Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

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In the margins of the 18th edition of the Forum of Operators for the Guarantee of Economic Emergence in Africa (FOGECA), held from 18 to 20 December 2025 in Dubai, several subsidiaries of MIR Holding SAS (https://MIRHolding.Odoo.com) were recognized for the quality of their achievements, their operational structuring, and their ability to operate sustainably in demanding international economic environments.

FOGECA has established itself as a high-level economic forum bringing together each year business leaders, investors, financial institutions and public decision- makers from Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia. The distinctions awarded during the forum aim to recognize companies that demonstrate, beyond discourse, a genuine capacity for execution, strong governance, and measurable, long-term value creation.

Three companies recognized across strategic sectors

Among the MIR Holding group entities recognized this year are three companies operating in key strategic sectors:

JC Maclean International, specializing in high-end fit-out and interior design for residential, commercial and corporate projects. Based in Dubai, the company has distinguished itself through its technical rigor, its ability to manage complex projects, and its strict adherence to international standards in quality, timelines and safety.

Moustev Limousine Dubai, a premium VTC and chauffeur-driven transport company, recognized for its integrated approach and its capacity to support corporate clients in managing their mobility needs, particularly in multicultural and multi-country contexts. Its model is built on service reliability, operational responsiveness and adaptability to both local and international environments.

Majestic Living Properties, a real estate platform focused on development, marketing and investment advisory for residential and commercial assets. The company was recognized for its vision of real estate investment, combining transparency, asset quality and customer experience, particularly across Africa–Middle East investment flows.

A recognition rooted in long-term structuring

For MIR Holding SAS, these distinctions are not an end in themselves but rather the outcome of a long-term structuring process. They reflect the ability of companies originating from an African group to grow, attract talent and operate successfully within major global economic hubs, while maintaining a pragmatic and disciplined understanding of markets.

Present in Dubai during the forum, Mouhamad Dieng, Founder and CEO of MIR Holding and President of the Mouhamad Rassoul Dieng Foundation, emphasized that this trajectory is above all the result of entrepreneurial discipline, method and long- term vision.

“These distinctions primarily recognize the work of committed teams and the strength of business models built to last. They demonstrate that starting from local realities, and remaining demanding in terms of structuring and governance, it is possible to build companies capable of operating at the highest international level,” he stated.

Originally from Senegal, Mouhamad Dieng highlighted that this international recognition also carries a message of inspiration for young Senegalese and African entrepreneurs, illustrating a path to success grounded in hard work, rigor and the ability to think globally without renouncing one’s roots.

A strong signal for Senegal’s economic ecosystem

At a time when Senegal is seeking to strengthen the role of its private sector within regional and international value chains, the recognition of MIR Holding subsidiaries at FOGECA illustrates the potential of African companies to establish themselves beyond their domestic markets.

Through its various entities, MIR Holding SAS continues to pursue a development strategy based on the structuring of robust companies, the upgrading of service offerings, and expansion into high-value markets, particularly between Africa and the Middle East.

The distinctions awarded in Dubai are part of a broader dynamic in which credibility is built through results, consistency and the ability to generate tangible economic impact.

– on behalf of MIR Holding.

Press Contact: 
Elisabeth Tine
Communications Officer
contact@brainz-sn.com
Tel: +22133 843 99 47

Source: APO

Guineans are called to the polls this Sunday, December 28, 2025, to elect the president of the Republic for the next seven years. Approximately 6.7 million voters are participating in this two-round election in the French-speaking West African country, a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to elect their new president from among nine candidates selected by the Supreme Court: outgoing President General Mamadi DOUMBOUYA, Mr. Abdoulaye Yéro BALDÉ, Dr. Makalé CAMARA, the only female candidate, Mr. Ibrahima Abé SYLLA, Mr. Faya Lansana MILLIMOUNO, Mr. Abdoulaye KOUROUMA, Mr. Mohamed NABÉ, Mr. Elhadj Bouna KEITA, and Mr. Mohamed Shérif TOUNKARA.

