with the women and advise humility, I am providing another strategy for their survival.

I found that others are forced to retreat entirely. They either dissolve the group or abdicate from their leadership role in the church. Some wives circumvent these restrictions by migrating their activities to digital platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp groups, or other forms of media. A wife who chooses defiance or refuses to negotiate may end up divorced.

There is a popular joke that if men are the head, then women are the neck that moves the head, a reference to women’s invisible power. But what kind of power is that which can only manifest covertly, through the benevolence of others? How safe is this arrangement for women?

What I have discussed here does not present the whole story of the clergy wife. But it shows a world where women constantly bargain for space. In the opening story, the woman was commended for her faith and foresight, and a desire to better her lot. A takeaway lesson from the master. In my view, Christianity and other religions should be a channel for freedom, healing, and the creation of new avenues for expression of liberation.

– Clergy wives in Ghana can be powerful – but it takes constant bargaining with men
– https://theconversation.com/clergy-wives-in-ghana-can-be-powerful-but-it-takes-constant-bargaining-with-men-274561

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Children’s views are rarely sought by researchers: we found a way to do it

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Deborah Levison, Distinguished University Teaching Professor, Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota

Adults think we know what is best for children. We have responsibility for them – feeding them, clothing them, educating them, protecting them, loving them – but we also assume rights over them, and on their behalf. Adults make rules (including laws and policies) about what children can and cannot do. We expect children to behave according to our rules.

It’s also the case that when researchers are trying to better understand children’s needs and well-being, we usually do not ask the children themselves. Instead, we ask their parents or adult relatives, or their teachers, for evaluations.

There are good reasons why survey teams do not talk to children, even older children who have a strong understanding of questions, starting about age 10-12. Children are considered vulnerable because they are dependent on the adults in their lives. If an adult heard a child talking to a researcher, perhaps saying something the adult did not like, the child could be punished.

Alternatively, the child might not be honest if others were listening. Survey interviews tend to be conducted in places where there are other adults who are interested and listening. Privacy may be impossible. And even if it were possible, who would let their young daughter talk alone to a stranger?

Our recent research has sought to overcome these barriers to better understanding of children’s authentic perspectives. We have studied the work and schooling of children in low-income countries – such as Tanzania – and looked to develop research methodologies appropriate for children and youth around the world, testing the approach in Tanzania, Nepal and Brazil.

Two findings stand out. First, there is much to learn from children and the choices they make. Second, innovative survey methods – such as our use of cartoon stories – have potential to survey child-respondents in large household surveys. Researchers and policy makers could learn directly from children and rely less on adult proxy respondents, resulting in more effective policies and programmes.

Children’s views about chores

While using proxy respondents is appropriate for very young children or for questions likely beyond children’s knowledge, it is less clear that it is better for older children (ages 10-17) and topics within their experience.

Several arguments can be made that children could provide better or equally valid information on their activities than proxy respondents, as Levison and collaborators – economist Deborah S. DeGraff and demographer Esther Dungumaro – explored in Tanzania.

Parallel questions were asked of children aged 10-17 and proxy respondents about those children. We were interested in environmental chores: fetching water and collecting firewood for the family’s use.

We asked the mothers survey questions about their children, then we asked the children and adolescents some of the same questions. Of course, ethics rules required that we get permission (“consent”) from mothers before talking to children, and we also asked permission from children (“assent”) to engage with them. When a field researcher interviewed a child, the pair sat nearby, often under a tree, where adults could see them but not hear them.

The aim was to find out whether older children could provide better or equally valid information about some of the chores they did, as compared to information from their mothers.

When mothers and children were asked about the time that children spent fetching water and collecting firewood, some differences emerged. The biggest differences were seen when water or wood were scarce, when mothers had many young children, and when mothers had little education.

Some large differences may indicate that the amount of work done by children is highly underestimated by the adults it benefits. An important earlier study in Zimbabwe that used different ways of studying children’s work, including following children around, showed this pattern. We argued a case for collecting data directly from children who are developmentally able to understand survey questions, starting from about ages 10-12.

Given these differences in the time spent on chores as reported by mothers and children in the study above, researchers must be thoughtful about who is reporting information if they want to collect and report on accurate data.

Cartoon stories

Policy makers sometimes pay more attention to information from big surveys that ask questions of thousands of households and adults.

