MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO – Report:

The United States is stepping up its push for deeper energy and infrastructure partnerships in the Caribbean, with a focus on Suriname’s emerging oil and gas sector and the region’s long-term energy security, according to Paul Watzlavick, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Paramaribo.

“It’s increasingly clear that this region is an essential partner to the U.S.,” Watzlavick said. “We want partnerships that support a strong workforce, keep our people safe and respect the sovereignty of every country.”

He stressed that energy security in the Caribbean goes beyond production, highlighting the need for modern infrastructure, updated technologies and stronger systems across power generation and transmission. “We need energy systems that are up to date. The needs here are very different from Trinidad or Texas, but the goal is the same,” Watzlavick said.

Framing the region within a broader geopolitical context, Watzlavick warned against reliance on external actors offering unsustainable financing. “The Western Hemisphere is our home – we are your neighbors. We want a neighborhood that is not manipulated by outside powers that do not share these goals,” he said.

“We have all seen what happens when contracts for power projects or pipelines come with unsustainable debt, opaque terms or technology that cannot be operated or is manipulated from far away. Our view is simple: energy and natural resources should strengthen the countries that own them. Extraction should not be a one-way street.”

Highlighting the role of U.S. companies, Watzlavick pointed to APA Corporation’s offshore exploration success in Suriname. “[APA] took a risk pioneering offshore exploration in Suriname, and now we’ll see the first oil in two years,” he said.

He added that U.S. firms can bring broader capabilities across the value chain. “Other U.S. companies can deliver modern refineries, manage complex systems… and there’s opportunity beyond that.”

Looking ahead, Watzlavick emphasized the importance of aligning investment with long-term development goals. “Today’s investments in Suriname and CARICOM should be focused not only on immediate needs, but on how we want this region to look 50 years from now,” he said.

“If we link American and Caribbean resources, combining reliable fossil energy with modern grids and infrastructure, we can power the entire region to a brighter future.”

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO

The Caribbean’s energy ambitions received a major financial boost this March as Afreximbank confirmed it is increasing its CARICOM financing capacity to $5 billion, marking a significant step toward closing the region’s infrastructure and development funding gap.

Speaking during the Atlantic Basin Business Forum at Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) 2026, Okechukwu Ihejirika, Acting CEO for the Caribbean Office at Afreximbank, emphasized that access to capital remains the single most important factor in turning the region’s energy ambitions into reality.

“There is a lot of financing that is required in the region and no one single institution can cover that alone. With CARICOM Afreximbank, we see the establishment of a large institution that can finance projects across the region,” Ihejirika said.

Launched in 2023, CARICOM Afreximbank will scale its regional financing limit from $3 billion to $5 billion over the next four years. Ihejirika explained that the entity already has buy-in from CAPRICOM states, and that “we have commissioned advisory agencies that are working on developing the framework document. We are waiting on feedback from the advisors. Once that comes in, we will be ready to throw in funds.”

Scaling Caribbean Energy: Finance and Infrastructure in Focus

The expansion of Afreximbank’s CARICOM financing commitment signals a shift toward more locally anchored financing structures, capable of supporting energy, infrastructure and industrial projects across the Caribbean. It coincides with an accelerated push by Caribbean authorities to address infrastructure challenges, targeting strengthened logistics and regional ties.

Wandenberg Pitaluga Filho, President of the Amapá Economic Development Agency, outlined how Brazil’s Amapá state is focusing on infrastructure, regulatory reform and workforce development to position itself as a logistics and industrial hub linked to the Guyana Plateau and Caribbean energy developments.

“We are focused on three pillars: infrastructure, regulation and workforce development,” Filho said, noting that projects such as the expansion of Santana port and new gas infrastructure will be critical to supporting future oil and gas developments across the region.

Local Content Takes Center Stage

Beyond financing and infrastructure, local content has emerged as a strategic priority for many Caribbean states, with speakers at CEW emphasizing that resource development must translate into domestic economic growth. Jude Kearney, Partner at ASAFO & CO., stressed that local content policies are not simply regulatory tools but foundational components of a functioning hydrocarbon industry.

“Local content is not just a throwaway concept. It has turned out to be an incredibly important component of a working hydrocarbon industry,” Kearney said, pointing to countries such as Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea as examples of how strong but flexible local content frameworks can support both investors and domestic industry development.

From an African perspective, Ababacar Mbengue, Director of Promotion and Exploration at Petrosen E&P, outlined how Senegal has approached local content by benchmarking global markets and implementing legislation across the entire oil and gas value chain. He stated that “Petrosen is not only educating investors but supporting them from a technical side to do seismic work and exploration until they can develop [projects].”

The message from both sides of the Atlantic was clear: local content frameworks must be structured, predictable and aligned with industry realities if they are to attract investment while building domestic capacity.

