O Estado de Cross River e a Afreximbank assinam um Acordo de hospedagem para a Conferência de Investimento AfSNET 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) e o Governo do Estado de Cross River assinaram oficialmente um Acordo de hospedagem para a 6ª Conferência de Investimento da Rede de Governos Sub-Soberanos Africanos 2026, marcando um marco significativo na cooperação regional e na promoção de investimentos em toda a África. 

O acordo foi assinado durante a sessão de Engajamento Empresarial Sub-Soberano realizada à margem da atual Feira de Comércio Intra-Africana 2025 (IATF2025) em Argel, Argélia. Foi assinado pelo Presidente e Chairman do Conselho de Administração da Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah e pelo Governador Executivo do Estado de Cross River, S.E. Príncipe Bassey Edet Otu. 

O acordo formaliza o papel do Estado de Cross River como anfitrião oficial da Conferência de Investimento AfSNET 2026, agendada para acontecer em Calabar, Estado de Cross River, Nigéria. O evento reunirá líderes sub-nacionais, investidores, parceiros de desenvolvimento e principais interessados para explorar oportunidades de comércio e investimento nas diversas regiões de África. 

A AfSNET, lançada pelo Afreximbank em 2021 em colaboração com a Secretaria da AfCFTA, serve como uma plataforma para fortalecer o papel das entidades Sub-Soberanas na promoção do comércio e desenvolvimento intra-africano. A conferência anual tem como objetivo colocar os governos municipais e estaduais no centro do comércio intra-africano. A edição de 2026 irá destacar projetos prontos para investimento, facilitar a conexão entre investidores e governos locais, e promover a integração regional. 

O Governador Executivo do Estado de Cross River, Príncipe Bassey Edet Otu, manifestou entusiasmo pela oportunidade: 

“Estamos honrados por ser os anfitriões do AfSNET 2026 e apresentar o Cross River como um gateway para investimentos na Nigéria e na África Ocidental. Este evento irá catalisar o crescimento económico, fomentar parcerias e elevar o perfil do nosso estado no palco continental.” 

As preparações para o AfSNET 2026 já estão a decorrer, com ambas as partes comprometidas em fornecer um evento de classe mundial. A conferência incluirá sessões plenárias, exposições, reuniões B2B e mostras culturais, oferecendo um ambiente dinâmico para diá. e realização de negócios. 

Falando durante a cerimónia de assinatura, o Presidente Oramah disse: “Quando a Afreximbank lançou a AfSNET em 2021, a nossa visão era clara: amplificar as vozes dos governos sub-soberanos na elaboração de políticas económicas, desbloquear oportunidades de investimento e acelerar o comércio em África. Acreditamos firmemente que o desenvolvimento deve ser descentralizado, originando-se onde as necessidades são mais pronunciadas nas nossas cidades, províncias, concelhos e regiões, e disseminando-se para influenciar o progresso nacional e continental.” 

Falando no mesmo evento, o Secretário-Geral do Secretariado da AfCFTA, H.E. Wamkele Mene, disse: “A integração e transformação da África não será alcançada apenas de cima para baixo. Será construída a partir da base; nos municípios, estados e províncias onde a política se torna realidade na vida das pessoas. A AfCFTA fornece a estrutura, a IATF fornece o mercado e a AfSNET é a ponte entre o poder local e o impacto continental. Aproveitemos este momento para empoderar os nossos sub-soberanos, acelerar a AfCFTA e construir uma África mais conectada, inclusiva e competitiva a nível global.” 

O Envolvimento Empresarial Sub-Soberano também proporcionou uma oportunidade para o lançamento da Investopedia do Fórum dos Governadores da Nigéria. A Investopedia destina-se a servir como um documento único que fornece aos investidores informações curadas, credíveis e transparentes sobre o pipeline de projetos nos 36 estados da Nigéria. Foi desenvolvida com o apoio da Afreximbank e outros parceiros. 

Ao lançar o Investopedia do Fórum dos Governadores da Nigéria, o Governador do Estado de Ogun, Sua Excelência Príncipe Adedapo Oluseun Abiodun, afirmou que o Investopedia do Fórum dos Governadores da Nigéria posicionará os Estados como destinos de capital credíveis e competitivos, a fim de desbloquear a prosperidade para milhões de pessoas. 

Os Estados têm a maior responsabilidade pelo défice de financiamento de infraestruturas da Nigéria. Os orçamentos públicos não conseguem sustentá-lo e precisamos de mobilizar capital africano e global para executar projetos subnacionais. Isso não apenas resolverá as lacunas de infraestrutura, mas também criará empregos, promoverá um crescimento inclusivo e desbloqueará uma nova era de prosperidade”, acrescentou S.E. Abiodun. 

