Posts

Posted on

Stev Simplice Onanga, le nouveau ministre des Hydrocarbures de la République du Congo, prendra la parole lors de l’African Energy Week 2026 dans un contexte de forte expansion du secteur gazier

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La République du Congo s’apprête à renforcer sa position parmi les exportateurs de gaz à la croissance la plus rapide d’Afrique lors de l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, le ministre des Hydrocarbures nouvellement nommé, Stev Simplice Onanga, ayant confirmé sa participation en tant qu’orateur à l’événement qui se tiendra au Cap. Sa participation intervient alors que le Congo mène une vaste campagne d’investissement axée sur l’expansion du GNL, le développement en amont et l’accélération des accords dans son secteur offshore.

Récemment nommé à la tête du ministère des Hydrocarbures, le ministre Onanga a déjà fait part de sa volonté de se concentrer sur l’accélération des projets, le renforcement du potentiel local et le positionnement de la République du Congo en tant que pôle gazier régional compétitif. Son programme s’inscrit dans une période de transformation rapide du secteur des hydrocarbures du pays, portée par d’importants développements gaziers offshore et un regain d’intérêt des investisseurs.

Au cœur de cette croissance se trouve le projet Congo LNG d’Eni, qui est entré dans une nouvelle phase majeure début 2026 avec le lancement des exportations depuis l’installation FLNG de Nguya, au large de Pointe-Noire. La mise en service de la deuxième unité FLNG a porté la capacité de liquéfaction du Congo à environ 3 millions de tonnes par an, s’appuyant sur le développement antérieur du Tango FLNG et renforçant l’émergence du pays en tant qu’exportateur stratégique de GNL vers les marchés internationaux. Exploitant le gaz des champs offshore de Nené et Litchendjili dans le permis Marine XII, le projet est devenu l’un des plus grands succès récents de la monétisation du gaz en Afrique et une pierre angulaire de la stratégie de diversification plus large du Congo.

La dynamique s’accélère également dans l’ensemble du secteur amont du pays. TotalEnergies continue d’étendre sa présence offshore grâce à des activités d’exploration liées au permis Nzombo, tandis que Perenco poursuit les travaux de réaménagement du gisement de Kombi-Likalala-Libondo II afin de maintenir la production et d’améliorer la récupération du gaz. Parallèlement à ces développements, le Congo a fait avancer des réformes réglementaires visant à attirer de nouveaux capitaux vers les projets pétroliers et gaziers, notamment en renforçant le cadre juridique pour le développement gazier et en soutenant les futures activités d’octroi de licences.

Alors que la demande mondiale en approvisionnement diversifié en gaz continue d’augmenter, le Congo positionne de plus en plus le gaz naturel non seulement comme un moteur d’exportation, mais aussi comme un catalyseur de l’industrialisation nationale, de la production d’électricité et de la croissance économique à long terme. L’expansion de l’infrastructure FLNG du pays, combinée à sa base de production offshore bien établie et à son littoral atlantique stratégique, a rehaussé son profil au sein du paysage GNL africain en pleine évolution et renforcé son rôle dans le soutien à la sécurité énergétique des marchés tant régionaux qu’internationaux.

« L’Afrique entre dans une nouvelle ère de développement gazier, et la République du Congo s’impose comme l’un des principaux moteurs de croissance du GNL et de l’offshore sur le continent », a déclaré NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie. « Grâce à une expansion majeure du FLNG, à des investissements en amont et à un regain d’intérêt pour le potentiel local et l’exécution des contrats, le Congo montre comment les producteurs africains peuvent tirer parti des ressources gazières pour stimuler la croissance industrielle, la sécurité énergétique et la valeur économique à long terme. »

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

Posted on

La Fondation Merck, en partenariat avec la Première Dame du Ghana et la Fondation Lordina, a lancé son programme « Éduquer Linda » pour soutenir l’éducation des filles

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

  • La Fondation Merck a nommé la Première Dame du Ghana Ambassadrice du programme « Plus Qu’une Mère » afin de renforcer les capacités du système de santé, de lutter contre la stigmatisation de l’infertilité et de soutenir l’éducation des filles.​

La Fondation Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne, a officiellement lancé son programme « Éduquer Linda » au Ghana en partenariat avec la Première Dame de la République du Ghana et Ambassadrice de la « Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère », S.E. Mme LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA.

Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret), CEO de la Fondation Merck et Présidente de la campagne « Plus Qu’une Mère », a déclaré : « C’est un grand plaisir de rencontrer notre partenaire de longue date et chère sœur, la Première Dame du Ghana et Ambassadrice de la campagne « Plus Qu’une Mère » de la Fondation Merck, pour lancer officiellement les programmes « Éduquer Linda » et « Programme de Bourses d’études », en partenariat avec son Cabinet et la Fondation Lordina, afin de soutenir l’éducation des filles dans le pays.

