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SAWS warns of two cold fronts

Source: Government of South Africa

SAWS warns of two cold fronts

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of two cold fronts, with good rainfall amounts expected to affect the Western Cape and Northern Cape from Friday until Monday.

The cold fronts will result in a significant drop in the daytime temperatures. 

“Maximum temperatures may be between 10-12°C in places over the southern high-lying areas of the Namakwa (Northern Cape) as well as over the Central Karoo and western part of the Cape Winelands Districts (Western Cape).

“General windy conditions will accompany the cold and wet conditions. Additionally, wave heights are expected to be between 4.0 and 5.0m along the coast from Sunday into Monday,” the weather service advised.

The combination of cold, wet and windy conditions may result in a wind chill factor; thus, temperatures may feel colder than the measured values.

They may be localised disruptions to beachfront activities. –SAnews.gov.za

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Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) to take 82% of Trade ministry budget

Source: APO – Report:

Members of Parliament have raised a red flag after learning that a single entity is lined up to take the lion’s share of funding to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives.

The sharp imbalance proposed in the FY 2026/27 budget for the ministry will see the Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) allocated Shs422.35 billion equivalent to 82 percent of the budget, leaving other critical institutions underfunded.

According to the report of the Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industry presented during plenary on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, the Deputy Chairperson, Hon. Boniface Okot, said although the ministry’s budget has risen to Shs514.96 billion, only Shs92.6 billion will be availed to the other votes.

“The committee notes that the increase in the ministry budget is largely driven by the capitalisation of UDC, which takes the largest share of the allocation,” Okot told the House, in a sitting chaired by Speaker Anita Annet Among.

He warned that this concentration of resources risks weakening the broader trade and industrial ecosystem, as institutions responsible for standards, research, export promotion and enterprise development are left to operate within tight financial limits.

The committee report shows that the remaining Shs92.6 billion is expected to fund the ministry headquarters, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI), the Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotion Authority (UFZEPA), and other sector interventions including support to cooperatives and local governments.

“This level of concentration in one vote may limit the effectiveness of other institutions that are essential for trade growth and industrialisation,” Okot said.

The imbalance is already manifesting in critical gaps within the sector.

Parliament heard that despite government’s push for industrialisation, the UIRI mandated to support innovation and value addition is operating below capacity.

The committee found that UIRI’s flagship facility in Namanve remains under utilised due to lack of key machinery worth about Shs6.2 billion, constraining its ability to support industries with technology development and product testing.

Lawmakers noted that this presents a contradiction in policy implementation, where substantial resources are channeled into industrial investments through UDC, while a key institution required to sustain industrial growth remains underfunded.

UNBS continues to face funding gaps that limit enforcement of standards and public awareness on certified products, while UFZEPA has come under scrutiny for rising operational costs, including a sharp increase in legal expenses.

At the policy level, the ministry headquarters is also operating with limited resources despite its central role in coordinating trade, cooperatives and industrial development programmes.

Beyond the trade docket, Parliament highlighted imbalances across the wider tourism, trade and industry sector.

The committee noted that the Tourism Development Programme is projected to receive only about 71 per cent of its planned allocation under the National Development Plan, raising concerns about the country’s ability to fully exploit tourism as a source of foreign exchange and employment.

Similarly, allocations to local governments for trade and tourism development were found to be both inadequate and unevenly distributed, with some districts receiving minimal funding that lawmakers said is unlikely to deliver meaningful impact.

The committee also pointed to persistent systemic challenges affecting the sector, including low absorption of funds due to procurement delays, weak planning, and gaps in compliance such as delayed submission of gender and equity certificates. It further noted limited follow-up on previous recommendations, particularly those arising from the Auditor General’s reports.

Despite acknowledging the importance of capitalising UDC to drive industrialisation, the committee cautioned that the approach must be matched with balanced investment across the entire value chain.

The Speaker, Anita Annet Among, questioned if UDC should not have its own vote instead of having a subvention.

“UDC should be able to take charge, not just be instructed and give their own opinion on the institution that is to be given money.” Among stated.

Okot, who responded in the affirmative, stated that UDC has significant investments but with very low returns on investments.

The report which now moves to the Budget Committee is expected to guide debate as Parliament considers approval of the national budget for the 2026/27 financial year.      

– on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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Laptops to bridge the digital divide for Gauteng school

Source: Government of South Africa

Laptops to bridge the digital divide for Gauteng school

As part of efforts to ensure that no child is left behind, the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, together with the CEO of HONOR Technologies Africa, Zou Lefeng, handed over laptops to learners of Kaalfontein High School in Ebony Park, Gauteng.

“As government, we remain committed to building an inclusive society where no child is left behind. Initiatives like this are part of a broader effort to ensure that all young people, regardless of where they come from, have access to the tools they need to succeed,” the Deputy Minister said.

Wednesday’s visit to the school was the Deputy Minister’s fourth visit to this school.