A edição deste ano do Encontro Empresarial Sub-Soberano em Argel marca a sua quinta edição desde 2021, quando foi fundado. Esteve presente um grupo de governadores, prefeitos e líderes de governos sub-soberanos de toda a África e do Caribe. Edições anteriores da conferência foram realizadas em Durban, África do Sul (2021), Abuja, Nigéria (2022), Cairo, Egito (2023) e Kisumu, Quénia (2024). O evento anual junta líderes subnacionais de todo o continente para trocar ideias sobre como promover o desenvolvimento nas regiões africanas. 

Alguns dos projetos que se materializaram a partir da iniciativa AfSNET incluem financiamento para parques industriais e Zonas Económicas Especiais no Estado de Ogun, Nigéria, apoio ao desenvolvimento de um porto profundo no Estado de Cross River, Nigéria, e ajuda na preparação de grandes projetos como a iniciativa Nyanza Light Metals em KwaZulu-Natal, na África do Sul, para a viabilidade financeira, e apoio a estudos de viabilidade para a primeira instalação de fabricação contínua de medicamentos essenciais habilitada para blockchain de África, em Kisumu, Quénia. 

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Afreximbank.

Contacto de imprensa:
media@intrafricatradefair.com
press@afreximbank.com 

Sobre a Feira Intra-Africana de Comércio:
Organizado pelo Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank), pela Comissão da União Africana (AUC) e pelo Secretariado da Área de Livre Comércio Continental Africana (AfCFTA), a Feira Intra-Africana de Comércio (IATF) destina-se a fornecer uma plataforma única para facilitar a troca de informações sobre comércio e investimento em apoio ao aumento do comércio e investimento intra-africano, especialmente no contexto da implementação do Acordo de Livre Comércio Continental Africano (AfCFTA). A IATF reúne intervenientes continentais e globais para exibir os seus bens e serviços e explorar oportunidades de negócios e investimento no continente. Também proporciona uma plataforma para partilhar informações sobre comércio, investimento e mercado com as partes interessadas e permite que os participantes discutam e identifiquem soluções para os desafios que confrontam o comércio e investimento intra-africano. Além dos participantes africanos, a Feira de Comércio também está aberta a empresas e investidores de países não africanos interessados em fazer negócios em África e ao apoiar a transformação do continente através da industrialização e desenvolvimento das exportações. 

Para mais informações, por favor visite www.IntrAfricanTradeFair.com

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Cross River State and Afreximbank sign Hosting Agreement for AfSNET 2026 Investment Conference

Source: APO

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) and the Government of Cross River State have officially signed a Hosting Agreement for the 6th African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network Investment Conference 2026, marking a significant milestone in regional cooperation and investment promotion across Africa. 

The agreement was signed during the Sub-Sovereign Business Engagement session held on the margins of the ongoing Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) in Algiers, Algeria. It was signed by the President & Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, Prof Benedict Oramah and the Executive Governor of Cross River State, H.E Prince Bassey Edet Otu. 

The agreement formalises Cross River State’s role as the official host of the 2026 AfSNET Investment Conference, scheduled to take place in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. The event will convene sub-sovereign leaders, investors, development partners, and key stakeholders to explore trade and investment opportunities across Africa’s regions. 

AfSNET, launched by Afreximbank in 2021 in collaboration with the AfCFTA Secretariat, serves as a platform to strengthen the role of Sub-Sovereign entities in driving intra-African trade and development.  The annual conference aims to put city and state governments at the centre of intra-African trade. The 2026 edition will spotlight investment-ready projects, facilitate matchmaking between investors and local governments, and promote regional integration. 

Speaking during the signing ceremony, President Oramah said: “When Afreximbank launched AfSNET in 2021, our vision was clear: to amplify the voices of Sub-Sovereign governments in shaping economic policy, unlocking investment opportunities, and accelerating trade across Africa. We firmly believe that development must be decentralised, originating where the needs are most pronounced in our cities, provinces, counties, and regions and cascading outward to influence national and continental progress.” 

Speaking at the same event, Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, H.E. Wamkele Mene said: “Africa’s integration and transformation will not be achieved from the top down alone. It will be built from the ground up; in municipalities, states, and provinces where policy becomes reality in people’s lives. AfCFTA provides the framework, IATF provides the marketplace, and AfSNET is the bridge between local power and continental impact. Let us seize this moment to empower our sub-sovereigns, accelerate the AfCFTA, and build an Africa that is more connected, inclusive, and globally competitive”. 

