Category: MIL-OSI

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Government of Eritrea Disbursed Over 6.2 Billion Nakfa to Families of Martyrs

Source: APO – Report:

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The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare announced that, from 2004 to 2025, the Government of Eritrea disbursed over 6.2 billion Nakfa in support of families of martyrs.

Noting that the Government of Eritrea began extending support to families of martyrs in 1995, Mr. Zerai Tekleab, Director of Families of Martyrs’ Welfare at the Ministry, said that initially 10 thousand Nakfa was distributed to families of martyrs for each martyr.

Mr. Zerai went on to say that following the issuance of Proclamation No. 137/2003, aimed at sustainably extending support to families of martyrs, 500 Nakfa has been distributed monthly to families of martyrs for each martyr since January 2004.

Mr. Zerai also said that, as part of efforts to enable families of martyrs to become self-supportive, over 27 million Nakfa has been invested in rehabilitating families of martyrs through livestock and small-scale trade activities.

Regarding the contribution of nationals inside the country and abroad, Mr. Zerai said that every national in the Diaspora has taken the initiative to contribute 720 US dollars over two years, while others have assumed the responsibility of permanently supporting individual families of martyrs.

Mr. Zerai indicated that over the past 22 years, nationals inside the country and abroad have contributed over 202 million Nakfa, benefiting 24 thousand 545 families of martyrs.

Noting that nationals inside the country, including students, Government and PFDJ workers, as well as associations, are making valuable contributions in support of families of martyrs, Mr. Zerai called on every citizen to follow the noble initiative.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Deputy President Mashatile to undertake a Working Visit to the People’s Republic of China

Source: President of South Africa –

His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, will undertake a Working Visit to the People’s Republic of China from 20 to 26 June 2026.

The visit follows an invitation extended by the Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Mr Ren Hongbin, for the Deputy President to participate in the 4th China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, as well as other economic diplomacy engagements.

CISCE is the world’s first national-level expo dedicated to global supply chains, hosted under the auspices of the Chinese Government and organised by the CCPIT.

This will be the Deputy President’s second participation in the Expo, following his attendance at the 3rd CISCE in July 2025.

The Working Visit will further strengthen South Africa-China relations, with a particular focus on political cooperation, industrial investment, trade facilitation and economic collaboration.

Building on the successful outcomes of the 9th South Africa-China Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Cape Town in March 2026, and co-chaired by Deputy President Mashatile and Vice President Han Zheng of the People’s Republic of China, the visit seeks to further advance cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.

The Deputy President will also undertake high-level engagements with selected Chinese investors in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, reflecting the depth and breadth of South Africa’s economic partnership with China.

The Deputy President will be accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Zuko Godlimpi, as well as senior government officials. 

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to Deputy President Mashatile on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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President Ramaphosa to attend the launch of the newly renovated South African Reserve Bank Museum

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will this morning, Friday 19 June 2026 attend the launch of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Museum at the institution’s Head Office Campus in Pretoria. 
 
The museum forms part of the SARB’s commitment to transparency and accountability, opening its work to the public to enhance understanding of the central bank’s role in the economy. This will further serve to bring the institution closer to the public, fostering greater engagement and trust. 
 
It will have a dedicated school outreach programme, deepening financial and economic literacy in the country alongside the SARB’s flagship Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Schools Challenge. This programme is aimed at inspiring learners to pursue careers in economics and central banking by challenging them to write and present their own MPC statements. 
 
The SARB Museum traces the country’s economic heritage, exploring how ideas of money, value, trust and institution-building have evolved over time – from early forms of exchange to the central bank’s establishment in 1921 and its role in a democratic South Africa. 
 
The museum houses archaeological items dating back 75 000 years, a numismatic collection spanning over 300 years and South Africa’s first minting press from 1891. 

Alongside specialised exhibitions, the SARB Museum also features two art galleries showcasing the institution’s extensive collection. 
 
The museum will have rotating exhibitions, making the collection of more than 1 200 artworks accessible to the public for the first time since the SARB’s establishment. It will also feature permanent installations by legendary South African artists Esther Mahlangu, Helen Sebidi and Mary Sibande, commissioned by the SARB. 
 
The launch of the SARB Museum coincides with Youth Month, which was marked by the release of a new R2 circulation coin commemorating 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprising. 
 
The coin is part of a 2026 commemorative series centred around education. In August, the SARB will release a R2 commemorative coin celebrating the 125th anniversary of Charlotte Maxeke becoming the first black South African woman to graduate with a university degree. 

