Category: MIL-OSI

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Oregen Energy Strengthens Orange Basin Position as Namibia Emerges as Africa’s Oil Frontier

Source: APO


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Namibia’s Orange Basin has become one of the most closely watched oil frontiers in the world, with large-scale discoveries by Galp, TotalEnergies and Shell pointing to billions of barrels of recoverable resources. As international operators move toward appraisal and development, Oregen Energy is expanding its footprint in the basin, offering investors early exposure to one of Africa’s most prolific plays.

Oregen Energy recently announced it had increased its ownership in WestOil Limited to 48.5%, giving the company a 33.95% indirect working interest in Block 2712A – a 5,484 km² license strategically located in the heart of the Orange Basin and adjacent to acreage held by Pan Continental and Chevron. The move, tied to a $3.65 million brokered financing and its approval to list on the Canadian Securities Exchange, underscores Oregen’s strategy of building a meaningful position in Namibia’s offshore.

The company is advancing a clear exploration roadmap for Block 2712A, includin11g an independent technical report, a 3D seismic acquisition campaign planned for late 2025/early 2026, and a farm-out process in 2026 designed to bring in a supermajor partner ahead of targeted drilling in 2027. Oregen’s business model emphasizes acquiring large working interests in deepwater licenses, de-risking them through seismic acquisition and farming out to major operators with capital and technical depth.

“Namibia’s recent discoveries are rewriting the map of African oil and gas. The entrance of new investors into blocks like 2712A shows growing confidence in the country’s energy future, and it positions Namibia alongside industry leaders as the Orange Basin enters its next phase of growth,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

Bolstering its strategy, Oregen has welcomed a team of seasoned industry veterans: Adrian Goodisman, a petroleum engineer with decades of oil and gas banking experience; Tim O’Hanlon, co-founder of Tullow Oil and an authority on African E&P; Mason Granger, a five-time TopGun Investment Mind; and Michael Humphries, a veteran of Rothschild and Rand Merchant Bank. This leadership bench, combined with a high-potential asset base, gives the company an edge in executing its growth plans.

As a sponsor of this year’s AEW: Invest in African Energies in Cape Town, Oregen Energy will showcase its Orange Basin strategy and engage with regional and international stakeholders. The event will provide a platform for highlighting Namibia’s transformative potential as it moves from frontier exploration to emerging producer – and for Oregen to demonstrate how early-stage players can help drive that transition.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets Dutch Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

The Hague, September 17, 2025

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met Wednesday in The Hague with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands David van Weel.
The meeting reviewed bilateral cooperation relations and ways to strengthen and promote, in addition to the latest regional developments, particularly the treacherous Israeli attack that targeted Doha.
HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the State of Qatar will take all necessary measures to safeguard its security and preserve its sovereignty.
For his part, HE the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated his country’s solidarity with the State of Qatar, stressing that the Israeli attack constituted a violation of Qatar sovereignty and international law. 

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HRC60: Qatar Reiterates Condemnation of Israeli Attack, Urges Accountability and Mediation Support

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, September 16, 2025

The State of Qatar participated Tuesday in an emergency session within the 60th United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC60), regarding the treacherous Israeli assault that targeted Doha.
The Qatari delegation to the session was headed by HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad.
In Qatar’s statement during the session – joined by over 75 countries – Her Excellency extended genuine thanks to the Human Rights Council for its swift response in convening this emergency session. She noted that scu a response reflects the Council’s pivotal role in safeguarding human rights and promoting international peace and security.
She also praised the positions of member states that supported the convening of this session during this critical time.
Her Excellency stated that the September 9 attack targeted a densely populated civilian area in the heart of the capital, Doha, near diplomatic missions, schools, kindergartens, and mosques – an area home to about five thousand people, including Qatari families as well as families of residents, children, and women, she added.
She explained that this attack resulted in martyrs and injuries, including the martyr Corporal Badr Saad Al-Dosari, 22, and 18 wounded. This is not only a blatant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar and the integrity of its territory, but also a grave breach of fundamental human rights, the right to life, security, and the protection of children and education, as enshrined in international covenants, primarily the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
HE the Minister stressed that this attack constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law by targeting a purely civilian area, and represents an assault on a fully-fledged member state of the United Nations, amounting to state terrorism and posing a direct threat to regional and international peace and security.
She added that what makes the crime even more dangerous is that it targeted a state playing a mediating role in coordination with the United States and the Arab Republic of Egypt to reach a ceasefire in Gaza. Targeting the mediating state is an attack on the principle of negotiation itself and a deliberate sabotage of peace efforts.
Her Excellency explained that Qatari mediation had previously contributed to tangible results, including the safe release of 135 hostages, which restored reassurance to hundreds of Israeli families.
Qatar also played a prominent role in achieving the truce agreement that gave civilians in Gaza a chance to breathe, and the humanitarian mediation allowed the entry of food aid for children suffering from starvation and bombardment, deprived of their most basic rights.
Her Excellency noted that these experiences confirm that Qatari mediation was never a symbolic act, but a genuine practice that saved lives, restored rights, and instilled hope in the possibility of reaching peaceful solutions to conflicts. Therefore, targeting the mediating state not only undermines the negotiation process but also diminishes the chances of saving more lives and achieving peace.
HE the Minister stated that this attack was not an isolated incident, but part of a broader campaign aimed at distorting Qatar’s role and obstructing its diplomatic efforts. This was confirmed by statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who clearly announced continued threats to other countries, in a dangerous escalation that threatens to drag the region and the world into systematic violations of international law. She pointed out that what happened in Doha could be repeated in any other capital if the international community does not act responsibly.
Regarding the Arab, Islamic, and international stance through the Security Council meeting, Her Excellency referred to the Emergency Arab-Islamic summit held in Doha, which unanimously condemned the brutal aggression and rejected any attempt to justify it.
The summit considered it a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, reaffirmed the concept of collective security and shared destiny, and emphasized that international legitimacy and UN resolutions are the fundamental reference for achieving security and peace.
Unfortunately, Her Excellency continued, peoples have become accustomed to news of death, attacks, and starvation surrounding the world today. She further questioned what the world is waiting for if humanity fails to stop hostility, hatred, and violence through international treaties.
Her Excellency underscored that if the rule of law is absent, the logic of force prevails at the expense of justice, and the world turns into a battlefield without controls, eroding trust in laws, treaties, and mechanisms. Therefore, she added, the world relies on the HRC to activate its international mechanisms and ensure that aggressors do not escape punishment, preserving the dignity of the law and the humanity of individuals.
HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation emphasized that the State of Qatar reaffirms its unequivocal condemnation of the treacherous Israeli aggression and its resulting targeting of civilians and blatant violation of international law, calling on the Human Rights Council and the international community to take practical steps to hold the aggressors accountable and prevent their impunity, warned of the danger of targeting mediating states and considered it a precedent that threatens negotiation and peace efforts, and stressed the need to explore international mechanisms to protect the role of mediation.
She also renewed Qatar’s commitment to the path of mediation and working for peace, despite this aggression, stemming from its moral and legal duty.
Her Excellency affirmed that the State of Qatar is confident that the Human Rights Council will not accept any violation of human rights principles and will not tolerate this grave violation. The Council prioritizes the protection of international law for the sake of stability and safeguarding the role of mediation as a key tool to end conflicts and ensure that peoples enjoy their rights and freedoms in security and peace. 

