Category: English

Source: APO

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The Office of the President wishes to inform the public that Tuesday, 30 June 2026, has been declared a public holiday, and the declaration has been officially gazetted.

The additional public holiday forms part of Seychelles’ commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Independence, a historic milestone marking five decades of sovereignty, nationhood and development since the country attained independence on 29 June 1976.

The public holiday will provide Seychellois with an opportunity to continue participating in the Golden Jubilee celebrations and to reflect on the nation’s achievements, shared identity and aspirations for the future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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A group of elderly citizens was welcomed to State House today by President Dr Patrick Herminie during a warm and meaningful exchange aimed at recognising the valuable contributions of senior citizens to Seychelles’ social and national development.

The visit was organised in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady of Seychelles as part of ongoing efforts to promote the well-being, inclusion and active engagement of elderly persons within the community.

During the gathering, the elderly visitors had the opportunity to meet with the President, share their experiences and reflections, and extend their well wishes.

The exchange provided a platform for open and heartfelt conversations on matters of interest to senior citizens and the wider community.

President Herminie expressed his appreciation for the role played by older generations in shaping the nation and acknowledged the wealth of knowledge, experience and values they continue to pass on to younger generations.

The visit also builds on initiatives undertaken by the Office of the First Lady in support of senior citizens, including the recent Free Eye Screening Camp organised under the theme “Partnering for Nation Building”, reflecting a continued commitment to enhancing the quality of life and well-being of elderly persons across the country.

The President stressed on the importance of ensuring that senior citizens remain valued, respected and included in national life, noting that their contributions have helped lay the foundation upon which Seychelles continues to grow and prosper.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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With LNG exports set to triple to 3 mtpa, upstream oil production targeting 500,000 bpd and a renewed push on local content, the Republic of Congo is positioning itself as one of Central Africa’s most investable hydrocarbon markets. Under the leadership of the newly-appointed Minister of Hydrocarbons, Stev Simplice Onanga, the country is prioritizing industry growth by balancing local content with reserve replacement and project advancement.

What sets Congo apart is not the scale of its reserves, but the pace at which those reserves are being turned into commercially viable projects. From Eni’s LNG expansion and TotalEnergies’ deepwater developments to brownfield optimization by Trident Energy and output growth at Ammat Global Resources, capital is flowing into projects with clearer monetization pathways and nearer-term returns.

Ahead of the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2027 – the country’s leading platform for energy investment and partnerships – the story is shifting away from frontier potential toward bankable projects already under development.

Policy Reform Is De-Risking Investment

Congo’s investment case is being reshaped by the alignment of resource base, regulatory reform and project delivery. Established oil production, expanding LNG capacity and fiscal adjustments are gradually reducing above-ground risk.

Recent reforms led by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo have added structure to the sector. The Gas Code, introduced in October 2025, formalizes fiscal terms for gas commercialization, while the Gas Master Plan prioritizes flaring reduction and gas-to-power deployment, targeting 1,500 MW by 2030.

A new upstream licensing round is also under consideration, aimed at attracting fresh capital into both mature and frontier acreage. Together, these measures are improving visibility across upstream, midstream and downstream segments, with recent project activity reinforcing the shift.

The Projects Driving the Next Cycle

Deepwater oil remains central to Congo’s production outlook, with operators progressing both new developments and brownfield optimization. TotalEnergies is advancing work at the Moho licence following the April 2026 Moho G discovery, backed by a $500–$600 million infill drilling program targeting about 40,000 bpd in incremental output.

Local independent Ammat Global Resources is targeting 70% production growth from its Loango and Zatchi fields, where reactivated wells and upgraded platforms have already lifted output by 75%. Perenco continues steady gains, adding roughly 6,000 bpd through its 2025–2026 drilling program.

Trident Energy, after acquiring an 85% working interest in the Nkossa and Nsoko II assets in 2025, is focused on extending field life through subsea optimization and redevelopment work.

While oil continues to anchor revenues, gas is rapidly emerging as Congo’s fastest-growing segment. Eni’s Congo LNG project delivered its first cargo from Phase 2 in February 2026, following the startup of the Nguya FLNG unit in December 2025. Together with Tango FLNG, capacity has risen from 0.6 mtpa to 3 mtpa. Trident Energy has also proposed an FLNG project aimed at adding further capacity across the country’s gas market. The project is expected to operate as shared infrastructure, allowing multiple operators to process gas from their respective fields. This creates an outlet for associated gas that might otherwise be stranded, supporting the country’s broader diversification goals.