To mark 30 years since the country’s Constitution was signed into law, the SARB will release another R2 coin celebrating the right to education enshrined in the Constitution. The SARB will also release a R5 education tribute coin, which will feature the concepts of all three R2 coins: the Youth Uprising, Charlotte Maxeke and the Constitution. 
 
The Launch will take place as follows:
Date: Friday,19 June 2026
Time: 10H00
Venue: South African Reserve Bank Campus, Pretoria 

Accreditation enquiries: Media@resbank.co.za.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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African Children’s Day: Children in conflict with the law receive support and attention from United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in Beni and Bunia

Source: APO


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On the occasion of the Day of the African Child, celebrated every 16 June, teams from the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) conducted support, awareness-raising and humanitarian assistance activities for children in conflict with the law, children living with their mothers in prison, and detained women in the cities of Beni (North Kivu) and Bunia (Ituri).

In Beni, a delegation comprising staff from the Corrections Advisory Unit, supported by contingents of Malawian, Indonesian, Kenyan, Nepalese and Tanzanian peacekeepers, visited the urban prison and the children’s custodial facility. The team helped consist of food and non-food items, including powdered milk, soap, hygiene kits, and essential items for infants living with their mothers in detention.

This initiative aimed to improve the living conditions of beneficiaries and ensure that detained women with children under three years of age receive the necessary care and support. Hygiene products were also distributed as part of Ebola prevention efforts.

“Our dear partners from MONUSCO have come to the rescue of children in conflict with the law placed at the Beni custodial facility. They brought food and non-food items. It must be said that the storage was almost empty; they arrived at the right moment,” said Sefu Kambale Kyalire, Director of the facility.

“This act encourages us to call on other partners, people of goodwill, local organizations, associations and mutual groups to follow this example,” he added.

Beyond material assistance, the visit also provided an opportunity to raise awareness among nearly sixty-nine children and about twenty women on their rights and responsibilities, with a strong emphasis on child protection, including in custodial settings.

In addition, Malawian peacekeepers carried out sanitation activities by emptying and cleaning the prison’s septic tanks, thereby helping to reduce health risks. Upon their arrival, the sanitation facilities were overflowing, posing a threat to the health of detainees and surrounding communities.

Meanwhile, in Bunia, MONUSCO’s Justice Support Unit, in collaboration with the prison administration and the NGO ASSOCITURI, organized an awareness session for children in conflict with the law detained at the central prison.

These activities focused on children’s rights, good hygiene practices and health prevention measures, particularly against Ebola. The juvenile ward of the prison currently houses 36 children, all boys.

Held under the theme “Ensuring universal access to water, hygiene and sanitation for every child in Africa, including children in conflict with the law,” the celebration began with symbolic prevention actions such as hand disinfection and the display of awareness messages in Kiswahili.

The children actively participated in the commemoration through theatrical performances, quizzes and a dance competition, demonstrating strong engagement and enthusiasm. Children living with their mothers in detention also took part in the activities.

“This day is an opportunity to remind us that all children, without exception, must enjoy their fundamental rights, including access to hygiene, health and a dignified environment,” emphasized a MONUSCO team member involved in the organization.

Participants were encouraged to maintain good personal hygiene and keep their environment clean to prevent diseases and promote their well-being.

Established in 1991 by the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the Day of the African Child commemorates the events of 16 June 1976 in Soweto, South Africa, where hundreds of children lost their lives during a protest the injustices of the apartheid regime. Today, it serves as an important platform for advocacy for children’s rights and well-being across the continent.

Through these activities in Beni and Bunia, MONUSCO reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Congolese authorities in promoting and protecting the rights of children, including those in vulnerable situations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

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Résultats de l’Enquête sur le Budget Ouvert (OBS), 2025 : Le Bénin se distingue et devient un modèle de référence en Afrique Subsaharienne et dans le monde

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Les résultats obtenus par le Bénin au terme de l’enquête sur le Budget Ouvert, édition 2025, ont été officiellement présentés ce jeudi 18 juin 2026 à Cotonou aux institutions publiques, partenaires techniques et financiers, membres de la société civile et aux médias. 

Ces résultats résultent d’une évaluation internationale conduite par l’International Budget Partnership (IBP) et publiée le 3 juin 2026. Les performances enregistrées consacrent le Bénin parmi les références mondiales en matière de transparence budgétaire, de participation citoyenne et de contrôle budgétaire. 