Dans le cadre du programme « Éduquer Linda », nous offrons chaque année des bourses d’études à 40 écolières ghanéennes brillantes issues de milieux défavorisés, jusqu’à la fin de leurs études. Notre objectif est de faire en sorte que les difficultés financières ne soient jamais un obstacle à la réalisation de leurs rêves et de leur potentiel. Nous sommes convaincus qu’éduquer une fille lui donne les moyens d’agir, ainsi qu’à sa famille, à sa communauté et aux générations futures. »

S.E. Mme LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, Première Dame du Ghana et Ambassadrice de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère », a déclaré : « Je suis ravie d’accueillir le Chairman et la CEO de la Fondation Merck dans notre pays. Nous avons officiellement lancé le programme « Éduquer Linda » de la Fondation Merck, qui octroie chaque année des bourses d’études à 40 jeunes filles méritantes afin de soutenir leur scolarité jusqu’à l’obtention de leur diplôme. Ce programme me tient particulièrement à cœur, car je suis convaincue que l’éducation des filles contribue de manière significative au développement social et économique de notre nation. »

Au cours de cet événement, le Chairman et la CEO de la Fondation Merck, accompagné de la Première Dame du Ghana, a rencontré les jeunes Ghanéennes bénéficiaires du programme « Éduquer Linda » et a pu recueillir leurs témoignages ainsi que ceux de leurs parents sur l’impact positif de ces bourses sur leur vie.

La Fondation Merck, en collaboration avec la Première Dame du Ghana, a octroyé 257 bourses d’études à des professionnels de santé ghanéens dans 44 spécialités essentielles et sous-représentées, notamment la Fertilité, Embryologie, Santé Sexuelle et Reproductive, Urologie, Santé des Femmes, Médecine Familiale, Diabète, Endocrinologie, Prévention Cardiovasculaire et la Gestion du Poids et l’Obésité, Oncologie, Cancérologie, Médecine d’Urgence, Pneumologie, Soins Intensifs, Chirurgie Générale, Traumatologie et l’Orthopédie, Psychiatrie, Dermatologie, Médecine d’Urgence et Réanimation, Gastro-Entérologie, Maladies Infectieuses, Neurologie, Neurochirurgie, Neuro-Imagerie pour la Recherche, Gestion de la Douleur, Rhumatologie, Néonatologie, Pédiatrie et Santé Infantile, Gériatrie, et bien d’autres.

Lors de cette visite, la Fondation Merck a également organisé son Sommet des Anciens Boursiers 2026 afin de rencontrer et de remercier ses Anciens Boursiers. Par ailleurs, ils ont également rencontré et honoré les lauréats des Prix de la Fondation Merck 2024 et 2025.

Le programme « Éduquer Linda » de la Fondation Merck, en partenariat avec les Premières Dames Africaines, a octroyé plus de 1 500 bourses d’études annuelles à des écolières dans 21 pays africains, dont le Botswana, Burundi, Cap-Vert, République Centrafricaine, République Démocratique du Congo, Gabon, Gambie, Ghana, Kenya, Libéria, Malawi, l’île Maurice, Namibie, Nigéria, Sao Tomé-et-Principe, Tanzanie, Togo, Zambie, Zimbabwe et d’autres. Ce programme garantit également à des milliers d’écolières à travers l’Afrique l’accès aux fournitures scolaires essentielles, levant ainsi d’autres obstacles pratiques à leur éducation.

« L’éducation des filles est un atout pour toute une nation. Les filles instruites deviennent des femmes autonomes, qui contribuent à la prospérité, renforcent les familles et font progresser les nations. C’est la vision qui sous-tend tout ce que nous faisons : l’éducation des filles aujourd’hui pour l’autonomisation des femmes demain », a déclaré le Dr. Kelej.

La Fondation Merck, en partenariat avec la Première Dame du Ghana, a également lancé sept livres pour enfants : « Plus Qu’une Mère », « Éduquer Linda », « Le Secours de Jackline », « Ce n’est pas qui vous êtes », « Une Balade vers le Futur », « Jude Sans Sucre » et « La Tension de Mark » et « Lumiere d’Espoir ». Ces livres abordent des problèmes sociaux et de sanitaires, et des milliers d’exemplaires ont été distribués aux écoliers du Ghana.

La Fondation Merck et la Première Dame du Ghana décernent également chaque année huit prix prestigieux récompensant les meilleurs contenus médiatiques, films, créations de mode et chansons. À ce jour, 127 lauréats ghanéens ont été honorés.

