Category: MIL-OSI

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African Leaders Advance Energy, Gas and Financing Plans Ahead of Paris Summit

Source: APO – Report:

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African policymakers, financiers, and energy executives issued a unified call at the G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum in Johannesburg – organized by the African Energy Chamber – to advance infrastructure-led development, diversified energy systems and accelerated investment flows. The series of announcements comes ahead of the Invest in African Energies (IAE) Summit in Paris – taking place from April 22-23, 2026 – where many of the same stakeholders and more are expected to convert these messages into concrete deals and partnerships.

Across multiple sessions, speakers emphasized that Africa’s energy transition cannot proceed without large-scale financing, received industrial capacity and reliable transport and power networks. The Johannesburg forum served as a staging ground for more detailed investment discussions expected in Paris.

South Africa Accelerates Refinery Revival, Gas Diversification

South Africa’s government reiterated its intention to rebuild refining capacity under the newly established South African National Petroleum Corporation. With the majority of the country’s refineries offline, the South Africa’s Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe views refinery revival as central to energy security, economic revitalization and regional fuel stability.

https://apo-opa.co/43RnP41

In parallel, officials confirmed a fast-tracked gas strategy, including LNG import terminals, pipeline rehabilitation and accelerated licensing. Declining imports from Mozambique have intensified pressure to secure alternative gas sources and develop domestic reserves. These developments will form a crucial part of South Africa’s investment roadshow at the IAE Summit, where government and private players aim to attract capital for LNG, pipelines and downstream restructuring.

What’s more, the country’s Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa reinforced broader calls for investment models that treat African states as equal partners rather than passive recipients. He stressed that Africa’s energy future hinges on building transmission capacity that can unlock cross-border trade and industrial growth. By insisting on value addition for critical minerals, the Minister underscored that the transition must create manufacturing power – not deepen the extractive patterns that have historically limited African development.

Clean Cooking, Refining, LPG Supply Under Renewed Scrutiny

Executives highlighted structural weaknesses in LPG supply chains, from insufficient storage and import capacity to deteriorated rail infrastructure. Calls were made to streamline permitting, reconfigure rail corridors and rehabilitate dormant refineries to prevent recurring supply shocks. Meanwhile, state-owned entities including PetroSA outlined plans to revive processing capacity and stabilize domestic markets. Private operators including Petredec pointed to continued demand growth across East and Southern Africa and called for reforms to improve terminal access, transport efficiency and market transparency.

These issues – long-standing but increasingly urgent – are expected to feature prominently in Paris, where project developers will seek partners for terminal expansions, rail rehabilitation and midstream infrastructure.

Capital Mobilization vs Infrastructure Constraints

Speakers emphasized that Africa will not close its infrastructure gap through concessional loans and aid alone. Pension funds, sovereign investors and African financial institutions were urged to take on a larger role in funding energy, manufacturing and logistics projects. Several panelists called for predictable regulatory environments and project preparation pipelines that allow institutional investors to enter at scale. These themes align directly with the IAE Summit’s goal of accelerating bankable deals and mobilizing both African and international capital.

Forum participants cited unreliable transmission networks, bottlenecked ports, aging rail lines and slow permitting as barriers to investment. Power-intensive sectors – mining, manufacturing, green hydrogen and data centers – were highlighted as immediate casualties of grid instability. With dozens of grid and transmission upgrade projects headed for investment rounds in 2025-2027, Paris is expected to serve as a matchmaking platform between African utilities, EPC companies and financing institutions.

Positioning for Paris: A Continental Investment Agenda

Taken together, the announcements in Johannesburg delivered a clear prelude to the IAE Summit in Paris where hydrocarbons gas and refining will be positioned as central to energy security and industrial growth across the African continent. Meanwhile, it was also noted that clean cooking and LPG markets will require infrastructure expansion and regulatory reform while domestic capital must complement international investment to unlock large-scale projects. Another major focus area that will also be explored is how grid, transport and permitting constraints must be resolved to attract long-term financing.

As African delegations prepare for Paris, the momentum generated at the G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum signals a shift toward deal-focused engagement, with governments and operators seeking partnerships that advance infrastructure, stabilize energy systems and accelerate economic growth across the continent.