De l’allocution de Monsieur Rodrigue CHAOU, Ministre délégué auprès du Ministre de l’Economie et des Finances, chargé du Budget et de la Fonction publique, il ressort que le Bénin a fait des performances historiques sur les trois composantes de l’OBS 2025. 

• En matière de transparence budgétaire, le Bénin obtient 77 points sur 100, se classant 1er pays en Afrique francophone, 2e en Afrique Subsaharienne juste derrière l’Afrique du Sud et 5e au niveau mondial; 

• En matière de Participation publique, le Bénin obtient 52 points sur 100, faisant du pays le 1er en Afrique Subsaharienne et le 2e au plan mondial juste derrière le Brésil ; 

• Sur le critère de contrôle budgétaire, le Bénin obtient 72 points sur 100, et occupe le 2e rang en Afrique Subsaharienne et le 11e au plan mondial. 

Cette performance est d’autant plus remarquable que le Bénin ne comptabilisait qu’un score de 1 sur 100 en transparence budgétaire en 2012, enregistrant ainsi une progression de 76 points en treize ans. Pour le Ministre Rodrigue CHAOU, le message du Bénin tient désormais en une phrase : « De la transparence passive de 2012, nous bâtissons aujourd’hui la transparence active. Je voudrais réaffirmer l’engagement du Chef de l’Etat et de son Gouvernement à poursuivre résolument la mise en œuvre des réformes ambitieuses en matière de gouvernance budgétaire et citoyenne. À Social Watch Bénin, aux autres ONG, aux médias et aux PTF: continuons d’exiger plus de nous-mêmes », a souligné le Ministre CHAOU. 

« Pour le Bénin, les résultats de l’OBS 2025 reflètent les progrès remarquables accomplis, les forces à consolider et les défis à relever », a déclaré Monsieur Rigobert OROU, Président du Conseil d’Administration de Social Watch Bénin. 

Quant à Madame Rike SOHN, Cheffe de Coopération de l’Ambassade d’Allemagne au Benin, elle réaffirme l’engagement des PTF à toujours accompagner le Bénin pour des performances encore plus historiques. 

Hormis les résultats de l’OBS 2025 pour le Bénin, l’International Budget Partnership (IBP), le dispositif et la méthodologie d’évaluation de l’OBS ont été présentés aux participants. La séance a pris fin par la remise officielle des documents de recommandations de l’OBS 2025 aux représentants de l’Exécutif, du Législatif, et de la Cour des Comptes.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

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President Boakai Honors Liberian Students for Wining Regional Intellectual Property Championship

Source: APO – Report:

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The Regional Intellectual Property (IP) Club Competition held in Harare, Zimbabwe, aimed at promoting intellectual property awareness among young people and encourage innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship at the secondary school level across Africa. 

The competition provided a platform for students to showcase their understanding of intellectual property rights, including, patents, trademarks, copyrights, industrial designs, and the role of intellectual property in fostering innovation and economic development through presentations, quizzing, debates, and other academic activities designed to test knowledge and practical application of intellectual property concepts.

The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts by intellectual property institutions and partners across Africa to cultivate a new generation of innovators by introducing intellectual property education into schools through the development of creative solutions to societal challenges while understanding the importance of protecting and commercializing innovative ideas.

The students, members of the Intellectual Property Club of Maretha International Preparatory High School who represented Liberia, were received and recognized by the President following their outstanding performance at the regional event, emerging as the Champions of the Regional Intellectual Property of Africa.

Speaking during the recognition ceremony, President Boakai praised the students for their remarkable achievement and for serving as ambassadors of Liberia on the international stage. He described their success as a testament to the talent, creativity, and innovative potential of Liberian youth.

President Boakai pointed out that the students’ accomplishment aligns with his Administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, especially its emphasis on education, youth empowerment, innovation, and human capacity development.

The President encouraged young Liberians to pursue excellence in science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, stressing that the country’s future depends largely on the ability of its youth to develop solutions that contribute to national growth and development.

The Director General of the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO), which facilitated the students’ participation in the competition, Honorable Garmia Koboi commended the President for recognizing the young champions and reaffirmed the LIPO’s commitment to promoting intellectual property education across the country.

Director Koboi asserted that the victory demonstrates the importance of investing in intellectual property awareness and innovation among young people, adding that such initiatives help prepare students to compete and succeed in an increasingly knowledge-based global economy.

