MIL Africa Engine

July 22, 2026

Côte d’Ivoire: The African Development Bank grants €200 million in financing to strengthen production of low-sulfur fuels

Source: APO

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) approved, on 13 July, 2026, in Abidjan, a loan of €200 million to finance the “Clean Air” project carried out by the Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage (SIR).

The project includes the design, construction, and commissioning of a diesel hydrodesulfurisation complex within SIR. This strategic infrastructure will strengthen the refinery’s capacity to process petroleum products and produce ultra-low-sulfur diesel.

The Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage will thus be able to produce fuels meeting international standards, while improving air quality and the transition toward more environmentally friendly petroleum products in the region.

Founded in 1962, SIR handles the refining of crude oil, and the distribution of petroleum products in Côte d’Ivoire and other parts of the world, according to its website.

With a total estimated cost of €833 million, the project will be financed by a consortium of development financial institutions and partners. As mandated lead arranger, the African Development Bank will play a central role in structuring the financing and mobilising additional resources for this strategic operation. The commissioning of this new HDS complex is planned for 2029.

“By enabling Côte d’Ivoire to produce ultra-low-sulfur fuels, the Clean Air project combines industrial modernisation and climate action, while improving public health across West Africa,” said Kevin Kariuki, Vice-President of the African Development Bank Group for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth. “The African Development Bank is proud to support this transformation, which will help make cities cleaner, improve vehicle engine efficiency, and preserve the competitiveness of Côte d’Ivoire’s fuel industry.”

Furthermore, the project will strengthen the energy security of Côte d’Ivoire and several neighboring landlocked countries, notably Mali and Burkina Faso, which partly source refined petroleum products from SIR. It will help preserve the competitiveness of one of the largest working refineries in West Africa, amid tightening regional and international environmental requirements.

The complex is expected to generate some 1,140 jobs on-site during construction. After it becomes operational, 82 additional permanent staff are expected to be hired, while maintaining approximately 900 existing jobs. A skills development program for around 50 employees is also planned, to support the operation of higher-performing and more environmentally friendly technologies.

The Clean Air project is part of the African Development Bank Group’s Ten-Year Strategy 2024-2033, and contributes towards achieving one of its Four Cardinal Points, notably that of mobiliing capital at scale and building climate-resilient infrastructure, while promoting industrialisation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media Contact:
Natalie Nkembuh
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (African Development Bank Group), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.African Development Bank Group.org

July 22, 2026

Outcome of inquiry into fitness to hold office of Adv Andrew Chauke

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has communicated to Gauteng South Director of Public Prosecutions Adv Andrew Chauke that he has been exonerated by the Nkabinde Panel of Enquiry that probed the Director’s fitness to hold office.

President Ramaphosa established the Enquiry on 29 September 2025 in terms of section 12(6)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act of 1998.

The mandate of the Enquiry was to investigate and determine whether Adv Chauke was fit and proper to continue to hold office in the context of certain serious allegations regarding his fitness and propriety to hold such office.

President Ramaphosa placed Adv Chauke on suspension with effect from 20 July 2025, pending finalised of the Enquiry.

The Panel chaired by Justice Baaitse Elizabeth Nkabinde considered extensive oral evidence, documentary evidence, expert opinions, witness statements and legal submissions.

The Panel has found that there was no credible evidence upon which it could conclude that Adv Chauke had taken prosecutorial decisions as alleged in respect of the Cato Manor matter, or that he had acted unlawfully in the performance of his coordination functions.

The Panel has also found that Adv Chauke’s decision to provisionally withdraw the murder and related charges against former Crime Intelligence head, General Richard Mdluli, and to refer the matter to an inquest was not irrational.

In view of these and other findings that exonerate Adv Chauke, President Ramaphosa is satisfied that there is no basis upon which to conclude that Adv Chauke is unfit to hold office as Director of Public Prosecutions.

The President has thanked Adv Chauke for his cooperation throughout the enquiry process and expressed his trust that the finalisation of this matter will enable Adv Chauke to continue discharging his constitutional and statutory responsibilities with dedication and integrity in service of the National Prosecuting Authority and the nation.

President Ramaphosa has also reiterated his appreciation to Enquiry Chairperson Justice Nkabinde, assisted by Adv Elizabeth Baloyi-Mere SC and Attorney Matshego Ramagaga for the manner in which they undertook their task.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

July 22, 2026

Prof. Frank Stangenberg HaverKamp e a Dra. Rasha Kelej, presidente e CEO da Fundação Merck, reuniram-se com Primeira-Dama do Gabão para reforçar seu compromisso de longo prazo com a saúde e o desenvolvimento social e económico do país

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Fundação Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), o braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha lançou oficialmente os seus programas em parceria com S. Exa. a Sra. Zita Oligui Nguema, Primeira-Dama da República Gabonesa e também Embaixadora da “Fundação Merck Mais do que uma Mãe”. Os programas, que começaram em 2024, têm como objectivo transformar o atendimento ao paciente, desenvolver a capacidade do sistema de saúde, quebrar o estigma da infertilidade, empoderar mulheres e apoiar a educação de meninas no Gabão e no resto da África.

O programa foi presidido pela Primeira-Dama do Gabão, S. Exa. a Sra. Zita Oligui Nguema, pelo Presidente do Conselho de Curadores da Fundação Merck, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, e pela CEO da Fundação Merck, Dra. Rasha Kelej. O evento aconteceu no Palácio Presidencial, no Gabão.

A Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej (aposentada), CEO da Fundação Merck e Presidente da campanha “Mais do que uma Mãe”, enfatizou: “É uma grande honra manter encontro com a minha querida irmã, S.E. a Sra. Zita Oligui Nguema, Primeira-Dama do Gabão. Declaramos oficialmente a sua nomeação como Embaixadora da campanha Fundação Merck ‘Mais do que uma Mãe’. Também lançamos formalmente os programas da Fundação Merck no país e reforçamos o nosso compromisso com o desenvolvimento da capacidade dos sectores da saúde e mídia, a transformação do cenário de atendimento ao paciente, o combate ao estigma da infertilidade e o apoio à educação de meninas, em conjunto no país.”

O Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp acrescentou: “O nosso objectivo é melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar geral das pessoas, desenvolvendo a capacidade dos serviços de saúde em África, Ásia e outros países em desenvolvimento. Estamos fortemente comprometidos com a transformação do cenário de atendimento ao paciente através do nosso programa de bolsas de estudo.”

S.E. A Sra. Zita Oligui Nguema, Primeira-Dama da República Gabonesa e Embaixadora da “Fundação Merck Mais do que uma Mãe”, declarou: “É um prazer receber e manter encontro com Presidente e a CEO da Fundação Merck no nosso país. Juntos, lançamos oficialmente os nossos programas conjuntos e também celebramos marcos importantes do grande sucesso dos nossos programas conjuntos para desenvolver a capacidade da área da saúde, transformar o atendimento ao paciente, quebrar o estigma da infertilidade e apoiar a educação de meninas. Esta é a primeira vez que trabalhamos em programas de tão grande impacto; estamos a fazer história. Conquistamos muito num curto período de tempo, através da nossa parceria de longo prazo, que começou em 2024.

Tenho muito orgulho de partilhar que, através da nossa parceria, concedemos 16 bolsas de estudo para os nossos profissionais de saúde locais, que serão os futuros especialistas em saúde do Gabão, que já se formaram, estão a formar-se ou iniciarão em breve as bolsas de estudo da Fundação Merck para treinamento em especialidades críticas e carentes, como Fertilidade, Embriologia, Oncologia, Diabetes e Hipertensão.”

“Também tenho muita satisfação em partilhar que, juntamente com a Primeira-Dama do Gabão, estamos a apoiar a educação de meninas, oferecendo bolsas de estudo anuais para 40 alunas de alto desempenho, porém carentes, até a formatura, para que possam alcançar o seu potencial e realizar os seus sonhos”, acrescentou a Dra. Rasha Kelej.

A Fundação Merck concedeu mais de 2.600 bolsas de estudo para profissionais de saúde de 52 países em 44 especialidades médicas críticas e carentes.

Do total de 16 bolsas de estudo concedidas no Gabão, a Fundação Merck ofereceu:

4 bolsas de estudo para Fertilidade e Embriologia. Essas bolsas consistiram em treinamentos práticos na Índia. O primeiro embriologista do país foi formado através do programa.
4 bolsas de estudo para Diabetes e Hipertensão, incluindo um curso de mestrado especial de 3 meses em Diabetes em francês e uma especialização clínica em Diabetes e Hipertensão. Ao concluírem o treinamento, esses especialistas terão conhecimento necessário para estabelecer clínicas dedicadas em hospitais e centros de saúde, aprimorando significativamente a prevenção e o controlo de diabetes, hipertensão e doenças cardíacas, trazendo imensos benefícios para a população do Gabão.
8 Bolsas de Estudo para Enfermagem Oncológica, área crucial para o tratamento do câncer.

Durante o programa de lançamento, as beneficiárias do programa Educar Linda também estiveram presentes, e algumas delas compartilharam testemunhos inspiradores sobre como as bolsas de estudo transformaram as suas vidas.

“Eu realmente acredito que, quando as meninas são formadas, os seus países tornam-se mais poderosos, fortes e prósperos”, acrescentou a Senadora Kelej.

A Fundação Merck, em parceria com a Primeira-Dama do Gabão, lançou sete livros infantis: “Mais do que uma Mãe”, “Educar Linda”, “Resgate da Jaqueline”, “Você Não É Quem É”, “Viagem ao Futuro”, “Jude Livre de Açúcar” e “Pressão de Mark”. Esses livros abordam questões sociais e de saúde cruciais para crianças pequenas. Alguns exemplares dos livros foram autografados pela Primeira-Dama do Gabão, pelo Presidente e CEO da Fundação Merck. Milhares de exemplares desses livros serão distribuídos para alunos de escolas.

Além disso, a Fundação Merck realizou duas edições do seu Treinamento Online de Mídia em Saúde para jornalistas gaboneses, a fim de capacitá-los a conscientizar sobre questões sensíveis, como quebrar o estigma da infertilidade, apoiar a educação de meninas, combater a violência do género, acabar com o casamento infantil e a mutilação genital feminina, e conscientizar sobre a prevenção e detecção precoce da diabetes e da hipertensão.

A Fundação Merck, em parceria com a Primeira-Dama do Gabão, também anunciou a Chamada para Candidaturas para os seus 8 importantes Prémios anuais de Jornalismo, Canção, de Moda, Cinema, para estudantes e novos talentos com potencial nessas áreas.