IAE 2026 is an exclusive forum designed to connect African energy markets with global investors, serving as a key platform for deal-making in the lead up to African Energy Week. Scheduled for April 22-23, 2026, in Paris, the event will provide delegates with two days of in-depth engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or register as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Liberia: African Development Fund invests over $7 million to complete run-of-river hydropower plant and related infrastructure project

Source: APO – Report:

The Board of Directors of the African Development Fund, meeting today in Abidjan, has approved an additional loan of $7.41 million to complete implementation of the Renewable Energy for Electrification project in Liberia. The African Development Fund is the concessional lending window of the African Development Bank Group (https://www.AfDB.org).

The additional financing will be used to cover a cost overrun for construction of the hydropower plant and related infrastructure, as well as project management cost overruns related to implementation delays. The facility will also support under-financed activities, including implementation of the Gender Action Plan. These targeted uses will ensure achievement of the project’s planned outputs, which are completion of the hydropower plant, its integration into the grid and the full implementation of safeguards.

Liberia Renewable Energy for Electrification is a joint initiative of the Liberian government and the African Development Bank. The project was approved on 31 October 2019, financing agreements were signed on 29 January 2020, and project implementation began in March 2021.

The key part of the project is construction of a run-of-river hydropower plant (electricity generation using the river current) with capacity of 9.34 megawatts (56.5 gigawatt-hours/year) in the Gbedin Falls area of Nimba County. The plant will be connected to an 8-km 33-kilovolt evacuation line and two transformer substations, and also to a cross-border transmission line. A 15-km permanent access road and an 8-km temporary road to the hydropower site will be built to ensure access to the power plant site. The project also calls for installation of 50 km of 33/0.4-kilovolt distribution lines and the connection of 6,650 households to the power grid in Nimba and Bong County.

Upon completion, the project is expected to increase Liberia’s national energy mix by 56.5 gigawatt-hours per year, representing about 6.9 percent of Liberia’s total supply, and it will also expand electricity access to around 60,000 people who did not previously have connection. In addition, a 6,500 people will be directly connected to the national grid.

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Alexis Adélé,
Communication and External Relations Department 
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group is the leading multilateral financing institution dedicated to Africa’s development. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). The AfDB is present on the ground in 44 African countries, with a field office in Japan, and contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states.

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Nzimande advocates for Africa-centric research agenda

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has used his platform at the Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) to advocate for a research framework designed around African priorities rather than external influences. 

He recognised that African countries have to build robust science infrastructure and regional networks.

“To enable this fundamental shift, we believe Africa desperately needs what I call a sovereign research agenda for Africa. By this, I mean a research agenda that is designed, funded, and directed based on African priorities and concerns.

“Not based on the generosity of external donors – regardless of their benign intentions,” Nzimande said on Tuesday. 

To enable the development of a sovereign research agenda, the Minister believes that African countries must build robust and accessible science infrastructure to support young and women researchers, improve maths and science education in public schools, and increase investments in research and development. 

He is of the view that the leaders should focus on reversing the loss of critical skills by creating better working conditions for scientists and researchers.

Nzimande’s plan further calls for developing Africa’s capacity to process its own mineral wealth, curbing illicit financial outflows that drain resources needed for essential services. 

He is also calling for stronger links between science, technology, and industry to drive commercialisation and support tech-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 

In addition, the strategy emphasises the importance of adopting emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and expanding pandemic preparedness, including achieving the goal of producing 60% of Africa’s vaccines locally by 2040.

The SFSA 2025 attracted a diverse gathering of over 6 000 participants, among them were scientists, policymakers, youth innovators, entrepreneurs, and representatives from civil society, all converging to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of science and technology in Africa.

The SFSA 2025, the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) are currently hosting a five-day high-level session on strengthening science diplomacy and science advice across Africa and the Global South.

The Minister expressed the significance of this forum, which marked a decade of insightful dialogue and coincided with South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Presidency. 

“This year is particularly special as this forum celebrates 10 years of insightful dialogue and also coincides with the conclusion of our country’s G20 Presidency,” he said. 