– on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.

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La Société internationale islamique de financement du commerce (ITFC) renforce ses partenariats avec les pays membres lors de la troisième journée des Assemblées annuelles 2026 du Groupe de la Banque islamique de développement (BID)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Société internationale islamique de financement du commerce (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org), membre du Groupe de la Banque islamique de développement (BID), a poursuivi la concrétisation de son dialogue stratégique en partenariats tangibles lors de la troisième journée des Assemblées annuelles 2026 du Groupe de la BID à Bakou. Cette dynamique a été marquée par la signature d’un Accord-cadre d’un montant de 750 millions de dollars US avec la République de Côte d’Ivoire.

À la suite de la cérémonie officielle d’ouverture et de la séance plénière, les activités de l’ITFC se sont concentrées sur l’accompagnement des priorités de ses pays membres afin de soutenir la croissance économique, renforcer la résilience et accroître la participation du secteur privé. Les échanges ont porté sur des secteurs stratégiques tels que l’énergie, la sécurité alimentaire, la santé, l’agriculture, les exportations et le développement des petites et moyennes entreprises (PME).

M. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, Directeur général de l’ITFC, a tenu une série de réunions de haut niveau avec des délégations de pays membres et des partenaires, notamment l’Ouzbékistan, la Côte d’Ivoire, l’Égypte, la Mauritanie ainsi que le Fonds de l’OPEP pour le développement international. Les discussions ont porté sur l’élargissement des financements, le renforcement des cadres de coopération et l’accélération de la mise en œuvre des initiatives de financement du commerce et de coopération commerciale régionale, en adéquation avec les priorités nationales de développement.

Signature d’accord

Côte d’Ivoire : un Accord-cadre de 750 millions de dollars US pour soutenir les priorités nationales de développement

L’ITFC a signé un Accord-cadre d’un montant de 750 millions de dollars US avec la République de Côte d’Ivoire, ouvrant une nouvelle phase de coopération couvrant la période 2026–2029.

L’accord a été signé par S.E. Dr Souleymane Diarrassouba, Ministre du Plan et du Développement et Gouverneur de la BID pour la République de Côte d’Ivoire, et M. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, Directeur général de l’ITFC.

En cohérence avec le Plan national de développement de la Côte d’Ivoire, cet Accord-cadre soutiendra des secteurs prioritaires tels que l’énergie, la sécurité alimentaire, la santé, les exportations agricoles stratégiques ainsi que l’accès du secteur privé au financement du commerce.

Ce nouvel Accord-cadre s’inscrit dans le prolongement d’un partenariat de longue date entre l’ITFC et la Côte d’Ivoire, dont les financements approuvés cumulés dépassent 751 millions de dollars US, au titre des opérations souveraines et des opérations en faveur du secteur privé. Il fait également suite à la mise en œuvre réussie de l’Accord-cadre précédent, d’un montant de 250 millions de dollars US, signé en mai 2023, illustrant à la fois la forte demande de solutions de financement du commerce et l’efficacité de cette coopération.

La troisième journée des Assemblées annuelles a réaffirmé le rôle de l’ITFC en tant que bras de financement du commerce du Groupe de la BID, transformant un dialogue de haut niveau en partenariats concrets au service du développement durable et de la coopération économique régionale.

Alors que de nouvelles signatures d’accords, annonces de partenariats et activités médiatiques sont prévues lors de la dernière journée des Assemblées annuelles, l’ITFC continue de placer le financement du commerce, le développement du commerce et la connectivité régionale au cœur de son engagement en faveur de ses pays membres.

Distribué par APO Group pour International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

Pour toute demande des médias :
E-mail : ITFCGlobal@hudsonsandler.com
Téléphone : +44 (0)20 7796 4133

Contacter l’ITFC :
Tél. : +966 12 646 8337
Fax : +966 12 637 1064
E-mail : ITFC@itfc-idb.org

Réseaux sociaux :
Twitter (X) : @ITFCCORP
Facebook : @ITFCCORP
LinkedIn : International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC)