Informações sobre os Prémios:

1. Prémio de Jornalismo África Fundação Merck “Mais do Que uma Mãe” 2026: Representantes da mídia e estudantes de comunicação são convidados a apresentar seus trabalhos para conscientizar sobre uma ou mais das seguintes questões sociais: Combater o estigma da infertilidade, apoiar a educação de meninas, empoderar mulheres, acabar com o casamento infantil, acabar com a mutilação genital feminina e/ou erradicar a violência de gênero em todos os níveis.

Prazo para submissão: 30 de setembro de 2026.

2. Prémio do Cinema Fundação Merck “Mais do Que uma Mãe” 2026: Todos os cineastas africanos, estudantes de instituições de formação cinematográfica ou jovens talentos da África estão convidados a criar e compartilhar um filme ou curta-metragem, seja drama, documentário ou docudrama, que transmitam mensagens fortes e impactantes que abordem uma ou mais das seguintes questões sociais: quebrar o estigma da infertilidade, apoiar a educação de meninas, empoderar mulheres, acabar com o casamento infantil, acabar com a mutilação genital feminina e/ou combater a violência do género em todos os níveis.

Prazo para submissão: 30 de setembro de 2026.

3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “Mais do Que uma Mãe” 2026: Todos os estudantes e estilistas de moda africanos estão convidados a criar e compartilhar designs que transmitam mensagens fortes e impactantes para conscientizar sobre uma ou mais das seguintes questões sociais: Quebrar o estigma da infertilidade, apoiar a educação de meninas, empoderamento feminino, acabar com o casamento infantil, acabar com a mutilação genital feminina e/ou combater a violência de gênero em todos os níveis.

Prazo para submissão: 30 de setembro de 2026.

4. Merck Foundation Song “Mais do Que uma Mãe” 2026: Todos os cantores e artistas musicais africanos estão convidados a criar e compartilhar uma MÚSICA com o objectivo de abordar uma ou mais das seguintes questões sociais: Quebrar o estigma da infertilidade, apoiar a educação de meninas, empoderar mulheres, acabar com o casamento infantil, acabar com a mutilação genital feminina e/ou acabar com a violência do género em todos os níveis.

Prazo para submissão: 30 de setembro de 2026.

5. Prémio de Jornalismo Fundação Merck 2026 “Diabetes & Hipertensão”: Os representantes da mídia são convidados a apresentar o seu trabalho través de mensagens fortes e impactantes para promover um estilo de vida saudável e aumentar a conscientização sobre a prevenção e a detecção precoce da diabetes e da hipertensão.

Prazo para submissão: 30 de outubro de 2026.

6. Prémio do Cinema Fundação Merck 2026 “Diabetes & Hipertensão”: Todos os cineastas africanos, estudantes de instituições de formação cinematográfica ou jovens talentos da África estão convidados a criar e compartilhar um filme ou curta-metragem, seja drama, documentário ou docudrama, que transmitam mensagens fortes e impactantes que promovam um estilo de vida saudável e aumentem a conscientização sobre a prevenção e a detecção precoce de diabetes e hipertensão.

Prazo para submissão: 30 de outubro de 2026.

7. Prémio de Moda Fundação Merck 2026 “Diabetes & Hipertensão”: Todos os estudantes e designers de moda africanos estão convidados a criar e compartilhar designs que transmitam mensagens fortes e impactantes para promover um estilo de vida saudável e aumentar a conscientização sobre a prevenção e a detecção precoce da diabetes e da hipertensão.

Prazo para submissão: 30 de outubro de 2026.

8. Prémio da Canção Fundação Merck 2026 “Diabetes & Hipertensão”: Todos os cantores e artistas musicais africanos estão convidados a criar e compartilhar uma música com o objectivo de promover um estilo de vida saudável e aumentar a conscientização sobre a prevenção e a detecção precoce da diabetes e da hipertensão.

Prazo para submissão: 30 de outubro de 2026.

Inscreva-se aqui: https://merck-foundation.com/Awards-Online-Application-Form (https://apo-opa.co/4wZX75l)

As inscrições para todos os prêmios devem ser enviadas por e-mail para: submit@merck-foundation.com

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

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Sobre Fundação Merck:
A Fundação Merck, criada em 2017, é o braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha e tem como objectivo melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar das pessoas e melhorar as suas vidas através da ciência e da tecnologia. Os nossos esforços estão focados principalmente em melhorar o acesso a soluções de saúde de qualidade e equitativas em comunidades carenciadas, desenvolver a capacidade de saúde e investigação científica, empoderar raparigas na educação e pessoas em STEM (Ciência, Tecnologia, Engenharia e Matemática), com um foco especial nas mulheres e nos jovens. Todos os comunicados de imprensa da Fundação Merck são distribuídos por e-mail ao mesmo tempo que são disponibilizados no site da Fundação Merck. Por favor, visite www.Merck-Foundation.com (https://apo-opa.co/4vHwG30) para ler mais. Siga a mídia social da Fundação Merck: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4wWPSuW), X (https://apo-opa.co/4wXQkZP), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/44Iimwo), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4wXmvbL), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/452aK8d) e Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4wUE10f).