“We are not visitors here; we are partners and indeed, we are friends,” she said, adding that in past engagements, career expos, and application drives, among others, have been held to help shape the future of learners.

“And today, we return to honour a promise. We said we would come back with tools that would make a tangible difference in your lives, and today, we are proud to hand over these laptops.

“This initiative is about more than just devices. It is about access. It is about opportunity. It is about bridging the digital divide that continues to disadvantage many of our young people.”

Mhlauli added that in today’s world, access to technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

“It is the gateway to education, to innovation, and to participation in the global economy.”

According to the Deputy Minister, the laptops represent the ability to research and learn beyond the classroom. They also present the opportunity to apply to universities and colleges with ease, while also providing the chance to develop digital skills that are essential for the future of work.

“To the learners, this is your moment. These tools are placed in your hands not just to use, but to transform your lives. Use them with purpose. Use them with discipline. Use them to dream bigger than your circumstances.”

The Deputy Minister also expressed appreciation to Honor South Africa for their generous donation and their commitment to empowering young people through technology.

She also acknowledged the important role played by the Technology Youth Development Agency (TYDA) in facilitating initiatives such as these, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most.

She also thanked educators and the school leadership for their continued dedication, as well as parents and the broader community, saying their encouragement and involvement remain critical. –SAnews.gov.za
 

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La Fondation Merck célèbre la « Journée Mondiale de l’Art » à travers ses prix du Film, de la Chanson, des Médias et de la Mode 2026, en partenariat avec les Premières Dames d’Afrique, afin de sensibiliser le public aux enjeux sociaux et sanitaires

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Fondation Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne, célèbre la Journée Mondiale de l’Art 2026 à travers sa communauté Panafricaine « Art et Mode avec But », créée par Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck. À cette occasion, la Fondation Merck célèbre également avec fierté le 6ème anniversaire de cette communauté influente, qui continue d’exploiter le pouvoir de l’art et de la mode pour répondre à des enjeux sanitaires et sociaux cruciaux en Afrique et au-delà.

Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej (à la retraite), CEO de la Fondation Merck et Une des 100 Africains les plus influents de 2019 à 2025, a déclaré : « Je suis heureuse de célébrer la Journée Mondiale de l’Art 2026 et je suis convaincue que l’art, la mode et les médias sont de puissants outils pour sensibiliser le public et aborder des problématiques sociales et sanitaires cruciales. Nous célébrons également avec fierté le 6ème anniversaire de notre communauté « Mode et Art avec But », créée en 2020. Grâce à cette communauté dynamique, nous poursuivons nos efforts de sensibilisation sur des enjeux sanitaires et sociaux importants tels que la lutte contre la stigmatisation de l’infertilité, le soutien à l’éducation des filles, l’éradication des mutilations génitales féminines et des mariages d’enfants, la lutte contre les violences sexistes, l’autonomisation des femmes et la sensibilisation au diabète, à l’hypertension et au cancer en encourageant également les artistes d’Afrique et d’ailleurs à utiliser leur travail créatif quotidien comme un puissant outil de sensibilisation, d’éducation et de transformation culturelle au sein de leurs communautés. »

Notre communauté rassemble aujourd’hui des membres talentueux issus de plus de 25 pays . Je suis fier de ce que nous avons construit ensemble et de l’impact social positif qu’elle continue de générer.

La Fondation Merck a lancé de nombreuses initiatives, dont sa toute première émission de Télévision Panafricaine, « Notre Afrique par la Fondation Merck » , qui met en lumière de manière unique les problèmes urgents du continent à travers les voix de sa communauté « Mode et Art avec But ».

« Notre Afrique par la Fondation Merck » est une émission de Télévision Panafricaine conçue, produite, réalisée et co-animée par Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck pour mettre en lumière des Créateurs de Mode Africains, des Chanteurs et des experts de renom issus de divers domaines, dans le but de sensibiliser le public et de susciter un changement culturel à travers l’Afrique. L’émission a conquis le cœur de millions de téléspectateurs sur le continent africain.

« Notre Afrique » a été diffusée sur les principales chaînes de télévision de nombreux pays, et est actuellement présent sur les comptes de médias sociaux de Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Facebook: http://apo-opa.co/48J4p3p, Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/4culcsi, Twitter: http://apo-opa.co/4tTfJ5q et YouTube: http://apo-opa.co/4epNu9P) et de la Fondation Merck (Facebook: http://apo-opa.co/41VbnyR , Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/4cmNdTX, Twitter: http://apo-opa.co/4mym2ZI et YouTube: http://apo-opa.co/4cnwDln). 