À propos de la Société Internationale Islamique de Financement du Commerce (ITFC) :
La Société Internationale Islamique de Financement du Commerce (ITFC) est un membre du Groupe de la Banque Islamique de Développement (BID). Elle a été créée dans le but premier de promouvoir le commerce entre les pays membres de l’OCI, ce qui contribuerait en fin de compte à l’objectif global d’amélioration des conditions socio-économiques des populations à travers le monde. Ayant commencé ses activités en janvier 2008, l’ITFC a fourni 96 milliards de dollars de financement aux pays membres de l’OCI, ce qui en fait le principal fournisseur de solutions commerciales pour les besoins de ces pays membres. Avec pour mission de devenir un catalyseur du développement du commerce pour les pays membres de l’OCI et au-delà, la Société aide les entités des pays membres à obtenir un meilleur accès au financement du commerce et leur fournit les outils nécessaires au renforcement des capacités liées au commerce, ce qui leur permettrait d’être compétitifs sur le marché mondial.

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International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Advances Member Country Partnerships on Day 3 of the 2026 Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Annual Meetings

Source: APO

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, continued to translate strategic dialogue into concrete partnerships on Day 3 of the 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings in Baku, highlighted by the signing of a US$750 million Framework Agreement with the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.

Following the official Opening Ceremony and Plenary Session, ITFC’s engagements focused on advancing member country priorities that support economic growth, strengthen resilience and expand private sector participation. Discussions covered key sectors including energy, food security, healthcare, agriculture, exports and SME development.

Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, held a series of high-level meetings with member country delegations and partners, including Uzbekistan, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Mauritania, and the OPEC Fund for International Development. The discussions focused on expanding financing, strengthening cooperation frameworks and accelerating the implementation of trade finance and regional trade cooperation initiatives aligned with national development priorities.

Signing Agreement

Côte d’Ivoire: US$750 Million Framework Agreement to Support National Development Priorities

ITFC signed a US$750 million Framework Agreement with the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, establishing a new phase of cooperation for the period 2026–2029.

The agreement was signed by H.E. Dr. Souleymane Diarrassouba, Minister of Planning and Development and IsDB Governor for the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, and Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC.

In alignment with Côte d’Ivoire’s National Development Plan, the framework will support priority sectors including energy, food security, healthcare, strategic agricultural exports and private sector access to trade finance.

The new agreement builds on a longstanding partnership between ITFC and Côte d’Ivoire, where cumulative financing approvals have exceeded US$751 million across sovereign and private sector operations. It also follows the successful utilization of the previous US$250 million Framework Agreement signed in May 2023, demonstrating the demand for trade finance solutions and the effectiveness of the partnership.

Day 3 of the Annual Meetings reinforced ITFC’s role as the IsDB Group’s trade finance arm, converting high-level dialogue into actionable partnerships that support sustainable development and regional economic cooperation.

With additional signings, partnership announcements and media engagements scheduled for the final day of the Annual Meetings, ITFC continues to place trade finance, trade development, and regional connectivity at the centre of its engagement with member countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

For all media enquiries:
Email: ITFCGlobal@hudsonsandler.com
Phone number: +44 (0)20 7796 4133 

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

Social Media: 
Twitter: @ITFCCORP (https://apo-opa.co/4evgVFP)
Facebook: @ITFCCORP (https://apo-opa.co/4vpcbcc)
LinkedIn: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://apo-opa.co/3SgCwuo)

About the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC):
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is the trade finance arm 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 the socio-economic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided more than US$96 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. 

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Merck Foundation Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and 12 First Ladies of Africa and Asia inaugurate the 13th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026

Source: APO

  • Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO together with the First Ladies of Angola, Botswana, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Gabon, The Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Maldives, Mozambique, Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe inaugurated the 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026.
  • Link to Live Stream of Inaugural Session of 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026: https://apo-opa.co/4erEWz7

​Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026 on 18th and 19th June, through an online videoconference. The annual conference was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary along with The First Ladies of 12 African and Asian countries, who joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation, President of “More Than a Mother” and Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary emphasized, “It is a great privilege to welcome our distinguished Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, The First Ladies of Africa and Asia, who are the Ambassadors of our ‘More Than a Mother’ campaign to the 13th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary.

Together, we exchanged valuable experiences and engaged in meaningful discussions on the impact of our programs, which are aimed at transforming patient care and raising awareness of a wide range of critical social and health issues.”

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees added, “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the First Ladies of Africa and Asia who joined us as Guests of Honor, as well as to the Ministers, healthcare experts, policymakers, government officials, academia, media representatives, and all our partners for their unwavering support and collaboration. At Merck Foundation, we remain committed to improving health and well-being by building healthcare capacity and providing access to quality and equitable healthcare across Africa, Asia, and beyond. Together, we will continue advancing our vision of a world where everyone can lead a healthy and happy life.”