A Fundação Merck dedica-se a melhorar os resultados sociais e de saúde para as comunidades carenciadas. Embora colabore com vários parceiros, incluindo governos, para atingir os seus objectivos humanitários, a fundação mantém-se estritamente neutra em questões políticas. Não se envolve nem apoia qualquer actividade política, eleição ou regime, 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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July 22, 2026

Prof. Frank Stangenberg HaverKamp and Dr. Rasha Kelej, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Merck Foundation meet Gabon First Lady to underscore their long-term commitment to health, social and economic development of Gabon

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany officially launched their programs in partnership with H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of Gabonese Republic, also the Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, the programs which started in 2024 with the aim to transform patient care, build healthcare capacity, break the stigma of infertility, empower women, support girl education in Gabon and the rest of Africa.

The program was chaired by The First Lady of Gabon, H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, and CEO of Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej. The program took place at the State House, Gabon.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign emphasized, “It is a great honor to meet my dear sister, H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of Gabon. We officially declared her as the Ambassador of the ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother’ campaign. We also formally launched the Merck Foundation programs in the country and underscored our commitment towards building healthcare and media capacity, patient care landscape transformation, breaking infertility stigma and supporting girl education, together in the country.”

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp added, “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia and other developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patientcare landscape through our scholarships program.”

H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of Gabonese Republic & Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” expressed, “It is a pleasure to welcome and meet Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO to our country. Together we officially launched our joint programs and also celebrated important milestones of the great success of our joint programs to build healthcare capacity, transform patientcare, break infertility stigma and support girl education. This is the first time that we are working on such impactful programs, it is history in the making. We have achieved a lot in a very short span of time, through our long-term partnership, which started in 2024.

I am very proud to share that through our partnership, we have provided 16 scholarships for our local healthcare providers who will be the future healthcare experts of Gabon, who have either graduated, undergoing or will be starting soon the Merck Foundation scholarships of training in critical and underserved specialties such as Fertility, Embryology, Oncology, Diabetes and Hypertension.”

“I am also very happy to share that together with The First Lady of Gabon, we are also supporting girl education by providing annual scholarships to support the education of 40 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls, till they graduate, so that they can reach their potentials and achieve their dreams”, Dr. Rasha Kelej added.

Merck Foundation has provided more than 2600 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Out of the total 16 scholarships provided in Gabon, Merck Foundation has provided:

4 scholarships for Fertility and Embryology. These were hands on practical trainings in India. The first ever embryologist of the country has been trained through the program.
4 scholarships for Diabetes & Hypertension, including a special 3 months Diabetes Mastercourse in French language and Clinical Fellowship in Diabetes and Hypertension. Upon completion of the training, these specialists will have the expertise to establish dedicated clinics in hospitals and health centers, significantly enhancing the prevention and man0agement of diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases, bringing immense benefits to the people of Gabon.
8 Scholarships for Oncology Nursing, which is very critical for cancer care.

During the launch program, the beneficiaries of the Educating Linda program were also present, where a few of them shared inspiring testimonies on how the scholarships have changed their lives.

“I really believe that when the girls are educated, their countries become more powerful, stronger & prosperous”, added Senator Kelej.

Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Lady of Gabon has launched seven children’s storybooks, “More Than a Mother”, ‘Educating Linda”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future”, “Sugar free Jude” and “Mark’s Pressure”. These books address critical social and health issues to young children. Few copies of the storybooks were signed by The First Lady of Gabon, Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO. Thousands of copies of these storybooks will be distributed to schoolchildren.

Moreover, Merck Foundation has conducted two editions of their Online Health Media Training for the Gabonese journalists in order to empower them to raise awareness about sensitive issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, stopping GBV, ending Child marriage and FGM and raise awareness about diabetes and hypertension prevention and early detection.

Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Lady of Gabon has also announced the Call for Application for their 8 important annual Awards for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.

Details of the Awards:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Media representatives and media students are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30^th September 2026.

2. Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30^th September 2026.

3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30^th September 2026.

4. Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30^th September 2026.

5. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2026.

6. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2026.

7. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2026.

8. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2026.

Apply here: https://merck-foundation.com/Awards-Online-Application-Form (https://apo-opa.co/4wZX75l)

Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to: submit@merck-foundation.com

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

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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 (https://apo-opa.co/4vHwG30) to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4wWPSuW), X (https://apo-opa.co/45gb42X), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/44Iimwo), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4wXmvbL), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4vC4LS5) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4wUE10f).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

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July 22, 2026

Cregis Expands into Africa, Bringing Enterprise Digital Asset Infrastructure to One of Crypto’s Fastest-Growing Regions

Source: APO

Cregis (www.Cregis.com), an enterprise digital asset infrastructure platform, today announced its expansion into Africa, marking the company’s latest step in its global growth strategy. The move builds on Cregis’ expansion across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Latin America, as demand for enterprise digital asset infrastructure continues to grow worldwide.

Africa is one of the fastest-growing digital asset markets globally. According to Chainalysis, Sub-Saharan Africa received more than $205 billion in on-chain value between July 2024 and June 2025, up 52% year over year. Growth has been fueled by stablecoin payments, cross-border transactions and broader adoption of digital financial services. At the same time, regulatory frameworks are becoming clearer across several major markets, creating a stronger foundation for enterprise adoption.