Par ailleurs, elles organisent chaque année le programme de Formation des Médias sur la Santé de la Fondation Merck en ligne, permettant aux journalistes ghanéens de donner la parole aux sans-voix et de traiter de manière responsable et efficace des sujets sensibles tels que l’infertilité, le mariage d’enfants, les violences sexistes, le diabète et l’hypertension.

Détails des Prix de la Fondation Merck 2026 :

1. Prix de Reconnaissance des Médias Africains de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » 2026 : les représentants des médias et les étudiants en journalisme sont invités à présenter leur travail pour sensibiliser l’opinion à un ou plusieurs des problèmes sociaux suivants tels que : briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, soutenir l’éducation des filles, l’autonomisation des femmes, mettre fin au mariage des enfants, mettre fin aux MGF et/ou mettre fin à la VBG à tous les niveaux.

Soumettre plusieurs candidatures augmente les chances de remporter le prix

Date limite de soumission : 30 septembre 2026.

2. Prix du Film de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » 2026 :  tous les cinéastes africains, étudiants des établissements de formation en réalisation cinématographique ou jeunes talents d’Afrique sont invités à créer et à partager un long ou un court métrage, qu’il s’agisse d’un drame, d’un documentaire ou d’un docudrame, pour transmettre des messages forts et influents sur un ou plusieurs des problèmes sociaux suivants tels que : briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, soutenir l’éducation des filles, l’autonomisation des femmes, mettre fin au mariage des enfants, mettre fin aux MGF et/ou mettre fin à la VBG à tous les niveaux.

Date limite de soumission : 30 septembre 2026.

3. Prix de la Mode de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » 2026 : tous les étudiants et créateurs de mode africains sont invités à créer et à partager des créations pour transmettre des messages forts et influents afin de sensibiliser à un ou plusieurs des problèmes sociaux suivants tels que : briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, soutenir l’éducation des filles, l’autonomisation des femmes, mettre fin au mariage des enfants, mettre fin aux MGF et/ou mettre fin à la VBG à tous les niveaux.

Date limite de soumission : 30 septembre 2026.

4. Prix de la Chanson de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » 2026 : tous les chanteurs et artistes musicaux africains sont invités à créer et à partager une CHANSON dans le but d’aborder un ou plusieurs des problèmes sociaux suivants tels que : briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, soutenir l’éducation des filles, l’autonomisation des femmes, mettre fin au mariage des enfants, mettre fin aux MGF et/ou mettre fin à la VBG à tous les niveaux.

Soumettre plusieurs candidatures augmente les chances de remporter le prix

Date limite de soumission : 30 septembre 2026.

5. Prix de Reconnaissance des Médias de la Fondation Merck « Diabètes & Hypertension » 2026 : les représentants des médias sont invités à présenter leur travail à travers des messages forts et influents pour promouvoir un mode de vie sain et sensibiliser à la prévention et à la détection précoce du diabète et de l’hypertension.

Date limite de soumission : 30 octobre 2026.

6. Prix du Film de la Fondation Merck « Diabètes & Hypertension » 2026 : tous les cinéastes africains, étudiants des établissements de formation en réalisation cinématographique ou jeunes talents d’Afrique sont invités à créer et à partager un long ou un court FILMS, qu’il s’agisse d’un drame, d’un documentaire ou d’un docudrame, pour délivrer des messages forts et influents visant à promouvoir un mode de vie sain et à sensibiliser à la prévention et à la détection précoce du diabète et de l’hypertension.

Date limite de soumission : 30 octobre 2026.

7. Prix de la Mode de la Fondation Merck « Diabètes & Hypertension » 2026 : tous les étudiants et créateurs de mode africains sont invités à créer et à partager des créations pour transmettre des messages forts et influents visant à promouvoir un mode de vie sain et à sensibiliser à la prévention et à la détection précoce du diabète et de l’hypertension.

Date limite de soumission : 30 octobre 2026.

8. Prix de la Chanson de la Fondation Merck « Diabètes & Hypertension » 2026 : tous les chanteurs et artistes musicaux africains sont invités à créer et à partager une CHANSON dans le but de promouvoir un mode de vie sain et de sensibiliser à la prévention et à la détection précoce du diabète et de l’hypertension.

Date limite de soumission : 30 octobre 2026.

Postulez ici : https://apo-opa.co/49GhSKb

Les candidatures pour tous les prix doivent être soumises par courrier électronique à : submit@merck-foundation.com

Distribué par APO Group pour Merck Foundation.

Plus d’images : https://apo-opa.co/4o8Celj

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/4wMiCqQ
X : https://apo-opa.co/4v1RMJI
YouTube : https://apo-opa.co/4e22VEy
Instagram : https://apo-opa.co/3PBIYv5
Threads : https://apo-opa.co/4dxugyg
Flickr : https://apo-opa.co/4nOWOqk
Site Web : www.Merck-Foundation.com
Télécharger l’Application de la Fondation Merck : https://apo-opa.co/4v8N38W

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/4wMiCqQ), X (https://apo-opa.co/4v1RMJI), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3PBIYv5), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4e22VEy), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4dxugyg) et Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4nOWOqk).