Executive Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity:  “We are honoured to host AfSNET 2026 and showcase Cross River as a gateway to investment in Nigeria and West Africa. This event will catalyse economic growth, foster partnerships, and elevate our state’s profile on the continental stage.” 

Preparations for AfSNET 2026 are already underway, with both parties committed to delivering a world-class event. The conference will feature plenary sessions, exhibitions, B2B meetings, and cultural showcases, offering a dynamic environment for dialogue and deal-making. 

This year’s Sub-Sovereign Business Engagement in Algiers marks its fifth edition since 2021, when it was founded. It was attended by governors, mayors, and leaders of sub-sovereign governments from across Africa and the Caribbean. Past editions of the conference were held in Durban, South Africa (2021), Abuja, Nigeria (2022), Cairo, Egypt (2023), and Kisumu, Kenya (2024). The annual event brings together sub-national leaders from across the continent to exchange ideas on how to promote development in African regions.  

Some of the projects that have materialised from the AfSNET initiative include funding for industrial parks and Special Economic Zones in Ogun State, Nigeria, supporting deep seaport development in Cross River State, Nigeria, and helping prepare major projects like the Nyanza Light Metals initiative in KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa for bankability, and supporting feasibility and bankability studies for  Africa’s first blockchain-enabled, continuous manufacturing facility for essential medicines in Kisumu, Kenya.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media contact:
media@intrafricatradefair.com
press@afreximbank.com 

About the Intra-African Trade Fair:
Organised by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), African Union Commission (AUC) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) is intended to provide a unique platform for facilitating trade and investment information exchange in support of increased intra-African trade and investment, especially in the context of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). IATF brings together continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services and to explore business and investment opportunities in the continent. It also provides a platform to share trade, investment and market information with stakeholders and allows participants to discuss and identify solutions to the challenges confronting intra-African trade and investment. In addition to African participants, the Trade Fair is also open to businesses and investors from non-African countries interested in doing business in Africa and in supporting the continent’s transformation through industrialisation and export development.  

For more information, please visit www.IntrAfricanTradeFair.com

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Deputy President Mashatile to open 12th SA AIDS Conference

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Mashatile to open 12th SA AIDS Conference

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), will on Monday afternoon, 8 September 2025, open the 12th SA AIDS Conference at Emperor’s Palace, in Gauteng.

Hosted under the theme: “Unite for Change – Empower Communities and Redefine Priorities for HIV/AIDS“, the conference will bring together leaders, researchers, implementing partners, academics, and advocates from South Africa, the continent, and other countries to address the evolving landscape of combating HIV and its management.

The conference’s Chair, Candice Chetty-Makkan and Co-Chair, Dr Kate Rees, stated that the country finds itself at a critical juncture in global health, and this year has been unusually challenging for many.

“With significant changes reshaping the HIV programme landscape, the participation in the conference is vital to ensuring that communities remain at the centre, priorities are redefined with vision, and progress is sustained,” Chetty-Makkan and Rees said. 

They believe that together, participants have the opportunity to shape strategies that will strengthen the South African and global response and drive meaningful change.

The Deputy President will lead the opening plenary, alongside SANAC Civil Society Forum Chairperson Solly Nduku, SANAC Private Sector Forum Chairperson Mpumi Zikalala, Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, and Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. 

The delegates will include representatives from development partners, including United Nations agencies and the United States government. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile

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Political killings task team commended for arrests in Ntombela’s murder

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 8, 2025

The National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) Political Killings Task Team for the swift arrest of suspects linked to the murder of a whistleblower, Xolani Ndlovu Ntombela.

The suspects, a local chief and the hitman are appearing before the Howick Magistrate’s Court on Monday and face a number of charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, as well as possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The murder docket of Xolani Ndlovu Ntombela forms part of the 121 dockets returned to the task team to continue with investigations.

The dockets were returned to the task team on Thursday, 28 August 2025, and within a week, the team arrested a 55-year-old local chief and a 23-year-old hitman for the 2022 murder.

The late Xolani Ntombela was shot and killed in November 2022, inside his homestead.

A preliminary investigation by the task team has so far revealed that Ntombela was murdered for exposing the illegal sales of land in Emasosheni in the Mpophomeni area in Howick, KwaZulu Natal.

General Fannie Masemola has applauded the team for the swift arrests.