This year’s theme is: “Placing Science, Technology and Innovation at the centre of Government, Education, Industry and Society.” 

Nzimande emphasised the need for a sustained increase in public awareness of the importance of science in everyday life.

Among the exciting features was the South African Tech Challenge 2025, which aimed to identify high-potential small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) whose technologies tackle societal challenges.

However, Nzimande’s address did not shy away from discussing the challenges faced by society in this pivotal moment of history.

He painted a picture of paradox, saying, “This era has seen the emergence of some of the most breathtaking technological advances in human history… At the same time, we have also witnessed alarming levels of social inequality.” 

He urged the audience to consider how to bridge these divides, asking, “how do we make sure our science and technology innovations facilitate pathways for social inclusion and social justice?”

The Minister called on those in attendance to envision a future where science and technology would serve not just as tools of advancement, but as instruments of inclusion and equity. 

“This is the moment for us to act,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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W Cape issues alert as drunk driving arrests rise

Source: Government of South Africa

Western Cape transport officials have issued a serious warning to motorists after 24 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol were made in just one week.

From 17 to 23 November 2025, the Provincial Traffic Services carried out 168 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checks, and speed control operations across the province. 

During these efforts, over 30 000 vehicles were stopped and inspected, resulting in more than 9 000 fines being issued for various violations related to driver and vehicle fitness.

Officers also recorded 200 speeding offences during this period.

The officials reported that of the 46 arrests recorded, 24 were for driving under the influence of alcohol, three for reckless and negligent driving, six for goods overloading and another six for possession of fraudulent documentation. 

In addition, three arrests involved undocumented persons, while one person was arrested for wilfully damaging or tampering with a vehicle or throwing an object at a vehicle. 

One person was arrested for bribery, another for obstructing or hindering an authorised officer, and one for threatening or suggesting the use of violence against a traffic officer.

Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku expressed deep concern at the spike in drunk driving incidents.

“Every driver who gets behind the wheel after drinking is a danger not only to themselves, but to every person on the road. As we approach the festive season, we are intensifying enforcement to ensure that law-abiding road users can travel safely. Driving under the influence will not be tolerated, and we will continue to take decisive action against offenders,” said Sileku.

Chief Director of Traffic Management Maxine Bezuidenhout urged the public to take responsibility. 

“The high number of drunk driving arrests is deeply concerning. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgement and slow reaction times. Our officers will continue to take firm action against anyone who chooses to endanger others by driving under the influence. We urge motorists to act responsibly, respect the law, and help us prevent unnecessary incidents and loss of life on our roads,” said Bezuidenhout.

To prevent drinking and driving, motorists are encouraged to plan ahead by using e-hailing services or metered taxis, appointing a sober designated driver, arranging to stay over where they are socialising, or asking a friend or family member for a lift. 

They are also urged to refuse to travel in a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Sileku added. – SAnews.gov.za

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Women in film and media call for new narrative at 16 Days of Activism launch

Source: Government of South Africa

Leading voices in South Africa’s film, media and creative industries have called for a fundamental shift in how women are portrayed, insisting that storytelling, content creation and media platforms must move beyond victimhood and actively reclaim women’s power.

The women were speaking on Tuesday at the national launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children 2025 campaign at Gallagher Convention Centre. 

The panel, which was led by Dr Criselda Kananda, spotlighted the experiences and agency of women in the film, entertainment, television and media sectors, and how these industries can challenge harmful narratives and reshape social attitudes. 

Veteran foreign editor Sophie Mokoena criticised the persistent marginalisation of women leaders in newsrooms and international coverage.

“It’s very rare you will see stories about women’s leadership and their successes. Women around the world are competent and capable to lead, but they become victims of negative stories… The media will have to do better in covering the role played by women in building a better world,” Mokoena said. 

Mokoena reflected on the global footprint of South Africa’s former UN Women Executive Director, Pumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, noting that her impact on policy, advocacy and women’s empowerment remains underreported.

“Women have done a lot, and they are still doing a lot quietly. They don’t have coverage. Women are not just victims of gender-based violence. They are living, leading and fighting this scourge. The media’s role should be to tell those success stories,” Mokeona said. 