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.

Media files

Posted on

Tau hosts ministerial post–budget vote media engagement

Source: Government of South Africa

Tau hosts ministerial post–budget vote media engagement

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, will this morning host a ministerial post–budget vote media and stakeholder roundtable in Cape Town. 

“The engagement will provide an opportunity to reflect on key budget priorities, outline programme commitments for the year ahead, and engage directly with media representatives, industry stakeholders, and partners in an informal setting,” the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition said in a statement.

The engagement will be preceded by the 2026 Budget Vote speech, which will outline the department’s key achievements during the previous financial year in the execution of its responsibilities, as well as the budget allocations to support the roll-out of the Annual Performance Plan. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

1

Posted on

Morolong successfully concludes school shoes donation drive in the North West

Source: Government of South Africa

Morolong successfully concludes school shoes donation drive in the North West

Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has successfully concluded his philanthropic school shoe donation drive at four schools in the Greater Taung Local Municipality, in the North West province. 

The handover ceremony took place on Monday at Mokgareng Secondary School as part of the school shoes donation initiative. The initiative was launched in July 2025 during the commemoration of Nelson Mandela Month.

The Deputy Minister emphasised that partnerships between business and government are essential for youth development. 

The KwaZulu-Natal International Business Association supported the donation through its partnership with Brand South Africa. 

“Sixty percent of the population in Africa is young people; that is why today we have extended a request to business to do its part, because there is a limitation to what government can do,” Morolong said.

“The education of the African child is important for the prosperity of Africa. This partnership with business is indicative of what can be done to uplift the citizens’ lives. This expresses the spirit of humanity, which is being aptly displayed today, on Africa Day,” he said.

The school shoes donation drive forms part of government’s commitment to creating a conducive and dignified learning environment for underprivileged learners, while providing support to those in need in an effort to build a nation that works for all. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

0

Posted on

O recém-nomeado ministro dos Hidrocarbonetos da República do Congo, Stev Simplice Onanga, irá discursar na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, num contexto de grande impulso à expansão do gás

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Baixar .tipo

A República do Congo está pronta para reforçar a sua posição como um dos exportadores de gás de mais rápido crescimento em África na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, com o recém-nomeado Ministro dos Hidrocarbonetos, Stev Simplice Onanga, confirmado para discursar no evento na Cidade do Cabo. A sua participação surge num momento em que o Congo avança com uma ampla campanha de investimento centrada na expansão do GNL, no desenvolvimento a montante e na aceleração da celebração de acordos em todo o seu setor offshore.

Recém-nomeado para liderar o Ministério dos Hidrocarbonetos, o Ministro Onanga já sinalizou um forte foco na aceleração de projetos, no reforço da participação de conteúdo local e no posicionamento da República do Congo como um centro regional competitivo de gás. A sua agenda alinha-se com um período de rápida transformação no setor de hidrocarbonetos do país, impulsionado por grandes desenvolvimentos de gás offshore e por um renovado impulso dos investidores.

No centro deste crescimento está o projeto Congo LNG da Eni, que entrou numa nova fase importante no início de 2026 com o lançamento das exportações a partir da instalação FLNG de Nguya, ao largo de Pointe-Noire. O arranque da segunda unidade flutuante de GNL aumentou a capacidade de liquefação do Congo para aproximadamente 3 milhões de toneladas por ano, dando continuidade ao desenvolvimento anterior do Tango FLNG e reforçando a emergência do país como um exportador estratégico de GNL para os mercados internacionais. Extraindo gás dos campos offshore de Nené e Litchendjili na licença Marine XII, o projeto tornou-se um dos mais significativos sucessos recentes de monetização de gás em África e uma pedra angular da estratégia de diversificação mais ampla do Congo.

O impulso está também a crescer em todo o setor upstream do país. A TotalEnergies continua a expandir a sua presença offshore através de atividades de exploração ligadas à licença de Nzombo, enquanto a Perenco está a avançar com os trabalhos de reabilitação no campo de Kombi-Likalala-Libondo II para sustentar a produção e melhorar a recuperação de gás. A par destes desenvolvimentos, o Congo tem vindo a avançar com reformas regulatórias destinadas a atrair novos capitais para projetos de petróleo e gás, incluindo esforços para reforçar o quadro jurídico para o desenvolvimento do gás e apoiar futuras atividades de licenciamento.

