Category: English

Source: APO

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Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com/), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, recently conducted the 12^th 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, The 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. The First Lady of Senegal, H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, along with The First Ladies of Burundi, Central Africa, Liberia, Nigeria, and São Tomé and Príncipe joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) expressed, “I am very happy to meet my dear sister, H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, First Lady of the Republic of Senegal, and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”. We had a very meaningful discussion about our ongoing joint programs in the country to transform the public healthcare landscape and raise awareness about a wide range of social health issues. I am happy to share that we have so far provided 29 scholarships for Senegalese doctors in many specialties such as Oncology, Diabetes, Fertility, and Embryology. We also discussed scalping up of the programs.”

H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, First Lady of the Republic of Senegal, and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” shared, “It is a great pleasure to partner and work closely with Merck Foundation. I deeply appreciate their programs, and I am very excited to share that together we have launched the Educating Linda program in my country, through which we are providing annual scholarships to 40 best performing schoolgirls who are underprivileged.

Moreover, Merck Foundation has provided 29 scholarships for our doctors across key specialties such as oncology, fertility, embryology and diabetes. All of these scholarships are of great importance and are helping us transform our patient care landscape.”

Watch the Speech of The First Lady of Senegal & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/47Om8W0

Watch the video of Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej receiving H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, First Lady of the Republic of Senegal, and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”: https://apo-opa.co/3LBq5Gf

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/4p5Bbl4

Together with Senegal First Lady, Merck Foundation has provided 29 scholarships for local doctors in Senegal in many critical and underserved specialties. Out of 29 scholarships:

• 8 Scholarships have been provided in the vital field of oncology, so that the patients can receive quality and equitable cancer care in their home country.  
• 11 Scholarships have been provided for our doctors for hands-on training in Fertility and Embryology, as well as for One-Year Postgraduate and Two-Year Master’s Degrees in Sexual and Reproductive Care. This will significantly contribute to advancement of women’s health and revolutionize the Reproductive and Fertility care in Senegal.  
• 10 scholarships have been provided for Diabetes Master Course. Upon completion, these doctors will not only be equipped to effectively treat patients with diabetes but will also play a key role in raising awareness about the condition and promoting the importance of a healthy lifestyle in our communities.

“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 more than 2400 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. We will continue to provide scholarships of doctors from Senegal and beyond,” added Dr. Kelej.

Merck Foundation in partnership with First Lady of Senegal has launched many community awareness initiatives to address a wide range of social and health issues.

Together with the office of the First Lady of Senegal recently conducted their Online Health Media Training to encourage the journalist to be the voice of the voiceless and create a culture shift around critical social issues like supporting girl education, ending GBV and FGM, women empowerment, and health issues like diabetes and hypertension awareness.

Merck Foundation also announced the 2026 Call for applications for their 8 important awards in partnership with The First Lady of Senegal for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.

Moreover, in partnership with The First Lady of Senegal, Merck Foundation is launching their children’s storybooks, “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future” and “Sugar free Jude”, “Mark’s Pressure”, and “Ray of Hope”. The storybooks address various social and health issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, stopping GBV, diabetes and hypertension awareness. The storybooks will be made available in French Language, and thousands of copies will be distributed to school children.

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

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/43onuWi), X (https://apo-opa.co/47DQ34w), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4paIWqc), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/48ccnlS).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3WSVlmy), X (https://apo-opa.co/49z7lkL), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4r1BQWI), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3JJRoO2)

Link to the YouTube live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/3LH82ye

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:

• 2400+ 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 raise awareness about different social and health issues

• 8 Different Awards launched annually for best media coverage, film, song and fashion.

• Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa

• 9 Children’s Storybooks in four languages – English, French, Portuguese, and Swahilli

• 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

• 1040+ Scholarships provided annually to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls from 18 countries, to empower them to complete their studies

• 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8.5 Million Followers.

