Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

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Members of the PFDJ from various sub-zones of Asmara voluntarily donated blood on 19 and 20 August to enrich the blood supply of the National Blood Transfusion Service.

Participants were from the sub-zones of Sembel, Godaif, Gejeret, Tsetserat, and Arbaete Asmara.

Mr. Tekle Habte, coordinator of organization and promotion at the National Voluntary Blood Donors Association, commended the voluntary blood donors in the Central Region for their regular contributions and called on others to follow their noble example.

Noting that PFDJ organizations in the Central Region have made voluntary blood donation a regular yearly activity, Mr. Shumendi Andemariam, head of administrative affairs at the PFDJ office in the Central Region, expressed readiness to continue the program sustainably.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the British Embassy near Monrovia, successfully conducted a one-day capacity-building training for Ministry staff on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in preparation for Liberia’s upcoming membership on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Non- Permanent in 2026. This strategic initiative underscores Liberia’s commitment to enhancing its diplomatic capabilities and contributing effectively to global peace and security discussions.

The training, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Monrovia, focused on equipping participants with the skills needed for effective communication within the complex UNSC policy environment. Facilitated by Mme. Joanna Mark Reiter, Deputy Chief of Mission at the British Embassy, the session provided practical insights into navigating multilateral diplomacy, drafting impactful statements, and fostering collaboration among UNSC member states. Participants included assistant ministers, senior diplomats, senior desk officers, and administrative staff, all of whom play critical roles in shaping Liberia’s engagement on the global stage.

The program covered key topics such as Using language and Information effectively during the UNSC, Brilliant Briefing for the UNSC, and Super Speeches at the UNSC. Interactive workshops allowed participants to simulate real-world UNSC scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of the Council’s operational dynamics. Mme. Reiter emphasized the importance of clear, concise communication to advance Liberia’s priorities, including peacebuilding, sustainable development, and human rights advocacy.

Hon. Reginald B. Goodridge, Director General, Foreign Service Institute (FSI), hailed the training as a pivotal step in preparing Liberia for its non-permanent UNSC seat. “This collaboration with the British Embassy strengthens our capacity to represent Liberia’s interests and contribute meaningfully to global peace efforts,” the Director General stated. “We are committed to ensuring our team is well-prepared to engage with confidence and clarity.”

The British Embassy reiterated its support for Liberia’s growing role in international diplomacy. Mme. Reiter noted, “Liberia’s election to the UNSC is a testament to its leadership in West Africa. We are proud to partner with the Ministry to enhance the skills needed for effective participation in this critical global forum.”

This training marks the beginning of a series of preparatory activities planned ahead of Liberia’s UNSC tenure. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude to the British Embassy for its continued partnership and expertise, which will bolster Liberia’s ability to address pressing global challenges.

As Liberia gears up for its UNSC role, this capacity-building effort reflects a shared commitment to fostering diplomatic excellence and advancing global stability. The Ministry looks forward to further collaborations to ensure Liberia’s voice resonates strongly in 2026.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

Source: APO – Report:

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On August 20, commencing at 5:58 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with Hon. Ms. Nancy Tembo, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Malawi, who is visiting Japan to participate in the in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9). The overview of the meeting is as follows:

1. At the outset, Minister IWAYA referred that the cumulative number of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers dispatched to Malawi has exceeded 1,800, which is the biggest number in the world, and expressed his hope that young people will continue to play an active role as a bridge between the two countries. In response, Minister Tembo expressed hir appreciation for the contribution extended by Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers as well as her intention to further develop the good bilateral relations that have been built up over many years.
2. Following that, Minister IWAYA announced the launch of a new comprehensive cooperation initiative covering the Nacala Corridor region, which connects Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the Indian Ocean, and stated that Japan will support the development of transportation infrastructure and industrial promotion in the surrounding areas. Minister IWAYA also stated that, in light of the serious food insecurity caused by recent floods and droughts, Japan has decided to provide food assistance to Malawi. In response, Minister Tembo expressed her gratitude for Japan’s support to date, while also touching on the One Village, One Product Movement. In addition, Minister Tembo expressed her desire to further strengthen bilateral relations, including strengthening economic ties through increased investment from Japan, while also expressing her hopes for cooperation in areas such as regional integration, infrastructure, minerals, and agriculture.
3. The two ministers also concurred to further strengthening cooperation in responding to various regional and international challenges, such as policies towards North Korea including the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue, and the United Nations Security Council reform.