À medida que a procura global por um abastecimento diversificado de gás continua a aumentar, o Congo está a posicionar cada vez mais o gás natural não só como um motor de exportação, mas também como um catalisador para a industrialização interna, a produção de energia e o crescimento económico a longo prazo. A infraestrutura FLNG em expansão do país, combinada com a sua base de produção offshore estabelecida e a sua costa atlântica estratégica, elevou o seu perfil no panorama em evolução do GNL em África e reforçou o seu papel no apoio à segurança energética tanto para os mercados regionais como internacionais.

«África está a entrar numa nova era de desenvolvimento do gás, e a República do Congo está a emergir como uma das histórias de crescimento mais importantes do continente no que diz respeito ao GNL e à exploração offshore», afirmou NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia. «Com uma grande expansão do FLNG, investimento a montante e um foco renovado no conteúdo local e na execução de acordos, o Congo está a demonstrar como os produtores africanos podem aproveitar os recursos de gás para impulsionar o crescimento industrial, a segurança energética e o valor económico a longo prazo.»

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

Posted on

Transforming Healthcare and Empowering Women: Dr. Rasha Kelej Recognized Among Africa’s 100 Most Influential Women

Source: APO

Following her recent recognition as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans 2025 by New African Magazine (UK), Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” Campaign, has now been named among the 100 Most Influential African Women 2025 by Avance Media, for the seventh consecutive year. She is recognized alongside Africa’s highest-ranking leaders, including H.E. SAMIA SULUHU HASSAN, President of Tanzania, and H.E. NDEMUPELILA NETUMBO NANDI-NDAITWAH, President of Namibia. The recognition highlights her unwavering commitment to women empowerment, girls’ education, and the transformation of patient care across Africa.

The annual list celebrates African women whose leadership, influence, and accomplishments continue to shape decision-making at the highest levels locally and internationally.

Commenting on the recognition, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) said, “I am deeply honored to be recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential African Women for the seventh consecutive year. It is a privilege to be named alongside Africa’s esteemed leaders, including the Presidents of Tanzania and Namibia, and so many inspiring change-makers. Congratulations to all the remarkable women recognized this year.”

“I am grateful for this recognition, which acknowledges Merck Foundation’s unwavering commitment to building healthcare capacity, transforming patient care landscape with a strong focus on women’s health, empowering infertile women in particular and women in general, and supporting girl education to help them realize their full potential. This honor further motivates us to build a lasting legacy of impact and change across Africa for generations to come.” Added Dr. Rasha Kelej, a widely respected leader across the continent, working closely with governments, First Ladies, healthcare professionals, and local communities.

Over a Decade of Transformative Leadership

Under Dr. Rasha Kelej’s leadership, Merck Foundation has launched and scaled multiple high-impact programs, including the Scholarship Program for Healthcare Providers, which is transforming the patient care landscape and improving access to quality, equitable healthcare across Africa and beyond; the landmark “More Than a Mother” movement started by her in 2015, through which she is building quality & equitable reproductive and fertility care capacity, breaking infertility stigma, and raising awareness about infertility prevention and male infertility; and the “Educating Linda” Program, which supports girls’ education across numerous African countries.

Over the past 11 years, Dr. Rasha Kelej has worked closely with more than 33 First Ladies of Africa and Asia, who are the Ambassadors of the Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign, alongside Ministries of Health, Education, Gender, Information and Communication, academia, research institutions, media, and the arts.

Transforming Patient Care, Creating a Lasting Legacy

Under her leadership, Merck Foundation has provided more than 2600 scholarships to young healthcare providers from 52 countries, in over 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Before the launch of Merck Foundation programs in 2012, many countries like The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Burundi, Niger, Chad, Ethiopia, Namibia etc. had either no, or very few, specialists in critical fields such as oncology, fertility and reproductive care, diabetology, respiratory medicine, and intensive care. Through the visionary leadership of Dr. Rasha Kelej, Merck Foundation has played a pivotal role in addressing these gaps and transforming healthcare capacity across these nations.

“Many of our alumni have become the first-ever specialists in their countries. Through these milestones, we are not only strengthening healthcare systems, we are truly making history,” she explained.

Empowering Women in Healthcare and STEM, and Girls in Education

Out of the 2600+ scholarships provided, nearly 1200 have been provided to female healthcare professionals, reflecting their commitment to empower women in healthcare.

Merck Foundation also announces annually the MARS Awards (Merck Africa Research Summit) to recognize and empower Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers, promoting African scientific research and women’s participation in STEM, with a special focus on women’s health and reproductive care.

Through the “Educating Linda” Program, in partnership with African and Asian First Ladies, Dr. Kelej is supporting the education of more than 1500 girls by providing annual scholarships to deserving yet underprivileged schoolgirls, enabling them to complete their studies and achieve their full potential. The scholarships are provided for girls from 21 African countries, including Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, among others. Additionally, the program provides essential school supplies to thousands of schoolgirls across several African countries.