Visionnez la Bande-annonce de l’Emission ici : https://apo-opa.co/4mzhrGv

Au-délà de notre Emission Télévisée Africaine, la Fondation Merck, en partenariat avec les Premières Dames d’Afrique, annonce chaque année 8 Prix importants, répartis en deux catégories thématiques, destinés aux Médias, aux Créateurs de Mode, aux Cinéastes et aux Musiciens/Chanteurs, ainsi qu’aux jeunes talents Africains prometteurs dans ces domaines. Les thèmes de ces deux catégories de prix sont : 1) Lutter contre la Stigmatisation de l’Infertilité, Soutenir l’Education des Filles, Mettre Fin au Mariage des Enfants, Mettre Fin aux Mutilations Génitales Féminines, Mettre Fin aux Violences Basées sur le Genre et/ou Promouvoir l’Autonomisation des Femmes à tous les niveaux ; et 2) Promouvoir un mode de vie sain et sensibiliser à la prévention et au dépistage précoce du diabète et de l’hypertension.

Les Entrées pour les Prix 2026 peuvent être envoyées à: submit@merck-foundation.com

la Communauté « Art et Mode avec But » de la Fondation Merck est composée des talentueux lauréats des prix annuels de la Fondation Merck dans les domaines de la Mode, du Cinéma et de la Chanson.

« Je suis fière et ravie d’annoncer qu’en partenariat avec mes chères sœurs, les Premières Dames d’Afrique, nous avons jusqu’à présent récompensé 175 talents exceptionnels, issus de 25 pays, lors de nos Prix de la Mode, du Cinéma et de la Chanson. Chaque gagnant est devenu un membre précieux de notre communauté « Mode et Art avec But ». Ensemble, elles continuent d’utiliser leur voix, leur art et leur influence pour susciter le débat, remettre en question les idées reçues et sensibiliser le public aux problématiques sociales et sanitaires sensibles au sein de leurs communautés », a ajouté Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Parmi les 175 gagnants, on compte 102 gagnants des Prix de la Mode, 53 gagnants des Prix de la Chanson et 20 gagnants des Prix du Film, sélectionnés pour leur créativité et leur impact exceptionnels dans 25 pays, dont le Botswana, le Burkina Faso, le Burundi, le Cameroun, la République Centrafricaine, le Congo-Brazzaville, la RDC, la Gambie, le Ghana, la Guinée, le Kenya, le Lesotho, le Madagascar, le Malawi, le Mali, l’île Maurice, le Mozambique, la Namibie, le Nigeria, le Sénégal, la Sierra Leone, l’Afrique du Sud, la Tanzanie, l’Ouganda, la Zambie et le Zimbabwe.

En outre, dans le cadre de ses programmes de sensibilisation communautaire, la Fondation Merck a également créé plus de 30 chansons avec de nombreux artistes africains, en Anglais, en Français, en Portugais et dans des langues Africaines locales, afin d’aborder des questions cruciales telles que la lutte contre la stigmatisation de l’infertilité, l’autonomisation des femmes, le soutien à l’éducation des filles, la fin du mariage des enfants, la sensibilisation au diabète, la promotion d’un mode de vie sain, et bien plus encore.

La Fondation Merck, en partenariat avec les Premières Dames d’Afrique, a également lancé 9 Livres d’Histoires pour enfants en cinq langues : Anglais, Français, Portugais, Espagnol et Swahili. De plus, la Fondation Merck a adapté ses livres d’histoires pour créer 6 Films d’Animation de Sensibilisation en cinq langues – Anglais, Français, Portugais, Espagnol et Swahili dans le but de sensibiliser les communautés aux enjeux importants et d’instaurer un changement à la base.

Pour écouter les chansons de la Fondation Merck, lire les livres d’histoires de la Fondation Merck et regarder les films d’animation de la Fondation Merck, cliquez sur les liens ci-dessous :

https://apo-opa.co/3O97YsW

https://apo-opa.co/3O36jFi 

Distribué par APO Group pour Merck Foundation.

Contacter :
Mehak Handa
Responsable du programme de sensibilisation communautaire 
Téléphone : +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email : mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Rejoignez la conversation sur nos plateformes de réseaux sociaux ci-dessous et faites entendre votre voix : 
Facebook : http://apo-opa.co/41VbnyR
X : https://apo-opa.co/48BJTSl 
YouTube : https://apo-opa.co/4cnwDln
Instagram : http://apo-opa.co/4cmNdTX
Thread : https://apo-opa.co/3QGXNfL
Flickr : https://apo-opa.co/4cfycmQ
Site web : www.Merck-Foundation.com
Télécharger l’Application de la Fondation Merck : https://apo-opa.co/3OrcbYP

À propos de la Fondation Merck :
La Fondation Merck, créée en 2017, est la branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne. Elle a pour mission d’améliorer la santé et le bien-être des personnes et de 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 soins de santé de qualité et équitables dans les communautés défavorisées, le renforcement des capacités en matière de recherche scientifique et médicale, l’autonomisation des filles par l’éducation et la promotion des personnes dans les domaines des STEM (Sciences, Technologies, Ingénierie et Mathématiques), avec une attention particulière portée aux femmes et aux jeunes. Tous les communiqués de presse de la Fondation Merck sont diffusés par courriel dès leur publication sur son site web. Veuillez consulter www.Merck-Foundation.com pour lire plus. Suivez la Fondation Merck sur les réseaux sociaux : Facebook: (http://apo-opa.co/41VbnyR), X (https://apo-opa.co/4vxZNXU), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4vEuAlZ), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3QeSTXg), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4dLvmHe) et Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4vt1UfH).