Local Content Is Reshaping Investment Terms

Beyond upstream policy, Minister Onanga has positioned local content as a central pillar of Congo’s investment framework, and a key determinant of how capital is structured and deployed.

Decrees 2019-342, 343, 344 and 345 set requirements around subcontracting, workforce localization and training commitments, with the effect being a gradual shift in how projects are structured and how partnerships are formed. Operators are increasingly assessed not only on technical delivery but on in-country value creation, including partnerships with local firms and skills development. Logistics, maintenance and other service areas are increasingly channeled through domestic providers.

At CEIF 2027 – taking place June 1–3 in Brazzaville – attention will shift to what is moving forward and to the investors positioned to take part in that pipeline. Congo’s energy sector is no longer defined by potential alone: projects are moving, capital is being committed and policy is starting to catch up with activity on the ground.

As the Republic of Congo moves from reserves to revenue, the signal to investors is clear: this is already unfolding, not a future opportunity.

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

Source: APO – Report:

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com) commemorated World Health Day 2026 in partnership with the First Ladies of African and Asian countries, who are also the Ambassadors of the Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign, with a strong reaffirmation of its commitment to improving and transforming healthcare access across Africa, Asia, and beyond through its Scholarships and Capacity Building Program.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation shared, “At Merck Foundation, we remain committed to transforming the patient care landscape and improving access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions across Africa, Asia, and beyond. For the past 14 years, we have marked World Health Day every day through our ongoing efforts to build healthcare capacity in underserved communities.

I am proud to share that we have provided more than 2,600 scholarships for young healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. Through these scholarships, many of our Merck Foundation alumni are becoming the first-ever specialists in their respective fields in their countries, including Namibia, Liberia, The Gambia, Burundi, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Guinea, Ethiopia, Congo, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe, among others.”

“This is truly history in the making, and we are proud to be a part of Africa’s legacy by empowering a new generation of healthcare specialists who will serve generations to come.” Added Dr. Kelej.

As you all know, the lack of financial resources is not the only challenge facing Africa. A far more pressing issue is the scarcity of trained healthcare providers capable of effectively preventing, diagnosing, and managing diseases.

This sweeping shortage of medical and healthcare personnel has been one of the most critical barriers to access to quality healthcare across the continent.

As per WHO 2021 report, African region has 24% of the world’s disease burden, whereas there are only 2.9 healthcare workers per 1000 capita. This gap has a profound impact on health outcomes.

Therefore, the Merck Foundation scholarships are highly significant, as they provide doctors with specialized training, helping to bridge healthcare gaps and improve patient care in underserved communities.

Merck Foundation works closely with their Ambassadors, the African and Asian First Ladies and local partners such as Ministries of Health, Education, Information & Communication, Gender, Academia, Research Institutions, Media and Art in building healthcare capacity and addressing health, social & economic challenges in developing countries and under-served communities.

Merck Foundation also actively empowers women and youth in Science and Technology through its STEM Program and the annual Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards that recognize and celebrate the Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers, fostering research excellence.

Dr. Kelej shared, “This theme of World Health Day 2026 ““Together for health. Stand with science,” aligns perfectly with our program that train healthcare providers and empower women and youth in STEM”.

Merck Foundation CEO also announced the Call for Applications for 2026 Scholarships.

“I am happy to announce the Call for Applications for the 2026 Scholarships for young healthcare providers with special focus on women medical graduates. These include on-site fellowship programs, clinical training programs and online one-year diploma & two-year master degree in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. The applications are invited through the Office of our Ambassadors and long-term partners, The First Ladies of Africa and Ministry of Health of each country,” shared Dr Rasha Kelej.

To Apply for In-campus Scholarships in Fertility, Oncology, Diabetes and other specialties: 

https://apo-opa.co/4uPIEHm

To Apply for Online Scholarships, visit: 

https://apo-opa.co/4oLDkUc

The selection for each scholarship will be based on request by First Lady Office, Ministry of Health and / or Medical Society with the aim to fill the gaps of public healthcare system in each country.

The selection will be based on eligibility criteria fulfillment of each training Institute and Foundation, scholarship availability and fund availability. 

– on behalf of Merck Foundation.

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

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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/43Rs0fM), X (https://apo-opa.co/4w5itxp), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4uMUjXz), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4vCGjkg), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3QylN5k) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4eYn4vJ).

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:

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s infrastructure solutions provider, has arranged a EUR 108.3 million sovereign-backed financing facility for the Government of the Republic of Togo to support food security through modernisation of the country’s agricultural sector.