A delegation of ECOWAS observers led by Dr. Abdoulie Janneh, head of the organization’s observation mission, including the ECOWAS Commission’s Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Guinea, H.E. Louis Blaise Aka Brou, H.E. John Akel BALLOUT Jr., Liberia’s Ambassador to Nigeria and Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, the representative of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Edwin Melvin SNOWE JR, the Head of the ECOWAS Electoral Assistance Division, Mr. Serigne Mamadou KA, and other officials visited several polling stations and offices in the municipalities of Kaloum, Dixinn, and Boulbinet in Conakry to observe the effective start of operations.

A second ECOWAS delegation, led by Senator Lawan Gana Guba, Deputy Head of the ECOWAS EOM, accompanied by Mr. Abdou Kolley, Director of the Office of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Olawale Emmanuel Awe, Ambassador of Nigeria to ECOWAS, Ms. Marie Saine, representative of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, visited several polling stations in the municipalities of Conakry, including Gbéssia and Kaloum, to observe the atmosphere at the opening of the polls.

ECOWAS officials stated they had observed that all the polling stations they visited had opened at the appointed time and noted the high turnout, including women and young people.

Speaking to the press after these visits, Dr. Janneh emphasized the importance of this crucial step toward a return to constitutional and democratic order in the country, and expressed his hope that the vote would proceed under good conditions.

It should be noted that during the day, the head of the ECOWAS EOM visited the situation rooms of ECOWAS,   WANEP (West African Network for Peacebuilding), and Guinean civil society organizations to obtain statistics and information on the conduct of the election throughout the country.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

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Libyan youth are helping shape the next decade of the Youth Peace and Security agenda in the Middle East and North Africa, bringing national priorities into a regional effort to move youth participation from policy commitments to tangible action on the ground in Libya.

Three Libyan youth-led civil society organisations, alongside the Office of the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General/Resident Coordinator of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Libya, participated in the regional Youth Peace and Security workshop in Amman, Jordan, in December, which convened more than 70 young peacebuilders from across the region.

The event marked ten years since the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2250 (2015), which established the Youth Peace and Security agenda in response to evidence that young people were disproportionately affected by conflict but largely excluded from decision-making.

The workshop focused on reviewing progress, identifying persistent gaps, and setting priorities for the decade ahead, with a strong emphasis on translating regional learning into national strategies. Central to the discussions was the fundamental need to ensure that youth voices are not only present, but genuinely included, listened to and acted upon through structured and sustained dialogue with institutions and decision-makers.

“This was an important opportunity to assess the YPS agenda from its inception to today,” said Alia Gargoum, a Libyan civil activist. “While there have been clear positive steps over the past ten years, there is still a significant gap between policy and implementation.”

Participants highlighted regional challenges, including limited institutionalised youth engagement, uneven implementation of Youth, Peace and Security commitments, and the need for stronger coordination among governments, civil society and international partners. For young Libyan men and women, discussions also underscored how political and institutional fragmentation continues to constrain opportunities for meaningful engagement, making it difficult to translate youth initiatives into nationally anchored processes.

Another theme was the urgent need for safe and inclusive spaces for youth participation at all levels, particularly at the local level, where young people are most directly affected by conflict, service gaps and governance challenges. Many participants noted that fear of intimidation or harassment, both in person and online, continues to discourage youth engagement. This challenge is particularly acute for young women, though it affects young people across the board.

“One of the key takeaways for me is that peace and security must be approached regionally, not just locally,” said Alhassan Bakkar, Director of Programme Management at the Permanent Peace Foundation in Libya. “Listening to youth from different countries showed how interconnected our challenges are, and how much we can learn from each other’s solutions.”

Participants reflected on the centrality of young people’s mental health and psychosocial wellbeing as a foundation for peace, resilience, and civic engagement. They emphasized that without addressing the cumulative impacts of conflict, displacement, climate shocks, and economic uncertainty, youth participation risks remaining symbolic rather than transformative.

Discussions also reinforced the urgency of advancing government-led processes to implement the Youth, Peace and Security agenda and broader youth strategies that respond directly to the priorities and aspirations of Libyan young people.

The workshop concluded with participants identifying concrete next steps, including strengthening national Youth, Peace and Security coordination mechanisms, expanding youth-led peace initiatives, and building cross-border partnerships.