   

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard! 
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Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3LBq6tN

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/43onuWi), X (https://apo-opa.co/47DQ34w), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4paIWqc), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/48ccnlS), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/43onvtk) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4r1JsIQ). 

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 – Report:

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Two senior officials from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) – Dr. Ali Dehghan, Senior Supply Analyst, and Eng. Mohammed Attaba, Senior Downstream Oil Industry Analyst – have been confirmed as featured speakers at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition. Taking place in Dakar from December 9-10, the event will be held under the High Patronage of Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye. 

Energy supermajor Chevron (https://apo-opa.co/3WSqAhr) officially entered Guinea-Bissau’s offshore sector in November 2025 through a landmark agreement to operate Blocks 5B and 6B. The move marks a significant expansion of Chevron’s West African exploration portfolio, strengthening its presence across one of the continent’s most promising frontier regions. As such, Dr. Dehghan and Eng. Attaba’s participation exemplifies OPEC’s growing engagement with the rapidly developing energy markets of the MSGBC basin, where major oil, gas and hydrogen projects are reshaping the regional energy landscape. 

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

This year’s edition marks a moment of historic progress across the region. Senegal has emerged as an oil producing nation, with first oil from the 100,000-barrel-per-day Sangomar field (https://apo-opa.co/4nSepMG) achieving first oil in June 2024. Production forecasts for 2025 have since been revised upward to 34.5 million barrels, up from the previous forecast of 20.53 million barrels. Meanwhile, Mauritania and Senegal recently achieved first gas production from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project in December 2024 – followed by its first LNG export in April 2025 – strengthening the countries’ integrated gas-to-power strategies and domestic refining capabilities. 

Meanwhile, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry are intensifying exploration efforts to attract investment. Chevron’s entry into Guinea-Bissau, ongoing data acquisition campaigns in Mauritania and Guinea-Conakry and new partnerships across the basin mark a rising confidence in the MSGBC region’s frontier potential. 

As such, Dr. Dehghan, who plays a key role in analyzing global oil supply dynamics within OPEC’s Research Division, is well-positioned to offer insights into production forecasts and market trends while contributing to discussions on new production and export milestones across the basin. Furthermore, Eng. Attaba – a leading voice in refining and downstream analysis at OPEC – regularly represents the OPEC Secretariat at international forums, providing expertise on the medium- and long-term outlook for the downstream sector. 

“Having OPEC representatives join the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference underscores the basin’s growing significance in global energy discussions. Their insights will provide valuable context as the region transitions from exploration to large-scale production and export. This engagement reflects OPEC’s recognition of the MSGBC basin as one of Africa’s most dynamic emerging energy frontiers,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director, Energy Capital & Power. 

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO

From 12 to 13 November 2025, the AFRICA24 Group (www.Africa24TV.com) will provide exceptional coverage of the UK-Francophone West and Central African Trade and Investment Forum 2025, a key event that acts as a catalyst for deeply transformative agreements with a concrete and significant impact on the lives of people in Francophone Africa.

The 2025 forum marks an important milestone in the evolution of the WCAF, which will welcome more than 800 delegates to Lomé, Togo, for what will be the most comprehensive and important summit on trade and investment for French-speaking West and Central Africa.

WCAF 2025 :  A major two-day event :

• 12 November: Opening ceremony and country workshops
• 13 November: Round tables and Awards of Excellence

About the UK-Francophone West and Central African Trade and Investment Forum :

The UK-Francophone West and Central African Trade and Investment Forum (WCAF IV), being held in Lomé, Togo, is a leading platform that has generated more than US$2 billion in trade and investment since 2022. Following several successful editions in London, WCAF IV brings together more than 800 delegates, with the support of the British and Togolese governments and partners such as Benin, Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire. For two days, it will be the nerve centre for business leaders and political leaders from West and Central Africa, fostering partnerships, addressing economic challenges and providing actionable insights for sustainable growth.