“The turnaround time and swift arrests following the return of the dockets is encouraging and it is a step in the right direction. We urge the team to continue with their investigations in the remaining 120 dockets. 

“We need to solve all these cases because families need answers and closure,” said General Masemola.

The task team’s investigations had since July 2018 led to the conviction of more than 130 accused for murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. – SAnews.gov.za 

CEO da Fundação Merck mantém encontro com a Primeira-Dama de Angola e 13 Primeiras-Damas Africanas e Asiáticas na Cúpula da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

A 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. Exª. Dra. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, Primeira-Dama da República de Angola e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck “Mais do Que uma Mãe”, bem como pelas Primeiras-Damas de Cabo Verde, República Centro Africana, Gabão, da Gâmbia, Gana, Quénia, Libéria, Maldivas, Moçambique, Nigéria, São Tomé e Príncipe, Senegal e Zimbabwe.

A Senadora, Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck declarou: “Estou muito feliz por ter acolhido a minha querida irmã, S. Exª. Drª. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, Primeira-Dama da República de Angola e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck “Mais do Que uma Mãe” na Cúpula da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação 2025. Tivemos uma conversa muito significativa e em breve daremos início aos nossos programas conjuntos no país para transformar o cenário da saúde pública e aumentar a conscientização sobre uma ampla gama de questões sociais e de saúde.”

S. Exª. Drª. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, Primeira-Dama da República de Angola e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck “Mais do Que uma Mãe” afirmou: “Estou ansiosa para iniciar a implementação do Programa Educar Linda, que visa empoderar meninas, atarvés da educação e erradicar o casamento infantil. Este programa é muito importante para mim, pois faz parte dos meus principais objectivos, como Primeira-Dama de Angola e, como mulher africana, acredito firmemente que a educação de meninas é uma das áreas mais cruciais para o empoderamento feminino. Além disso, também estou ansiosa para oferecer bolsas de estudo para os nossos médicos locais, a fim de desenvolver e fortalecer a capacidade de assistência médica no nosso país.”

Assista ao discurso da Primeira Dama de Angola 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/47tdbD2

Assista ao vídeo da CEO da Fundação Merck, Senadora, Dra. Rasha Kelej durante o encontro mantido com S. Exª. Dra. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, Primeira Dama da República de Angola e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck “Mais do Que uma Mãe”: https://apo-opa.co/46ahYXw

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/468Ry8z

Durante a Cúpula, também foi realizada uma reunião estratégica entre a CEO da Fundação Merck, a Senadora, Dra. Rasha Kelej, e a Primeira-Dama de Angola, com o intuito de definir estratégias de desenvolvimento de capacidade de saúde e da mídia em Angola, bem como abordaram uma ampla gama de questões sociais e de saúde.

Assista ao vídeo da reunião aqui: https://apo-opa.co/45S7hdt

“A Fundação Merck sempre acreditou na importância do desenvolvimento de capacidade em saúde e vem trabalhando para isso desde 2012. Até o momento, já concedemos 2.280 bolsas de estudo a médicos de 52 países em 44 especialidades médicas carentes. Em breve, recrutaremos médicos angolanos para diversas especialidades médicas, em parceria com a Primeira-Dama e o Ministério da Saúde de Angola”, acrescentou a Senadora, Dra. Rasha Kelej.

A Fundação Merck, com o Gabinete da Primeira Dama de Angola, organizou três edições do seu Treinamento em Mídia da Saúde Online, para incentivar os jornalistas, a serem a voz dos que não têm voz e criar uma mudança cultural em torno de questões sociais críticas, tais como apoio à educação de meninas, a eliminação da VBG e da MGF, empoderamento feminino e questões de saúde, como a conscientização sobre a diabetes e a hipertensão.

A Fundação Merck, em parceria, com a Primeira Dama de Angola, 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.

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 (http://apo-opa.co/4pe3EGf), X (http://apo-opa.co/3JPQsr6), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/46bYX7k), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4pbbW1F).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4mVMxaS), X (http://apo-opa.co/47s6Zv3), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4mLGqpm), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4pi5RAO).

Link para a transmissão em directo no Youtube da Sessão de Abertura do Painel de Alto Nível das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação  : https://apo-opa.co/4mRvKWe

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: http://apo-opa.co/4pe3EGf
X: http://apo-opa.co/3JPQsr6
YouTube: http://apo-opa.co/4pbbW1F
Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/46bYX7k
Threads: http://apo-opa.co/4gd29ny
Flickr: http://apo-opa.co/465889r
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Baixar a Aplicação da Fundação Merck: https://apo-opa.co/3V8eHTJ

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 (http://apo-opa.co/4pe3EGf), X (http://apo-opa.co/3JPQsr6), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/46bYX7k), YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4pbbW1F), Threads (http://apo-opa.co/4gd29ny) e Flickr (http://apo-opa.co/465889r).