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KCB and Afreximbank in Joint Funding Deal to Operationalize Vipingo Special Economic Zone (SEZ)

Source: APO – Report:

KCB Group and pan-African multilateral development bank, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) have entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at providing financial and trade facilitation support to investors operating in the Vipingo Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kilifi County.

Under the agreement, Afreximbank and KCB Group will provide initial funding amounting to US$ 500 million and US$ 300 million, respectively towards the initiative.

The announcement was made during the Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise IIP) – Kenya Investment Forum 2025 where business leaders converged to deliberate on how to position Kenya as a preferred investment destination.

Under the framework, prospective investors will benefit from competitive financing solutions to establish operations within the SEZ, with a focus on manufacturing, agro-processing, logistics, and value-addition enterprises.

By combining resources, expertise, and networks, KCB and Afreximbank will empower both local and international investors to enjoy tailored financing solutions, including working capital facilities, project finance, trade financing, project preparation facility, guarantees and advisory support among others.

Speaking during the signing ceremony on September 16, 2025, in Vipingo, KCB Group CEO, Paul Russo said, “This agreement marks a significant step in our mission to catalyse sustainable industrial growth in Kenya and across the region. We are delighted to elevate Vipingo SEZ as a gateway to transforming, creating and sustaining an environment in which export-oriented industries can thrive, by leveraging economies of scale, shared infrastructure and access to global markets.”

The Vipingo SEZ is one of Kenya’s flagship projects under the Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA), envisioned as a catalyst for attracting investment and spurring regional development. By channeling affordable capital into the zone, the partnership between KCB and Afreximbank is expected to unlock critical infrastructure, strengthen export-oriented industries, and position Kilifi as a magnet for both domestic and foreign direct investment.

On her part, Afreximbank’s Managing Director, Export Development, Ms. Oluranti Doherty noted: “Afreximbank’s mandate is to promote and expand African trade, and this partnership with KCB is a concrete demonstration of that commitment. Special Economic Zones are powerful engines for industrialization, export growth, and economic diversification. Through this financing framework, we will not only enable enterprises to scale but also support the creation of sustainable supply chains that uplift local communities and drive regional integration.”

Mr. Russo signed on behalf of KCB Group, Ms. Doherty for Afreximbank and Mr. George Olaka, CEO Arise IIP-Kenya signed for his organistion. The ceremony was witnessed by H.E. Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank and Mr. Gagan Gupta, Founder and CEO of ARISE IIP.

The agreement underscores the role of strategic partnerships in bridging Africa’s financing gap while enabling the private sector to play a transformative role in sustainable development. The funding to Vipingo SEZ is under the Afreximbank’s US$ 3 Billion Country Programme to Kenya signed in May 2023 to support the development of various sectors of its economy, with a special focus on industrial development, namely the Naivasha Industrial Park, Dongo Kundu Industrial Park and now the Vipingo SEZ. Afreximbank disbursed US$ 40 million in funding to facilitate the development of  the Vipingo Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with a further commitment of US$ 500 million to support individual investors setting up operations within the Zone.

– on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contacts:
Peter Mwaura Kimani
Head of Corporate & Stakeholder Relations
Email: pmkimani@kcbgroup.com

KCB Group Plc
Kencom House
P. O. Box 48400 – 00100
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 20 3270000 / 2851000 / 2852000
Mobile: +254 711 012 000 / 734 108 200
SMS: 22522
Email: contactus@kcbgroup.com

Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

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About KCB Group PLC:
KCB Group Plc is East Africa’s largest commercial Bank and was established in 1896. The Group is headquartered in Kenya, with the country serving as the lead market with two banking subsidiaries namely KCB Bank Kenya and National Bank of Kenya. Over the years, the Bank has grown and spread its wings into Tanzania, South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Our subsidiaries KCB Bank Kenya and Trust Merchant Bank (TMB) also have representative offices in Ethiopia and Brussels, respectively. Additionally, KCB Group owns KCB Bancassurance Intermediary Limited, KCB Investment Bank, KCB Asset Management, KCB Foundation and Kencom House Limited as non-banking businesses. Today KCB has the largest branch network in the region with 538 branches, 1,319 ATMs and over 1.3 million merchants and agents offering banking services on a 24/7 basis in East Africa. This is complemented by mobile banking and internet banking services with 24-hour contact center services for our customers to get in touch with the Bank. KCB has a vast network of correspondent relationships totaling over 200 banks across the globe, and our customers are assured of a seamless facilitation of their international trade requirements wherever they are.