– on behalf of Portal do Governo de Moçambique.

Source: APO – Report:

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“With the world’s youngest population, abundant natural resources, and a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, Africa is poised for progress,” he told the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama.

He said the meeting’s theme – Co-Create Innovative Solutions with Africa – was a reminder that these same strengths can help shape a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world in Africa and beyond.

Progress and reform

In this regard, he emphasised the need to accelerate progress to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through investment, reform and partnerships.

Mr. Guterres highlighted five areas for cooperation, starting with his longstanding push to reform institutions of global governance so that they reflect today’s realities.

“Africa must have a stronger voice in shaping the decisions that affect its future,” he said.

“That includes long-overdue reform of the Security Council, where incredibly, Africa has no permanent member, and other regions remain underrepresented.”

He also called for overhauling the international financial architecture, describing the current system as “unjust and unfair”, as well as bold action on debt relief.

Value chains and renewable energy

The Secretary-General next put the spotlight on investment in sustainable global value chains and regional integration.

“Africa’s path for prosperity must focus on adding value to its raw materials, creating decent jobs, and building resilience, taking profit of the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said.

He also stressed the need to address “Africa’s energy paradox”, noting that although the continent has enormous potential to produce renewable energy, it receives just two per cent of global investment in the sector.  Meanwhile, some 600 million African lack access to electricity.

“Africa is also home to the critical minerals required to power renewable technologies,” he continued.  “But the countries hosting them must be the ones to benefit first and most, while adding value to local and global value chains.”

Invest in technology, youth and peace 

Turning next to technology, Mr. Guterres called for harnessing digital innovation, including artificial intelligence (AI), for development.

He said Japan’s technological leadership can help close the digital divide, “and ensure that technology helps African countries catch up, with adequate digital public infrastructure, rather than being left behind.”

As “young people are the builders of Africa’s future”, the Secretary-General’s fourth point underscored the need to invest in their skills and education, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).

“Let us invest in women’s full participation across economies, societies and political systems,” he added.

Mr. Guterres concluded by acknowledging the link between peace and prosperity.

“Sustainable development requires sustainable peace,” he said.

“By silencing the guns as the African Union clearly points out. And by ending violence in all its forms and strengthening the social cohesion and stability that can attract investment and business to Africa.”

– on behalf of UN News.

Source: APO

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On August 20, commencing at 4:20 p.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with H.E. Ambassador Yusuf Maitama TUGGAR, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Federal Republic of Nigeria, who is visiting Japan to participate in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9). The overview of the meeting is as follows:

1. At the outset, Minister IWAYA expressed his desire to deepen cooperation in the economic field and in addressing global issues, with Nigeria, a leader in Africa, which shared values and principles such as democracy and the rule of law. In response, Minister Tuggar expressed his high appreciation for Japan’s efforts in public and private sectors for TICAD to date and stated his desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic and climate change fields, as well as in international fora.
2. Following that, Minister IWAYA expressed his intention to strengthen cooperation with Nigeria on startups and to collaborate in the fields such as global health. In response, Minister Tuggar expressed his gratitude for Japan’s support for Nigeria and stated his desire to deepen bilateral relations, including in the areas of business or international cooperation, then added his hope to cooperate in minerals, AI capacity building and fisheries. Minister also mentioned that he would like to continue promoting startups and economic integration and thus invite investments from Japan.
3. The two ministers confirmed to work together to respond to various regional and international challenges, including their policies towards North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue, as well as the United Nations Security Council reform.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Source: APO

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In accordance with its mandate to monitor the impact, quality and effectiveness of programmes, as well as to ensure compliance with governance and transparency standards, the Office of the Auditor General of the ECOWAS Commission conducted an audit mission at the ECOWAS Gender Development (EgDC). This mission, which took place from the 4th to 15th of August 2025 in Dakar, Republic of Senegal, focused on the management of EGDC operations, particularly in the areas of procurement, human resources, travel, missions and advances.

The objective was to analyse the operational procedures in place and to gather the EGDC’s expectations and needs in terms of good management. At the opening meeting on 4th of August, the auditors presented the context, objectives and methodology of the audit. The Director of the ECDC and the Director of Administration and Finance of the GIABA/EGDC Pooling highlighted the importance of the exercise, emphasising the progress made by the Centre in the areas examined.