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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Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) meets The First Lady of Angola & 13 African and Asian First Ladies of Africa at the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025

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. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”, along with First Ladies of Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Maldives, Mozambique, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, and Zimbabwe.

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

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

Watch the Speech of The First Lady of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/47tdbD2

Watch the video of Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej receiving H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”: https://apo-opa.co/46ahYXw

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/468Ry8z

During the Summit, a strategy meeting between Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej and  The First Lady of Angola was also held to define strategies to build healthcare and media capacity in Angola to address a wide range of social and health issues.

Watch video of the meeting here: https://apo-opa.co/45S7hdt

“Merck Foundation has always believed in the importance of building healthcare capacity and has been working for it since 2012. We have so far provided 2280 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 underserved medical specialties. We will soon be enrolling doctors from Angola in various medical specialties in partnership with the First Lady and Ministry of Health of Angola“, added Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Merck Foundation together with the office of  First Lady of Angola has organized 3 editions of their Online Health Media Training to encourage the journalist to be the voice of the voiceless and create a culture shift around critical social issues like supporting girl education, ending GBV and FGM, women empowerment, and health issues like diabetes and hypertension awareness.

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

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 (http://apo-opa.co/4pe3EGf), X (http://apo-opa.co/3JPQsr6), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/46bYX7k), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4pbbW1F).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4mVMxaS), X (http://apo-opa.co/47s6Zv3), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4mLGqpm), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4pi5RAO).

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

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: http://apo-opa.co/4pe3EGf
X: http://apo-opa.co/3JPQsr6
YouTube: http://apo-opa.co/4pbbW1F
Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/46bYX7k
Threads: http://apo-opa.co/4gd29ny
Flickr: http://apo-opa.co/465889r
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3V8eHTJ

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 (http://apo-opa.co/4pe3EGf), X (http://apo-opa.co/3JPQsr6), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/46bYX7k), YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4pbbW1F), Threads (http://apo-opa.co/4gd29ny) and Flickr (http://apo-opa.co/465889r).

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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Africa’s Leading Gold Producers to Attend African Mining Week (AMW) 2025

Source: APO


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The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders, scheduled for October 1–3, 2025 in Cape Town – will feature representatives from the continent’s top gold-producing countries and companies. Collectively, these stakeholders account for the majority of Africa’s gold output and are expected to showcase strategies, policies and projects strengthening the continent’s economic growth, industrialization agenda and position in the global market.

Ghana

Ghana – Africa’s largest gold producer and the world’s sixth largest – will be represented by Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, in the Ministerial Forum. Minister Buah is anticipated to highlight policies transforming gold extraction, beneficiation and investment attraction, anchored by the ministry’s six-pillar strategy. Ghana’s gold output reached 130 tons in 2024, with exports rising 53.2% to $11.64 billion.

The country’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector will also feature at AMW. Kwaku Nsiah-Asare, CEO of Typhoon Greenfield Development – Ghana’s first ASM company compliant with London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) standards – will speak in the ASM Regulation: Balancing Formalization and Livelihood Protection panel, where he is expected to showcase ASM sector’s contribution to industry growth.

Mali

Africa’s second-largest gold producer, Mali – which recorded output of 67.7 tons in 2024 – will be represented by the Chamber of Mines of Mali. CEO Fousseni Togola will participate in the Gold Economy: Value, Processing and Global Market Positioning panel, where he is expected to showcase investment opportunities as the country strengthens cooperation with global partners and modernizes its sector under the new Mining Code.

South Africa

As one of the continent’s most established gold producers, South Africa will be represented by Thabiso Sekano, Head of Mining and Metals at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). Sekano will join the Investor Perspective: Financing Africa’s Minerals Industrialization panel, where he is expected to discuss IDC’s strategy to revitalize South Africa’s mining sector and unlock new opportunities in gold production.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe – Africa’s eighth-largest gold producer with 49 tons of output in 2024 – will be representated by Winston Chitando, Minister of Mines and Mining Development, alongside representatives from the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe. Minister Chitando will participate in the Ministerial Forum, where he is expected to emphasize investment prospects within Zimbabwe’s gold value chain.

