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WomenIN Festival Unveils 2025 Theme: “LIMITLESS: No Labels. No Limits. No Apologies”

Source: APO – Report:

The WomenIN Festival, Africa’s definitive gathering of women from across industries, sectors, and stages of life, is thrilled to announce its official theme for 2025:

LIMITLESS: No Labels. No Limits. No Apologies.

This year’s theme is more than a slogan — it’s a declaration. A rallying cry for women who are no longer asking for permission. She’s not fitting in — she’s standing out, showing up, and shaking the world.

The sub-themes set the tone for a celebration of authenticity, boldness, and multidimensional brilliance.
 It’s about embracing your full self — in business, in leadership, in creativity, and in life.

Save the Date:
13–14 November 2025
Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, South Africa

WomenIN Festival 2025 will once again unite trailblazers, thought leaders, creatives, entrepreneurs, and change-makers for a powerful two-day experience filled with:

  • Inspiring keynotes and fireside conversations
  • Transformative networking
  • Immersive activations and curated spaces
  • Unapologetic celebration and connection

From boardrooms to grassroots, innovation hubs to social impact spaces — this is where Africa’s boldest women connect, collaborate, and thrive.

“LIMITLESS is not just our theme — it’s a mindset. It’s about dismantling outdated labels and owning the fullness of who we are, as women leading across industries, cultures, and communities. At WomenIN, we’re building a global movement that recognises and celebrates every woman’s power to rewrite the rules, reimagine her future, and rise.”
 – Naz Fredericks-Maharaj, Director: WomenIN Portfolio

Whether you’re building your legacy, launching your vision, or reimagining your next chapter — this is your invitation to do it limitlessly.

Tickets are now available at www.WeAreWomenIN.com and start at just R1499

– on behalf of VUKA Group.

Festival ticket page:
https://apo-opa.co/4kWqGhO

Partnerships & speaking opportunities: 
nazlee.fredericks@wearevuka.com

Hashtags:
#WomenINFestival #Limitless2025 #NoLabelsNoLimitsNoApologies #WeAreWomenIN

WomenIN (WiN): Empowering Women, Breaking Barriers, Creating Impact:
WomenIN is a powerful cross-sector movement that connects, inspires, and uplifts women across Africa through collaboration, leadership, and sustainable development. From energy and mobility to retail, gaming, and the green economy, WiN is driving real change by building inclusive ecosystems where women can thrive.

Through a range of in-person gatherings, digital content, workshops, and sector-specific initiatives, WomenIN provides a trusted platform for female professionals, entrepreneurs, changemakers, and allies to grow together, break silos, and co-create solutions for Africa’s future. With a strong focus on capacity building, leadership development, and market access for female-owned businesses, WomenIN is building a legacy of impact for generations to come.

Whether you’re a corporate, NPO, SMME, or individual changemaker, there is space for you at the table—because we win when we WiN together.

For more information, please visit: www.WeAreWomenIN.com or contact our team at info@wearewomenin.com.

ABOUT VUKA Group:
VUKA Group brings people and organisations together to connect with information and each other in meaningful conversations that drive growth and transformation across Africa’s industries. With 20+ years of experience on the continent, the group delivers sector-leading platforms across Energy, Mining, Smart Mobility, Transport, Retail, and Women Empowerment.

The WomenIN (WiN) portfolio is a flagship initiative of VUKA Group, championing gender inclusivity and creating opportunities for women to lead, influence, and innovate across sectors. With a proudly African team and a commitment to sustainable development, VUKA is creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to rise.

Learn more at: www.WeAreWomenIN.com

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Fair trade is a key cog in global economy

Source: Government of South Africa

Amidst the global economy facing heightened uncertainty and complex challenges, the Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr David Masondo, has emphasised the importance of fair trade.

The global economy is experiencing ongoing wars and conflicts, geopolitical and trade tensions, disruptions to global supply chains, high debt levels, and frequent extreme weather events and natural disasters, which affect economic growth, financial and price stability.

To address the existing and emerging risks to the global economy, the Group of Twenty (G20) Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting that was held in Durban this week, pledged to strengthen multilateral cooperation to address existing and emerging risks to the global economy.