In our joint research, we wondered if there were ways to include children as survey respondents, rather than relying only on what adults said about them. Older children and adolescents do have opinions, and sometimes they are not what adults might expect. Why not learn directly from them?

Based on previous studies, we identified topics that could be difficult and upsetting for young people in Tanzania, where learning from kids could give researchers a different perspective than asking adults. In order to understand the perspectives of children, we developed short cartoon stories that children watched on tablet computers. Vignettes have been growing in popularity as a research tool in qualitative and quantitative methods, and research has validated the method when respondents are children and adolescents.

We sought to overcome the barriers in these ways:

  • The cartoons included still images and animated video clips that were designed to avoid cultural, ethnic or wealth indicators such as hairstyles, clothing, or facial features.

  • To be sensitive to privacy, children listened to the story being narrated in Swahili through headsets.

  • Because the stories were watched over tablets with headphones, nearby listeners would not have the context for the story even if they overheard anything.

One story was about a student who is running late to school because of morning domestic chores.

Cartoon child carrying a school notebook, running. Artist credit: Hillary Carter-Liggett

Upon arriving, the boy or girl (matched to the sex of the interviewed child) is punished by the teacher. The video shows several possible but imperfect things the cartoon child could do, such as getting up earlier or skipping school.

Child respondents were then asked to give their opinion on different options, pointing to smiley or sad/angry faces, then answering other questions about how the challenge could be resolved. This allowed us to capture child perspectives quantitatively without directly speaking about the topic out loud or asking if children had similar experiences. We aimed to reduce their vulnerability to punishment or embarrassment, especially on taboo or sensitive subjects.

Many social scientists have demonstrated that children, even young children, are people who make choices within whatever limits they cannot change – they “have agency”.

Our findings from the cartoon stories show a wide range of perspectives about how children think about improving their wellbeing and the wellbeing of other children in their communities. If this cartoon vignette methodology were scaled up to include child-respondents in large household surveys, researchers and policy makers could learn directly from children and rely less on adult proxy-respondents, which might result in more effective policies and programmes.

– Children’s views are rarely sought by researchers: we found a way to do it
– https://theconversation.com/childrens-views-are-rarely-sought-by-researchers-we-found-a-way-to-do-it-268496

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Africa Must Rewire US$29.5 Trillion Mineral Endowment Around Industry, Infrastructure and Demand, Africa Finance Corporation Study Says

Source: APO

Africa hosts an estimated US$29.5 trillion in mine-site mineral value, representing about 20% of global mineral wealth, yet captures only a fraction of the economic value embedded in this endowment, according to a new study (http://apo-opa.co/4txjr5p) released today by Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org).

Of this total, US$8.6 trillion remains undeveloped, reflecting an under-explored continent where fragmented geological data, uneven coverage, and limited transparency continue to elevate risk perception and constrain investment. The report argues that improving geological data availability and quality is a necessary first step to de-risk projects and unlock exploration capital.

The study also stresses that mine-site values significantly understate Africa’s true potential by failing to capture the far larger value created when minerals are processed into steel, aluminium, fertilisers, batteries and alloys. Measured at the point of industrial use, Africa’s mineral endowment expands by an order of magnitude—revealing substantial latent value.

Launched at Mining Indaba in Cape Town, the Compendium of Africa’s Strategic Minerals reframes the sector through an African development lens, placing industrialisation, infrastructure, and long-term regional demand at the centre of mineral strategy.

“Today, AFC is proud to launch the Compendium of Africa’s Strategic Minerals an initiative to reframe the sector through an African lens and convert endowment into execution pathways for our collective prosperity,” said Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC. “The Compendium maps full value chains and links reserves and production to processing capacity, power and transport infrastructure, and regional industrial corridors—improving data transparency to de-risk exploration, lower the cost of capital, and guide smarter investment into mining and the enabling infrastructure needed for beneficiation and integrated regional value chains.”

Mineral Development Anchored on African Demand

The Compendium finds that mineral production, enabling infrastructure, and demand rarely co-locate or align at scale, and calls for stronger regional planning anchored in Africa’s long-term demand fundamentals.

The steel value chain illustrates this misalignment. Africa hosts world-class endowments of ferro-alloys such as manganese, chromium and nickel, and iron ore supply is entering a new growth cycle. Yet these supply chains remain commercially tethered to Asian steel cycles rather than Africa’s own development trajectory.