La Fondation Merck se consacre à l’amélioration des conditions sociales et sanitaires des communautés dans le besoin. Bien qu’elle collabore avec divers partenaires, y compris des gouvernements, pour atteindre ses objectifs humanitaires, la fondation demeure strictement neutre en matière politique. Elle ne participe à aucune activité politique, élection, ou régime, et ne les soutient en aucun cas. Elle se concentre exclusivement sur sa mission d’améliorer le bien-être de l’humanité, tout en maintenant une position apolitique rigoureuse dans toutes ses actions.

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Merck Foundation marks ‘World Art Day’ through their Film, Song, Media and Fashion Awards 2026 in partnership with Africa’s First Ladies to raise awareness about social & health issues

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks World Art Day 2026 through their Pan-African “Art and Fashion with Purpose” community, established by Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. On this occasion, the Merck Foundation also proudly celebrates the 6-year anniversary of this impactful community, which continues to harness the power of art and fashion to address critical health and social issues in Africa and beyond.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and One of 100 Most Influential Africans 2019 – 2025 shared “I am happy to mark World Art Day 2026, and I firmly believe that art, fashion, and media are powerful tools for raising awareness and addressing critical social and health issues. We also proudly celebrate the 6-year anniversary of our ‘Fashion and Art with Purpose’ Community, established in 2020. Through this dynamic community, we continue to raise awareness on important health and social issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, ending FGM & child marriage, stopping gender based violence, women empowerment and diabetes, hypertension & cancer awareness, while empowering artists across Africa and beyond to use their day-to-day creative work as a powerful tool for awareness, education, and driving a meaningful cultural shift within their communities.

Our community today brings together talented members from more than 25 countries. I am proud of what we’ve built together and the positive social impact it continues to create.”

Merck Foundation has launched many initiatives including their first-ever pan-African TV program, ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’, which uniquely highlights pressing issues across the continent through the voices of their ‘Fashion and Art with Purpose’ community.

‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ is a pan African TV program that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation to feature African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa. The program has captured the attention and hearts of millions of viewers across Africa.

“Our Africa” has been broadcast on prime TV stations of many countries, and is currently on social media handles of Social Media handles of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Facebook: http://apo-opa.co/48J4p3p, Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/4culcsi, Twitter: http://apo-opa.co/4tTfJ5q and YouTube: http://apo-opa.co/4epNu9P) and Merck Foundation (Facebook: http://apo-opa.co/41VbnyR , Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/4cmNdTX, Twitter: http://apo-opa.co/4mym2ZI and YouTube: http://apo-opa.co/4cnwDln). 

Watch the Promo of the Program here: https://apo-opa.co/4mzhrGv

Beyond Our Africa TV Program, Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa announces annually 8 important Awards, under two themes, for Media, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers and Musicians/ Singers, and potential young African talents in these fields. The themes of the two categories of awards are: 1) Breaking Infertility Stigma, Support Girls’ Education, End Child Marriage, End FGM, Stopping GBV and/ or Women Empowerment at all levels and 2) promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Entries for the 2026 Awards can be sent to: submit@merck-foundation.com

A significant part of Merck Foundation’s “Art and Fashion with Purpose” Community is made up of the talented winners of Merck Foundation annual Fashion, Film, and Song Awards.

“I am proud and delighted to share that in partnership with my dear sisters, The First Ladies of Africa, we have so far recognized and celebrated 175 exceptional talents as our winners from 25 countries through our Fashion, Film, and Song Awards. Each winner has become a valued member of our ‘Fashion and Art with Purpose’ Community. Together, they continue to use their voice, art, and influence to spark meaningful conversation, challenge deeply rooted perceptions, and raise awareness about sensitive social and health issues across their communities,” added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

The 175 winners include 102 Fashion Award winners, 53 Song Award winners, and 20 Film Award winners, selected for their outstanding creativity and impact from 25 countries including Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, CAR, Congo-Brazzaville, DRC, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Also, as a part of the Community Awareness Programs, Merck Foundation has created over 30 songs with many African Artists, in English, French, Portuguese and also local African languages to address critical issues like breaking infertility stigma, empowering women, supporting girl education, ending child marriage, diabetes awareness, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and more.

Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa has also launched 9 Children’s Storybooks in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili. Additionally, Merck Foundation has adapted their storybooks to create 6 Awareness Animation films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili, with the purpose of reaching out to the communities to raise awareness on the important issues with an aim of instilling change at grassroot levels.