The meeting also recognised the importance of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to advance trade issues and the agreed-upon rules in the WTO as an integral part of the global trading system. 

It also recognised that the WTO has challenges and needs meaningful, necessary, and comprehensive reform to improve all its functions, through innovative approaches in order to be more relevant and responsive in light of today’s realities.

“We are living in a globalised economy. Multinational companies are producing in different sovereigns in geographic spaces and as they produce you don’t want them to find it difficult to have access to markets.

“If it is difficult for them to get access to the market, they are not going to realise profits and they won’t reinvest into the growth of the economy. This meeting emphasised that it [is]important for us to be a rules-based world. It’s important for us to run our global economy through multilateral platforms,” the Deputy Minister said on Friday at a media briefing held at the conclusion of the FMCBG.

WATCH | Closing media briefing

[embedded content]

The Ministers and Governors agreed to bolster long-term growth potential by pursuing growth-oriented macroeconomic policies, while building fiscal buffers, ensuring fiscal sustainability, encouraging public and private investments, undertaking productivity-enhancing reforms and safeguarding central bank independence to maintain price stability.

“Structural reforms are essential for generating strong economic growth and creating more and better jobs.

“All excessive imbalances should be further analysed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and, if necessary and, without discrimination, addressed through country-specific reforms and multilateral coordination, in a way that contributes to an open global economy and without compromising sustainable global growth,” the FMCBG communique said.

Central banks affirmed a strong committed to ensuring price stability, consistent with their respective mandates and will continue to adjust their policies in a data-dependent manner. 

“Central bank independence is crucial to achieving this goal,” the communique said. 

Meanwhile, members of the G20 have pledged to address the mounting debt pressures in low and middle-income economies amid global financial turbulence.

READ | G20 members commit to addressing debt vulnerabilities

This as developing and emerging economies – particularly those in Africa – are grappling with high and rising debt vulnerabilities, shrinking fiscal flexibility and high borrowing costs.
–SAnews.gov.za
 

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G20 members commit to addressing debt vulnerabilities

Source: Government of South Africa

Members of the G20 have pledged to address the mounting debt pressures in low and middle-income economies amid the global financial turbulence.

This is according to Deputy Finance Minister Dr David Masondo who addressed a media briefing on Friday following the third G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting held in Kwa-Zulu Natal this week.

Developing and emerging economies – particularly those in Africa – are grappling with high and rising debt vulnerabilities, shrinking fiscal flexibility and high borrowing costs.

“[Members]…reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the implementation of the G20 Common Framework. To give effect to this, the G20 FMCBG endorsed the G20 Note on Lessons Learned from the Initial Common Framework Cases and the G20 Note on Steps of a Debt Restructuring under the Common Framework.

“These documents have been published on the G20 website. In addition, fact sheets on the Common Framework country cases for Chad, Zambia and Ghana have also been published on the G20 and Paris Club websites to improve information sharing,” he said.

WATCH | Closing media briefing

[embedded content]

In further discussions, the members also acknowledged the G20 Note on Special drawing rights [SDRs] which, the Deputy Minister said, “highlights the achievement of exceeding $100 billion in voluntary channelling of SDRs or equivalent contributions for countries in need.”

The pledges to this currently stand at some $113.8 billion coming from 35 countries. 

“Members also underscored the need for enhancing the representation and voice of developing countries in decision-making in MDBs [Multilateral Development Banks]and other international economic and financial institutions.

“Members recognised the relative resilience of capital flows in Emerging Market and Developing Economies [EMDEs] despite heightened global policy uncertainty – underscored by strong macroeconomic fundamentals and sound policy frameworks.

“They also highlighted the growing influence of non-bank financial institutions [NBFIs] and stressed the importance of gaining a deeper understanding of their impact on these flows. Members further emphasised the significance of structural reforms in fostering long-term sustainable capital flows to EMDEs,” said the Deputy Minister.

Energy transitions

Regarding energy transitions, Masondo said during the meeting, Ministers and central bank Governors considered key recommendations for “enhancing collaboration among Vertical Climate and Environment Funds, Multilateral Development Banks, National Development Banks and the private sector”.