This exposure is economically costly and can be seen playing out right now. The slowdown in Asian steel demand—linked to China’s property downturn and weaker construction—has transmitted shocks into African mineral markets. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, production quotas have been imposed on cobalt to manage oversupply and collapsing prices. In South Africa, primary steelmaking capacity has shut down amid weak domestic demand, high costs, and fragmented offtake. In Gabon, major manganese operations have periodically suspended production in response to softer alloy demand from Asia.

These outcomes are occurring even as Africa continues to expand transport networks, power systems, housing, and industrial capacity that require these materials. The constraint is not a lack of demand, but a lack of demand anchoring: the failure to align mineral production, processing capacity, and infrastructure investment around Africa’s long-term material needs.

Infrastructure Links Minerals, Processing and Demand

The Compendium places infrastructure at the centre of mineral strategy—not as a passive enabler, but as the system that links raw materials, processing capacity, and demand. Power cost and reliability, transport connectivity, and access to industrial land ultimately determine whether beneficiation is viable.

To this end, the report maps mineral deposits and producing assets alongside railways, ports, power generation hubs, and transmission networks to identify where regional value chains can realistically be developed. It calls for targeted interventions in shared rail corridors and cross-border power transmission, particularly in mineral-rich regions where coordinated infrastructure could unlock scale, reduce delivered costs, and support regional industrial platforms.

Infrastructure is also central to Africa’s competitiveness in a world of green industrialisation. Clean power, efficient logistics, and integrated corridors such as Lobito can reduce carbon intensity and improve access to markets where low-carbon and traceable supply chains are increasingly required.

African Minerals in a Fragmenting Global Economy

The Compendium situates Africa’s mineral strategy in a rapidly changing geo-economic landscape shaped by trade tensions, export controls, industrial policy, and efforts to reduce concentration risk. These shifts are elevating the strategic relevance of Africa’s mineral endowment—but only where the continent can offer reliable, value-adding alternatives.

Rather than positioning Africa as a marginal supplier of raw materials, the report argues for selective integration into strategically exposed segments of global supply chains, where diversification would materially enhance resilience—particularly for minerals with highly concentrated processing markets. These include manganese, rare earths, graphite, uranium, and critical alloying inputs for defence, aerospace, and clean-energy technologies.

Encouragingly, momentum is emerging:

  • Angola is developing one of the world’s largest and highest-grade magnet metal rare earth deposits;
  • Mozambique has become a key feedstock anchor for graphite and anode materials;
  • Battery-grade manganese sulphate projects are advancing in Southern Africa; and
  • Uranium production has resumed in Namibia and Malawi over 2024-25.

Download AFC’s Compendium of Africa’s Strategic Mineral Resources here: http://apo-opa.co/4txjr5p.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Media Enquiries:
Yewande Thorpe
Communications
Africa Finance Corporation
Mobile : +234 1 279 9654
Email : yewande.thorpe@africafc.org

About AFC:
AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. AFC’s approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth.

Eighteen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of energy, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 48 member countries and has invested over US$18.5 billion in 36 African countries since its inception. www.AfricaFC.org

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Scottish Africa Business Association Strengthens Subsea Links with Egypt at Subsea Expo

Source: APO

The Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA) (www.AfricaScot.com) has strengthened international links and opened new opportunities for Scottish companies following a highly successful presence at Subsea Expo in Aberdeen, organised by the Global Underwater Hub.

As part of its programme at the event, SABA hosted an inward delegation from Egypt and was delighted to welcome Minister Plenipotentiary Wael Abdelraheem to Scotland for the first time. His visit, supported by the Scottish Government, formed part of ongoing efforts to deepen commercial ties between Scotland and one of North Africa’s most strategically important energy markets.

During his time in Aberdeen, Minister Abdelraheem attended the Subsea Expo evening reception and held a series of meetings with SABA member companies and other businesses from across the North-east. Discussions focused on opportunities for collaboration in subsea engineering, offshore services, inspection and maintenance, digital technologies and supply chain partnerships.

SABA’s exhibition stand attracted hundreds of visitors over the two-day event, with strong interest in opportunities across multiple African markets. Conversations covered subsea infrastructure, offshore wind, energy transition projects, exporting challenges and education & skills training, creating a significant pipeline of follow-up activity for the organisation and its members.