About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

About ARISE IIP:
ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP) is a Dubai-headquartered pan-African infrastructure developer and operator driving the creation of sustainable industrial ecosystems. Active in more than 14 countries, ARISE IIP designs, finances, builds, and operates bespoke industrial zones that strengthen local value chains, promote exports, and generate long-term employment.

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CEO da Fundação Merck mantém encontro com a Primeira-Dama das Maldivas e 13 Primeiras-Damas da África na 7ª edição da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck para discutir os seus programas conjuntos de transformação do cenário de atendimento ao paciente e abordar questões sociais e de saúde críticas

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Fundação Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha, realizou a 7ª Edição da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck – MFFLI 2025, recentemente. A Cimeira foi aberta pelo Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Presidente do Conselho de Curadores da Fundação Merck, e Senadora, Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck & Presidente da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck e por S. Ex.ª, Senhora SAJIDHA MOHAMED, Primeira-Dama da República das Maldivas e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck “Mais do Que uma Mãe” bem como pelas Primeiras-Damas de Angola, Cabo Verde, República Centro Africana, Gabão, da Gâmbia, Gana, Quénia, Libéria, Moçambique, Nigéria, São Tomé & Príncipe, Senegal, and Zimbabwe.

A Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej expressou: “Foi um prazer manter encontro com a minha querida irmã, S. Exª. Senhora SAJIDHA MOHAMED, Senhora SAJIDHA MOHAMED, Primeira-Dama da República das Maldivas e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck” para a 7ª edição da nossa Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck. Também visitei as Maldivas recentemente para manter encontro com ela. Durante a nossa reunião, discutimos os nossos programas conjuntos e reforçamos o nosso compromisso com o desenvolvimento de capacidade na área da saúde e na transformação do cenário de atendimento aos pacientes, oferecendo bolsas de estudo para médicos locais. Já começamos a recrutar médicos para treinamentos em Fertilidade e Embriologia.”

S. Exª. Senhora SAJIDHA MOHAMED, Senhora SAJIDHA MOHAMED, Primeira-Dama da República das Maldivas e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck” enfatizou: “Tenho muito orgulho da nossa parceria com a Fundação Merck. Fico feliz em partilhar que já começamos a oferecer bolsas de estudo para os nossos médicos locais em treinamento em Fertilidade e Embriologia. Essas são duas especialidades muito importantes para o nosso país. Também, planeamos matricular os nossos médicos em outras especialidades, reforçando ainda mais, a nossa parceria com a Fundação Merck para aprimorar a capacidade de atendimento à saúde no país.”

Assista ao discurso da Primeira Dama das Maldivas e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe durante a Cúpula da Iniciativa das Primeiras Damas da Fundação Merck 2025 aqui: https://apo-opa.co/47O0hzM

Assista ao vídeo da CEO da Fundação Merck, Senadora, Dra. Rasha Kelej durante o encontro mantido com S. Exª. Senhora SAJIDHA MOHAMED, Primeira-Dama da República das Maldivas e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck”:  https://apo-opa.co/4ndekne

No segundo dia da Cimeira, foi realizada a reunião do Comité da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck – MFFLI entre as Primeiras-Damas Africanas, o Presidente e a CEO da Fundação Merck, onde as Primeiras-Damas Africanas e Asiáticas compartilharam os relatórios de impacto dos programas da Fundação Merck nos seus respectivos países, bem como discutiram a futura estratégia.

Assista ao video da reunião do Comité MFFLI: https://apo-opa.co/4nAIKzA

“Até o momento, concedemos 2.280 bolsas de estudo para médicos de 52 países em 44 especialidades médicas carentes. Continuaremos a desenvolver e aprimorar a capacidade de atendimento à saúde nas Maldivas, nos países africanos e em outros lugares”, acrescentou a Senadora, Dra. Rasha Kelej.

Através dos seus Programas de Conscientização Comunitária, a Fundação Merck também está a trabalhar, em estreita colaboração, com a Primeira Dama das Maldivas para abordar uma ampla gama de questões sociais críticas, como acabar com o estigma da infertilidade, acabar com a violência do género e o empoderamento das mulheres, além de importantes questões de saúde, incluindo a promoção da importância de um estilo de vida saudável e a conscientização sobre a diabetes e a hipertensão.

A Fundação Merck, juntamente com a Primeira Dama das Maldivas, realizará em breve, o seu Treinamento em Mídia da Saúde para representantes da mídia das Maldivas, para enfatizar o importante papel da mídia no enfrentamento dessas questões sociais e de saúde críticas e ser a voz dos que não têm voz.

A Fundação Merck, em parceria, com a Primeira Dama das Maldivas, também anunciou a abertura de candidaturas para os seus 8 importantes prémios de jornalismo, canção, moda, cinema, para estudantes e novos talentos com potencial nessas áreas.