“Members reaffirmed the urgency of scaling up financing for adaptation and just transitions and reflected on key recommendations emerging from a comprehensive analysis undertaken by multiple knowledge partners. These included guidance on integrating adaptation into voluntary transition planning, addressing insurance protection gaps, scaling financing mechanisms, and strengthening enabling environment.

“[They] also received an update on the work of the Climate Data Steering Committee, which has developed a set of principles for the development of a Common Carbon Credit Data Model aimed at promoting interoperability and improving transparency of carbon markets. 

“They noted that the draft data model is currently undergoing a public consultation with both the private and public sectors,” the Deputy Minister said.

The full communique of the third FMCGB meeting is available at https://www.treasury.gov.za/comm_media/press/2025/3rd%20G20%20FMCBG%20Communique.pdf and on the g20.org website. 

READ | Fair trade is key cog in global economy 

The Third Meeting of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) took place on 17 and 18 July 2025 in Durban.

READ | Global challenges require ‘bold, cooperative leadership’ – Godongwana

The National Treasury and the South African Reserve Bank are jointly responsible for overseeing the work of the G20 Finance Track under the co-chairship of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago.
– SAnews.gov.za

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Key industry support for C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia 2025

Source: APO

The C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia (https://apo-opa.co/3IzeiGS), a landmark event for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, is set to launch on 27-28 August 2025 at The Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka.

The C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia introduces a dynamic platform to tackle energy challenges and deliver sustainable solutions for Zambia’s commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors. As part of the Power and Energy Portfolio of VUKA Group, a leading organiser of transformative industry events across Africa, this Summit will drive the SADC region’s energy future.

“The region has the potential to respond to the demand for sustainable energy. It is undisputable that the SADC region can do better. But what we lack in our region is collaboration”, says Mr Makozo Chikote, Zambia Minister of Energy.

Endorsements, Partners, and Sponsors

The Summit is proudly endorsed by key industry associations and supported by a robust network of partners and sponsors committed to advancing Zambia’s energy landscape. Zambia Ministry of Energy, Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM), and the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PACCI) have partnered with the event, which underscores C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia’s role in promoting policy advocacy, technology adoption, and investment in renewable energy. ZESCO is the proud host utility of the Summit, and they are joined by key sponsors such as Enerj, Hexing, WEG, and Vertiv.

Advisory board comprising influential industry stakeholders

Guiding the Summit’s direction is a distinguished Advisory Board of industry experts and thought leaders who shape the programme to address pressing challenges in commercial and industrial energy security. https://Energy-StorageSummit.com Board members include:

  • Ian Griffiths, Solar and Hydro Projects Developer
  • Johnstone Chikwanda, Global Ambassador of Energy and Climate Change, Forum of African Traditional Authorities (FATA)
  • Mbiko Banda, Electrical Engineer and Research Lead, Africa GreenCo
  • Rodgers K. Muyangwa, Senior Manager Research and Pricing – Economic Regulation, Energy Regulation Board
  • Rose Chikotola-Sichizya, Co-ordinator, Proudly Zambian Campaign
  • Liana Braxton, Managing Director, Sosimple Energy
  • Chimuka Nketani, Director: Investment, Zambia Development Agency
  • Brian Tahinduka, Energy Head: Africa Regions, Standard Bank

Their expertise ensures sessions are relevant, informative, and aligned with stakeholder needs.

Confirmed speakers

The Summit features speakers who bring real-world experience from across the energy value chain, including pioneers in embedded generation, PPAs, and Zambia’s open-access framework. Notable speakers include:

  • Billy Onyango, Renewable Energy Consultant, Kenya Power
  • Chabuka Kawesha, Chairperson, Vice President (South Block), Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • Chikoma Kazunga, Head of Business Development and New Ventures, Africa GreenCo
  • Helen Zulu, Country Director, ENGIE Energy Access Zambia

These experts will share stories, challenges, and lessons learned to help attendees futureproof operations, secure financing, and scale clean energy solutions.