Music icon and cultural activist Sibongile Mngoma warned that harmful media content continues to shape harmful social attitudes.

“A sound mind thinks right because of what it consumes. If you are feeding society glamorised violence, drug abuse and alcohol abuse using celebrities as brand ambassadors, then that is what society becomes. We must empower women to speak and give them the resources to do the work,” Mngoma said. 

Screenwriter and filmmaker Lerato Mokoka highlighted the power of intentional storytelling and interrogation of bias in writers’ rooms.

“When we unpack scripts, we interrogate why we are saying what we’re saying and who we are representing. You begin to care for the character and realise they represent someone out there, a survivor. We aim to tell stories in a way that is impactful, not harmful,” she said. 

Youth advocate and communications strategist Dumi Le Roux said meaningful change requires centering young people in content creation.

“The tactic that works is having young people co-curate initiatives. Once youth are involved at the core of the table, authenticity finds expression… We create mobilisers and ambassadors who run with the narrative themselves,” Le Roux said. 

SABC Head of Content and producer Lala Tuku emphasised that women must own their stories at every level of production.

“Women’s stories – their complexities and nuance – can only be told by women. It’s not just about seeing a woman on-screen. The head writer, director and creatives behind the scenes must be women too. We must give power and nurture the female voice,” Tuku said. 

Legendary musician and broadcaster Dr Yvonne Chaka Chaka said radio remains a vital tool to reshape attitudes and uplift women’s voices.

“We live in a country where it is sad and hurting to be a woman. At Women Radio, we promote women’s issues 365 days a year. We empower women to speak, to be opinionated, and to respect themselves and each other,” she said. 

Veteran actress and advocate Nakedi Ribane said representation must move beyond stereotypes and poverty-driven narratives.

“Until the lion tells its story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter. We must tell our stories the way we want to. Productions must reflect who we really are families with professionals, children who grow differently from what is usually portrayed. Poverty should not be romanticised,” she said. 

As the country enters 16 Days of Activism, the panel’s message was clear, transforming society begins with transforming stories and ensuring women, in all their diversity, hold the pen. – SAnews.gov.za

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Official Consular Source: Canada Confirms Completion of All Procedures for Qatari Citizens to Obtain Its ETA Starting Today

Source: Government of Qatar

Official Consular Source: Canada Confirms Completion of All Procedures for Qatari Citizens to Obtain Its ETA Starting Today

Doha, November 25, 2025

An official source at the Department of Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Canadian authorities have confirmed the completion of all procedures related to Qatari citizens obtaining the Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) within a few minutes, starting today.

The source clarified that Qatari citizens wishing to obtain this visa can apply through the following link:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html
The source pointed out that this step reflects the strength of the relations between the State of Qatar and Canada and the continuous development witnessed in various fields.
It also contributes to supporting bilateral cooperation, facilitating the movement of citizens, and enhancing tourism, cultural, and educational exchange between the two countries, thereby reinforcing the existing partnership and opening broader horizons for cooperation. 

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Study on GCC Wage Protection System Launched

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, November 25, 2025

The Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar in Geneva, in cooperation with the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairsآ in the GCC States and the International Labor Organization (ILO), organized a high-level event held at the headquarters of the ILO in Geneva, on the sidelines of the 355th session of its Governing Body, during which a study was launched highlighting the progress made by the GCC countries in building effective wage protection systems (WPS).
The event witnessed a high-level attendance, with the first part featuring keynote addresses by HE Minister of Labor Dr. Ali bin Saeed bin Samikh Al Marri, HE ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo, and HE Mr. Mohammed Hassan Al Obaidli, HE Director-General of the Executive Office of the Council of Ministers of Labor of the GCC Mohammed Hassan Al Obaidli.
In her keynote remarks at the panel discussion, HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva Dr. Hind Abdul Rahman Al Muftah emphasized the effective interdependence and integration of wage protection mechanisms in the State of Qatar.
Her Excellency indicated that enhancing the protection of workers’ rights and establishing fair labor practices are a priority for the State of Qatar. She noted that the Ministry of Labor has adopted an integrated system that includes the WPS, grievance mechanisms, and the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund to ensure effective protection at all stages.
Her Excellency stressed that the integration of these three mechanisms provides a comprehensive framework for protection, promotes decent work, ensures compliance with laws, and reflects the State of Qatar’s commitment to a fair and transparent labor market that protects workers’ rights and promotes social justice.
The joint study reviews the important steps taken by the GCC countries to ensure that wages are paid on time and correctly, through the establishment and development of WPS that comply with international labor standards.
The ILO considers these systems a pioneering innovation at the regional level aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in wage payment practices.

