Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO – Report:

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The African Energy Chamber’s G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum (https://EnergyChamber.org/) – taking place on November 21 in Johannesburg – will host two exclusive fireside chats that will unpack the future of Africa’s oil and gas value chain, exploring how upstream growth, midstream diversification and downstream modernization can accelerate investment across the continent. At a time when African governments and companies are repositioning themselves for new exploration, refining upgrades and energy-transition aligned strategies, these dialogues will highlight the role of global partnerships in driving Africa’s energy and climate goals.

Oando PLC has set a strong example for how independent oil and gas companies can position themselves at the helm of African energy diversification. By evolving from a trading and downstream company into one of sub-Saharan Africa’s most competitive and integrated groups, the company is not only expanding its investments but unlocking the potential of the continent’s oil and gas value chain. Recent developments reflect this approach. In 2024, the company acquired Eni’s Nigerian Agip Oil Company in a move that widened its upstream portfolio. The company also launched Oando Mining – focusing on developing lithium and other critical minerals -, while reinforcing its downstream and marketing business.

These efforts reflect a commitment to a diversified energy portfolio, one that many independents can mirror across the continent. During the G20 Forum, Tinubu will participate in a fireside chat on Strategy, Growth and Expansion: From Upstream to Energy Diversification. The session will offer insight into the company’s energy strategy, opportunities for African independents in Africa and the need to expand the continent’s oil and gas value chain.

“Africa’s oil and gas value chain is full of untapped potential, and companies like Oando are proving what is possible when African champions lead from the front. Oando’s growth story shows that with the right capital and the right partnerships, African companies can drive transformative expansion across the entire value chain,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

Meanwhile, the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) – the country’s newly-formed state entity – has set its sights on accelerated project development, with a view to strengthening supply chains and enhancing fuel security. In addition to pursuing upstream projects, the SANPC has committed to transforming the country’s midstream sector through the revival of strategic refining infrastructure. Lack of investments have long-plagued the country’s refineries, leading to an over-reliance on imports that have made South Africa vulnerable to supply disruptions. However, the SANPC strives to turn this trend around. Key projects include the revitalization of the SAPREF refinery and reinstatement of the Gas-to-Liquids refinery. The company aims to bring the 180,000 barrel per day SAPREF facility back online following a closure in 2022, boosting capacity to between 400,000 bpd and 600,000 bpd in the long-run.

A fireside chat at the G20 Forum will unlock the role these infrastructure projects will play in the country’s energy future. The discussion will feature the SANPC’s CEO Godfrey Moagi, who is expected to share insight into strategies for strengthening the country’s oil and gas supply chain. The discussions takes place under the theme Repositioning the National Champion: Refinery Modernization and De-Risking South Africa’s Supply Chain, providing investors with exclusive insights into South Africa’s midstream expansion strategy.

“South Africa’s energy security hinges on strengthening its downstream infrastructure, modernizing refineries and building a supply chain that is resilient, competitive and future-ready. SANPC is positioned to play a pivotal national role, but unlocking this vision requires global finance, technology partnerships and strategic investors who are willing to back long-term refinery upgrades and fuel-security projects,” Ayuk added.

With global interest in Africa’s energy markets rising and new policies across multiple countries seeking to accelerate upstream and downstream investment, the G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum’s fireside chats promise to provide strategic clarity and actionable insight for investors, national companies and international financiers seeking to expand their footprint across the continent.

To register for the Forum click here (https://apo-opa.co/4pewDcs).

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO – Report:

• Merck Foundation, in partnership with African and Asian First Ladies, Ministries of Health, and Medical Societies, has provided 925 scholarships, out of a total of 2400+ scholarships, for one-year Postgraduate Diplomas and two-year Master’s Degrees in Diabetes, Endocrinology, Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology, and Obesity & Weight Management, as well as one-year Fellowship programs in Diabetes and Hypertension, for doctors from 52 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. 
• Merck Foundation released the storybooks and Animation Films “Mark’s Pressure”, and “Sugar Free Jude”, with the aim to raise awareness about early detection and prevention of Diabetes and Hypertension (which are corelated) and to Promote Healthy Lifestyle, amongst children and youth in Africa and beyond. 

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany marks ‘World Diabetes Day 2025’ in partnership with First Ladies of Africa and Asia, Ministries of Health, Medical Societies, and Academia, through their Nationwide Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program. 

Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, emphasized, “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Diabetes Day every day through our strong commitment to transforming Diabetes, Endocrinology, Hypertension, Cardiology, and Preventive Cardiovascular care (co-related conditions) across Africa, Asia, and beyond. Our goal is to build a future where early detection, effective treatment, and healthy lifestyles become the norm, by empowering local doctors and communities through knowledge and specialized training. 

I am proud to share that, in partnership with our Ambassadors, The First Ladies of Africa & Asia and partners like Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia, we have provided 925 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries of Online One-year PG Diploma and Two-year Master degree in Diabetes, Endocrinology, Cardiovascular Preventive, Cardiology, Clinical Nutrition and Obesity & Weight Management; One Year clinical Fellowship program for Diabetes and Hypertension; and also a special 3-month Diabetes Mastercourse in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish. These scholarships are helping to build a robust network of specialists, reaching beyond major cities and capitals.” 

Merck Foundation has in total provided more than 2400 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.  

Dr. Life Zambezi, Merck Foundation Alumnus from Zimbabwe shares, “I am grateful for being offered the PG Diploma course in Diabetes Management. Through this course, I was able to increase my knowledge and turn my passion for treating diabetes into impactful action. This course has further helped me establish a Diabetes Clinic at the district hospital, which has brought relief to many patients. The learning I gained through the PG Diploma has enabled me to serve my community better and raise awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.” 