The Africa24 Group 360° coverage and global broadcasting to 120 million households

Watch ‘UK-Francophone West and Central African Trade and Investment Forum’ live, on replay and on demand on all your screens at :

• AFRICA24 in French (channel 249) et AFRICA24 English (channel 254) of the Canal+ Africa bundle
• On myafrica24 Africa’s first HD streaming platform.
• On www.Africa24TV.com which offers you a full access to all our programmes.

Africa24 Group, Transforming Africa Together.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AFRICA24 Group.

Contact:
Communication Department – Africa24 Group
Gaëlle Stella Oyono
Email: onana@africa24tv.com
Tél.: +237 694 90 99 88

Follow us on:
@ africa24tv 
www.Africa24TV.com

ABOUT THE AFRICA24 GROUP:
Launched in 2009, the Africa 24 Group is the continent’s leading TV and digital media publisher, with four full HD channels broadcast in the major cable packages. A leader among decision-makers and senior executives on the continent, Africa24 in French and Africa24 English, the Group is the pioneer and leader in African news channels. Africa24 has strengthened this leadership through sport with Africa24 Sport, Africa’s leading channel dedicated to sports news and competitions, and Africa24 Infinity, the first channel dedicated to creative industries that showcase the creative genius of African youth in art, culture, music, fashion, design and more.…

The leading audiovisual brand on the continent, the AFRICA24 Group has four full HD television channels, each a leader in its segment :

• AFRICA24 TV : Leading French-language source for African news, published by AMedia
• AFRICA24 English : Leading African news source exclusively in English.
• AFRICA24 Infinity : The creative talent channel dedicated to music, art and culture.
• AFRICA24 Sport : Leading sports and competition news channel.

The AFRICA24 Group publishes myafrica24 (Google store and App Store), the world’s first HD streaming platform in Africa available on all screens (television, tablet, smartphone, computers) … More than 120 million households have access to Africa24 Group channels through major operators such as Canal+, Bouygues, Orange, Bell, etc., and more than 8 million subscribers on various digital platforms and social networks.

Source: APO

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Non-profit organization the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Senegal will host a dedicated pre-conference workshop as part of this year’s edition of the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition. Taking place on December 8 in Dakar, the session will bring together industry professionals, government representatives and investors to explore local content opportunities, gas field management challenges and strategies for production optimization in Senegal’s rapidly growing energy sector. 

Established in December 2024, SPE Senegal is the local chapter of the global Society of Petroleum Engineers. It supports professionals and students across the energy sector and aims to enhance technical expertise and capacity building in Senegal, a country that has emerged as a new oil and gas producer. 

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Senegal’s oil sector has seen accelerated development following first oil (https://apo-opa.co/3LFaaqg) from the $5 billion Sangomar Phase 1 project, operated by Woodside Energy in partnership with state-owned Petrosen. Since starting operations in June last year, production from the project has ramped to over 94% capacity, delivering early reserves additions of more than 31 million barrels of oil equivalent. Meanwhile, the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (https://apo-opa.co/3Lz2sOx) gas project achieved first gas in December 2024, with commercial operations commencing in June 2025. The joint venture, led by bp, Kosmos Energy, Petrosen and Mauritania’s SMH, is designed to produce 2.5 million tons of LNG annually in its first phase, consolidating Senegal’s position as a regional energy hub. 

At the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 workshop, SPE Senegal will guide participants through three key areas: local content opportunities in gas infrastructure, gas field management challenges and development strategies for production optimization. Local content opportunities will include gas-to-power projects, floating LNG support services, pipeline network development, and logistics and supply chain management. These initiatives align with Senegal’s 2021 Local Content Law, which encourages the use of national goods, services and labor across the energy sector. 

The session will also address technical and commercial challenges, including infrastructure gaps, deepwater field complexity, market volatility and balancing LNG exports with domestic energy needs. SPE Senegal is set to showcase strategies to enhance production efficiency through digitalization, capacity building and governance transparency, while also highlighting environmental, social and governance priorities. 