Seona Shand, Chief Operating Officer at the Scottish Africa Business Association, said: “Subsea Expo provided an outstanding platform to showcase Scottish capability and connect businesses with real opportunities across African markets. We were particularly pleased to welcome Minister Plenipotentiary Wael Abdelraheem to Scotland for the first time and to facilitate meaningful introductions between Egyptian stakeholders and our members.

The level of engagement at our stand exceeded expectations, with hundreds of conversations taking place and strong interest in the expertise Scotland has to offer. There is clear demand for subsea and offshore capability across Africa, and we now have a substantial programme of follow-up to help translate these connections into tangible business opportunities.”

Egypt is emerging as a major regional energy hub, with significant investment in offshore gas production in the Mediterranean, expansion of subsea infrastructure and a growing focus on energy security and export capacity. Major developments such as the Zohr gas field and associated pipeline networks have driven demand for subsea installation, inspection, repair and maintenance services, as well as specialist engineering, digital monitoring and asset integrity solutions.

Alongside its established oil and gas sector, Egypt is also investing heavily in energy transition projects, including offshore and coastal renewable energy, hydrogen and power interconnection initiatives. This is creating new opportunities for companies with experience in subsea construction, cable installation, offshore wind foundations, survey, robotics and environmental monitoring.

With its strategic location, large domestic market and strong government focus on infrastructure and energy development, Egypt offers a gateway for Scottish companies looking to expand their presence across North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Building on the momentum from Subsea Expo and the Minister’s visit, SABA will lead a trade delegation to Egypt in April 2026 in partnership with The EIC. The mission will focus on the energy sector providing Scottish companies with direct access to key government stakeholders, operators and local partners.

The programme will include market briefings, business-to-business meetings, site visits and networking opportunities designed to help participants understand the operating environment and identify concrete opportunities.

Further details about the trade mission and how to participate are available at: https://apo-opa.co/4toUqsT

Seona Shand added: “Egypt represents one of the most exciting growth markets for subsea and offshore services in the region. The conversations that took place in Aberdeen demonstrated strong mutual interest, and our April mission will give Scottish companies the opportunity to build relationships on the ground and position themselves for upcoming projects.”

Subsea Expo is the world’s largest subsea exhibition and conference, bringing together global operators, contractors, technology providers and supply chain companies. SABA’s presence at the event reflects its ongoing role in helping Scottish organisations access international markets through trade missions, inward delegations, market intelligence and tailored business support.

Following the strong response at Subsea Expo, SABA will now work with participating companies to progress introductions, provide market insight and support next steps as businesses explore opportunities across Egypt and other African markets.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA).

About the Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA): 
SABA is the preeminent non-political, Africa focussed, members trade organisation with an unrivalled board of experienced directors which promotes trade, investment and knowledge sharing between Scotland’s world class expertise and Africa’s priority sectors including energy, agriculture, the blue economy, healthcare, skills training and education by leveraging extensive commercial, trade, political and government contacts across Scotland and Africa.

As part of this, our team organises exclusive round tables, webinars, global trade missions, hosts inward delegations and offers market research, intelligence sharing and consultancy services.

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Deputy Minister hands over title deeds to beneficiaries in Bethlehem

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy Minister hands over title deeds to beneficiaries in Bethlehem

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli says the handover of title deeds to residents of Bethlehem in the Free State, presents an opportunity to correct injustices of the past.

“It represents security. It represents opportunity. And it represents a decisive step toward correcting the injustices of our past while building a more inclusive and productive future,” Mhlauli said on Monday.

The Deputy Minister said this at the handing over of title deeds in Bethlehem where she joined the Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mzwanele Nyhontso in also speaking to land reform beneficiaries.

The Deputy Minister said that government is clear in its position that land reform must not only transfer land but must also support sustainable use of that land.

Monday’s session formed part of government’s ongoing efforts to accelerate land reform, strengthen tenure security, and support beneficiaries towards sustainable land use and inclusive rural development.

“Beneficiaries must be empowered to farm, to build, to invest, and to create livelihoods for their families and communities. Land must become a productive asset that drives growth, food security, and local economic development,” she explained.

She added that this work is also part of the broader structural reform programme under Operation Vulindlela, which is focused on removing barriers to growth, improving service delivery, and strengthening the capability of the state.

“Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury aimed at accelerating priority reforms to support economic growth and inclusive development. One of the key priorities within this reform agenda is spatial integration and housing, including clearing the backlog of title deeds and improving access to secure land ownership.

“We recognise that challenges remain. Issues of post-settlement support, governance, access to finance, infrastructure, and market access must continue to be addressed with urgency.

“Government is committed to working with beneficiaries, CPAs, traditional leaders, and all stakeholders to ensure that land reform succeeds not only in policy, but in practice.”

Mhlauli told those who received their title deeds that the land they are receiving is a foundation for progress.

“Use it productively. Build from it. Grow from it. And pass on a legacy of ownership and opportunity to future generations. Let us continue working together to ensure that land reform contributes to inclusive growth, rural development and shared prosperity,” she said.

On Tuesday, 10 February 2025, the Minister and Deputy Minister are expected to engage with communal property associations (CPAs).

The engagement will provide a platform for CPAs to present their experiences, challenges and opportunities in managing communal land for the benefit of communities. 

The session will take place at the Lavender Hill Country Estate in Bethlehem from 9am. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Edwin

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European Union (EU) Launches Invest4Libya to Strengthen Public Finance and Drive Digital and Green Investment in Libya

Source: APO – Report:

The Ministry of Finance, the Delegation of the European Union to Libya, the Embassy of France in Libya, and Expertise France (www.ExpertiseFrance.fr) officially inaugurated the Invest4Libya project today. An initiative designed to strengthen Libya’s financial governance, improve its investment climate, and boost the performance and inclusiveness of the country’s MSME and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The project adopts a holistic approach to support efficient and transparent public financial management, modernize financial markets, and stimulate private sector growth, particularly in green and digital entrepreneurship, laying the foundation for sustainable and inclusive economic recovery in Libya.

“Invest4Libya represents an important step in advancing public financial management and strengthening Libya’s economic foundations,” said H.E. Dr. Khaled Almbarouk, Minister of Finance. “By improving transparency and supporting private sector development, this initiative aligns with our national priorities. We value our partnership with the EU and look forward to the positive outcomes this collaboration will bring.”

Invest4Libya stands as a key milestone of the EU’s ongoing support for Libya’s economic and institutional development. Funded primarily by the European Union, with additional support from the French government, the project is implemented by Expertise France and structured around three strategic pillars:

  • Public Financial Management Reform: Supporting the Ministry of Finance and Audit Bureau to improve fiscal transparency, spending efficiency, and accountability.
  • Financial Sector Governance & Modernization: Strengthening regulatory frameworks to promote financial inclusion and the integration of digital and green finance into national policy, with the collaboration of the Central Bank of Libya and the Ministry of Planning.
  • Entrepreneurship & MSME Support: Developing Libya’s private sector by empowering incubators, accelerators, and MSMEs and linking them to investors, expertise, and enabling policies.

Together, these three pillars form a cohesive national effort that links high-level policy reform with on-the-ground implementation. Anchored by core partners such as the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Libya, and the Audit Bureau, and implemented in close cooperation with the Ministry of Planning, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the Ministry of Environment, the project also engages public and research institutions, private sector bodies, and business incubators to ensure broad institutional alignment and national impact.

“Creating a strong investment environment is essential for economic recovery and sustainable growth. Invest4Libya represents a major advance in the partnership between the European Union and Libya. By supporting reforms in public finance and financial governance and improving conditions for investment, this project reaffirms the EU’s dedication to empowering the Libyan private sector and supporting Libya’s economic development and diversification,” said H.E. Mr. Nicola Orlando, Ambassador of the European Union to Libya.

“Expertise France has been privileged to support Libya’s economic development for the past 10 years. With Invest4Libya, we are excited to form new partnerships and continue our collaboration with Libyan institutions to advance public financial management and empower the private sector. This initiative is vital to strengthening institutional capacity and supporting entrepreneurs, particularly in the green and digital sectors, who are driving innovation and helping shape a thriving Libyan economy” commented Mr. Maxime Bost, Programs Director of Expertise France in Libya.

Building on the successes of previous governance and digitalization efforts, the project bridges policy reform with actionable outcomes to ensure that improved financial oversight leads to tangible growth for startups and small businesses. By removing regulatory obstacles and empowering local incubators, this collaborative partnership serves as a vital step in modernizing the national economy and unlocking Libya’s potential for a more digital, diversified, and inclusive future.