Speaking about Merck Foundation’s efforts to improve diabetes care, Dr. Rasha Kelej shared, “We are providing scholarships to local doctors not only in capital cities but also in remote and underserved areas. This empowers them to establish diabetes centers or clinics within their hospitals, ensuring access to quality diabetes care for all communities and raising awareness about prevention, early detection, and effective management.” 

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) Diabetes Report, around 24 million adults (aged 20–79) in the African region were living with diabetes in 2021. Projections indicate that this number could increase by 129%, reaching 55 million by 2045. Furthermore, Africa has the highest rate of undiagnosed diabetes, with 54% of adults living with the condition unaware of their status. 

Therefore, as a part of their Community Awareness Program, Merck Foundation has launched various initiatives aimed at raising awareness and promoting prevention early detection and management of about Diabetes and Hypertension. 

Merck Foundation CEO has composed and sung an impactful song “No More Sugar” together with Ghanian Singer Cwezi Oteng. Listen to “No More Sugar” song here: https://apo-opa.co/449ZmXs

– 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/3WYhY97), X (https://apo-opa.co/43v7uli), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/47HcMwz), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/47EBxJM), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4r0gqZZ) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4nZGl1l). 

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:

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, signed a US$47.6 Million Murabaha Financing Agreement with the Ministry of Treasury and Finance (MoTF) of the Republic of Türkiye.  The signing ceremony took place in Istanbul on the sidelines of the COMCEC Meetings, where the agreement was signed by Eng. Adeeb Y. Al Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and Mr. Kerem Dönmez, Director General of the Directorate General of Foreign Economic Relations at the Ministry of Treasury and Finance of the Republic of Türkiye.

This agreement marks a milestone in ITFC’s partnership with Türkiye, representing the first sovereign financing facility extended to the Republic of Türkiye and ITFC’s first intervention in the healthcare sector.

The US$47.6 million facility will be utilized to strengthen Türkiye’s healthcare system and mitigate the impact of the 2023 earthquakes. The financing will support the procurement of essential medicines and medical devices for distribution across 12 to 53 provinces, with a particular focus on areas most affected by the disaster. By improving access of critical healthcare resources to people, the facility aims to help restore vital medical services, enhance the resilience of health institutions, and contribute to the country’s ongoing recovery efforts.

– on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

Contact Us:
Tel: +966 12 646 8337
Fax: +966 12 637 1064
E-mail: ITFC@itfc-idb.org

Follow International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC):
Twitter: @ ITFCCORP
Facebook: @ ITFCCORP
LinkedIn: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC)

About the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC):
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving socioeconomic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided over US$89 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for these member countries’ needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.

Source: APO – Report:

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Eskom’s Chief Nuclear Officer, Velaphi Ntuli, is set to speak at the African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/) G20 African Energy Investment Forum, where he will spotlight the pivotal role of nuclear energy in shaping a reliable, sustainable and inclusive power future for Africa. As the continent intensifies efforts to expand access to affordable electricity and transition toward cleaner energy systems, Ntuli’s participation comes at a time of renewed interest in nuclear technology as a cornerstone of long-term energy resilience. 

Eskom’s Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, located near Cape Town, is not only South Africa’s sole nuclear power facility but also the largest in Africa. The plant has been a critical contributor to South Africa’s energy stability since it was commissioned in the 1980s, providing around 5% of the country’s electricity. Today, Koeberg stands as a symbol of Africa’s engineering capabilities and a testament to the role nuclear energy can play in reducing carbon emissions while ensuring grid reliability.  

Koeberg is undergoing a significant life extension project, aimed at extending the facility’s operational lifespan by another 20 years and delivering approximately 1,860 MW of baseload power. The initiative represents a major milestone in Eskom’s strategy to secure South Africa’s electricity supply and underscores its commitment to maintaining nuclear power as part of a diversified energy mix – an essential factor in reducing the nation’s dependence on coal and accelerating its path toward a low-carbon economy. 

The AEC’s G20 African Energy Investment Forum – held ahead of the G20 Summit – seeks to position Africa’s energy sector at the center of global investment discussions. By bringing together African leaders, investors and development institutions, the forum will emphasize how targeted capital flows can transform Africa’s energy landscape, create jobs and drive industrialization. Within this framework, Ntuli’s contribution will be critical in highlighting how nuclear power can complement renewable energy, stabilize grids and support the manufacturing and industrial growth necessary for long-term economic development. 

Nuclear power remains one of the most efficient and low-carbon energy sources available, offering baseload electricity that can underpin Africa’s growing economies. As the global energy transition accelerates, many African nations are exploring nuclear energy not only as an alternative to fossil fuels, but as a catalyst for domestic industrialization, technology transfer and skills development. South Africa’s experience through Eskom and Koeberg provides valuable lessons for other African countries looking to establish or expand their nuclear programs, including Ghana, Kenya and Egypt. 

“Eskom’s Koeberg station demonstrates what Africa can achieve when we commit to long-term, technically sound and locally driven energy solutions. As we work to make energy poverty history, nuclear power offers an opportunity for Africa to strengthen energy security, create high-quality jobs and drive industrial growth,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “The conversation at the G20 African Energy Investment Forum is about ensuring that Africa is not left behind in the global energy transition – and leaders like Ntuli are showing the way forward.” 

As global energy markets evolve, the inclusion of Africa’s nuclear ambitions in high-level investment discussions is both timely and essential. By bringing nuclear energy into the heart of the G20 agenda, the forum aims to attract new partnerships, enhance policy alignment and showcase Africa’s readiness to lead in clean, reliable power generation. 

To register for the Forum click here (https://apo-opa.co/3WWgNHa).  

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.