The closing meeting, held on the 18th August 2025, provided an opportunity to share the preliminary conclusions. The Auditor General praised the EGDC’s open cooperation and encouraged it to continue its efforts to improve its operating framework.

This work was carried out in a hybrid mode (face-to-face and videoconferencing via Zoom and Teams), with the active participation of staff from the EGDC, GIABA and the Auditor General’s Office.

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

Source: APO

In a significant step towards advancing gender equality and reinforcing national peacebuilding efforts, the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, in collaboration with UN Women and national stakeholders, officially launched its first National Action Plan (TNAP) on Women, Peace and Security on 19 August 2025 at the Peace and Security Training Centre in Dar es Salaam.

Rooted in the global commitments of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, the four-year TNAP provides a strategic framework to ensure women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in peace processes, conflict prevention, humanitarian response and post-conflict recovery.

“Today we celebrate a critical step forward,” said Dr. Doto Mashaka Biteko, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, who officiated the event.

“This National Action Plan represents a new chapter for our country, one that reinforces our commitment to the rights of women and the building of a peaceful and inclusive society. I am pleased to see this plan grounded in our own Constitution and informed by global commitments. Let it be a tool not only for change, but for unity and resilience across our regions and communities.”

Led by the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups and the Zanzibar Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Elders and Children, the development of the TNAP involved extensive consultations with government ministries, civil society, women’s organizations and international partners, ensuring alignment with other national frameworks including the National Plan of Action to End Violence against Women and Children (NPA-VAWC) and the Tanzania Generation Equality Programme (TGEP). It prioritizes five pillars: participation, protection, prevention, relief and recovery, and coordination.

“The goal of this Action Plan,” said Hon. Dr. Dorothy Gwajima, Minister of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups,“is to recognize the vital role of women in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and decision-making processes. It marks the culmination of years of collaboration, research and coordination between our ministries, civil society, and international partners. This is a proud moment for Tanzania, as we reaffirm our commitment to regional and global frameworks for gender equality and sustainable peace.”

A blueprint for inclusive, people-driven peace and gender equality

The launch was also addressed by the UN Resident Coordinator, Susan Ngongi Namondo, who underscored that lasting peace is only possible when women are not just participants, but leaders in shaping it.

UN Women’s Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa applauded Tanzania’s leadership, stating that the landmark instrument stands as a powerful testament to Tanzania’s firm commitment to place women at the heart of peace and security: “not as victims, not as spectators, but as leaders and drivers of transformative change.” 

“From the grassroots to the highest levels of government, Tanzanian women have demonstrated that when women lead, peace follows. UN Women is proud to stand with the Government of Tanzania on this journey to ensure TNAP delivers tangible and lasting impact.”

Next steps

With the launch of TNAP, Tanzania joins a growing community of nations operationalizing the Women, Peace and Security agenda. A multisectoral steering committee will oversee implementation, working closely with regional and local actors to ensure alignment with national priorities and Sustainable Development Goals.

“Let us now ensure this plan lives not only in print, but in the everyday lives of our communities,” Dr. Biteko concluded. “The future of peace in Tanzania must be inclusive, and that begins with women.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

Source: APO

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany met HIS EXCELLENCY MR. DHARAMBEER GOKHOOL, The President of Republic of Mauritius, during a high-level meeting, to share the impact of their programs and underscore their long-term commitment to transform public healthcare in Mauritius.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign emphasized, “It was a great honor to meet H.E. MR. DHARAMBEER GOKHOOL, The President of Mauritius and share with him the impact of our partnership and programs since 2017 that aim to transform patient care, build healthcare and media capacity, to empower women in STEM, support girl education and raise awareness about social and health issues in Mauritius and the rest of Africa.

I am proud to share that we have provided 100 scholarships for Mauritian doctors in 42 critical and under-served specialties. During our meeting, we also discussed the possibility of providing specialized training for Mauritian doctors in innovative and emerging fields such as Stem Cell Therapy in pathology, CAR T-cell treatment, AI in Radiology, Radiotherapy and Medical Oncology, Robotic Surgical Oncology, Neurology, Nephrology, Urology, and Neurosurgery.”

She further added, “We are strongly committed to work closely with Ministry of Health to improve access to innovative and equitable healthcare solutions.”