Além disso, em parceria com a Primeira Dama das Maldivas, a Fundação Merck também lançou sete livros de histórias infantis, “Mais do Que uma Mãe”, “Educar Linda”, “Resgate da Jaqueline”, “Não É Quem És”, “Viagem ao Futuro”, “Jude Sem Açúcar”, e “Pressão de Mark”. Os livros de histórias abordam várias questões sociais e de saúde, como combate ao estigma da infertilidade, apoiar a educação de meninas, acabar com a violência do género e conscientizar sobre a diabetes e a hipertensão.

A 7ª Edição da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas foi stransmitida em directo nos canais das redes sociais da Fundação Merck e da Senadora, Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck:

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4nboG78), X (https://apo-opa.co/4nCuGWl), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/42BORLQ),  e YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4nFOGaF).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4nzgH3x), X (https://apo-opa.co/3VlVy0I), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/46kHB8d), e YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4nwVRBJ).

Fundação Merck está a transformar o cenário de atendimento ao paciente e fazer história junto com os seus parceiros em África, Ásia e além, através de:

Mais de 2.280 bolsas de estudo fornecidas pela Fundação Merck para médicos de 52 países em mais de 44 especialidades médicas críticas e carentes.  

A Fundação Merck também está a criar uma mudança cultural e quebrar o silêncio sobre uma ampla gama de questões sociais e de saúde em África e em comunidades carentes através de:

Mais de 3.700 profissionais da mídia de mais de 35 países treinados para aumentar a conscientização sobre diferentes questões sociais e de saúde

8 prémios diferentes lançados anualmente para a melhor cobertura da mídia, designers de moda, filmes e músicas

Cerca de 30 músicas abordando questões sociais e de saúde, por cantores locais de toda a África

8 livros de histórias infantis em três línguas: inglês, francês e português

7 filmes de animação de conscientização em cinco línguas: inglês, francês, português, espanhol e Swahili para conscientizar sobre a prevenção e a detecção precoce da diabetes e da hipertensão e apoiar a educação de meninas.

Programa televisivo pan-africano “Nossa África da Fundação Merck” aborda questões sociais e de saúde em África através da comunidade “Moda e ARTE com Propósito”

Mais de 950 bolsas de estudo oferecidas a estudantes africanas de alto desempenho, mas carentes, para empoderá-las a concluir os seus estudos

15 canais de mídia social com mais de 8 milhões de seguidores

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Merck Foundation.

Contato:
Mehak Handa
Gerente do Programa de Conscientização Comunitária
Telefone: +91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Junte-se à conversa nas plataformas das nossas mídias sociais e deixe a sua voz ser ouvida:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4nboG78
X: https://apo-opa.co/4nCuGWl
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4nFOGaF
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/42BORLQ
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4n0Nhvg
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/46qdUT8
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Baixar a Aplicação da Fundação Merck: https://apo-opa.co/3K7AgRZ

Sobre Fundação Merck:
A Fundação Merck, criada em 2017, é o braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha e visa melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar das pessoas e impulsionar suas vidas por meio da ciência e da tecnologia. Nossos esforços concentram-se principalmente em melhorar o acesso a soluções de saúde de qualidade e equitativas em comunidades carentes, fortalecer a capacidade em saúde e pesquisa científica, empoderar meninas na educação e empoderar pessoas em STEM (Ciência, Tecnologia, Engenharia e Matemática), com foco especial em mulheres e jovens. Todos os comunicados de imprensa da Fundação Merck são distribuídos por e-mail ao mesmo tempo em que são disponibilizados no site da Fundação Merck.  Visite www.Merck-Foundation.com para ler mais. Siga as redes sociais da Fundação Merck: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4nboG78), X (https://apo-opa.co/4nCuGWl), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/42BORLQ), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4nFOGaF), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4n0Nhvg) e Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/46qdUT8).

A Fundação Merck dedica-se a melhorar os resultados sociais e de saúde de comunidades carentes. Embora colabore com diversos parceiros, incluindo governos, para alcançar os seus objectivos humanitários, a fundação permanece estritamente neutra em questões políticas. Não se envolve nem apoia quaisquer actividades, eleições ou regimes políticos, concentrando-se exclusivamente na sua missão de elevar a humanidade e promover o bem-estar, mantendo uma postura estritamente apolítica em todos os seus esforços.

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CEO de la Fondation Merck rencontre la Première Dame des Maldives et 13 Premières Dames d’Afrique lors de la 7ème Édition du Sommet de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck afin de discuter de leurs programmes conjoints visant à transformer le paysage des soins aux patients et à répondre aux enjeux sociaux et sanitaires cruciaux

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Fondation Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne, a récemment organisé la 7ème Édition du Sommet MFFLI 2025 de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck. Elle a été inaugurée par le Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman du Conseil d’Administration de la Fondation Merck, et la Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck et Présidente de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck, et S.E. Madame SAJIDHA MOHAMED, Première Dame de la République des Maldives et Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » aux côtés des Premières Dames d’Angola, Cap-Vert, République Centrafricaine, Gabon, Gambie, Ghana, Kenya, Libéria, Mozambique, Nigéria, São Tomé-et-Principe, Sénégal, et Zimbabwe.