– on behalf of Expertise France.

Contact:
Sarah Belamin
Strategic Visibility and Media Expert – Expertise France, Libya
sarah.belamin@expertisefrance.fr
+218946660453

About The European Union:
The European Union is made up of 27 Member States, which have decided to gradually pool their know-how, their resources, and their destiny. Together, over a period of over 50 years of enlargement, they have built an area of stability, democracy, and sustainable development, while maintaining their cultural diversity, tolerance and individual freedoms. The European Union is determined to share its achievements and values with countries and peoples beyond its borders.

About Expertise France:
Expertise France is the French public agency for international technical assistance. It aims at contributing to sustainable development based on solidarity and inclusiveness, mainly through enhancing the quality of public policies within the partner countries.

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Africa must unite amid global uncertainty – Mantashe

Source: Government of South Africa

Africa must unite amid global uncertainty – Mantashe

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has called on African countries to work together at a “moment of profound global uncertainty”.

The Minister was speaking at the Investing in Africa Mining Indaba which opened in Cape Town on Monday.

The annual Indaba is a gathering of African leaders, industry stakeholders and investors to discuss the development of Africa’s mineral resources.

“This year’s Indaba convenes at a moment of profound global uncertainty. We are witnessing heightened geopolitical tensions, driven largely by the competition of some developed economies seeking greater control over the natural resources of developing nations.

“This dynamic represents a serious threat to the sovereignty of resource-endowed countries, the majority of which are here on the African continent.

“It is, therefore, befitting that the theme of this year’s Indaba is: ‘Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnerships’. To us, this is not merely a slogan – it is a strategic imperative for Africa to act collectively, speak in one voice, and avoid the destructive race to the bottom in our engagement with global powers and investors,” Mantashe said.

He noted that the African Ministers’ Critical Minerals Roundtable, hosted together with the African Union on the sidelines of the Indaba, is a platform aimed at strengthening “continental leadership on…critical minerals”.

“Our objective is to deepen collaboration, accelerate responsible exploration and mining, and ensure that Africa captures greater value from its own mineral endowment.

“As per the consensus reached last year, our partnership must move beyond extraction to industrialisation and value addition closer to the point of production.”

Turning to the South African mining industry, the Minister revealed that work to undertake a comprehensive study on the state of mining alongside the development of the Critical Minerals Strategy has now been completed.

“The strategy is in place, and its implementation is underway.

“As per the G20 declaration, this achievement has not only shaped South Africa’s critical minerals agenda – it has also positioned Africa more broadly to assert greater control over its strategic resources,” the Minister said.

Part of the strategy contains a review of South Africa’s regulatory framework.

“Let me take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to creating a regulatory framework that is more certain, more predictable, and more transparent – one that attracts investment while ensuring that the benefits of our mineral wealth are shared equitably with all South Africans,” he emphasised.

On the removal of the requirement for Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) participation at the prospecting stage, Mantashe assured that this is not a “retreat from transformation” or an endorsement of the view that “black participation is a barrier to economic growth”.

“It is rather a pragmatic recognition that prospecting is a high-risk phase where no economic value has yet been proven.

“This change is designed to stimulate exploration, increase South Africa’s global share of exploration investment, and ultimately expand the pipeline of future mines,” he explained.

The Minister added that while the regulatory review process continues, green shoots are starting to bear fruit including the opening of operations at least five mines.

Furthermore, the department has granted: 358 prospecting rights and 32 mining rights between February 2025 and January 2026.

“This demonstrates continued confidence in South Africa as a mining investment destination of choice.

“We are committed to honouring that confidence by driving a fair, efficient, and transparent licensing system that supports growth while protecting our national interests,” Mantashe said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

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Qatar Condemns Attack Targeting Diori Hamani Airport in Niger

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | 9 February 2026

The State of Qatar expresses its condemnation and strong denunciation of the attack that targeted Diori Hamani Airport in the city of Niamey, the capital of the Republic of Niger, which resulted in fatalities and injuries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates the State of Qatar’s firm position rejecting violence, terrorism, and criminal acts in all their forms, regardless of motives or justifications.

The Ministry also conveys the State of Qatar’s sincere condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the Government and people of Niger, and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.