Inspiring Change Through Innovation, Art, and Creativity

Dr. Rasha Kelej’s is raising awareness about several critical social issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, ending child marriage and FGM, stopping gender-based violence, women empowerment and also health issues like diabetes, hypertension and cancer. She strongly believes that media, fashion and art can be strong tools to raise awareness about these pressing issues and create a culture shift.

She conceptualized, produced, directed, and hosts “Our Africa by Merck Foundation”, a unique pan-African TV program that raises awareness on health and social issues through Fashion and Art with Purpose. The program is broadcast across multiple African countries and streamed on Merck Foundation and Dr. Kelej’s social media platforms.

Believing strongly in the power of creative advocacy, Dr. Kelej has also:

  • Produced over 30 awareness songs in English, French, Portuguese, and local African languages
  • Launched 9 children’s storybooks in three languages
  • Developed 6 animated films in four languages
  • Trained over 4000 journalists across 45 countries
  • Established 8 annual awards recognizing excellence in media, fashion, film, and music for social and health impact and awareness

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of for Africa.

Social Media: 
Dr. Rasha Kelej Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/49olksx
Dr. Rasha Kelej Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/49QS1Pw
Dr. Rasha Kelej Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4nRGV2C

For more information on Merck Foundation, please visit: www.Merck-Foundation.com

Media files

.

Posted on

2026 BASKETBALL AFRICA LEAGUE SEASON: BY THE NUMBERS

Source: APO


.

The 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) (www.BAL.NBA.com) Playoffs tipped off on Friday, May 22 at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, and will culminate with the 2026 BAL Finals on Sunday, May 31 at 6:00 p.m. CAT.  For the complete schedule, click here (https://apo-opa.co/4dL0rt5).

Eight teams have qualified for the Playoffs: Al Ahly (Egypt), Al Ahly Ly (Libya), ASC Ville de Dakar (Senegal), Club Africain (Tunisia), Dar City (Tanzania), FUS Rabat (Morocco), 2024 BAL champion Petro de Luanda (Angola) and the RSSB Tigers (Rwanda), with the top four teams advancing to the single-game semifinals and Finals.

The Playoffs and Finals are livestreaming to fans around the world on www.NBA.com, the NBA App, and www.BAL.NBA.com.  Tickets are on sale now at www.BAL.NBA.com.

Below are facts and figures about the 2026 BAL season:

  • 722,000,000 – Heading into the Playoffs, the BAL’s social media channels had generated more than 722 million views this season, a record for group phase play.
  • 1,073 – On April 5, Petro de Luanda’s Childe Dundão became the all-time BAL record holder for minutes played with 1,073 minutes across all six BAL seasons.
  • 75,000 – Nearly 75,000 fans attended the Kalahari Conference and Sahara Conference group phases in South Africa and Morocco, respectively, a record for group phase play in those countries.
  • 1,000 – BAL games have generated a 1,000% year-over-year increase in total watch time on BAL.NBA.com and the NBA App.
  • 215 – Al Ahly Ly and Dar City combined to score a BAL record 215 points in Al Ahly Ly’s 118-97 victory on March 31.
  • 214 – BAL games reach fans in 214 countries and territories, including all 54 countries in Africa.
  • 200 – The BAL celebrated its 200th game on April 1 when Petro de Luanda defeated Nairobi City Thunder 97-70.
  • 54 – RSSB Tigers guard Craig Randall II scored a BAL-record 54 points in a loss to Dar City on April 4.
  • 30 – Thirty players who competed at FIBA AfroBasket 2025 are participating in the Playoffs.
  • 22 – A record 22 marketing, merchandising and institutional partners have supported the BAL this season: AB InBev; Afreximbank; Air Senegal; Amazon Web Services; Bank of Kigali; Fédération Royale Marocaine de BasketBall; FLEXX; the French Embassy of Senegal; Greenride Africa; Hyundai; the Moroccan Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sport; Office National Marocain du Tourisme; PUMA; Qatar Foundation; QAVS; Rwanda Development Board; RwandAir; Rwanda Events; ServiceNow; South African Tourism; Wave; and Wilson.
  • 11 – Eleven of the 16 teams that competed at FIBA AfroBasket 2025 have at least one player in the Playoffs.
  • 8 – A record eight former NBA players have competed in the BAL this season: Damion Baugh and Donovan Williams (Al Ahly Ly), Michael Foster Jr. (Dar City), Mangok Mathiang (RSSB Tigers), Kevin Murphy (Al Ahly), Chasson Randle (Petro de Luanda), Hasheem Thabeet (Dar City) and Axel Toupane (ASC Ville de Dakar).  Toupane is the first NBA champion to play in the BAL, having won the 2021 NBA title with the Milwaukee Bucks.
  • 5 – Five players have competed in all six BAL seasons: Abdoulaye Harouna (FUS Rabat), Ater Majok (ASC Ville de Dakar), Gerson Domingos (Petro de Luanda), Dundão and Solo Diabate (ASC Ville de Dakar).
  • 3 – Baugh became the first player in BAL history to record a triple-double in his first BAL season, finishing with 11 points, 10 assists and 11 rebounds in a 110-72 win over Dar City on April 4.
  • 2 – On May 3, Al Ahly defeated FUS Rabat 77-71 in the second double-overtime game in BAL history.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