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President Ramaphosa calls on men to lead fight against GBV at the start of 16 Days of Activism

Source: President of South Africa –

Today, we mark the beginning of our annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, which takes place between today, 25 November and 10 December 2025.

This year, the campaign is themed: “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls working together to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF)”. 

The theme is anchored on our commitment to developing positive masculinity and its significance to our efforts to prevent, fight, and eliminate the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide. We are clear that our fight against GBVF cannot afford to leave men and boys behind.

This year, we are three years short of three decades—the 27th Anniversary—since the adoption of a campaign that has, over the years, raised much-needed awareness of the devastating impact that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) has on women and children, and the very social fabric of our society. Over the years, the 16 Days of Activism have also enabled us to shine the spotlight on the societal and systemic causes of violence against women and girls in a manner that enables us to mobilise.

Addressing the recently held G20 Social summit President Ramaphosa  said, “No society can thrive for as long as gender-based violence and femicide continues and the agency of women is denied. 

The violence perpetrated by men against women erodes the social fabric of nations. 

It imposes a heavy burden that constrains development and weakens inclusive growth. 

Men and boys are critical partners in transforming harmful norms and advancing gender justice.

They must be actively involved in challenging inherited attitudes, power imbalances and social structures that normalise violence and silence survivors.”

On Thursday, 4 December 2025, President Ramaphosa will address a Men’s Indaba agaist Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, organised by the office of the Premier of the Free State Province. The President will be calling on men to be more active and involved in preventing the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide. 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President- media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Africa Finance Corporation Secures US$75 Million Credit Line from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) to Accelerate Infrastructure Development

Source: APO

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, has secured a US$75 million term loan facility from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). This landmark transaction deepens AFC’s strategic partnership with BADEA.

The agreement was signed by H.E. Abdullah Almusaibeeh, President of BADEA, and Mr. Samaila Zubairu, President & Chief Executive Officer of AFC, as part of AFC Day, held during the B20 Summit in Johannesburg. The signing underscores the two institutions’ shared commitment to scaling sustainable development and unlocking long-term capital for African infrastructure.

The collaboration builds on BADEA’s shareholder investment in 2020, and the cooperation framework signed that year to jointly develop and finance infrastructure across priority sectors. This new facility reinforces BADEA’s role as a strategic partner and strengthens AFC’s capacity to deliver transformational infrastructure across the continent.

The proceeds will support AFC’s mandate to develop and finance critical power, transport and logistics, heavy industries, telecommunications and digital infrastructure, as well as mining and natural resources. Through its established project development, structuring and execution capabilities, AFC will channel the capital into high-impact projects that catalyse economic transformation.

“As a shareholder of AFC, BADEA has been a valued and long-standing partner in advancing our mandate,” said Mr. Zubairu. “By deploying capital into sustainable, high-impact infrastructure, we continue to create pathways for inclusive economic growth across the continent.”

“BADEA and AFC have been strategic partners in advancing Africa’s development agenda, with a remarkable track-record of syndicated transformative projects with medium to long-term financial instruments including equity participation,” said H.E. Abdullah Almusaibeeh, President of BADEA. “Today’s signing of this USD75 million line of credit speaks volumes about BADEA’s agility to respond to development needs with a variety of instruments of different maturities.”

The facility also supports AFC’s broader strategy to diversify its funding base and mobilise long-term capital for Africa’s development. By strengthening collaboration with shareholder institutions such as BADEA, AFC continues to expand its capacity to finance resilient infrastructure and advance sustainable economic development across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group 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

BADEA 
Badea@badea.org

About AFC:
AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. The Corporation’s approach combines specialist industry expertise with financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure needs and drive sustainable economic growth. Eighteen years on, AFC has built a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for delivering high-quality, transformational infrastructure assets that provide essential services across the continent. AFC has 47 member countries and has invested over US$17 billion since inception.