For Cregis, those trends signal that the market is entering a new stage.

“We’ve seen this pattern before,” said Shawn Yan, Founder and CEO of Cregis. “Adoption comes first. As businesses grow, the focus shifts to operating digital assets securely, efficiently and in a way that can keep pace with evolving regulatory expectations. That’s where enterprise infrastructure becomes essential, and it’s the same transition we’re beginning to see across Africa.”

Cregis has already onboarded enterprise customers in the region and is expanding its local business development efforts across the continent, with particular attention to markets such as Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, where digital asset ecosystems are among the most developed. The company is working with businesses including stablecoin payment providers, OTC desks, crypto exchanges and digital banks as demand for enterprise infrastructure continues to grow.

To support those businesses, Cregis provides an integrated platform that helps enterprises manage the full lifecycle of digital assets, from wallet operations and fund flows to custody, governance and compliance. Its product portfolio includes Wallet-as-a-Service (WaaS) (https://apo-opa.co/4bC3Z0i), Payment Engine, (https://apo-opa.co/4warJRs) TronGas, and Crypto Off-Ramp, allowing businesses to scale digital asset operations without piecing together multiple infrastructure providers.

The expansion builds on nearly a decade of experience supporting enterprise customers across high-growth markets. In Asia-Pacific, Cregis worked with thousands of businesses in markets where digital asset adoption often outpaced regulation. That experience shaped the company’s approach to building infrastructure that balances operational flexibility with long-term compliance readiness.

The same strategy has since been validated in newer markets. In 2024, Cregis established Dubai as its Middle East hub, building a local team and expanding its compliance capabilities alongside regional growth. Today, the company supports more than 200 long-term enterprise deployments across the region and has built a strong presence in the brokerage, payments and fintech ecosystem. Earlier this year, Cregis expanded into Latin America and Europe, rapidly onboarding enterprise customers. In Europe, the company is also working with traditional financial institutions adopting digital asset infrastructure. Together, these experiences have given Cregis a proven framework for scaling across high-growth markets where enterprise demand and regulation are evolving together.

As more businesses adopt digital assets, infrastructure requirements are changing. Beyond secure wallet technology, enterprises increasingly need systems that bring together treasury operations, governance and compliance in one place. Cregis is designed to support businesses at different stages of growth, from fast-growing fintechs and crypto-native companies to institutions operating under stricter regulatory requirements, all on a unified platform. The company maintains a zero-security-incident record and holds internationally recognized certifications including SOC 2 Type I, SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001.

Looking ahead, Cregis plans to deepen its presence across Africa through customer engagement, local partnerships and participation in leading industry events, including Blockchain Africa Conference and Blockfest Africa. The company sees Africa as an important long-term market as digital assets become more deeply integrated into financial services across the region.

“We’ve spent years helping businesses navigate periods of rapid market growth and regulatory change,” Yan said. “Africa is entering a similar phase. Our goal isn’t simply to bring technology into the region — it’s to help local businesses build digital asset operations that can grow with confidence over the next decade.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Cregis Technology Limited.

About Cregis:
Cregis (www.Cregis.com) is a digital asset infrastructure platform, providing technology for digital asset collections, payouts and fund operations. Its offerings include wallet infrastructure, fund flow orchestration and regulated custody capabilities. These solutions help businesses manage digital assets with greater security, efficiency and control. Founded in 2017, Cregis serves financial institutions, payment service providers (PSPs), foreign exchange (Forex) brokers, fintechs and Web3 businesses. The company operates across Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. Today, Cregis supports more than 4,000 businesses across over 50 countries.

Disclaimer:
Cregis does not provide regulated financial services or investment advice. Digital asset services may be subject to regulatory requirements in different jurisdictions. Businesses should conduct their own due diligence and comply with applicable laws and regulations when using digital asset infrastructure solutions.

Media files

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July 22, 2026

Le Prof. Frank Stangenberg HaverKamp et Dr. Rasha Kelej, le Chairman et la CEO de la Fondation Merck, rencontrent la Première Dame du Gabon pour souligner leur engagement à long terme en faveur du développement sanitaire, social et économique du Gabon

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Fondation Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), la branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne, a officiellement lancé ses programmes en partenariat avec S.E. Madame ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, Première Dame de la République Gabonaise, également Ambassadrice de la « Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère », les programmes qui ont débuté en 2024 dans le but de transformer la prise en charge des patients, de renforcer les capacités de soins, de briser la stigmatisation de l’infertilité, d’autonomiser les femmes, de soutenir l’éducation des filles au Gabon et dans le reste de l’Afrique.

Le programme était présidé par la Première Dame du Gabon, S.E. Madame ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, le Chairman du Conseil d’Administration de la Fondation Merck, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, et la CEO de la Fondation Merck, Dr. Rasha Kelej. Le programme a eu lieu à la Présidence, au Gabon.

Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret), CEO de la Fondation Merck et Présidente de la campagne « Plus Qu’une Mère », a souligné : « C’est un grand honneur de rencontrer ma chère sœur, S.E. Madame ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, Première Dame du Gabon. Nous l’avons officiellement déclarée Ambassadrice de la campagne « Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère ». Nous avons également officiellement lancé les programmes de la Fondation Merck dans le pays et avons souligné notre engagement envers le renforcement des capacités de soins de santé et des médias, ainsi que la transformation du paysage des soins aux patients, briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité et soutenir l’éducation des filles, ensemble dans le pays »

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp a ajouté : « Notre objectif est d’améliorer la santé et le bien-être général des populations en renforçant les capacités de soins de santé en Afrique, en Asie et dans d’autres pays en voie de développement. Nous sommes fermement engagés à transformer le paysage des soins aux patients grâce à notre programme de bourses. »

S.E. Madame ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, Première Dame de la République Gabonaise et Ambassadrice de la « Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère », a déclaré : « C’est un plaisir d’accueillir et de rencontrer le Chairman et la CEO de la Fondation Merck dans notre pays. Ensemble, nous avons officiellement lancé nos programmes conjoints et avons également célébré des étapes importantes du grand succès de nos programmes conjoints visant à renforcer les capacités de soins de santé, transformer les soins aux patients, briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité et soutenir l’éducation des filles. C’est la première fois que nous travaillons sur des programmes aussi percutants, c’est une histoire en devenir. Nous avons atteint beaucoup de choses dans un laps de temps très court, grâce à notre partenariat à long terme, qui a débuté en 2024.

Je suis très fière de partager que grâce à notre partenariat, nous avons accordé 16 bourses à nos prestataires de soins de santé locaux qui seront les futurs experts de la santé du Gabon, qui ont obtenu leur diplôme, suivent ou commenceront bientôt les bourses de formation de la Fondation Merck dans des spécialités critiques et mal desservies telles que la Fertilité, Embryologie, Oncologie, Diabète et Hypertension

« Je suis également très heureuse de partager qu’avec la Première Dame du Gabon, nous soutenons également l’éducation des filles en offrant des bourses annuelles pour soutenir l’éducation de 40 écolières très performantes mais défavorisées, jusqu’à ce qu’elles obtiennent leur diplôme, afin qu’elles puissent atteindre leur potentiel et réaliser leurs rêves », a ajouté le Dr. Rasha Kelej.

La Fondation Merck a accordé plus de 2 600 bourses à des prestataires de soins de santé de 52 pays dans 44 spécialités médicales critiques et mal desservies.

Sur un total de 16 bourses accordées au Gabon, la Fondation Merck a fourni :

4 bourses en Fertilité et Embryologie. Il s’agissait de formations pratiques en Inde. Le tout premier embryologiste du pays a été formé grâce à ce programme.
4 bourses pour le Diabète et l’Hypertension, dont un master spécial sur le diabète de 3 mois en langue française et une bourse clinique sur le Diabète et Hypertension. À la fin de la formation, ces spécialistes disposeront de l’expertise nécessaire pour établir des cliniques dédiées dans les hôpitaux et les centres de santé, améliorant ainsi considérablement la prévention et la prise en charge du diabète, de l’hypertension et des maladies cardiaques, apportant d’immenses avantages à la population gabonaise.
8 bourses pour les soins infirmiers en oncologie, ce qui est très essentiel pour les soins contre le cancer.

Lors du programme de lancement, les bénéficiaires du programme Éduquer Linda étaient également présents, où quelques-uns d’entre eux ont partagé des témoignages inspirants sur la façon dont les bourses ont changé leur vie.

« Je crois vraiment que lorsque les filles sont éduquées, leurs pays deviennent plus puissants, plus forts et plus prospères », a ajouté la Sénatrice Kelej.

La Fondation Merck, en partenariat avec la Première Dame du Gabon, a lancé sept livres d’histoires pour enfants, « Plus Qu’une Mère », « Éduquer Linda », « Le Secours de Jackline », « Pas qui vous êtes », « Une balade vers le futur », « Jude Sans Sucre » et « La Tension de Mark ». Ces livres abordent des problèmes sociaux et sanitaires critiques pour les jeunes enfants. Quelques exemplaires des livres d’histoires ont été signés par la Première Dame du Gabon, le Chairman et la CEO de la Fondation Merck. Des milliers d’exemplaires de ces livres d’histoires seront distribué aux écoliers.

De plus, la Fondation Merck a organisé deux éditions de sa Formation des Médias sur la Santé En Ligne pour les journalistes gabonais afin de leur permettre de sensibiliser à des questions sensibles telles que briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, soutenir l’éducation des filles, mettre fin à la VBG, mettre fin au mariage des enfants et aux MGF et sensibiliser sur la prévention et le dépistage précoce du diabète et de l’hypertension.

La Fondation Merck, en partenariat avec la Première Dame du Gabon, a également annoncé l’Appel à Candidatures pour ses 8 importants prix annuels destinés aux médias, musiciens, créateurs de mode, cinéastes, étudiants et nouveaux talents potentiels dans ces domaines.

Détails des Prix :

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.

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.

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://merck-foundation.com/Awards-Online-Application-Form (https://apo-opa.co/4wZX75l)

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

Distribué par APO Group pour Merck Foundation.

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

Rejoignez la conversation sur nos plateformes de réseaux sociaux ci-dessous et faites entendre votre voix :
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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 (https://apo-opa.co/4vHwG30) pour en savoir plus. Pour en savoir plus, contactez nos réseaux sociaux de la Fondation Merck : Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4wWPSuW), X (https://apo-opa.co/4wXQkZP), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/44Iimwo), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4wXmvbL), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/452aK8d) et Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4wUE10f).