Cross-Atlantic Cooperation Gains Momentum

Cross-Atlantic cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean is also gaining momentum, particularly as new gas producers and emerging oil provinces look to share technical expertise, financing models and regulatory experience.

Delivering a keynote ahead of the discussion, Ibrahima Noba, Director of E&P, Ministry of Energy, Senegal, highlighted that “What we see between Africa and the Caribbean is a resurgence. Both face similar challenges and share a common vision. This creates a unique opportunity for aligned strategies. We believe the time has come for collaboration between NOCs, shared development of gas monetization strategies and stronger collaboration across the energy value chain.” 

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

Source: APO

• Merck Foundation also marked the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2026 through their ‘Our Africa’ TV program
• Merck Foundation CEO and African First Ladies continue their partnership to Advocate for Girl Education to End FGM Across Africa.
• ​Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasizes that Girl Education is Key to Ending Female Genital Mutilation, Child Marriage and Breaking Infertility Stigma around women.

​Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com) with African First Ladies is continuing tp address the harms and dangers of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) through “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda” and a dedicated episode of their Pan-African TV program, “Our Africa by Merck Foundation”.

Watch the Episode of “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” TV program on Ending FGM here: https://apo-opa.co/3QcqP6M

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” campaign expressed, “FGM is a harmful practice that violates the rights and dignity of millions of girls and women across Africa and beyond. It has no health benefits, only harms. Together with my dear sisters, the African Ladies, we are committed to breaking the silence, raising awareness, and empowering communities to stand against this deeply rooted tradition. Together, we can create a future where every girl has the freedom to live a healthy, empowered, and dignified life.”

“Through a specially dedicated episode of our very popular “Our Africa” TV program, we have communicated in detail the harms of FGM and appealed to African communities to stop this harmful practice. Moreover, together with African First Ladies, we annually launch our More Than a Mother Awards to recognize the best media work, films, songs, and fashion designs that raise awareness on ending FGM, supporting girls’ education, and addressing other sensitive social issues”, added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Submit the entries for Awards here: https://apo-opa.co/4v1vXe0

“Our Africa by Merck Foundation” is a pan African TV program conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.

The TV program has been broadcast on prime TV stations of many African countries including Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Zambia, Namibia etc, and is currently available on Social Media handles of  Dr. Rasha Kelej [Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4bLL18b), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4tf2ADg), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/3NQty5h) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3PUm2qw)] and Merck Foundation [Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4v5VrXB), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4m4CuRa), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/4v32i3Z) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4s3WLaH)].

As per WHO, around the world, over 230 million girls and women have undergone FGM. Africa accounts for the largest share of this total, with over 144 million. This accounts to more than 60% of the total cases.

“I firmly believe that education is one of the most essential pillars of women’s empowerment and plays a vital role in eliminating harmful practices like FGM, which serve no benefit to anyone. Therefore, through our “Educating Linda”, in partnership with First Ladies of Africa, we have provided year to date more than 1200 annual scholarships to high-performing and underprivileged African schoolgirls from 19 countries, enabling them to complete their studies and reach their potential. Through these scholarships we have supported the education of girls from several African countries including Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Moreover, Merck Foundation has benefitted thousands of girls by distributing essential school items, and through their awareness campaign which includes releasing many inspiring children’s storybooks, animation films and songs to support girl education.  

Read Educating Linda Storybook here: https://apo-opa.co/4bHtiyA#

Watch Merck Foundation Animation Films on supporting girl education:

• Jackeline’s Rescue: https://apo-opa.co/3OapUmO
• Ride Into the Future: https://apo-opa.co/4tpHkuM

Listen to Merck Foundation songs to support women empowerment and girl education:

1. Watch, share & subscribe “Girls Can” song here, sing by Cwesi Oteng from Ghana and Irene Logan from Liberia: https://apo-opa.co/4tiYUjT 
2. Watch, share & subscribe the “Like Them” song here, sung by Kenneth, a famous singer from Uganda: https://apo-opa.co/3PB6dFh
3. Watch, share & subscribe “Take me to School” song here, sung by Wezi, Afro-soul singer from Zambia, to support girls’ education: https://apo-opa.co/41FGlup
4. Watch share & subscribe “Tu Podes Sim” Portuguese song, which means “Yes, You Can” in English by Blaze and Tamyris Moiane, singers from Mozambique in English here: https://apo-opa.co/3PJAa63 
5. Watch, share & subscribe “ABC, 123” by Sean K from Namibia song here: https://apo-opa.co/3O9YKfT
6. Watch, share & subscribe “Brighter day” song by Sean K and Cwesi Oteng from Namibia and Ghana respectively: https://apo-opa.co/3PYx51X
7. Watch and share “Superwoman Song” by singers Cwezi and Adina from Ghana here: https://apo-opa.co/41HtibS

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 to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4v5VrXB), X (https://apo-opa.co/4v32i3Z) , Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4m4CuRa), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4s3WLaH), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4v1AVra) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/3PWj5Wq).

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.