Sénatrice Dr. Rasha Kelej a déclaré : « J’ai été ravie de rencontrer ma chère sœur, S.E. Madame SAJIDHA MOHAMED, Première Dame de la République des Maldives et Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère », pour la 7ème Édition de notre Sommet de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck. Je me suis également rendue récemment aux Maldives pour la rencontrer. Au cours de notre réunion, nous avons discuté de nos programmes communs et souligné notre engagement à renforcer les capacités des soins de santé et à transformer le paysage des soins aux patients en accordant des bourses aux médecins locaux. Nous avons déjà commencé à recruter des médecins pour des formations en Fertilité et Embryologie. »

S.E. Madame SAJIDHA MOHAMED, Première Dame de la République des Maldives et Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère », a souligné : « Je suis très fière de notre partenariat avec la Fondation Merck. Je suis heureuse d’annoncer que nous avons déjà commencé à offrir des bourses à nos médecins locaux pour la formation en Fertilité et en Embryologie. Ce sont deux spécialités essentielles pour notre pays. Nous prévoyons également d’inscrire nos médecins dans d’autres spécialités, soulignant ainsi davantage notre partenariat avec la Fondation Merck pour renforcer les capacités de soins de santé dans le pays. »

Regardez le discours de la Première Dame des Maldives et Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » lors du Sommet de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck 2025 ici : https://apo-opa.co/47O0hzM

Regardez la vidéo de la CEO de la Fondation Merck, Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej, recevant S.E. Madame SAJIDHA MOHAMED, Première Dame de la République des Maldives et Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » :  https://apo-opa.co/4ndekne

Le deuxième jour du Sommet, une réunion du comité de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck – MFFLI a eu lieu entre les Premières Dames d’Afrique et le Chairman et la CEO de la Fondation Merck. Au cours de cette réunion, les Premières Dames d’Afrique et d’Asie ont partagé le rapport d’impact des programmes de la Fondation Merck dans leurs pays respectifs et ont discuté de la stratégie future.

Regardez la vidéo de la réunion du comité MFFLI : https://apo-opa.co/4nAIKzA

« Nous avons jusqu’à présent accordé 2 280 bourses à des médecins de 52 pays dans 44 spécialités médicales mal desservies. Nous continuerons à renforcer et à améliorer les capacités en matière de soins de santé aux Maldives, dans les pays africains et au-delà », a ajouté la Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Grâce à ses Programmes de Sensibilisation Communautaire, la Fondation Merck travaille également en étroite collaboration avec la Première Dame des Maldives pour aborder un large éventail de problèmes sociaux critiques tels que briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, mettre fin à la violence sexiste et assurer l’autonomisation des femmes, ainsi que d’importants problèmes de santé, notamment la promotion sur l’importance d’un mode de vie sain et la sensibilisation sur le diabète et l’hypertension.

La Fondation Merck, en collaboration avec la Première Dame des Maldives, organisera prochainement une Formation des Médias sur la Santé destinée aux représentants des médias maldiviens, afin de souligner le rôle important des médias pour aborder ces questions sociales et sanitaires cruciales et être la voix des sans-voix.

La Fondation Merck a également lancé un Appel à Candidatures pour ses 8 prix importants, en partenariat avec la Première Dame des Maldives, destinés aux médias, aux musiciens, aux créateurs de mode, aux cinéastes, aux étudiants et aux nouveaux talents potentiels dans ces domaines.

De plus, en partenariat avec la Première Dame des Maldives, la Fondation Merck a également lancé sept livres d’histoires pour enfants : « Plus Qu’une Mère », « Éduquer Linda », « Le Secours de Jackline », « Pas Qui Vous êtes », « Une Balade vers le Futur », « Jude Sans Sucre » et « La Tension de Mark ». Ces livres abordent diverses questions sociales et sanitaires, telles que la lutte contre la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, le soutien à l’éducation des filles, la lutte contre la violence sexiste, la sensibilisation sur le diabète et l’hypertension.

La 7ème édition de l’Initiative des Premières Dames de la Fondation Merck a été diffusée en direct sur les réseaux sociaux de Merck Foundation et Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck :

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4nboG78), X (https://apo-opa.co/4nCuGWl), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/42BORLQ),  et YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4nFOGaF).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4nzgH3x), X (https://apo-opa.co/3VlVy0I), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/46kHB8d), et YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4nwVRBJ).

La Fondation Merck transforme le paysage des soins aux patients et écrit l’histoire avec ses partenaires en Afrique, en Asie et au-delà, à travers :

• Plus de 2280 Bourses offertes par la Fondation Merck pour les médecins de 52 pays dans 44 spécialités médicales critiques et mal desservies.  

La Fondation Merck crée également un changement de culture et brise le silence sur un large éventail de problèmes sociaux et sanitaires en Afrique et dans les communautés mal desservies grâce à :

• Plus de 3700 Journalistes de plus de 35 pays formés pour mieux sensibiliser sur les différents problèmes sociaux et sanitaires.

• 8 Prix Différents lancés chaque année pour la meilleure couverture médiatique, les créateurs de mode, les films et les chansons.

• Environ 30 chansons pour aborder les problèmes sanitaires et sociaux par des chanteurs locaux à travers l’Afrique.

• 8 livres de contes pour enfants en trois langues – anglais, français et portugais.

• 7 Films d’Animation de Sensibilisation en cinq langues : Anglais, Français, Portugais, Espagnol et Swahili pour sensibiliser sur la prévention et le dépistage précoce du diabète et de l’hypertension et soutenir l’éducation des filles.

• Programme Télévisé Panafricain « Notre Afrique par la Fondation Merck » abordant les problèmes sociaux et sanitaires en Afrique à travers la communauté « Mode et L’Art avec un But ».

• Plus de 950 bourses accordées à des écolières africaines brillantes mais défavorisées pour leur permettre de terminer leurs études.

  • 15 chaînes de réseaux sociaux avec plus de 8 millions de d’abonnés.

Distribué par APO Group pour Merck Foundation.