“As the Youth, Peace and Security agenda enters its second decade, Libyan youth are making it clear that they are not only beneficiaries of peace processes, but leaders shaping their country’s future. Sustained recognition, investment, and partnership will be essential to turn commitments into impact on the ground,” said Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator Ulrika Richardson. “Regional platforms such as the Amman workshop ensure that young Libyans return home equipped with ideas, networks and momentum, strengthening local initiatives and contributing to long-term peace.”

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

Source: APO

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Anor Bank, a leading digital bank in Uzbekistan, has signed a Line of Financing agreement with ICD (https://ICD-PS.org/). Under the agreement, ICD will provide a USD 10 million Line of Finance facility to Anor Bank. The facility aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Uzbekistan and enhance access to Islamic financial solutions for the private sector, in line with Anor Bank’s mission to promote sustainable economic growth across the country.

This financing facility represents a significant milestone in advancing Anor Bank’s strategic objectives, particularly in strengthening SME development, expanding private sector financing, promoting Islamic finance, and contributing to the diversification of Uzbekistan’s economy.

The initiative is fully aligned with ICD’s strategic focus on fostering SME growth and supporting private sector development as a key driver of sustainable economic progress across its member countries.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Khalid Khalafallah, Acting Chief Executive Officer of ICD, and Mr. Sherzod Akramov, Chairman of the Management Board of Anor Bank.

This pioneering transaction establishes ICD as the first multilateral development bank to provide a Line of Finance to Anor Bank, creating a strategic cornerstone for accelerating private sector growth in Uzbekistan. It paves the way for a new era of collaboration and investment.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).

For further details, please contact:
Anor Bank
Mr. Mirsodiq Mirzahidov
Head of International Relations Division 
Mirsodiq.Mirzahidov@anorbank.uz 

Ms. Nozigul Ismatova
International Relations Division
Anor Bank 
Nozigul.Ismatova@anorbank.uz 

Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD)
Nabil El-Alami
Communications & Corporate Marketing Division Manager at ICD
Nalami@isdb.org

About Anor Bank:
JSC Anor Bank, founded in 2020, is one of Uzbekistan’s fastest-growing digital banks, offering a full range of financial services to retail and corporate clients through digital channels and 17 sales offices nationwide. The Bank leverages technology-driven platforms to provide fast and convenient access to financial products for both small and medium-sized enterprises and individual clients. Anor Bank actively implements CSR initiatives in education, environmental sustainability, and social development, while promoting financial literacy, especially in remote regions of Uzbekistan, contributing to inclusive economic growth and the country’s sustainable financial sector development.

About the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD):
ICD is a multilateral organization and a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. ICD’s mandate is to support economic development and promote the growth of the private sector in its member countries through providing financing facilities and/or investments in accordance with Shariah principles. Additionally, ICD offers advisory services to governments and private organizations to encourage the establishment, expansion, and modernization of private enterprises.  ICD is rated ‘A2’ by Moody’s, ‘A+’ by Fitch, and ‘A’ by S&P.

Website: https://ICD-PS.org/

Source: APO

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• Integrated coordination across government policies to stimulate investment, boost production, and empower the private sector.
• Growth expected to exceed 5% in the current fiscal year, with efforts underway to reach 7% to increase employment and deliver citizen-centered development.
• International institution reports confirm the success of government measures in enhancing economic stability and overcoming multiple challenges.
• Completion of the fifth and sixth IMF reviews and the continuation of reforms reinforce positive economic prospects for 2026.
• The government continues to implement incentives that strengthen the contribution of production, exports, investment, and industry to economic growth.
• Public investment governance successfully enforced in FY 2024/2025, adhering to the EGP 1 trillion ceiling to enable private sector expansion.
• Completion of 11 high-level and ministerial joint committees in 2025 with brotherly and friendly countries, and the signing of more than 65 cooperation agreements and protocols.
• Unified horizontal objectives and clear performance indicators across all ministries to ensure coordinated efforts and the achievement of ambitious growth, employment, and export targets.
• Macroeconomic stability and reform are mutually reinforcing paths—reforms enhance stability, and stability enables reform, laying solid foundations for sustainable economic development.