Contact Babalwa Bungane for speaking opportunities at the Summit: Babalwa.bungane@wearevuka.com

Download the Programme (https://apo-opa.co/4lL3LXN)

Complimentary access for pre-qualified C&I project owners

Designed for businesses grappling with unreliable utility power, load-shedding, price volatility, and operational pressures, the Hosted Buyer Programme connects participants directly with solution providers active in Zambia and the region, enabling peer-to-peer networking, insights from real-world implementations, and updates on regulatory changes, financing tools, and emerging technologies.

Who Should Apply?

  • Commercial and industrial companies
  • Large energy users
  • Energy project owners and buyers

Enquire about the Hosted Buyer Programme here: https://apo-opa.co/4fgxw0p

Why Attend?

This Summit is essential for businesses facing unreliable utility power and pursuing energy independence. Through masterclasses, case studies, and networking, participants will explore alternative energy and storage technologies to secure reliable energy, learn from early adopters about successful project execution, gain insights into regulatory frameworks and policy advocacy, mitigate financial and technical risks with expert advice, and build partnerships to accelerate project development.

This event is critical for Zambia’s C&I sectors, which depend on effective energy solutions. Key industries include retail, powering stores and supply chains consistently; manufacturing, ensuring stable energy for production; agriculture and agri-processing, supporting irrigation and processing; property development, enabling sustainable buildings; and energy-intensive users, stabilising operations for mining and industry.

Join Us

Seize this opportunity to elevate your energy strategy, engage with top providers, and shape the future of Zambia and the SADC region. Whether a sponsor, delegate, hosted buyer, or investor, the C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia offers unmatched value.

Register for the event (https://apo-opa.co/4lxHyMH)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

For sponsorship or hosted buyer enquiries, contact:
Marcel du Toit
marcel.dutoit@wearevka.com

About VUKA Group:
As part of the Power and Energy Portfolio of VUKA Group (https://apo-opa.co/450xGnN), this Summit aligns with VUKA’s mission to connect industries, spark innovation, and fuel economic growth. VUKA Group is a premier organiser of conferences, exhibitions, and events across Africa, delivering tailored platforms for networking, knowledge sharing, and business development in energy and related sectors.

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Qatar Strongly Condemns Israeli Plan to Seize Control of Ibrahimi Mosque

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha – July 18, 2025

The State of Qatar strongly condemns the Israeli occupation’s plan to transfer the administration and supervision of the Ibrahimi Mosque from the Palestinian Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs and the Hebron Municipality to the Jewish Religious Council in the Kiryat Arba settlement. Qatar views this move as a blatant violation of international law and United Nations resolutions, and as a deliberate provocation against Muslims worldwide.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirms Qatar’s firm rejection of any attempts to alter the historical and legal status quo of the Ibrahimi Mosque and other holy sites in the occupied Palestinian territories. It urges the international community to fulfill its moral and legal responsibilities by protecting religious sanctities in Palestine and pressuring the Israeli occupation authorities to abandon their efforts to erase the Palestinian people’s identity.

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Chairperson of the African Union Commission Welcomes the 19 April Peace Agreement in the Central African Republic and the Dissolution of the Unité pour la Paix en Centrafrique (UPC) and Réclamation et Réhabilitation (3R) Armed Groups

Source: APO


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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf welcomes the signing of the Peace Agreement concluded on 19 April 2025 in N’Djamena between the Government of the Central African Republic and the armed groups Unité pour la Paix en Centrafrique (UPC) and Retour, Réclamation et Réhabilitation (3R), as part of efforts to revitalize the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic (APPR-RCA).

The Chairperson further welcomes the formal announcement of the dissolution of the UPC and 3R, made on 10 July 2025 in Bangui by the respective leaders of the two groups. He calls on all remaining armed groups in the Central African Republic to lay down their arms and to commit in good faith to inclusive national dialogue and reconciliation in the supreme interest of the Central African people.

The Chairperson pays tribute to the distinguished role played by H.E. General Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, President of the Republic of Chad, whose direct facilitation of the agreement stands as a compelling illustration of the principle of “African solutions to African problems.”