Contact :
Mehak Handa
Responsable du programme de sensibilisation communautaire
Téléphone : +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
E-mail : mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Rejoignez la conversation sur nos plateformes de réseaux sociaux ci-dessous et faites entendre votre voix :
Facebook : https://apo-opa.co/4nboG78
X : https://apo-opa.co/4nCuGWl
YouTube : https://apo-opa.co/4nFOGaF
Instagram : https://apo-opa.co/42BORLQ
Threads : https://apo-opa.co/4n0Nhvg
Flickr : https://apo-opa.co/46qdUT8
Site Web : www.Merck-Foundation.com
Télécharger l’Application de la Fondation Merck : https://apo-opa.co/3K7AgRZ

À propos de la Fondation Merck : 
La Fondation Merck, créée en 2017, est la branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne, vise à améliorer la santé et le bien-être des populations et à faire progresser leur vie grâce à la science et à la technologie. Nos efforts sont principalement axés sur l’amélioration de l’accès à des solutions de soins de santé de qualité et équitables dans les communautés mal desservies, à renforcer les capacités de recherche sur les soins de santé et la recherche scientifique, l’autonomisation des filles à travers l’éducation et l’autonomisation des personnes en STEM (Science, Technologie, Ingénierie et Mathématiques) avec un accent particulier sur les femmes et les jeunes. Tous les communiqués de presse de la Fondation Merck sont distribués par e-mail en même temps qu’ils deviennent disponibles sur le site Web de la Fondation Merck. Veuillez visiter www.Merck-Foundation.com pour en savoir plus. Pour en savoir plus, contactez nos réseaux sociaux de la Fondation Merck : Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4nboG78), X (https://apo-opa.co/4nCuGWl), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/42BORLQ), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4nFOGaF), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4n0Nhvg) et Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/46qdUT8).

La Fondation Merck se consacre à l’amélioration des résultats sociaux et sanitaires pour les communautés dans le besoin. Bien qu’elle collabore avec divers partenaires, y compris des gouvernements, pour atteindre ses objectifs humanitaires, la fondation reste strictement neutre sur le plan politique. Elle ne s’engage pas et ne soutient pas d’activités, d’élections ou de régimes politiques, se focalise uniquement sur sa mission d’élever l’humanité et d’améliorer le bien-être tout en maintenant une position strictement apolitique dans toutes ses activités.

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Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) meets Maldives First Lady & 13 First Ladies of Africa at 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit to discuss their joint programs to transform patient care landscape and address critical social and health issues

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 recently. It was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative and H.E. Madam SAJIDHA MOHAMED, First Lady of the Republic of Maldives and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” along with First Ladies of Angola, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria, São Tomé & Príncipe, Senegal, and Zimbabwe.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed, “I was a pleasure meeting my dear sister, H.E. Madam SAJIDHA MOHAMED, First Lady of the Republic of Maldives and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” for the 7th Edition of our Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit. I also visited Maldives recently to meet her. During our meeting

we discussed our joint programs and underscored our commitment towards building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care landscape by providing scholarships for local doctors. We have already started to enroll doctors for Fertility and Embryology trainings”.

H.E. Madam SAJIDHA MOHAMED, First Lady of the Republic of Maldives, and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” emphasized, “I am very proud of our partnership with Merck Foundation. I am happy to share that we have already started providing scholarships for our local doctors in Fertility and Embryology training. These are two very critical specialties for our country. We also plan to enroll our doctors in other specialties, further underscoring our partnership with the Merck Foundation to enhance healthcare capacity in the country.”

Watch the Speech of The First Lady of Maldives & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/47O0hzM

Watch the video of Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej receiving H.E. Madam SAJIDHA MOHAMED, First Lady of the Republic of Maldives, and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”:  https://apo-opa.co/4ndekne

On day 2 of the Summit, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative- MFFLI committee meeting was conducted between The First Ladies of Africa and Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, where the African and Asian First Ladies shared the impact report of Merck Foundation programs in their respective countries, and future strategy was discussed.

Watch the video of MFFLI committee meeting: https://apo-opa.co/4nAIKzA

“We have so far provided 2280 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 underserved medical specialties. We will continue to build and enhance healthcare capacity in the Maldives, African countries, and beyond”, added Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Through their Community Awareness Programs, Merck Foundation is also closely working with The First Lady of Maldives to address a wide range of critical social issues like breaking infertility stigma, stopping gender-based violence and women empowerment, and important health issues including promoting the importance of healthy lifestyle, and diabetes and hypertension awareness.

Merck Foundation together with the First Lady Maldives will soon conduct their Health Media Training for Maldivian media representatives, to emphasize on the important role of media to address these critical social and health issues and be the voice of the voiceless.

Moreover, Merck Foundation also announced the Call for applications for their 8 important awards in partnership with The First Lady of Maldives for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.

Moreover, in partnership with The First Lady of Maldives, Merck Foundation is launching seven children’s storybooks, “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future” and “Sugar free Jude”, and “Mark’s Pressure”. The storybooks address various social and health issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, stopping GBV, diabetes and hypertension awareness.

The 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative was streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation:

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4nboG78), X (https://apo-opa.co/4nCuGWl), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/42BORLQ),  and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4nFOGaF).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4nzgH3x), X (https://apo-opa.co/3VlVy0I), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/46kHB8d), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4nwVRBJ).

Link to the YouTube live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/4ngm1t2

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

• 2280+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for doctors from 52 Countries in more than 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:

• 3700+ Media Persons from more than 35 countries trained to better raise awareness about different social and health issues

• 8 Different Awards launched annually for best media coverage, fashion designers, films, and songs

• Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa

• 8 Children’s Storybooks in three languages – English, French, and Portuguese

• 7 Awareness Animation films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes & Hypertension and supporting girl education.