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, met with military attachés designated for overseas postings.

During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat noted that Egypt’s economic growth rates have risen steadily since July 2024, explaining that growth is primarily driven by productive sectors—namely industry, tourism, and information and communications technology—sectors largely led by the private sector. She emphasized that 98% of the tourism sector is private, as is the industrial sector, including automotive manufacturing, chemicals, textiles and garments, household appliances, and broader manufacturing activities, reaffirming that Egypt’s economy is driven by productive, private-sector-led sectors.

She explained that industrial production growth has translated into a significant increase in Egyptian exports. In tourism, Egypt is expected to approach nearly 19 million tourists this year, while tourism nights in the last quarter of the previous fiscal year reached record levels. She added that Suez Canal activity recorded positive performance in the quarter ending September and is recovering amid peace efforts sponsored by H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and U.S. President Donald Trump. Despite Egypt being among the countries most affected by regional developments due to declining Suez Canal revenues, the economy has recovered and its indicators have improved. She noted that the Suez Canal accounts for around 12% of global trade, and any disruption has global inflationary implications.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat stressed that economic growth followed critical reforms implemented in March 2024, alongside measures to govern public investment and impose a fixed investment spending ceiling of EGP 1 trillion in the budget to create space for private sector expansion. This led to an increase in the private sector’s share of total investment, with private enterprises now receiving the largest share of bank credit, particularly in the industrial sector.

She projected that Egypt’s economy will achieve growth approaching 5% in the current fiscal year, supported by continued economic and structural reforms, with the government aiming to reach growth rates of 7% to boost employment and ensure development outcomes that positively impact citizens. She highlighted that international institution reports confirm the effectiveness of government measures in strengthening economic stability and overcoming challenges.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat affirmed that 2026 will represent a pivotal turning point for the Egyptian economy following fiscal and monetary reforms, the continuation of structural reforms, and efforts to open new economic horizons. The emerging economic model builds on infrastructure investments—particularly in ports and logistics zones—while focusing on higher-productivity sectors. She emphasized that Egypt’s policy framework prioritizes industry, tourism, technology, and construction, noting that such reforms cannot be implemented without macroeconomic stability.

She highlighted the role of productive sectors in job creation, stressing that reforms drive employment through private-sector-led growth, particularly in industry, tourism, and ICT. She added that the completion of the fifth and sixth IMF reviews, alongside sustained reform policies, will further strengthen positive economic trends in 2026.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat underscored Egypt’s Narrative for Economic Development: Reforms for Growth, Jobs & Resilience, which guides the transition toward a higher-productivity economic model. 

She noted that the second edition includes a dedicated human development pillar, reaffirming that macroeconomic stability is a cornerstone of development through predictable fiscal and monetary policies, public investment governance, fiscal discipline, and domestic resource mobilization. Structural reforms, she added, reinforce macroeconomic stability, support the green transition, and unlock economic growth channels.

She explained that the national structural reform program follows a defined timeline and is implemented under the Ministry’s supervision in coordination with more than 40 national entities. The program includes over 430 measures across sectors such as tax and trade reforms, public investment governance, social protection, private sector participation, labor market reforms, electricity and renewable energy, innovation and startups, and industrial competitiveness.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat further noted that the Ministry continues to strengthen partnerships with international institutions, UN organizations, and the private sector to mobilize resources and advance development finance solutions. Egypt’s strong international relations, implementation capacity, and effective project design enhance access to concessional financing—lower-cost alternatives to market borrowing—without increasing debt burdens or shortening maturities.

In this context, she highlighted that concessional financing for budget support for 2023–2026 amounts to USD 9.5 billion, while the private sector has received USD 17 billion since 2020. Renewable energy was underscored as a critical alternative to reduce gas and fuel oil imports, with the government targeting 42% renewable energy by 2030.

She noted that through the NWFE Country Platform (Nexus of Water, Food and Energy), approximately USD 5 billion in concessional development financing has been mobilized for domestic and foreign private sector entities to implement renewable energy projects and support investments in the national electricity grid.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that human development is a core pillar of economic development, with investment in human capital representing a direct investment in a more productive and equitable future. She noted that citizens are the (center of development), adding that 48% of public investments in the FY 2025/2026 plan are directed toward human development sectors.