The workshop offers a unique opportunity for stakeholders to engage with Senegal’s emerging energy sector and gain insights into optimizing local participation and long-term project value. As the country ramps up its oil and gas output, the session underscores the critical role of technical expertise, collaboration and strategic planning in unlocking sustainable growth. 

“SPE Senegal’s workshop at this year’s conference exemplifies the country’s commitment to fostering knowledge-sharing and technical excellence in the MSGBC region. Attendees will undoubtedly gain valuable perspectives on local content opportunities, production optimization and effective strategies for managing Senegal’s emerging gas and oil fields,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director, Energy Capital & Power. 

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

Source: APO

In Gabon, the trial in absentia of former First Lady Sylvia Bongo Ondimba and her son Noureddin Bongo Valentin promises to be a major test for the independence of the judiciary. Accused of embezzlement of public funds and money laundering, they are scheduled to stand trial before the Special Criminal Court on 10 November 2025. 

The Africa24 Group brings you an exclusive debate in the Africa News Room, exploring the issues at stake in this trial of major symbolic significance. It reflects the new authorities’ commitment to breaking with the practices of the former regime, while representing a crucial test for the credibility and independence of the Gabonese justice system on the international stage, as well as a decisive step towards restoring citizens’ confidence in judicial institutions.. 

Tune in to this special programme,  

Africa News Room – Sylvia and Noureddin Bongo’s trial   

• Broadcast on 15 November 2025 from 17:15 and 23:15 GMT. 
• Rebroadcast on 16 November 2025 from 17:15 and 23:15 GMT. 

These programmes are exclusively rebroadcast on www.Africa24TV.com, on the myafrica24 app, Africa’s leading HD streaming platform, on Africa24 TV (Canal+ 249) and Africa24 English (Canal+ 254). 

The Africa24 Group 360° coverage and global broadcasting to 120 million households 

Watch ‘Gabon: Trial of Sylvia and Noureddin Bongo’ live, on replay and on demand on all your screens at : 

• AFRICA24 in French (channel 249) et AFRICA24 English (channel 254) of the Canal+ Africa bundle 
• On myafrica24 Africa’s first HD streaming platform.  
• On www.Africa24TV.com which offers you a full access to all our programmes. 

Africa24 Group, Transforming Africa Together. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AFRICA24 Group.

Contact: 
Communication Department – Africa24 Group 
Gaëlle Stella Oyono 
Email : onana@africa24tv.com   
Tél. : +237 694 90 99 88  

Follow us:
@ africa24tv
www.Africa24TV.com  

ABOUT THE AFRICA24 GROUP :  
Launched in 2009, the Africa 24 Group is the continent’s leading TV and digital media publisher, with four full HD channels broadcast in the major cable packages. A leader among decision-makers and senior executives on the continent, Africa24 in French and Africa24 English, the Group is the pioneer and leader in African news channels. Africa24 has strengthened this leadership through sport with Africa24 Sport, Africa’s leading channel dedicated to sports news and competitions, and Africa24 Infinity, the first channel dedicated to creative industries that showcase the creative genius of African youth in art, culture, music, fashion, design and more.… 

The leading audiovisual brand on the continent, the AFRICA24 Group has four full HD television channels, each a leader in its segment :  

• AFRICA24 TV : Leading French-language source for African news, published by AMedia 
• AFRICA24 English : Leading African news source exclusively in English. 
• AFRICA24 Infinity : The creative talent channel dedicated to music, art and culture.  
• AFRICA24 Sport : Leading sports and competition news channel.  

The AFRICA24 Group publishes myafrica24 (Google store and App Store), the world’s first HD streaming platform on Africa available on all screens (television, tablet, smartphone, computers) … More than 120 million households have access to Africa24 Group channels through major operators such as Canal+, Bouygues, Orange, Bell, etc., and more than 8 million subscribers on various digital platforms and social networks.