To listen to the Merck Foundation songs, read Merck Foundation storybooks and watch Merck Foundation animation films, click on the below links:  

https://apo-opa.co/3O97YsW

https://apo-opa.co/3O36jFi 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

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

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/41VbnyR
X: https://apo-opa.co/4mym2ZI
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4cnwDln
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4cmNdTX
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4vsXtS1
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4cfycmQ
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3OrcbYP

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4vwms6V), X (https://apo-opa.co/4vxZNXU), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4vEuAlZ), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4cnwDln), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3QGXNfL) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4cfycmQ).

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 endeavours.

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Fundação Merck celebra o ‘Dia Mundial da Arte’ com o seu Prémio de Cinema, Canção, Jornalismo e Moda 2026, em parceria com as Primeiras-Damas da África, para conscientizar sobre questões sociais e de saúde

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Fundação Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com),  o braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha, celebra o Dia Mundial da Arte de 2026 através da sua comunidade pan-africana “Arte e Moda com Propósito”, estabelecida pela Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck. Nesta ocasião, a Fundação Merck também celebra com orgulho o 6º aniversário desta comunidade impactante, que continua a aproveitar o poder da arte e da moda para abordar questões críticas de saúde e sociais em África e noutros lugares.

A Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej (aposentada), CEO da Fundação Merck e uma das 100 pessoas africanas mais influentes de 2019 a 2025, partilhou: “Estou feliz em celebrar o Dia Mundial da Arte de 2026 e acredito firmemente que a arte, a moda e a mídia são ferramentas poderosas para conscientizar e abordar questões sociais e de saúde críticas. Também celebramos com orgulho o 6º aniversário da nossa comunidade ‘Moda e Arte com Propósito’, criada em 2020. Através dessa comunidade dinâmica, continuamos a conscientizar sobre importantes questões sociais e de saúde, como quebrar o estigma da infertilidade, apoiar a educação de meninas, acabar com a MGF (Mutilação Genital Feminina) e o casamento infantil, combater a violência do género, empoderar mulheres e conscientizar sobre diabetes, hipertensão e cancro, ao mesmo tempo em que capacitamos artistas em toda a África e além a usar o seu trabalho criativo diário como uma ferramenta poderosa para conscientização, educação e para impulsionar uma mudança cultural significativa nas suas comunidades.

A nossa comunidade hoje reúne membros talentosos de mais de 25 países. Tenho orgulho do que construímos juntos e do impacto social positivo que isso continua a gerar.”

A Fundação Merck lançou diversas iniciativas, incluindo o seu primeiro programa televisivo pan-africano, “Nossa África da Fundação Merck”, que destaca de forma singular questões urgentes em todo o continente através das vozes da sua comunidade “Moda e Arte com Propósito”.

“Nossa África da Fundação Merck” é um programa televisivo pan-africano idealizado, produzido, dirigido e coapresentado pela Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck, que apresenta estilistas, cantores e especialistas renomados de diversas áreas da moda africana, com o objectivo de conscientizar e promover uma mudança cultural em toda a África. O programa conquistou a atenção e o coração de milhões de telespectadores em todo o continente.

“Nossa África” foi transmitido em importantes canais de televisão de diversos países e está actualmente disponível nas redes sociais da Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej (Facebook: http://apo-opa.co/48J4p3p, Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/4culcsi, Twitter: http://apo-opa.co/4tTfJ5q e YouTube: http://apo-opa.co/4epNu9P) e da Fundação Merck (Facebook: http://apo-opa.co/41VbnyR , Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/4cmNdTX, Twitter: http://apo-opa.co/4mym2ZI e YouTube: http://apo-opa.co/4cnwDln). 

Assista aqui ao vídeo promocional do programa.: https://apo-opa.co/4mzhrGv

Além do nosso programa televisivo sobre a África, a Fundação Merck, em parceria com as Primeiras-Damas da África, anuncia anualmente 8 importantes prémios, divididos em duas categorias, para mídia, estilistas, cineastas e músicos/cantores, além de jovens talentos africanos promissores nessas áreas. Os temas das duas categorias de prémios são: 1) Quebrar o estigma da infertilidade, apoiar a educação de meninas, acabar com o casamento infantil, acabar com a mutilação genital feminina, combater a violência do género e/ou empoderar mulheres em todos os níveis; e 2) promover um estilo de vida saudável e conscientizar sobre a prevenção e a detecção precoce da diabetes e da hipertensão.

As candidaturas para os Prémios de 2026 podem ser enviadas para: submit@merck-foundation.com

Uma parte significativa da comunidade “Arte e Moda com Propósito” da Fundação Merck é composta pelos talentosos vencedores dos prémios anuais de Moda, Cinema e Música da Fundação Merck.