He reaffirms the unwavering commitment of the African Union to support the Central African authorities and all stakeholders in the full and inclusive implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation, with a view to consolidating stability, strengthening national cohesion, and advancing the country’s sustainable development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

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The #AfricaEducatesHer Campaign – African Union’s International Centre for Girls and Women’s Education in Africa (AU CIEFFA) Field Visit in Seychelles

Source: APO


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The African Union’s International Centre for Girls and Women’s Education in Africa (AU CIEFFA) has begun a 3-day field visit to Seychelles as part of its monitoring and evaluation efforts for the implementation of the #AfricaEducatesHer Campaign. This visit, which takes place from 16th – 18th July 2025, in Victoria, aims to gauge the status of girls’ education, assess the effectiveness of re-integration mechanisms, including policies and programs for Out-of-school girls and evaluate the implementation status of the #AfricaEducatesHer campaign, highlighting its impact, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

AU CIEFFA delegates will also utilise the opportunity to examine the impact of national investments on girls’ education and the sustainability of #AfricaEducatesHer campaign initiatives and provide technical assistance to address harmful socio-cultural norms and gender-based violence (GBV), notably school-related GBV.

The Minister of Education, H.E. Dr Justin Valentin, while officially welcoming the AU CIEFFA delegation, expressed his appreciation for the timely visit. He commended the work of CIEFFA in promoting girls and women’s education on the continent. He renewed Seychelles’ commitment to providing education opportunities for all children across all levels in the country, including STEAM opportunities. “Seychelles is working towards an inclusive education while tackling the issue of dropouts of boys from the education system”, he stated.

Seychelles joined the second phase of the #AfricaEducatesHer campaign in October 2024. The campaign was launched by the Ministry of Education to reaffirm the country’s engagement to ensuring inclusive and equitable education for girls. Challenges identified include school dropouts, mental health issues, and teenage pregnancies, which the Campaign seeks to address. During the visit, the Minister of Education for Seychelles, H.E. Dr Valentin, was handed the trophy of recognition for being one of the countries that have successfully launched and are implementing programmes under the Campaign.

The #AfricaEducatesHer has now been launched in 14 AU Member States, with other Member States pledging to launch the campaign in their respective countries.

The AU CIEFFA delegation was also received by the Principal Secretary from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Family. As part of the visit, the team visited several schools and conducted a workshop on Gender-Responsive Education Planning and Policy Analysis, engaging key education stakeholders in Seychelles to strengthen national efforts toward inclusive and equitable education for girls.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

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Merck Foundation CEO, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, emphasizes the transformative power of creativity in driving social change on the occasion of World Art Day 2025

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks ‘World Art Day 2025’ through their Pan African ‘Art and Fashion with Purpose’ Community, established by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. Through this dynamic community, Dr. Kelej continues to raise awareness on critical health and social issues while empowering artists across Africa and beyond to use their creativity as a powerful tool for advocacy, education, and fostering a cultural shift within their communities.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and One of 100 Most Influential Africans 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 emphasized, “I am delighted to mark ‘World Art Day 2025’ as I strongly believe that art, fashion, and media hold immense power in raising awareness and addressing critical social and health issues—ultimately creating a culture shift in the communities. Art and fashion, to me, go far beyond aesthetics or entertainment, they serve as meaningful tools for education and advocacy. With this vision, we have launched many initiatives including our first-ever pan-African TV program, Our Africa by Merck Foundation, which uniquely highlights pressing issues across the continent through the voices of our ‘Fashion and Art with Purpose’ community. Through this one-of-a-kind show and our other unique initiatives, we continue to raise awareness about critical social issues such as Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Ending Child Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation, Stopping Gender-Based Violence, Women’s Empowerment, and also about health issues like diabetes, hypertension, and much more.”

‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ is a pan African TV program that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation to feature African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa. The program has captured the attention and hearts of millions of viewers across Africa.