Visit www.AfricaFC.org

About BADEA:
BADEA is a rated multilateral development finance institution owned by 18 sovereign States, members of the League of Arab States which began operations in March 1975. The Bank’s mission revolving around promoting social and economic development exclusively in Sub Saharan Africa, fostering cooperation between the Arab and the African regions through investment and trade.

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Merck Foundation underscores their long-term partnership with Angola First Lady to train healthcare providers and support Girl Education

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany underscored their commitment to build healthcare capacity and support girl education in Angola during a high-level meeting held between Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and The First Lady of the Republic of Angola, H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, who is also the Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”. The meeting was held during the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation expressed, “I am very happy to have met my dear sister, H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, First Lady of the Republic of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother’ at the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025. We had a very meaningful discussion and about our joint programs in the country to transform the public healthcare landscape and raise awareness about a wide range of social health issues.”

H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, First Lady of the Republic of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” said, “I am very excited to start the Educating Linda Program in my country which aims to empower girls through education and end child marriage, this program is very close to my heart as I consider it one of my main objectives as the First Lady of Angola; and as an African woman, I strongly believe that girl Education is one of the most critical areas of women empowerment. As a part of the program, we will be providing annual scholarships to 20 brilliant yet underprivileged schoolgirls. Moreover, I am also looking forward to providing scholarships for our local doctors to build and strengthen healthcare capacity in our country.”

Watch the Speech of H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, First Lady of the Republic of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025here: https://apo-opa.co/4rjkNj1

Watch the video of Merck Foundation CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej receiving H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” here: https://apo-opa.co/480BFn1

Watch the video of strategy meeting between Merck Foundation CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej and The First Lady of Angola, which was held to define strategies to build healthcare and media capacity in Angola to address a wide range of social and health issues here: https://apo-opa.co/4iloTmE

Dr. Rasha Kelej shared, “Merck Foundation has always believed in the importance of building healthcare capacity and has been working for it since 2012. We have so far provided 2400 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 underserved medical specialties. We will soon be enrolling doctors from Angola in various medical specialties in partnership with the First Lady and Ministry of Health of Angola. I am certain it will transform the healthcare landscape in Angola”.

Merck Foundation has also conducted three edition of Online Health Media Training for the Angolan journalists, 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: Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels; to underscore the importance of Empowering Girls and Women in Education and to understand the social and psychological impact social issues like GBV, Child Marriage, FGM etc. over women and their families and communities.

Moreover, to raise awareness of early detection and prevention of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Lady of Angola has also launched their 8 important Merck Foundation Awards for Media, Musicians & Singers, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, and students & new potential talents in these fields.

“I encourage the young Angolan talents to share their creative and inspiring work with us for our 2026 awards. We have celebrated winners from Angola in the previous years and I am looking forward to celebrating more winners in 2026,” concluded Dr. Kelej.

Details of the Awards:

  1. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Media representatives and media students are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues:  Support Girls’ Education, End Child Marriage, End FGM, Stopping GBV and Women Empowerment.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

  1. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All 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: Support Girls’ Education, End Child Marriage, End FGM, Stopping GBV and Women Empowerment. Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.
  1. Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All 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: Support Girls’ Education, End Child Marriage, End FGM, Stopping GBV and Women Empowerment. Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.
  1. Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All 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: Support Girls’ Education, End Child Marriage, End FGM, Stopping GBV and Women Empowerment. Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.
  1. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026: 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: 30th October 2026.

  1. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026: All 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: 30th October 2026.

  1. Merck Foundation Film Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026: All 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: 30th October 2026.

  1. Merck Foundation Song Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026: All 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: 30th October 2026.

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

submit@merck-foundation.com​

For information on the 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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Website: www.Merck-Foundation.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/4p2KH9b), X (https://apo-opa.co/43P7cG7), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4igpqGg), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4rgBrjn), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4riahbA) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/49FMlc6).

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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