“Tenho orgulho e prazer em partilhar que, em parceria com as minhas queridas irmãs, as Primeiras-Damas da África, já reconhecemos e celebramos 175 talentos excepcionais como vencedores de 25 países através dos nossos prémios de Moda, Cinema e Música. Cada vencedor se tornou um membro valioso da nossa comunidade ‘Arte e Moda com Propósito’. Juntos, eles continuam a usar a sua voz, arte e influência para gerar conversas significativas, desafiar percepções profundamente enraizadas e aumentar a conscientização sobre questões sociais e de saúde sensíveis nas suas comunidades”, acrescentou a Dra. Rasha Kelej.

Os 175 vencedores incluem 102 vencedores do Prémio de Moda, 53 vencedores do Prémio da Canção e 20 vencedores do Prémio de Cinema, seleccionados pela sua criatividade e impacto excepcionais em 25 países, incluindo Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Camarões, República Centro-Africana, Congo-Brazzaville, República Democrática do Congo, Gâmbia, Gana, Guiné, Quénia, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Maurícias, Moçambique, Namíbia, Nigéria, Senegal, Serra Leoa, África do Sul, Tanzânia, Uganda, Zâmbia e Zimbabwe.

Além disso, como parte dos Programas de Conscientização Comunitária, a Fundação Merck criou mais de 30 músicas com diversos artistas africanos, em inglês, francês, português e também em línguas africanas locais, para abordar questões críticas como o combate ao estigma da infertilidade, o empoderamento feminino, o apoio à educação de meninas, o fim do casamento infantil, a conscientização sobre a diabetes, a promoção de um estilo de vida saudável e muito mais.

A Fundação Merck, em parceria com as Primeiras-Damas da África, também lançou 9 livros de histórias infantis em cinco línguas: inglês, francês, português, espanhol e swahili. Além disso, a Fundação Merck adaptou os seus livros de histórias para criar 6 filmes de animação de conscientização em cinco línguas: inglês, francês, português, espanhol e swahili, com o objectivo de alcançar as comunidades para aumentar a conscientização sobre questões importantes e promover mudanças nas comunidades locais.

Para ouvir as músicas da Fundação Merck, ler os livros de histórias da Fundação Merck e assistir aos filmes de animação da Fundação Merck, clique nos links abaixo:

https://apo-opa.co/3O97YsW

https://apo-opa.co/3O36jFi 

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/41VbnyR
X: http://apo-opa.co/4mym2ZI
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4cnwDln
Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/4cmNdTX
Threads: http://apo-opa.co/4cmNdTX
Flickr: http://apo-opa.co/4cfycmQ
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Baixar a Aplicação da Fundação Merck: https://apo-opa.co/3OrcbYP

Sobre Fundação Merck:
A Fundação Merck, criada em 2017, é o braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha, tem como objectivo melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar das pessoas e aprimorar as suas vidas atravez da ciência e da tecnologia. Os nossos esforços estão focados principalmente na melhoria do acesso a soluções de saúde de qualidade e equitativas em comunidades carenciadas, no desenvolvimento da capacidade de saúde e na investigação científica, no empoderamento das raparigas na educação e no empoderamento de 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 a mídia social da Fundação Merck: Facebook: (http://apo-opa.co/41VbnyR), X (https://apo-opa.co/4vxZNXU), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4vEuAlZ), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3QeSTXg), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4dLvmHe) e Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4vt1UfH).

A Fundação Merck está dedicada a melhorar os resultados sociais e de saúde para comunidades necessitadas. Embora colabore com vários parceiros, incluindo governos, para atingir os seus objectivos humanitários, a Fundação permanece estritamente neutra em questões políticas. Ela não se envolve ou apoia nenhuma actividade política, eleições ou regimes, concentrando-se exclusivamente na sua missão de elevar a humanidade e melhorar o bem-estar, mantendo uma postura estritamente apolítica em todos os seus esforços.

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President Ramaphosa undertakes Working Visit to Spain

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa undertakes Working Visit to Spain

President Cyril Ramaphosa undertook a Working Visit to the Kingdom of Spain on Wednesday night.

“His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa is this evening undertaking a working visit to the Kingdom of Spain, where the President will have an audience with the King of Spain, His Majesty Felipe VI, and a bilateral engagement with the President of the Government of Spain, His Excellency Dr Pedro Sánchez,” the Presidency said on Wednesday night.

In his weekly newsletter, which reflected on the recently concluded sixth South Africa Investment Conference, President Ramaphosa stated that he would be visiting the European country this week.
In Monday’s newsletter, President Ramaphosa said South Africa’s investment drive does not start and end with the Investment Conferences.

“We continue with our outward investment missions in search of new markets and to consolidate existing trade ties. We continue to convene structured business forums on the sidelines of bilateral engagements, including state visits and bi-national commissions. As we have done in the past, we continue to prioritise targeted, one-on-one engagements with investors during international trips,” he said.