AFC acted as Co-Mandated Lead Arranger and joint financier on the transaction, marking its inaugural sovereign investment in Togo and further expanding its government financing footprint across Africa. The facility reflects AFC’s heightened focus on food security as global supply chain disruptions, climate-related shocks and rising agricultural input costs underscore the importance of strengthening domestic production in the face of rapid population growth, while unlocking the continent’s potential to become a more significant supplier of agricultural produce to regional and international markets.

With a tenor of 10 years, the financing will support the purchase, assembly and distribution of essential agricultural machinery and equipment including 2,126 tractor and trailer sets, 1,020 units of seeding and harvesting equipment, 930 irrigation units, and 95 water supply systems. The programme supports Togo’s national agricultural transformation strategy – Programme de Modernisation de l’Agriculture Togolaise (ProMAT) – aimed at improving productivity, strengthening food security and accelerating the commercialisation of agricultural production.

“Food security has become an increasingly urgent priority for African countries as global supply chains become more volatile and climate-related risks intensify,” said Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC. “This financing demonstrates AFC’s ability to deliver sovereign financing solutions that unlock productivity, strengthen food systems and support long-term economic resilience by supporting Togo’s agricultural modernisation agenda.”

Agriculture remains central to Togo’s economy, employing approximately 60% of the workforce and contributing about 40% of GDP. However, productivity continues to be constrained by limited access to mechanisation, irrigation and modern inputs. Only 37% of agricultural households use fertiliser and 8% use improved seeds, while less than 1% have access to irrigation. Commercialisation levels also remain low, with only around 20% of agricultural output reaching the market.

By directly addressing critical gaps in farm equipment and irrigation infrastructure, the programme is expected to increase yields, improve market access, expand commercialisation, support job creation, and strengthen the resilience of Togo’s agricultural economy.

The transaction further reinforces AFC’s role as a trusted financing partner to African governments, delivering strategic investments across priority sectors. AFC has an established track record in sovereign financing, having recently arranged approximately US$2.5 billion in facilities for sovereign borrowers including Nigeria, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, and Egypt. These transactions have supported key national institutions such as the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) and the General Authority for Supply Commodities (GASC), enabling investment in critical infrastructure and strategic sectors.

– on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

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

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

Nineteen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of energy, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 48 member countries and has invested over US$19 billion in 36 African countries since its inception.

Source: APO – Report:

Daystar Power Group (www.Daystar-Power.com) has expanded its energy partnership with Nestlé across West Africa, with solar installations now operational at four manufacturing facilities spanning Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Senegal. The deployments bring the total installed capacity across Nestlé’s sites to 6,884 kWp, nearly 7 megawatts, making it one of the largest commercial and industrial solar partnerships in the region.

The four sites, two in Abidjan, one in Tema, and one in Dakar, are all fully operational, with each system designed around the specific grid and operational profile of its location.

Nearly 7 megawatts across four Nestlé facilities is a number we are proud of, but what it represents matters more than the figure itself. It means that one of the world’s most demanding manufacturers has tested our model, trusted it, and come back. Our job now is to keep earning that, across every market where industry needs energy it can count on.

Yischai Beinisch, CEO, Daystar Power Group

From One Site to Four Sites

The partnership began with a single commissioning and expanded to span three countries and four facilities. In Côte d’Ivoire, Daystar Power has delivered 3,447 kWp across two Abidjan sites. In Ghana, a 2,547 kWp system powers Nestlé’s Tema factory. In Senegal, an 890 kWp installation operates at the Dakar facility.

Each system is sized and configured to deliver measurable environmental and social impact, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved energy resilience. The design is tailored to the operational and grid conditions at each location, ensuring reliable clean energy access while supporting local development and aligning with Nestlé’s publicly stated net zero commitments.

This investment reflects our commitment to building a business that not only grows but does so responsibly. By advancing solar energy projects in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal, we are embedding sustainability into our growth, reinforcing our role as a force for good, creating long-term value for communities, and ensuring that our footprint actively contributes to a cleaner, more resilient future.”

Samer Chedid, CEO, Nestlé Central and West Africa Region.

A Footprint That Keeps Growing

Nestlé’s manufacturing presence extends across West Africa, including markets where Daystar Power has its deepest operational roots. With a delivery record now spanning three countries and nearly 7 megawatts of installed capacity, the infrastructure and the relationship are in place to support what comes next.

– on behalf of Daystar Power.

About Daystar Power Group: 
Daystar Power Group provides solar hybrid energy solutions to commercial and industrial clients across Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Togo. The company manages full project lifecycle under lease, lease-to-own, PAAS, and SAAS structures.