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

July 22, 2026

Ugandan women work in the Middle East even though they face abuse. They told us why

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Hanne O. Mogensen, Associate Professor, University of Copenhagen

Labour migration from Uganda to the Middle East has surged since the early 2000s, with many young women travelling for employment as domestic workers. Most of these jobs are in Oman, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

However, researchers, journalists and organisations like Human Rights Watch and the International Labour Organisation have documented the widespread abuse and exploitation of Ugandan migrant domestic workers by their employers.

Cases include physical, sexual and psychological abuse, and restrictions on movement. Collectively, these accounts point to conditions that have been described as “modern slavery”.

The Ugandan government has attempted to regulate recruitment agencies and negotiate bilateral agreements on working conditions. It’s had limited success.

Networks of authorised and unauthorised recruitment agencies, and rows of posters in Kampala, continue to lure women with promises of well-paid domestic work in the Middle East. This is despite reports of exploitation surfacing regularly in Ugandan media.

Governments and organisations should protect the rights of migrant domestic workers. But it’s equally important to recognise these women as active agents, not just victims.

We are social scientists who research changing gender relations in Uganda. In a recent paper, we studied women’s decisions to migrate to the Middle East for domestic work. We wanted to understand why so many do so even though they are aware of the risks.

Between 2018 and 2022, we interviewed a group of Ugandan women who had worked in the Middle East. We use the term “Middle East” broadly because our focus was on the women’s experiences rather than the differences between the countries where they worked.

We were interested in why they’d migrated and how their experiences abroad affected their lives back home.

Their stories revealed striking contradictions. They spoke of slavery, humiliation and confinement, but also about “becoming somebody” through migrant domestic work.

This points to the reforms needed to improve working conditions abroad and expand opportunities at home.

Gender shifts

In countries where a majority of the population depends on the informal sector or subsistence agriculture, migrant work offers unmarried women, in particular, a rare opportunity to earn an income.

In Uganda, family identity and social status are traced through the father. Marriage has traditionally been formalised through the payment of bridewealth by the man’s family to the woman’s family.

Formalised marriage has become less common in recent decades, however. In the 1995 census, 64% of Ugandan women aged 15-49 described themselves as “married”, while 9% said they were “co-habiting”. By 2016, only 30% of women considered themselves married, while 30% were co-habiting.

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics stopped distinguishing between marriage and cohabitation in 2022. But close to 40% of the population considers itself neither married nor cohabiting.

During our fieldwork, we found that men are finding it increasingly difficult to pay bridewealth. As a result, many women spend their adult lives in a blend of partnerships; men go in and out of their lives while they remain with their children.

Women in our study linked their decision to migrate to the Middle East to men’s failure to live up to the ideal of being providers. They saw migration as a way to gain control over resources rather than waiting for a relationship to be formalised with a man who would then provide for them.

As one of our respondents stated:

First find yourself some money – marriage will always be there.

The women saw themselves as people who had taken their future into their own hands.

They readily acknowledged the harsh realities of the work. Many spoke of losing their freedom and encountering degrading attitudes towards women and, at times, racism. Yet, as one woman put it:

First get yourself the Arab experience then maybe you will become the lucky one who manages to move on to something else.

They hoped migrant work would be the first step towards a new life. And for some women in our study it did happen. They got better jobs in other countries.

Many however, did not. They returned several times to the Middle East before eventually settling down in Uganda.

Some returned home with savings, which they couldn’t do on a Ugandan wage. Earnings in the Middle East vary widely, so getting precise amounts proved difficult. And at home, they faced competing demands, like sharing resources with relatives and trying to build a permanent home of their own.

Even though many women never marry, motherhood remains a powerful social expectation. One in three Ugandan households are headed by women, according to the 2022 demographic survey. We found that even more women are actually heads of households even if a man is around some of the time.

Ugandans may say that a woman is “fathering a home” in the sense that she is building a house for herself and her children, making decisions and controlling resources. Not everybody succeeds in doing so, even after years in the Middle East. But some do. And the hope is there.

Power dynamics of migration

Recruitment agencies and other intermediaries profit from those hopes. The women’s “Arab bosses” may make possible the lives they aspire to build, while sustaining exploitative and oppressive labour relationships.

These experiences are shaped by wider global inequalities.

European countries are part of this unequal system. They restrict opportunities for low-wage migrants through tightening immigration policies. In doing so, they reinforce inequalities in who can move, where they can work and under what conditions.

The women in our study didn’t describe themselves as trying to challenge global inequalities or transform existing power structures. Rather, they sought greater control over resources and decision-making within their families and communities.

Their main motivation was to provide for their families. Yet they are also reshaping power and gender relations in Uganda and beyond.

– Ugandan women work in the Middle East even though they face abuse. They told us why
– https://theconversation.com/ugandan-women-work-in-the-middle-east-even-though-they-face-abuse-they-told-us-why-284367

July 22, 2026

Jobs abroad or jobs in Africa? Why a focus on work in other countries shouldn’t replace opportunities at home

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Michael Boampong, Visiting Fellow, The Open University

African governments are increasingly encouraging young people to work abroad. To address youth unemployment at home, for example, Ghana and Kenya have expanded labour mobility agreements with other countries. These include Spain, Qatar and Caribbean states.