Bilateral trade between South Africa and Spain grew by 9.7% from US$3.1 billion in 2022 to US$3.4 billion in 2023. Previously, the Presidency stated that there had been steady investment in South Africa by Spanish companies, while South African companies have also looked to Spain as an investment destination in the real estate sector. 

More than 150 Spanish companies have invested in South Africa, creating over 20,000 jobs across various sectors.

Prime Minister Sánchez visited South Africa in October 2022.

The President’s Working Visit reaffirms the strong diplomatic relations and partnership between the Kingdom of Spain and South Africa, and will explore opportunities to strengthen people-to-people ties. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Gabon’s Offshore Comeback: International Oil Companies (IOCs) Return as Exploration Heats Up Ahead of Paris Forum

Source: APO


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Gabon is emerging as one of Africa’s most active upstream investment destinations, offering opportunities across frontier deepwater exploration, recent discoveries and ongoing production drilling. Clotaire Kondja, Minister of Petroleum and Gas, will represent Gabon’s investment agenda at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris on April 22–23, as the country positions itself as a multi-entry hotspot for global oil and gas investment.

The clearest signal of renewed international interest came in October 2025, when ExxonMobil signed an MoU with Gabon’s Ministry of Petroleum and Gas to evaluate deepwater and ultra-deepwater blocks, marking its re-entry into Central Africa. Days later, bp signed a parallel MoU for the same frontier acreage. Both agreements follow the government’s announcement of new offshore licensing rounds for 2026, targeting roughly 70% of Gabon’s offshore acreage still open to exploration.

Exploration work is already yielding results. In March 2026, Assala Energy announced a hydrocarbon encounter at its Magoga-A well in the Mutamba Iroru II license, with preliminary data showing 8 meters of pay in the Gamba Sandstone formation. On Gabon’s offshore Ngulu block, ReconAfrica is reprocessing 3D seismic across a 1,214 km² area hosting the Loba oil discovery and over 28 identified prospects, aiming for drill-ready status by year-end.

On the production side, VAALCO launched its Phase Three drilling campaign at the Etame Marin block in Q4 2025, with the first development well coming online in January 2026. The campaign spans the Etame, SEENT and Ebouri platforms, targeting gross output of 20,000–23,000 barrels per day by the program’s end and contributing to VAALCO’s broader guidance of 225% organic production growth by 2030.

For investors, Gabon offers both frontier and near-field opportunities. Existing pipelines, platforms and FPSOs lower the capital threshold for development, while ongoing drilling demonstrates that the basin continues to yield commercially viable results. Minister Kondja’s delegation also traveled to Washington in March 2026 to present energy investment opportunities directly to U.S. officials and investors, reinforcing Gabon’s commitment to active engagement with international capital markets.

IAE 2026 is an exclusive forum designed to connect African energy markets with global investors, serving as a key platform for deal-making in the lead-up to African Energy Week. Scheduled for April 22-23, 2026, in Paris, the event will provide delegates with two days of in-depth engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, visit www.invest-africa-energy.com. To sponsor or register as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

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

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Shell’s Eugene Okpere to Speak at Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 Amid $1B Angolan Deepwater Drive

Source: APO


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Eugene Okpere, Executive Vice President Exploration, Strategy & Portfolio for Integrated Gas & Upstream at Shell, will speak at the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 Conference and Exhibition – taking place this September in Luanda. Okpere’s participation follows Shell’s return to the market in 2025 and subsequent exploration agreement covering three deepwater blocks, a move expected to unlock approximately $1 billion in investment.

Shell’s return to Angola after a 20-year hiatus marks a major upstream development for Angola. After previously exiting the Angolan upstream sector, the company’s re-entry signals renewed confidence in the country’s deepwater potential at a time when Angola is working to stabilize crude production through a combination of new exploration, redevelopment of mature assets and targeted investment incentives. Recent transactions by the company point to its commitment to unlocking Angola’s deepwater potential. 

In January 2026, the company signed a deal to acquire a 35% stake in two deepwater blocks from energy major Chevron. The farm-in grants the company a minority stake in the assets and follows an agreement signed at the 2025 edition of AOG for Block 33/24. The acquisition also follows a November 2025 agreement granting Shell exclusive rights to conduct exploration activities at Blocks 19, 34 and 39 alongside Equinor and Sonangol.

Situated in the ultra-deepwaters of the Kwanza Basin, the blocks feature significant hydrocarbon potential given their proximity to commercial assets. The partners will kickstart technical and operational studies with a view to determine the blocks’ oil potential in support of an upcoming exploration phase.

Angola’s deepwater sector remains one of the most prospective offshore regions globally, with decades of production history and significant remaining resource potential. As production from mature fields declines, the country has been intensifying efforts to attract fresh investment into exploration and new developments. Regulatory reforms, licensing opportunities and partnership frameworks are being implemented to encourage international oil companies to re-enter the market and commit capital to long-term projects.