• Pan African TV Program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community

• 950+ Scholarships provided to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls to empower them to complete their studies

  • 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8 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:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4nboG78
X: https://apo-opa.co/4nCuGWl
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4nFOGaF
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/42BORLQ
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4n0Nhvg
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/46qdUT8
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3K7AgRZ

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/4nboG78), X (https://apo-opa.co/4nCuGWl), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/42BORLQ), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4nFOGaF), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4n0Nhvg) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/46qdUT8).

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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Ghana’s Petroleum Commission to Spotlight E&P Opportunities at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

Source: APO – Report:

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Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle, Acting CEO of the Petroleum Commission of Ghana, will participate as a featured speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores Ghana’s ambition to accelerate upstream activity, attract new investment and consolidate its role as a competitive E&P hub in West Africa.

The Petroleum Commission continues to spearhead Ghana’s upstream drive, advancing new licensing opportunities, streamlining regulatory processes and introducing reforms that enhance competitiveness. With 17 oil and gas projects scheduled for development by 2027, Ghana is working to expand exploration, ramp up production and deepen private sector participation.

Recent initiatives include a promotion, marketing and revenue-sharing agreement with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) covering data from the Voltaian Basin – one of the country’s largest onshore sedimentary basins. The deal lays the groundwork for future upstream licensing and underscores Ghana’s intent to unlock untapped onshore hydrocarbon potential, with GNPC planning to drill its first exploration well in the basin in early 2026.

In April, the Commission also convened its first official engagement with the Ghana Upstream Petroleum Chamber since Hardcastle’s appointment, addressing regulatory compliance, local participation and investment barriers. The dialogue highlighted both challenges and opportunities, with commitments from both sides to strengthen Ghana’s upstream investment climate.

Ghana’s upstream portfolio continues to expand, with both new projects and brownfield developments advancing. After bringing three new wells onstream at Jubilee South East, Tullow Oil plans additional drilling in 2025, while Eni is paving the way for the development of its Eban-Akoma discovery in the Cape Three Points 4 deepwater block. Kosmos Energy has pledged $2 billion toward upstream expansion, signaling long-term confidence in Ghana’s oil sector. Together, these initiatives reflect Ghana’s strategy to counter natural declines in mature fields, ramp up production and attract sustained international investment.

“Strong partnerships are essential to advancing Africa’s E&P industry. Ghana is demonstrating how reforms, proactive regulation and private sector engagement can translate into sustainable growth and opportunity,” stated Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement at the African Energy Chamber.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About African Energy Week (AEW):

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

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Turan Bank Azerbaijan Signs $15 Million Line of Financing Agreement with the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD)

Source: APO – Report:

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Turan Bank, a leading player in Azerbaijan’s banking sector recognized for its strong international partnerships, has signed a financing agreement with the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (https://ICD-ps.org), the private sector arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group.

Under this agreement, ICD will extend a USD 15 million Line of Finance for a term of five years to support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Azerbaijan and improve access to financial resources for the private sector, in line with Turan Bank’s mission to foster sustainable economic growth in Azerbaijan.

This new facility represents a significant step toward advancing Turan Bank’s strategic objectives, particularly in strengthening SME development, expanding private sector financing, promoting Islamic finance, and contributing to the diversification of Azerbaijan’s economy. The financing is also expected to revitalize economic activity in the country’s regions and promote the growth of the non-oil sector. The initiative is fully aligned with ICD’s strategic focus on fostering the growth of SMEs and supporting private sector development as a key driver of sustainable economic progress across its member countries.

The agreement was signed by Dr Khalid Khalafallah, Acting CEO of ICD, and Orkhan Garayev, Chairman of the Management Board of Turan Bank.

This latest financing marks the sixth collaboration between Turan Bank and ICD since 2008, further reinforcing the long-standing and reliable partnership between the two institutions.

– on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).

For further details, please contact:
Turan Bank
Ramil Khalilov,
Chief Business Development Officer at Turan Bank,
rkhalilov@turanbank.az
Website: https://www.TuranBank.az

Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD)
Nabil El-Alami,
Communications & Corporate Marketing Division Manager at ICD,
Nalami@isdb.org
Website: https://ICD-ps.org/

About Turan Bank:
Turan Bank OJSC, established in 1992, is one of Azerbaijan’s most stable and reputable banks, offering a wide range of financial services to its customers in line with international standards. With 22 points of sale across the country, Turan Bank has steadily grown over its 33 years of operations. Known for its transparency, reliability, and commitment to social responsibility, Turan Bank continues to play a key role in Azerbaijan’s financial sector.

About the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD):
ICD is a multilateral organization and a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. ICD’s mandate is to support economic development and promote the growth of the private sector in its member countries through providing financing facilities and/or investments in accordance with Shariah principles. Additionally, ICD offers advisory services to governments and private organizations to encourage the establishment, expansion, and modernization of private enterprises.  ICD is rated ‘A2’ by Moody’s, ‘A+’ by Fitch, and ‘A’ by S&P.

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O Centro Africano de Investigação e Inovação (ARIH) do Afreximbank pretende gerar ganhos económicos anuais de 70 mil milhões de dólares para África

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Centro Africano de Investigação e Inovação (ARIH), recentemente lançado pelo Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), pretende gerar até 70 mil milhões de dólares americanos por ano em ganhos económicos para África, impulsionando o crescimento sustentável orientado para a inovação.