About the BAL:
The Basketball Africa League (BAL), a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that tipped off its sixth season in March, 2026.  Headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, the BAL builds on the foundation of club competitions FIBA Africa has organized across the continent and marks the NBA’s first collaboration to operate a league outside North America.  Fans can follow the BAL (@theBAL) on Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4uBnKg0), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4dwErmI), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4dLk97O), X (https://apo-opa.co/4v9rpBC), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4wMkaB4) and register their interest in receiving more information at www.BAL.NBA.com.

Posted on

Guyana Confirmed to Host Caribbean Energy Week 2027 as Regional Energy Integration Gains Momentum

Source: APO

The second annual Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) will take place in Guyana in July 2027, convening regional governments, international energy companies and investors at a pivotal moment for the Caribbean’s emergence as a global energy hub. Held under the patronage of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and with the endorsement of The Honorable Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, the event highlights the country’s growing leadership in shaping the region’s energy future.

Under the theme, “Unlocking the Caribbean Energy Corridor: Oil, Gas, LNG & Investment for a New Global Hub,” CEW 2027 will focus on transforming the Caribbean from a set of fragmented markets into an integrated, globally competitive energy corridor. Central to this vision is deeper cross-border collaboration, accelerated infrastructure development and increased capital flows across the oil, gas and LNG value chains.

Momentum across the region continues to build. In Guyana, offshore production from the ExxonMobil-led Stabroek Block averaged approximately 914,000 barrels per day in the first quarter of 2026, with output expected to exceed one million barrels per day following the startup of the Uaru development. At the same time, upstream expansion remains robust, supported by new seismic campaigns, FPSO developments and ongoing work tied to the Longtail project. In neighboring Suriname, TotalEnergies is advancing its $10.5 billion GranMorgu offshore development alongside new exploration activity, underscoring sustained investor confidence in the Guyana-Suriname Basin and reinforcing the region’s long-term growth trajectory.

In Trinidad and Tobago, the focus is shifting toward revitalizing mature gas production through new upstream partnerships and cross-border developments, including progress on projects such as Manatee and increased collaboration with Venezuela to unlock stranded reserves. At the same time, the country is advancing efforts to expand its LNG and petrochemical value chains, positioning itself to remain a key gas processing and export hub in the Atlantic Basin.

“We are seeing unprecedented upstream growth in Guyana, major project development in Suriname and renewed momentum around regional gas and LNG integration in Trinidad and Tobago,” said James Chester, CEO of Energy Capital & Power, the event organizer. “Caribbean Energy Week 2027 is about connecting those opportunities – bringing together governments, operators and investors to unlock a truly integrated energy corridor that can compete on the global stage.”

The inaugural Caribbean Energy Week in 2026 laid a strong foundation, attracting more than 400 attendees and over 90 companies, alongside high-level ministers and industry leaders from across the region and beyond. Hosted in Paramaribo, the event facilitated critical dialogue on cooperation, investment and infrastructure, while also serving as a platform for deal-making and knowledge exchange.

Building on this momentum, CEW 2027 is set to expand in both scale and impact, offering a premier platform for strategic dialogue, project showcases and investment engagement. As global demand for diversified energy supply grows, the Caribbean is increasingly well-positioned to play a central role – one defined by collaboration, connectivity and opportunity.

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

Media files

.

Posted on

You have a right to march, but do it responsibly – JCPS Cluster

Source: Government of South Africa

You have a right to march, but do it responsibly – JCPS Cluster

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has called on South Africans to bear in mind their responsibility when conducting marches and protests and not to engage in criminal behaviour.

The Minister was speaking during a media briefing of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster on Monday in Pretoria.

The briefing followed an engagement with all the security cluster ministers and senior officials responsible for national security in the country, as well as political parties, various groups and associations that have been involved in mass protests and community marches against illegal foreign nationals across the country.

“We emphasised the importance of the marches being peaceful, because marches are protected. People’s right to march is protected by the Constitution, and freedom of speech is protected by the Constitution. We also emphasised the importance of ensuring that these marches remain peaceful.

“But again, others would indicate that they would march, and then they would not notify law enforcement agencies. We explained the risk associated with that. You will understand that when an organisation or an organiser decides to march, they should notify us as a state by saying: ‘We are going to march on this day. We are going to move from this point to this point.’