Namibia

Representing Namibia, B2Gold Namibia will participate in discussions on the future of gold mining in Africa. John Ross, the company’s Country Manager, will feature in the Africa’s Gold Economy panel, where he is expected to present expansion strategies for the company’s operations, including the Otjikoto Mine – Namibia’s second-largest gold mine.

Emerging Producers

AMW will also spotlight measures adopted by emerging gold producers – including Nigeria, Egypt and Uganda – to unlock large-scale gold production. Egypt will be represented by Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum Resources and Mineral Resources while Nigeria will be represented by Oladele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development and Uganda by Humphrey Asiimwe, CEO of the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Mines.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

About African Mining Week (AMW) 2025​:
AMW serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Qatar Dispatches 90 Tons of Humanitarian Aid for All Syrian Regions

Source: Government of Qatar

Damascus, September 07, 2025

As part of its ongoing support for the Syrian people, a new batch of medical and humanitarian assistance totaling 90 tons of medical equipment and supplies, at a value of over QAR 45 million – provided by the State of Qatar through the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) – delivered to the Syrian Arab Republic on Sunday.

The new batch of Qatari aid is within the “Take Heart Syria” initiative.

It was delivered by two Qatar Armed Forces aircraft, carrying 12 tons of medical and humanitarian supplies to be distributed to beneficiaries in coordination with the Syrian Ministry of Health and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.

This was preceded by three land aid convoys. On 28 August 2025, 22 aid trucks departed from Doha in three batches. The convoys traveled through Saudi Arabia and Jordan, ending in Syria, with 78 tons of aid.

The aid distribution will cover all Syrian regions, sending a clear message that Qatar is committed to ensuring its humanitarian aid reaches all Syrians without exception.

Les économies africaines sont invitées à investir dans la recherche pour la transformation industrielle

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Les économies africaines sont appelés à accroître leurs investissements dans la recherche afin de stimuler la transformation industrielle du continent, en accélérant le développement d’innovations locales qui renforcent l’autonomie, la durabilité et la souveraineté technologique.

S’exprimant lors du lancement officiel du Centre africain de recherche et d’innovation (ARIH)en marge de la Foire commerciale intra-africaine 2025 (IATF2025) à Alger, l’Economiste en chef du Groupe et Directeur Général de la Recherche à la Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank), Dr. Yemi Kale, a souligné que si l’Afrique représente moins de 3% de la production mondiale de la recherche, elle supporte une part disproportionnellement plus élevée des défis mondiaux.

 « Ce qui est encore plus inquiétant, c’est que nos dépenses en recherche et développement s’élèvent en moyenne à moins de 0,5% du PIB, bien en deça de la moyenne mondiale de 2,2 % et des investissements de plus de 4% dans des pays comme la Corée du Sud et Israël. Cependant, l’histoire nous montre que l’investissement délibéré dans les écosystèmes de recherche a été le fondement de la transformation industrielle. Une compétitivité durable nécessite la recherche, l’innovation et la capacité industrielle à transformer les idées en produits et services qui peuvent se situer à la frontière des marchés mondiaux », a déclaré le Dr Kale.

Ce Centre est une initiative conjointe d’Afreximbank, de l’Union Africaine et du Secrétariat de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf) qui vise à promouvoir et à commercialiser la recherche et l’innovation africaines. Il permet aux universitaires, aux chercheurs et aux étudiants d’apporter leurs connaissances et leur expertise dans la promotion  du commerce et de l’industrialisation intra-africains.

« La mission de l’ARIH est de transformer le capital intellectuel en compétitivité industrielle et en croissance tirée par le commerce. Des études indiquent que si l’Afrique double simplement ses dépenses en R&D pour atteindre 1 % du PIB d’ici 2030, nous pourrions libérer une valeur supplémentaire estimée à 60-70 milliards de dollars US par an dans les domaines de l’agriculture, des technologies numériques et de l’industrie manufacturière. Cela stimulerait la productivité, réduirait la dépendance à l’égard des importations et augmenterait la part de l’Afrique dans le commerce mondial », a poursuivi Dr Kale.

Dans le cadre de l’IATF2025, l’ARIH organise des sessions réunissant des participants issus du monde universitaire, de l’entreprise, des décideurs politiques et des investisseurs. Outre les coorganisateurs, le Ministère algérien de l’Enseignement supérieur assure la coordination technique des sessions, qui comprennent des tables rondes et des séances de présentation de projets innovants et de startups. Les professeurs d’université et les étudiants, ainsi que les scientifiques et les chercheurs affiliés aux institutions nationales de recherche d’Afrique et de la diaspora, y compris les Caraïbes, ont l’occasion de présenter leurs recherches innovantes et leurs prototypes scientifiques.