The TV program has been broadcasted on prime TV stations of many countries like KTN HOME (Kenya), GH One & TV3 (Ghana), NTV (Uganda), BTV (Botswana) Mashariki TV (Burundi), QTV (The Gambia), KTN (Kenya), LNTV (Liberia), Mibawa TV (Malawi), Deffi Media (Mauritius), AYV (Sierra Leone), NTV (Uganda), ZNBC (Zambia), ZTN (Zimbabwe), NTV (Namibia) and more.

“Our Africa” TV Program is currently on social media handles of Social Media handles of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej [Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/46RQTdN), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4lTPOXP), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/4kMZJNc) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/44STkKp)] and Merck Foundation [Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3GvgIG0), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/46Az9nl), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/4eTMSYd) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4o1OJ1A)].

Watch the Promo of the Program here: https://apo-opa.co/4nXnAMX

Beyond Our Africa TV Program, Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa announces annually 8 important Awards, under two themes, for Media, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers and Musicians/ Singers, and potential young African talents in these fields. The themes of the two categories of awards are: 1) Breaking Infertility Stigma, Support Girls’ Education, End Child Marriage, End FGM, Stopping GBV and/ or Women Empowerment at all levels and 2) promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. The 2025 editions were announced during the 11th edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary held in Tanzania in October 2024.

Dr. Kelej emphasized, “It is very well known that Africa’s creativity reflects its rich heritage, expressed in the form of art, fabrics, music, and storytelling and is carried forward through generations. Hence, we launch these awards annually, with my dear sisters, the African First Ladies who are also the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”. Through our Awards, we aim to inspire the continent’s youth to use their innate talents to address our important and critical social and health issues, by raising awareness through their creative work at all levels.”

Entries for the Awards can be sent to: submit@merck-foundation.com

Also, as a part of the Community Awareness Programs, Merck Foundation has created over 30 songs with many African Artists, in English, French, Portuguese and also local African languages to address critical issues like breaking infertility stigma, empowering women, supporting girl education, ending child marriage, diabetes awareness, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and more.

Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa has also launched 8 Children’s Storybooks in three languages: English, French and Portuguese. Additionally, Merck Foundation has adapted these storybooks to create interesting animation films with the purpose of reaching out to the communities to raise awareness on the important issues with an aim of instilling change at grassroot levels.

To listen to the Merck Foundation songs, read Merck Foundation storybooks and watch Merck Foundation animation films, click on the below links:  

https://apo-opa.co/44Q8BvC

https://apo-opa.co/46iSl90 

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: https://apo-opa.co/3GvgIG0
X: https://apo-opa.co/4eTMSYd
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4o1OJ1A
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/46Az9nl
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/44Dc6H2
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/44USpcs
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3GwUMKD

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/3GvgIG0), X (https://apo-opa.co/4eTMSYd), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/46Az9nl), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4o1OJ1A), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/44Dc6H2) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/44USpcs).

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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South Africa: Deputy President Mashatile concludes Working Visit to China

Source: APO


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Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile has today, Friday, 18 July 2025, concluded a successful Working Visit to the People’s Republic of China, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and economic cooperation between South Africa and China. 

At the invitation of the Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Mr Ren Hongbin, the Deputy President participated in the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), taking place from 16 – 20 July 2025 in Beijing, China.

CISCE is the world’s first national-level expo dedicated to global supply chains, hosted under the auspices of the Chinese central government and organised by the CCPIT. 

The Deputy President used South Africa’s participation at CISCE as a strategic opportunity to advance the South-Africa China All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era. This also reinforced South Africa’s role as a key gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa for trade, investment and industrial cooperation. 

During the Expo, the Deputy President officially launched the South African National Pavilion. The Pavilion showcased over 30  South African entities from a variety of sectors including Agro-Processing, Electronics, Chemicals, Leather, Footwear and Textiles, Cosmetics, Mining Services, and the creative industries.

The opening of the 2025 South African National Pavilion is a focused response to resolutions made at the FOCAC in Beijing in 2024. This is significant in that it demonstrates how South Africa is an important trade partner to China. 

During the Working Visit, the Deputy President held a bilateral meeting with Vice President Han Zheng of the People’s Republic of China. 

Vice President Zheng expressed confidence in the South African Government and emphasised the importance of strengthening existing cooperation. He further reiterated China’s support for South Africa’s Presidency of the G20. 

