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Professor Benedict Oramah recognised for long service as Export Trading Group (ETG), TRACE, KCB and CBZ toast award success at 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings

Source: APO – Report:

Key Highlights

  • The third edition of the Pan-African Business and Development Awards has recognised and celebrated leading businesses on the continent and in the diaspora in alignment with Afreximbank’s push for a promotion of a Global Africa
  • Marking his distinguished tenor, Professor Benedict Oramah, outgoing Afreximbank President, was honoured with the Bank’s Long Service Award alongside other employees
  • Export Trading Group (ETG) won the Global Africa Business Leader Award 2025 for fostering economic growth across the continent and enhancing food security
  • KCB Group Plc, Kenya and CBZ Bank, Zimbabwe emerged winners of the Afreximbank Financial Institutions Award 2025 for banking institutions with more than $500m and less than $500m capital respectively for having played a pivotal role in bridging the trade finance gap in Africa.
  • TRACE, a multimedia platform dedicated to the entertainment and empowerment of people of African descent won the Diaspora Business of the Year Award for their impact in strengthening continental and diaspora ties.

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) hosted the third edition of the Pan-African Business and Development Awards in association with the Business Council for Africa (BCA) on Wednesday June 25, 2025, at a colourful Gala Dinner attended by more than 400 dignitaries including business and political leaders from Nigeria, across Africa and the diaspora.

The Pan-African Business and Development Awards, held annually during the Afreximbank Annual Meetings, are designed to celebrate and recognise transformative businesses and financial institutions within the African continent and in the diaspora in keeping with the Bank’s vision for a Global Africa.

Export Trading Group (ETG), operational in nearly 20 countries on the continent, won the Global Africa Business Leader Award, 2025 for fostering economic growth across the continent and enhancing food security by connecting smallholder farmers with regional and global markets, improving livelihoods and boosting intra-African trade, reflecting Afreximbank’s mandate of fostering trade and economic growth across the continent. The company’s investments in storage, logistics, and processing infrastructure have helped reduce post-harvest losses and increased value addition.

This year, TRACE, the multimedia platform dedicated to the entertainment and empowerment of people of African descent, won the Diaspora Business of the Year award for its impact in strengthening continental and diaspora ties through the vehicle of entertainment. Its mission is to uplift African identity through music, education, and storytelling. TRACE’s platforms reach and support over 5,000 artists and 1,000 brands annually. It employs hundreds across Africa, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars in value.

Two banking giants were recognised in the Afreximbank Financial Institutions Award–2025. KCB Group Plc, Kenya’s largest bank by assets emerged winner of the award for banking institutions with more than $500m capital while CBZ Bank, also Zimbabwe’s largest Bank emerged winner of the Afreximbank Financial Institutions Award-2025 for banking institutions with less than $500m capital.

KCB, which won in the same category in 2024, was recognised for facilitating local and cross-border trade finance through various products as well as mitigating risks inherent in trade on behalf of its customers. One of the first East African banks to enhance financial inclusion and economic growth, it has positioned itself as an enabler for businesses and consumers to transact efficiently across African borders.

CBZ Bank from Zimbabwe has played a pivotal role in bridging the trade finance gap in Africa by leveraging strategic partnerships, introducing innovative products, and executing a comprehensive pan-African vision. During the 31st Afreximbank Annual meetings held in Nassau, The Bahamas last year, CBZ Bank and Afreximbank inked two deals (https://apo-opa.co/44ZDCxm) totalling $80 million consisting of US$60 million line of credit and $20 million Afreximbank Trade Facilitation Programme (AFTRAF) facility signalling their continued collaboration aimed at promoting economic development.

In a speech delivered on behalf of Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of Board of Directors at Afreximbank, the Bank’s Senior Executive Vice President, Denys Denya, said: “This Awards event is our way of saying thank you to everyone who, regardless of size or significance of your role, has contributed to furthering the course of development in Africa. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you. With these awards, we reaffirm our commitment to the shared goal of transforming the African economy and restoring the dignity of Africans, regardless of their geographic location.”

Arnold Ekpe, former group CEO of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated and chair of the BCA, in his remarks, commented on the importance of recognising and celebrating institutions that contribute to Africa’s development, which he said, “has become the defining essence of Afreximbank.”

A major highlight of the awards ceremony was the recognition of four long serving Afreximbank staff members for their dedicated service of between 25 and 30 years. This esteemed group included Professor Benedict Oramah who was honoured for over three decades at the Bank with ten years spent at the helm as President and Chairman of Board of Directors.

Presenting the long service award to Prof. Oramah, Wale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy said: “Tonight, we acknowledge not just a remarkable career, but a transformative journey spanning three decades. Under your leadership, the bank hasn’t just scaled; it has soared, championing strategies that have fundamentally reshaped trade and development across Africa. Nigeria is incredibly proud of your achievements, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to the economic prosperity of our continent. You are a true son of the soil; a shining example of what dedication and vision can accomplish.”

The Pan-African Business and Development Awards are hosted by Afreximbank in association with the BCA. The awards series was launched in 2023 to recognise those organisations and leaders that epitomise the pan-African spirit by leading the way in building substantive and transformative cross-border businesses.

– on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

Follow on Social Media: 
X: https://apo-opa.co/4nVC0NN
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/44SE54f 
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/459VM0t 
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/44WtHZo

About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

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African Special Mining Report Launches Ahead of the African Mining Week (AMW) 2025

Source: APO – Report:

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Energy Capital & Power (ECP) (https://EnergyCapitalPower.com/), in partnership with global accounting, audit and advisory network Moore Global, is proud to launch the African Special Mining Report 2025, a definitive analysis of Africa’s mining landscape released in support of African Mining Week (AMW).

As the world accelerates toward a low-carbon, high-tech future, Africa is emerging as a critical player in global mineral supply chains. This timely publication captures the continent’s rising profile as a destination for strategic mineral investment – from copper and cobalt to lithium, gold, graphite and iron ore – while providing deep, actionable insight into the trends, policy shifts and financing structures shaping the future of mining across Africa.

Produced as an official knowledge product of AMW 2025, the report connects directly to the platform’s mission of driving capital, partnerships and industrial development across Africa’s mining value chain. With extensive contributions from Moore Global’s energy, mining and renewables experts, the report draws on decades of experience advising clients in Africa and globally, offering forward-looking perspectives on ESG compliance, climate finance, regulatory reform and capital mobilization for mining ventures.

The report explores Africa’s renewed strategic importance in global mineral supply chains, spotlighting developments such as the copper resurgence in Zambia and the DRC, the return of private equity to the continent’s mining sector and the persistent logistics challenges impacting offtake reliability. It also examines how ESG metrics are increasingly being monetized, how climate finance is reshaping the feasibility of mining projects and how the integration of renewables is redefining operational best practices. Alongside these forward-looking insights, the report provides a clear-eyed view of the regulatory landscape, analyzing sovereign policy shifts, beneficiation mandates and the evolving capital environment for both junior and major mining companies.

“This report is about more than trends – it’s about where the African mining sector is headed, who is driving the shift and how the global investment landscape is responding. It also underscores AMW’s unique role in anchoring high-level dialogue and dealmaking around these developments. We’re proud to partner with Moore Global to deliver a resource that informs, challenges and empowers decision-makers across the mining ecosystem,” stated Rachelle Kasongo, AMW Conference Director.

The African Special Mining Report 2025 is now available digitally (https://apo-opa.co/44BbrWu). 

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

For media inquiries, interview requests or report access, please contact:
communications@energycapitalpower.com

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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!
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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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