Accueillie par la République Algérienne Démocratique et Populaire, l’IATF2025 est co-organisée par Afreximbank, la Commission de l’Union Africaine et le Secrétariat de la ZLECAf, et devrait faciliter des accords commerciaux et d’investissement d’une valeur de plus de 44 milliards de dollars américains. L’IATF est une plateforme permettant aux entreprises de présenter leurs biens et services aux visiteurs et acheteurs tout en explorant les opportunités et en échangeant des informations. L’IATF vise à tirer parti des opportunités du marché unique de la ZLECAf, qui compte plus de 1,4 milliard de personnes et un PIB supérieur à 3500 milliards de dollars US. L’IATF en est à sa quatrième édition. Les trois dernières éditions ont généré au total plus de 118 milliards de dollars US d’accords commerciaux et d’investissement et attiré plus de 70000 visiteurs et 4500 exposants.

 Pour plus d’informations, veuillez consulter  www.IntrAfricanTradeFair.com.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

Contact presse :
media@intrafricatradefair.com  
press@afreximbank.com

À propos de la Foire commerciale intra-africaine :
Organisée par la Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank), en collaboration avec la Commission de l’Union africaine (CUA) et le Secrétariat de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf), la Foire commerciale intra-africaine vise à fournir une plate-forme unique pour faciliter l’échange d’informations sur le commerce et l’investissement afin de soutenir le développement du commerce et de l’investissement intra-africains, en particulier dans le contexte de la mise en œuvre de l’Accord sur la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf). La Foire commerciale intra-africaine réunit les acteurs continentaux et internationaux afin qu’ils présentent et exposent leurs biens et services, tout en explorant les opportunités d’affaires et d’investissement sur le continent. L’IATF offre en outre une plateforme pour partager des informations sur le commerce, les investissements et le marché avec les parties prenantes et permet aux participants d’examiner et d’identifier des solutions aux difficultés auxquelles sont confrontés le commerce et l’investissement intra-africain. Outre les participants africains, la foire commerciale est ouverte aux entreprises et aux investisseurs de pays non africains qui souhaitent présenter des biens d’investissement et ceux qui veulent faire des affaires en Afrique et soutenir sa transformation grâce à l’industrialisation et au développement des exportations

Media files

La Journée Mondiale de la Diaspora Africaine à Foire Commerciale Intra-Africaine (L’IATF2025) réaffirme l’engagement en faveur de l’unité et de la souveraineté économique pour tous les Africains

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Alors que la Foire Commerciale Intra-Africaine (L’IATF2025) entamait sa deuxième journée, la Journée Mondiale de la Diaspora Africaine a réuni des Chefs d’État, des Hauts Fonctionnaires, des Chefs d’entreprise et des Icônes culturelles de toute l’Afrique, des Caraïbes et de la Diaspora, avec une vision renouvelée pour apporter l’unité et la souveraineté économique.

Organisée au Centre International de Conférences (CIC) d’Alger, la Journée Mondiale de la Diaspora Africaine s’est ouverte par une allocution de S.E. M. Sifi Ghrieb, Premier Ministre par intérim de l’Algérie. Elle a été suivie par les déclarations percutantes de S.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, Ancien Président du Nigeria et Président du Conseil Consultatif de l’IATF, du Professeur Benedict Oramah, Président du Conseil d’Administration d’Afreximbank, S.E. Mia Amor Mottley, Première Ministre de la Barbade ; S.E. Dr Terrance Drew, Premier Ministre de Saint-Kitts-et-Nevis ; et S.E. Dickon Mitchell, Premier Ministre de la Grenade, qui ont tous appelé à l’unité entre l’Afrique et sa Diaspora.

Dans son discours liminaire, le Professeur Benedict Oramah a souligné que l’Afrique globale doit évoluer vers un marché cohésif de près de deux milliards de personnes : « La tâche qui nous attend consiste à utiliser la force de nos efforts collectifs et de nos connaissances pour bâtir une économie solide pour nous-mêmes et par nous-mêmes. Nous devons produire au sein de nos communautés, vendre au sein de nos communautés et être fiers de consommer ce qui est produit au sein de nos communautés. »

Le Professeur Benedict Oramah a ajouté : « Notre concept d’Afrique mondiale peut être défini comme un Panafricanisme soutenu par les marchés et par le capital que nous possédons et contrôlons. L’événement d’aujourd’hui est essentiel pour faire avancer ce nouveau programme. »