The Deputy President expressed appreciation for China’s longstanding partnership and extended an invitation to Vice President Zheng to visit South Africa to co-chair the 9th South Africa-China Bi-National Commission at a mutually agreeable date early in 2026.

Deputy President Mashatile also met with Mr Ren Hongbin, Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), where he emphasised the significance of the Expo in South Africa’s efforts to advance the promotion of trade, investment cooperation, the growth of innovation, and the encouragement of learning and interchange.

In an effort to strengthen bilateral economic relations and explore strategic investment opportunities across key sectors, the Deputy President had the opportunity to experience some of the fascinating work being done by companies such as SINOMA international engineering company, the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) and the Beijing Automotive International Corporation (BAIC).

Furthermore, the Deputy President’s engagement with the ICBC & Standard Bank and the South-Africa China Business Forum demonstrated the commitment to strengthening Africa-China Relations.

Deputy President Mashatile was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Thandi Moraka; the Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams; Minister of Tourism, Ms Patricia de Lille; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau; Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Pemmy Majodina; and Minister of Agriculture, Mr John Steenhuisen.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

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Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) strengthens the resilience of farming and pastoral communities through mechanical restoration of degraded land

Source: APO


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In Niger, farmers and herders lose nearly 100,000 hectares of land every year due to degradation. This situation reduces available space for productive activities and undermines their hopes of achieving food and nutrition sovereignty. Ongoing land degradation is a major contributor to the country’s recurring cereal and fodder shortages, exposing farming and pastoral households to repeated food crises.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is supporting Niger in its efforts to build more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems to improve production, nutrition, the environment, and livelihoods, leaving no one behind. Through the Action Against Desertification  programme, FAO is working to restore degraded land for agricultural and pastoral use in support of the Great Green Wall (GGW) initiative. This support focuses on land restoration activities, reseeding, plant care, establishing community management committees, training members in association life, management and marketing, benefit-sharing from restored sites, and networking.

In total, FAO has helped restore and utilize over 20,000 hectares of land across 55 sites in the regions of Tillabéri, Dosso, and Tahoua. The mechanical land preparation is carried out using a Delfino plough, which can cover more than 15 hectares per day. The machine carves half-moon shapes that enhance rainwater infiltration and retention, up to 1,000 litres per basin, giving trees, shrubs, and forage the best chance of growing and surviving in the early months after planting.

The Delfino tractor-plough unit has become a central tool in the collaboration between FAO and the National Agency of the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), enabling large areas to be treated and significantly reducing the need for manual labour.  

Half-moons are better than those we dig by hand

At the Awanchalla site in Bagaroua, Tahoua region, communities expressed their amazement at the Delfino plough, which restored 100 hectares in a very short time in an area where labour has become increasingly scarce. “Our dream has come true, to see this land recovered by the machine. We had abandoned it for decades because it was unfit for farming or livestock. The work of the Delfino is impressive, fast, and saves us time. The half-moons it creates are better than those we dig by hand,” said Bizo Abarchi, a community member and representative of the village chief.

For fellow community member Issa Matto, the restored site offers new opportunities: “Now that the land is recovered, I no longer need to migrate. I can stay in the village. With FAO’s support, we’ll grow forage for sale, a highly profitable activity in our pastoral zone. We’ll also receive plant seedlings based on our selections, tend to them, and eventually sell the fruits. These activities expand our farming space and give me hope that my life will improve,” he said.

To ensure the site is well-managed and sustainable, “we’re determined to give our best,” said Abdoul Moumouni Djimraou, another local. “We’ve already set up a management committee. We’ve thought through the mechanisms for successful land use, marketing, benefit-sharing, working with local authorities, and managing potential conflicts between users and surrounding communities.”

Partners with the European Union

By promoting the mechanical use of the Delfino plough to restore degraded land at scale, thanks to the European Union funded project “Knowledge for Action in Implementing the Great Green Wall” (K4GGWA), FAO, together with the EU, national authorities and local communities, is helping to create the conditions for advancing the Great Green Wall in Niger and strengthening the resilience of farming and pastoral communities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.