Prevê-se que o ARIH catalise a soberania tecnológica, o comércio intra-africano, o crescimento sustentável e a transformação estrutural das economias africanas, promovendo a investigação científica, a inovação e a comercialização de tecnologias desenvolvidas localmente. O objectivo é o de acelerar o comércio intra-africano e a transformação estrutural, explorando as ligações orgânicas entre a academia, a indústria e os decisores políticos com inovações escaláveis.

O centro está estruturado de modo a abordar o baixo investimento em investigação e desenvolvimento (I&D) em África e o fraco desempenho do continente em termos de resultados de investigação. Para tal, vai promover a comercialização da inovação e estabelecer parcerias entre a academia, a indústria e os decisores políticos, com o objectivo de duplicar as despesas com I&D em África, a fim de desbloquear benefícios económicos.

Em declarações durante a Feira Comercial Intra-Africana (IATF2025), o Dr. Yemi Kale, Economista-Chefe do Grupo e Director-Geral de Investigação do Afreximbank, afirmou: “A criação do Centro Africano de Investigação e Inovação marca um momento crucial para o ecossistema científico e tecnológico de África. Sinaliza o compromisso do Afreximbank em tirar partido do talento local africano e transformar o capital intelectual de África em competitividade industrial, expansão comercial e desenvolvimento sustentável.”

O Dr. Kale assinalou que actualmente África contribui com menos de 3% da produção global de investigação, apesar dos desafios urgentes que enfrenta, afirmando que “acelerar o ecossistema de inovação de África para apoiar o crescimento económico, a diversificação comercial e a soberania tecnológica é, portanto, um objectivo com o qual nos comprometemos com prazer”.

Acrescentou que: “A nossa visão é que o ARIH seja uma plataforma transformadora que procure converter o capital intelectual em competitividade industrial e crescimento impulsionado pelo comércio, reconhecendo que uma duplicação das despesas com I&D em África em 1% do PIB poderia gerar até 70 mil milhões de dólares americanos anualmente. Vemos igualmente o ARIH a posicionar-se como um canal vital que estabelece a ligação entre a academia, a indústria, os decisores políticos e os investidores, a fim de acelerar a caminhada de África rumo a um crescimento inclusivo e sustentável.”

As actividades do ARIH na IATF2025 incluíram a entrega de prémios a 12 projectos pioneiros de investigação e inovação de toda África e das Caraíbas, demonstrando um potencial real para enfrentar os desafios prementes de África. Os vencedores foram seleccionados entre mais de 200 investigadores, estudantes, educadores e cientistas que se candidataram a um concurso iniciado pelo Afreximbank. Os prémios, que incluíram certificados e prémios em dinheiro, foram entregues pela Sr.ª Kanayo Awani, Vice-Presidente Executiva do Afreximbank para o Comércio Intra-Africano e Desenvolvimento das Exportações.

Ao felicitar os vencedores, o Dr. Anthony Coleman, Director de Investigação para o Desenvolvimento do Afreximbank, exortou-os a alargar os seus horizontes inovadores para fazer face de forma eficaz às lacunas tecnológicas e aos desafios de desenvolvimento de África. Garantiu-lhes ainda o compromisso do Afreximbank em fomentar o ARIH como uma via de longo prazo para o ecossistema de inovação de África. O Dr. Coleman desafiou-os ainda a manter o ímpeto, aproveitando a plataforma como trampolim para esforços de colaboração entre cientistas, inovadores e empreendedores, a fim de promover o comércio intra-regional e a transformação económica de África.

Participaram igualmente no lançamento o Dr. Kamel Bidari, Ministro do Ensino Superior e Investigação Científica da Argélia; o Dr. Noureddine Ouadah, Ministro da Economia do Conhecimento, Startups e Microempresas da Argélia; o Sr. Kamal Rezig, Ministro do Comércio Externo e Promoção das Exportações da Argélia; o Sr. Tiroeaone Ntsima, Ministro do Empreendedorismo e Comércio do Lesoto; e o Sr. Patrick Thierry Akoloza, Ministro do Comércio e Indústria da República Centro-Africana.

Com a participação de mais de 112.000 visitantes de 132 países, a IATF2025, que decorreu de 04 a 10 de Setembro, terminou com um resultado notável, com 48,3 mil milhões de dólares em acordos comerciais e de investimento assinados ao longo dos sete (7) dias da exposição continental. A exposição recebeu 2.148 expositores.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Afreximbank.

Contato para a imprensa:
media@intrafricatradefair.com
press@afreximbank.com

Sobre a Feira Comercial Intra-Africana:
Organizada pelo Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank), pela Comissão da União Africana (CUA) e pelo Secretariado da Zona de Comércio Livre Continental Africana (ZCLCA), a Feira Comercial Intra-Africana (IATF) tem como objectivo proporcionar uma plataforma única para facilitar o intercâmbio de informações sobre comércio e investimento, com vista a apoiar o aumento do comércio e do investimento intra-africanos, especialmente no contexto da implementação do Acordo de Comércio Livre Continental Africano (ACLCA). A IATF reúne actores continentais e globais para apresentar e expor os seus produtos e serviços e explorar oportunidades de negócios e investimento no continente. Constitui igualmente uma plataforma para partilhar informações sobre comércio, investimento e mercado com as partes interessadas e permite aos participantes discutir e identificar soluções para os desafios que o comércio e o investimento intra-africanos enfrentam. Para além dos participantes africanos, a Feira Comercial está igualmente aberta a empresas e investidores de países não africanos interessados em fazer negócios em África e em apoiar a transformação do continente através da industrialização e do desenvolvimento das exportações.

Para mais informações, visite  www.IntrAfricanTradeFair.com.

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