Shell’s renewed presence is a testament to these efforts. With experience unlocking new deepwater frontiers in markets such as Namibia, the company brings deepwater technical expertise, project development experience and financial capacity, all of which are critical for advancing complex offshore projects. The $1 billion investment associated with the block acquisitions is expected to support exploration activities and potential future development, contributing to Angola’s broader objective of sustaining production over the long term.

As such, Okpere’s participation at AOG 2026 comes at a critical time – both for Angola as it pursues new discoveries and for Shell as it expands it African exploration portfolio. As Shell advances its re-entry into Angola through newly acquired deepwater positions, the conference provides an important platform for engagement with government stakeholders, partners and service companies involved in offshore exploration and development.

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

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Oando devient sponsor Émeraude de l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 alors que la société annonce une hausse de 10 % de ses bénéfices

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La société nigériane d’hydrocarbures Oando Energy a rejoint l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 en tant que sponsor Émeraude, forte d’une dynamique financière convaincante après avoir annoncé une hausse de 10 % de son bénéfice après impôts par rapport à l’année précédente, pour atteindre 241,3 milliards de nairas pour l’ensemble de l’année 2025.

Portée par de meilleures performances en amont, une augmentation des prélèvements de pétrole brut et de gaz et une hausse des volumes de vente de gaz, cette performance est un indicateur clair de la résilience opérationnelle et de l’orientation stratégique de l’entreprise dans un environnement macroéconomique difficile. Cela prépare le terrain pour le rôle d’Oando Energy lors de l’AEW 2026, où les principaux décideurs politiques, opérateurs et investisseurs africains se réuniront au Cap du 12 au 16 octobre 2026 afin d’accélérer la conclusion d’accords et la réalisation de projets dans le secteur énergétique du continent.

Oando Energy est fortement impliquée dans l’ensemble de la chaîne de valeur des hydrocarbures au Nigeria et au-delà, avec des activités diversifiées en amont et dans les services énergétiques. En mars 2026, Oando a signé un contrat de partage de production pour le bloc KON-13 dans le bassin terrestre de Kwanza en Angola, s’assurant une participation de 45 % en tant qu’opérateur et diversifiant davantage sa présence en amont hors du Nigeria. Ce bloc, dont les ressources prospectives sont estimées entre 770 millions et 1,1 milliard de barils de pétrole, positionne Oando comme l’un des rares opérateurs africains locaux à disposer d’actifs en amont actifs dans plusieurs juridictions.

De plus, sa filiale en amont, Oando Energy Resources, détient des participations dans plus de 14 actifs pétroliers et gaziers au Nigeria et à São Tomé-et-Príncipe, et gère plus de 22 400 km² de superficie brute, soutenue par un réseau de pipelines de 1 255 km, 14 stations de débit et une capacité de traitement du gaz supérieure à 3,6 milliards de pieds cubes standard par jour. L’allocation rigoureuse des capitaux et l’excellence opérationnelle de la société ont stimulé la croissance de la production en 2025, avec des volumes en amont s’élevant en moyenne à 32 482 barils par jour. Ces gains reflètent la consolidation sur l’ensemble de l’année des actifs de la coentreprise NAOC.

Au-delà de ses activités principales dans le secteur des hydrocarbures, le groupe Oando continue d’élargir son portefeuille énergétique avec des projets de construction d’une usine d’assemblage de modules solaires photovoltaïques de 1,2 GW au Nigeria, comprenant une ligne de recyclage visant à renforcer les capacités locales de fabrication d’énergie renouvelable et à favoriser l’économie circulaire. Oando a également collaboré avec l’Agence nigériane d’électrification rurale sur des initiatives de déploiement solaire visant à élargir l’accès à l’énergie propre dans les régions mal desservies, renforçant ainsi son rôle d’acteur énergétique multidimensionnel engagé dans un impact de développement à long terme.

« L’engagement d’Oando Energy en tant que sponsor Émeraude de l’African Energy Week 2026 reflète notre conviction que l’avenir énergétique de l’Afrique ne sera pas seulement défini par le potentiel des ressources, mais aussi par des entreprises qui font preuve d’excellence opérationnelle, stimulent la croissance transfrontalière et créent de la valeur à grande échelle. Oando est prête à s’associer aux gouvernements, aux investisseurs et aux leaders du secteur pour accélérer les projets, approfondir l’intégration régionale et fournir des solutions énergétiques qui alimentent la prospérité africaine », a déclaré NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie.

Le parrainage Émeraude d’Oando Energy à l’AEW 2026 souligne la confiance de l’entreprise dans la trajectoire des investissements énergétiques en Afrique. Grâce à ce partenariat, Oando entend renforcer sa visibilité auprès des principaux décideurs, attirer de nouveaux capitaux et contribuer aux discussions sur la manière dont les entreprises énergétiques locales peuvent mener la mise en œuvre, la commercialisation et la transformation du secteur à travers le continent.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.