“Then we put mechanisms in place as the state to secure that march. But when marches are happening without communicating with the state, the organisers actually are [absolving] the state from responsibility. As a result, liability rests with the organisers,” she said.

Kubayi noted that it was impressed upon groups at the meeting that the safety of all citizens, including those who are not participating in any marches, is paramount.

Responding to questions on rumours of countrywide protests against illegal immigration on 30 June, Kubayi reiterated government’s stance.

“I want to emphasise that they have the right to march. They have the right to hold protests. But we are appealing to them to ensure that they are peaceful, and we have appealed to them in the meeting to say: ‘How many people are you expecting at those marches?’ so that, as the state, we can ensure that law enforcement is on the ground.

“As a country, we are not xenophobic, and we don’t believe that South Africans are xenophobic. There are socio-economic issues that we’ve got to deal with and must respond to. Equally, we are appealing to South Africans to know that there are migrants who are in the country legally. We are part of a global society.

“Similarly, we have committed to ensuring that where there are illegal immigrants, law enforcement takes appropriate action in accordance with the law. Those who commit crimes are criminals, irrespective of whether they are South African or non-South African,” she said.

The Minister revealed that Deputy Ministers will now be deployed to ensure visibility on the ground to further “ensure compliance with the current laws”.

“We are expecting them to give us a report on where they’ve been, what they found, and what is being done. Because citizens want to see practical action from government, although our NATJoints have been involved in a number of operations, whether it’s Operation Shanela or other initiatives,” she said.

Reflecting on the July 2021 unrest, which claimed lives and resulted in billions of rands in infrastructure damage, Kubayi said government has drawn lessons from that incident.

“We can’t allow properties and businesses to be destroyed. We’ve got to protect … lives during those protests. Another lesson is that those who are responsible for criminal acts get arrested.

“Because when  people are killed in those marches, somebody has to be held accountable. Somebody has to be held responsible for that loss of life, because families are going to demand justice,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

0

Posted on

South Africa joins efforts to combat Ebola outbreak

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa joins efforts to combat Ebola outbreak

South Africa has pledged an initial $5 million contribution to support a $319 million continental preparedness and response plan, as Africa mobilises to combat its second-largest Ebola outbreak in history.

This, according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who addressed a High-Level Meeting of African Ministers of Health on the Ebola outbreak that has swept through the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

South Africa had pledged an initial $2.5 million to the cause.

The President addressed the gathering in his capacity as African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response.

“The Kampala meeting aligned behind a continental preparedness and response plan of approximately $319 million for the period June to November 2026. This plan will support outbreak control in affected countries while strengthening preparedness in at least ten high-risk Member States.

“Importantly, African countries themselves have already committed initial domestic contributions representing approximately 10% of the required financing. This demonstrates ownership and responsibility. Africa is no longer waiting passively for others to act.

“In this spirit of African solidarity and African solutions to African challenges, the Government and people of South Africa are pleased to announce an initial contribution of U$5 million to Africa CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], in support of the ongoing continental Ebola response,” President Ramaphosa said on Monday.

The outbreak – which was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organisation – has claimed at least 200 lives, a situation President Ramaphosa descried as “deeply concerning”.

The outbreak is also the largest one since the one in West Africa more than a decade ago and the President raised concern over the trajectory of the disease, while underscoring the urgent need for regional solidarity.

“Although, at the onset of this outbreak, there are no therapeutics and vaccines for the Bundibugyo strain, we have reason to be hopeful. Working together with Africa CDC and the World Health Organisation through the interim medical countermeasures network, organisations such as GAVI [Vaccine Alliance], CEPI [Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations] and UNITAID are working at speed on promising vaccine and therapeutic candidates towards clinical trials.

“We strongly support these efforts, as Africa cannot continue to face deadly epidemics without equitable access to diagnostics, vaccines and treatments.

“We call on all relevant partners and manufacturers to accelerate research and development, strengthen genomic surveillance, expand laboratory systems, and fast-track the equitable delivery of safe and effective vaccines and therapeutics,” the President urged.

The international community is also urged to stand with the continent of Africa in the “spirit of partnership, solidarity and respect”.

“The world is safer when Africa is safer. Delayed support today will result in much higher human, social and economic costs tomorrow,’” he warned.

The President emphasised the outbreak currently confronting Uganda and the DRC is a reminder that preparedness cannot begin when a crisis is already expanding.

“We must continue investing in resilient health systems, strong national public health institutes, emergency operations centres, local manufacturing of medical countermeasures, community health workers, genomic surveillance and sustainable domestic financing.

“Africa has the institutions, expertise and leadership to respond effectively. What is required now is speed, unity, solidarity and trust in our collective capacity.

“The people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and all countries at risk must know that they are not alone. Africa stands with them,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

0