Agreements with Gulf countries have largely focused on construction and service-sector jobs. But newer partnerships with Caribbean countries are targeting skilled professionals like nurses and healthcare workers.

These arrangements can create structured pathways for people to work abroad, often in sectors where labour is in high demand.

Many African countries have large and growing youth populations struggling to get decent jobs. Meanwhile, wealthier economies face ageing populations and labour shortages. Evidence suggests that 71.7% of young adult (25-29) workers in sub-Saharan Africa are engaged in “insecure” work. At the same time, countries across Europe and elsewhere need labour in sectors such as care, agriculture and construction. Matching workers to labour shortages abroad appears to offer a practical solution.

But a deeper question emerges. What are the long-term development implications of governments promoting overseas employment as an economic strategy?

We study migration governance and youth aspirations in Ghana. We have examined how governments, international actors and young people understand the role of migration in development. Drawing on documentary analysis, interviews with policymakers and migration stakeholders, and ethnographic research with young people in Ghana, our recent research found that policymakers increasingly adopt an “economic gains” lens. They view migration as a source of remittances, skills and investment. On the other hand, young people’s aspirations to migrate remain rooted in limited opportunities and broader socioeconomic realities.

Our study focused on migration governance rather than labour mobility agreements themselves. However, it raises the question of what happens when seeing migration as an economic resource begins to shape labour mobility policy.

The drivers

In Ghana, remittances account for 6% of the country’s GDP. In 2024, this was about US$4.6 billion. It was far more than foreign direct investment and official development assistance combined that year. Expanding overseas employment is therefore seen as increasing these inflows while easing pressure on domestic labour markets.

One example of the implications concerns the protection of migrant workers.

Recent research from Kenya has shown how governments may encourage overseas employment even when protections for migrant workers remain uneven. This is an important concern, but misses a larger issue.

Broader development trade-offs can receive less attention. Even where labour mobility agreements are relatively well regulated, they may still contribute to structural challenges at home, such as the loss of skilled workers in critical sectors like health and education.

Ghana provides a clear example. The country is already experiencing a significant outflow of health professionals. Records show 500 nurses have left every month in recent years to work abroad. At the same time, health systems at home remain under pressure, with high patient-to-healthcare personnel ratios and limited resources.

This has prompted wider debates about ethical recruitment from countries already facing healthcare workforce shortages. Promoting further migration, even under formal agreements, raises important questions. Can countries sustain essential services while easing the departure of skilled workers? And how do these policies affect long-term investments in human capital?

What happens when migrants return?

Our research also highlights the importance of thinking about migration as a broader development process rather than simply movement across borders. As labour mobility expands, the question of what happens when migrants return is becoming increasingly important. Many migrants eventually return home, bringing skills, experience and financial resources.

Return migration can support entrepreneurship, innovation and local development. But these outcomes are not automatic. The UN World Youth Report on Youth and Migration suggests that returnees often require effective reintegration support and access to economic opportunities to translate the skills and experience acquired abroad into local development gains. Policies such as skills recognition and access to finance can help make this possible.

Rethinking labour mobility

One implication of our research is that migration policies should be embedded within broader development strategies rather than judged only by their immediate economic returns. This does not mean labour mobility should be discouraged. Rather, it should complement (not replace) investments in decent work, skills development and strong public institutions at home. Labour mobility is therefore not inherently negative. When well designed, it can contribute to both individual and national development.

For this to happen, it needs to move beyond a narrow focus on job placement abroad.

First, strategic partnerships between governments, employers, education and training institutions, recruitment agencies and international organisations are essential. This could involve jointly designed training programmes, mutual recognition of qualifications, and agreements where destination countries invest in training skilled workers in origin countries.

Second, reintegration needs to be taken more seriously. Providing access to finance, training and employment opportunities for returnees can help translate migration experiences into local economic development gains.

Third, labour mobility should not replace domestic job creation but complement it. Governments need to continue investing in sectors that can offer young people decent work at home, rather than relying on migration as the primary solution to youth unemployment or underemployment.

The key question is how migration fits into a broader development strategy.

Labour mobility can create opportunities for individuals and families. But it cannot substitute for long-term investments in decent work, education and economic transformation at home.

If treated simply as a short-term solution to unemployment, labour mobility risks deepening inequalities and weakening already fragile systems. When embedded in a broader development strategy, it can contribute to more inclusive and sustainable growth.

– Jobs abroad or jobs in Africa? Why a focus on work in other countries shouldn’t replace opportunities at home
– https://theconversation.com/jobs-abroad-or-jobs-in-africa-why-a-focus-on-work-in-other-countries-shouldnt-replace-opportunities-at-home-282616

July 22, 2026

Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets Senegalese Ambassador

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, July 22, 2026

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met on Wednesday with HE Ambassador of the Republic of Senegal to Qatar Cheikh Tidiane Sall.

The meeting discussed bilateral cooperation relations and ways to support and strengthen them, particularly in the areas of international cooperation and sustainable development. Both sides also touched on a number of issues of mutual concern.

July 22, 2026

Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets Ambassador of Kuwait

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, July 22, 2026
HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met on Wednesday with HE Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Qatar Ahmad Abdulrahman Al Shuraim.
During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to strengthen them, particularly in the areas of international cooperation and sustainable development, in addition to a number of other topics of mutual interest.