The 100 scholarships for local Mauritian Doctors have been provided for One-Year PG Diploma and Two-year Master Degrees in many critical specialties including Fertility, Embryology, Sexual & Reproductive Care, Oncology, Preventative Cardiovascular, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Acute Medicine, Respiratory, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Neuroimaging for Research, Sexual & Reproductive Care, Clinical Microbiology and infectious diseases, Internal Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Ophthalmology, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, Critical Care, Neonatal Medicine, Psychiatry, Family Medicine, Advanced Cytopathology and many more.

Merck Foundation has so far provided more than 2280 scholarships for young doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties, with many of them becoming the first specialists in their countries.

During her visit, Merck Foundation CEO also met the Hon’ble Ms. Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare,  and senior officials from the Office of Hon’ble Minister of Health, Mauritius.

Merck Foundation also conducted the 4^th Edition of their Health Media Training for the Mauritian Media Representatives in partnership with Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mauritius. The training session was conducted to emphasize on the important role that media plays to influence society to create a cultural shift with the aim to address wide range of social and health issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, Stopping GBV, Diabetes and Hypertension awareness. It was co-chaired by Merck Foundation CEO and Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mauritius.

During the training session, the Call for Application for 8 important Merck Foundation Awards were announced for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.

The award announced are:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025, in partnership with Media Trust Board, Mauritius: Media representatives and media students are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30^th September 2025.

2.  Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025, in partnership with Academy of Design and Innovation, Mauritius: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30^th September 2025.

3. Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30^th September 2025.

4. Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30^th September 2025.

5. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”, in partnership with Media Trust Board, Mauritius: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2025.

6. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”, in partnership with Academy of Design and Innovation, Mauritius: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2025.

7. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2025.

8. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2025.

Entries for the above awards can be submitted to us at:

submit@merck-foundation.com

For information on the above awards, please visit our website:

www.Merck-Foundation.com

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

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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/45BzhlD), X ( https://apo-opa.co/471AW4Z), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3UCptRT), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/47aWiwV), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/45tpZbf) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4fGmzFi).

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

Grace Orife, CEO of oil and gas consultancy and services company Adelaar Energy Limited, has joined this year’s edition of the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference as a speaker. Taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town, AEW: Invest in African Energies represents the premier meeting platform for the continent’s energy industry, convening stakeholders from upstream operators to downstream project developers to service providers, technology experts and policymakers. As the CEO of a full-stream oil and gas consultancy, Orife offers a unique perspective into Africa’s energy landscape.

Adelaar Energy – headquartered in Nigeria – offers a variety of services that support oil and gas projects across Africa. These include engineering, procurement, construction and implementation solutions, as well as alternative energy products. By working closely with upstream operators, the company strives to enhance production in the country, in line with Nigeria’s goals of reaching 2.5 million barrels per day in the coming years. At AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, Orife is expected to share insights into the role innovative energy solutions play in supporting Africa’s production targets.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

As one of the continent’s biggest oil producer, Nigeria is working to address production decline by advancing exploration projects as well as efforts to maximize output at active fields. The country is witnessing greater spending across its upstream market, with leading international operators targeting new drilling and development campaigns. Notably, ExxonMobil is investing $1.5 billion to revitalize the Usan deepwater oilfield in offshore Block OML 138, with a final investment decision expected in 2025.

Shell’s Nigerian subsidiary SNEPCo is spearheading the $5 billion Conga North project, while TotalEnergies and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company are driving a $550 million non-associated gas project. With the country seeking to unlock $30 billion in oil and $5 billion in gas investments by 2029, a strong pipeline of projects is on the horizon for Nigeria.

Amid these developments, services offered by companies such as Adelaar Energy will not only support operations but ensure projects align with Nigeria’s broader goals of reducing emissions, enhancing output and delivering impactful energy to West Africa. Orife’s participation at AEW: Invest in African Energies reflects a commitment to supporting African production and is expected to create new pathways for industry collaboration.

“To meet its production goals, Africa requires innovation and collaboration – particularly between operators and service providers. Companies such as Adelaar Energy stand at the intersection of the continent’s oil, gas and energy industries, supporting projects through technology-driven solutions. As Africa strives to make energy poverty history, these solutions will prove highly valuable as countries balance operational efficiency with sustainability,” states Tomás C. Gerbasio, Strategy and Business Development Director of the African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.