Renforçant ce message, le Dr Terrance Drew, Premier Ministre de Saint-Kitts-et-Nevis, a expliqué comment l’Afrique et sa Diaspora s’efforcent de jeter des ponts et de se construire un avenir radieux ensemble : « L’Afrique mondiale n’est pas une idée nouvelle. Elle s’inscrit dans la continuité d’un grand voyage visant à réparer un passé brisé et à garantir un avenir fondé sur l’unité et la souveraineté. »

La liste complète des Ministres et des Dirigeants participant à la session du matin comprenait :

  • S.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, Ancien Président du Nigeria et Président du Conseil Consultatif de l’IATF 
  • Mia Amor Mottley, Première Ministre de la Barbade
  • L’honorable Dr Terrance Drew, Premier Ministre de Saint-Kitts-et-Nevis
  • L’honorable Dickon Mitchell, Premier Ministre de la Grenade (CARICOM), qui a envoyé une déclaration préenregistrée
  • L’honorable Ginger Moxey, Ministre de Grand Bahama, Bahamas
  • Dr George Elombi, Vice-Président Exécutif chargé de la gouvernance, des services juridiques et des services généraux, et Nouveau Président de l’Afreximbank
  • Mme Kanayo Awani, Vice-Présidente Exécutive chargée du commerce Intra-Africain et du Développement des Exportations, Afreximbank

Des discours spéciaux ont également été prononcés par des créateurs de renommée mondiale, M. Ozwald Boateng, Créateur de mode Ghanéo-Britannique, et M. Chafik Gasmi, Architecte et Directeur Artistique Algérien. Ramirez, de la Grenade, a mis en avant la richesse de la créativité Africaine et de la Diaspora.

Le Professeur Benedict Oramah a également souligné la création prévue d’une Commission mondiale pour l’Afrique, parallèlement à des initiatives culturelles telles que des activités sportives entre l’Afrique et les Caraïbes.

Le panel intitulé « L’Afrique Mondiale que nous voulons : une collaboration commerciale sans frontières » était présidé par l’honorable Ginger Moxey, Ministre de Grand Bahama, Bahamas, et modéré par Mucha Hazel Nyandoro (Royaume-Uni/Zimbabwe). Mme Sunmbo Olatunji (Nigéria), Mme Kaye-Anne Greenidge (Barbade), M. Mouloud Khelif (Algérie), le Dr Fouad Bousetouane (Algérie/États-Unis) et M. Okechukwu Ihejirika (Afreximbank) ont apporté leur contribution en partageant des idées concrètes pour renforcer la collaboration transfrontalière.

La journée s’est terminée par une conversation sur le thème « Décoloniser les récits : la voix de l’Afrique dans le discours mondial », animée par M. Karim Zéribi (Algérie). Le panel était composé de l’Ambassadeur Orlando Romain (Grenade), Mme Lavaille Lavette (États-Unis), M. Noureddine Zahzah (Algérie), Mme Naïma Yahi (Algérie) et M. Temwa Gondwe (Afreximbank), qui ont discuté des moyens de remodeler les récits mondiaux et d’amplifier les perspectives Africaines.

Pour plus d’informations, veuillez consulter le site www.IntrAfricanTradeFair.com.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

Contact médias :
media@intrafricatradefair.com
press@afreximbank.com

À propos de la Foire Commerciale Intra-Africaine :
Organisée par la Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank), la Commission de l’Union Africaine (CUA) et le Secrétariat de la Zone de Libre-Échange Continentale Africaine (ZLECAf), la Foire Commerciale Intra-Africaine (IATF) a pour objectif de fournir une plateforme unique facilitant l’échange d’informations sur le commerce et l’investissement afin de soutenir l’augmentation du commerce et des investissements Intra-Africains, en particulier dans le contexte de la mise en œuvre de l’Accord de Libre-Échange Continental Africain (ZLECAf). L’IATF rassemble des acteurs continentaux et mondiaux afin de présenter et d’exposer leurs produits et services et d’explorer les opportunités commerciales et d’investissement sur le continent. Elle fournit également une plateforme pour partager des informations sur le commerce, l’investissement et les marchés avec les parties prenantes et permet aux participants de discuter et d’identifier des solutions aux défis auxquels sont confrontés le commerce et l’investissement Intra-Africains. Outre les participants Africains, la Foire est également ouverte aux entreprises et aux investisseurs de pays non Africains intéressés par les affaires en Afrique et désireux de soutenir la transformation du continent par l’industrialisation et le développement des exportations.