She explained that the medium-term development plan, prepared in accordance with the State Planning Law, will be developed using the programs-and-performance methodology and will include shared horizontal objectives and clear performance indicators across ministries to ensure unified efforts and the achievement of ambitious targets for growth, employment, and exports.

Finally, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the importance of high-level and ministerial joint committees overseen by the Ministry, describing them as a key mechanism for strengthening Egypt’s economic, trade, and investment relations, as well as cultural, scientific, and technical cooperation with partner countries. The Ministry oversees around 55 joint committees with countries across the globe. In 2025 alone, Egypt completed 11 high-level and ministerial committees and signed more than 65 cooperation agreements and protocols to enhance trade and investment relations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

Source: APO – Report:

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

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasized, “It was a pleasure meeting my dear sister H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, First Lady of the Republic of Liberia and the Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” at the 12^th Africa Asia Luminary. Together, we have provided 52 scholarships for young Liberian doctors in the fields of Fertility, Embryology, Sexual & Reproductive Care, Oncology, Diabetes care, Acute Medicine, Paediatrics, and Dermatology. Many of these doctors have become the first specialists in the public healthcare sector. I am also proud to share that the current Liberia Minister of Health is a Merck Foundation alumnus. This is a true testament of our achievement through the joint programs.”

H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, First Lady of Liberia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” emphasized, “I feel honored to be appointed as the Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother last year, and I am proud that we have achieved so much together. We have provided 52 scholarships for our local doctors and healthcare providers in several critical specialties. Moreover, through the ‘Educating Linda’ program, we are providing scholarships for 40 deserving high performing girls annually. Together, we will continue to make history in our country.”

Watch the Speech of The First Lady of Liberia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” during the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/48VoXGF

On the first day 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.

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/3YfUAVf

Together with Liberia First Lady, Merck Foundation has provided 52 scholarships for local doctors in Liberia in many critical and underserved specialties. Out of 52 scholarships,  

• 28 scholarships have been provided for doctors in Fertility and Embryology, and PG Diploma and two-year Master degree in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine. This will 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.

• 5 scholarships have been provided for doctors for doctors in Oncology. This will reshape the Oncology Care in Liberia.

• 9 scholarships have been provided for PG Diploma and Master degree in Acute Medicine, Dermatology in Clinical Practice, Infectious Disease, Paediatrics and Child Health, and Nursing Training

• Moreover, 10 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 Liberia. This will enable the doctors to establish their own diabetes clinics in their country.

Merck Foundation in partnership with The Liberia First Lady has also initiated “Educating Linda” Program, as a part of which annual scholarships are provided to 40 underprivileged but brilliant girls to continue their education, till they graduate. Additionally, Merck Foundation distributed 3000 essential school items sets to school children to support them.

Moreover, Merck Foundation together with The First Lady of Liberia launched nine children’s storybooks; “More Than a Mother”, ‘Educating Linda”, “Make the Right Choice”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Ray of Hope”, “Ride into the Future”, “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 a few of these storybooks have been distributed to school students of Liberia and many more will be distributed soon.

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

The 12^th 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 (https://apo-opa.co/3LfBP1f), X (https://apo-opa.co/4jfxfN3), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4qsfH2C), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4pQbp5f).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/44M2rNV), X (https://apo-opa.co/3MSBMc9), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/44LxUzX), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4pPALQE).

Link to the Facebook live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/44FUaLy

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.

– 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/3LfBP1f
X: https://apo-opa.co/4jfxfN3
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4pQbp5f
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4qsfH2C
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4pTXs6a
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/3LgMoRE
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4qtjkFE

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/3LfBP1f), X (https://apo-opa.co/4jfxfN3), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4qsfH2C), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4pQbp5f), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4pTXs6a) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/3LgMoRE).

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

Mercy Ships (https://MercyShips.org/) concludes a momentous year across its two hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Operating simultaneously in two countries for its second consecutive year, the organization expanded the medical impact of its programs, strengthened strategic partnerships, and deepened its commitment to building sustainable surgical capacity across the African continent.