The First Ladies of African and Asian Countries, who joined the 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary are:

  • H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, First Lady of the Republic of Angola
  • H.E. Mrs. KAONE BOKO, First Lady of the Republic of Botswana
  • H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde
  • H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, First Lady of the Central African Republic
  • H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, First Lady of the Gabonese Republic
  • H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia
  • H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO, First Lady of the Republic of Kenya
  • H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, First Lady of the Republic of Liberia
  • H.E. Madam SAJIDHA MOHAMED, First Lady of the Republic of Maldives
  • H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique
  • H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
  • H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe

Dr. Rasha Kelej shared, “I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided more than 2600 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties. Many of our Merck Foundation alumni have become the first specialists in their countries. Together with our Ambassadors and partners, we are making history and transforming the patient care landscape across Africa, Asia, and beyond.”

She further added, “During our Conference, we also marked World Infertility Awareness Month, observed annually in June, through our historic “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” campaign, dedicated to empowering infertile and childless women by providing access to information, health, education, and change of mindset.

I am pleased to share that, of the 2,600+ scholarships provided by Merck Foundation, more than 800 scholarships have been for healthcare providers in the fields of Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women’s Health, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, and Family Medicine. These scholarships are helping strengthen fertility care services and improving access to women’s health across 42 countries.”

During the 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, two important occasions were marked; the 9th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 14 years of Merck Foundation’s development programs that were started in 2012.

On the first day, the Inaugural Session of the 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary took place, featuring a high-level panel of the participating First Ladies of Africa and Asia.

The Day 1 was attended by over 800 participants including healthcare providers, policymakers, and media from 57 English-, French-, and Portuguese-speaking countries. Additionally, the conference was live streamed on social media, with over 220K+ social media viewers, further amplifying the impact and extending access to knowledge and dialogue across continents.

The Day 2 of the conference will have two parallel scientific sessions covering Oncology and Fertility Topics.

The 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary is streamed live on the Social Media Handles of Merck Foundation and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation:

@Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4ek0tcW), X (https://apo-opa.co/3SPp0Op),Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4fVeLSn), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4euc5bZ).

@Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4fPqv91), X (https://apo-opa.co/4vUWV6y), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4eC9JYL), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4eySGH0).

Link to the Facebook live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/4erEWz7

Merck Foundation is transforming the patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:

  • 2600+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for healthcare providers from 52 Countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:

  • 4000+ Media Representatives from more than 42 countries trained by Merck Foundation to better raise awareness about different social and health issues.
  • 8 Different Awards launched annually for best Media coverage, Song, Films, and Fashion contributing to raise awareness and break the silence.
  • Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa in English, French, Portuguese, and local languages.
  • 9 Children’s Storybooks in four languages – English, French, Portuguese, and Swahili.
  • 6 Awareness Animation Films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education and prevention and early detection of Diabetes, Hypertension & Cancer.
  • Pan African TV Program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community.
  • 1550+ Annual Scholarships awarded to African schoolgirls from 21 countries, covering school fees and other essential educational expenses, including books, uniforms and transport, to help them to complete their studies and empower them to reach their full potential.
    • 15 Social Media Channels with more than 9 Million Followers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

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

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
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Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4eSuzUQ
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4oDkuyC

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/4ek0tcW), X (https://apo-opa.co/3SPp0Op), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4fVeLSn), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4euc5bZ), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4ehMsfJ) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4eSuzUQ).

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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Bafana Bafana show mettle in hard-fought draw

Source: Government of South Africa

Bafana Bafana show mettle in hard-fought draw

The South African government has sent its congratulations to Bafana Bafana on their hard-fought draw against Czechia during the FIFA World Cup match today. 

“The draw is a testament to the determination and fighting spirit of the players, coaching staff and support team, and reflects the talent and potential of South African football on the global stage. 

“As the nation celebrates this achievement, let us continue to cheer our national team to even greater success throughout the tournament,” government said in a statement on Thursday.

South Africans have been encouraged to wear green and gold on Bafana Fridays to show support and stand united behind the boys as they head to their next match. 

Placed in Group A, Bafana Bafana’s 2026 campaign features a 2-0 opening loss to Mexico, followed by tonight’s critical 1-1 draw with Czechia. – SAnews.gov.za

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