This year, the ships welcomed more than 3,240 volunteers from over 75 nations and more than 2,120 national crew members. These surgeons, nurses, dentists, cooks, engineers, and many others contributed their skills to advance access to safe, free surgical care.

Among the many inspirational volunteers in 2025, Dr. Justina Seyi-Olajide (https://apo-opa.co/4sfpmLG) stands out as the first female African pediatric surgeon to serve with Mercy Ships. “Coming from a low- or middle-income country isn’t a reason to stay on the sidelines,” she said. “I should be part of the project. I want to be part of the change that’s happening.” As a practicing surgeon in Nigeria, she personally sees the urgent need for access to surgery in West Africa almost every day.

As the year concludes, Mercy Ships has cared for more than 2,850 surgical patients who received over 3,060 surgeries across both ships, restoring mobility, sight, dignity, and health to people who would otherwise have no access to essential care. From maxillofacial and orthopedic operations to cataract removal and women’s health procedures, patients received life-changing treatment grounded in compassion, excellence, and respect.

One of the most remarkable stories published this year was that of a blind mother and daughter (https://apo-opa.co/3LcbDEB) who, after years of relying solely on sound and touch, were finally able to look into each other’s eyes again. Both had been living with advanced cataracts that plunged them into darkness. Following cataract surgery on board, they were reunited with restored sight. These uplifting moments of answered prayers are at the very heart of Mercy Ships’ mission.

In addition to direct medical services, Mercy Ships also continued its long-term commitment to strengthening healthcare systems, namely, through education and training programs. This year, more than 838 healthcare professionals from 13 African nations benefitted from education and training programs (https://apo-opa.co/4azY5NK) totaling over 228,540 hours. One of its most impactful partnerships was with the Université Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry (https://apo-opa.co/3Y8VdzX) in Guinea, which further expanded access to essential oral healthcare by training local professionals to deliver over 15,290 dental procedures for more than 2,040 patients.Participants of these diverse educational programs hailed from Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan and Uganda, coming together to build a stronger surgical workforce for future generations.

Mercy Ships was also a strong advocate for healthcare initiatives proposed by the governments of its partner nations. This year, Sierra Leone introduced its National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia Plans (NSOAPs) at PASHeF (https://apo-opa.co/4jiBK9F), which is a platform dedicated to strengthening African health systems and advancing Africa’s leadership in its own health development. Both NSOAP and PASHeF process were made possible in part through Mercy Ship’s contribution.

Mercy Ships also worked closely with a range of partners on the ground to strengthen and extend its impact. Among these was the collaboration with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) (https://apo-opa.co/3YdbgNc), a group that provides vital aviation support to connect patients in remote communities to the hospital ships.

The Africa Mercy recently entered an extended Annual Maintenance Period (AMP) and is scheduled to return to Tamatave, Madagascar in May 2026 for a third consecutive field service. During this maintenance period, the ship will undergo drydocking and receive additional upgrades to hospital equipment and ship systems. This AMP is longer than usual to ensure that the ship can maximize surgical capacity for Madagascar and beyond.

In Sierra Leone, the Global Mercy will complete her current service in May of 2026 before entering annual maintenance, then continuing her mission in Ghana in August of 2026 for the organization’s fifth visit to the country. As Mercy Ships looks to 2026, the organization expresses deep appreciation for the continued support of the governments of Madagascar, Sierra Leone, and Ghana.

Mercy Ships also begins a new chapter in regard to its own leadership by welcoming a new CEO, Dr. Michelle White (https://apo-opa.co/4quhDHT). With her background in the medical sector and firsthand experience as a volunteer on board, Dr. White commands a deep understanding of both the organization’s operational needs and the realities faced by patients across Africa.

As the year concludes, Mercy Ships celebrates lives transformed, partnerships strengthened, and hope renewed across Africa. With unwavering commitment and many dedicated volunteers, crew, and supporters, the organization enters 2026 with a clear vision, ready to build upon the previous year’s momentum in bringing safe and free surgical care to those who need it most.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.

For more information about Mercy Ships, contact:
international.media@mercyships.org

About Mercy Ships:
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.

Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy and the Global Mercy. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Centre in Dakar, Senegal.