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Category: AFRICA

  • State House hosts annual High Achievers event in honour of best performers

    State House hosts annual High Achievers event in honour of best performers

    14 April 2023 | Education

    The President of the Republic, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan hosted the annual High Achievers Award Ceremony at State House yesterday morning, where some 58 students in public and private schools were recognised for having excelled in the 2022 National and International Examinations in Cambridge IGCSE, and Advanced Level.

    President Ramkalawan congratulated the students for their outstanding performance and on behalf of the country have expressed pride in view that there has been an increase in the number of students that have excelled in their studies this year. He thanked their parents for the support they have given them throughout their studies.

    “I want to encourage you to persevere, never give up, and keep following your dreams. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by what is not important and remember that there is a time for everything and I believe right now your time is to study even harder, have a target, and be focused. I wish you the very best, I know I will be receiving some of you back here when you complete your A’ Levels and I am looking forward to welcoming the others when you complete university. You have the support of everyone, and we will continue to give encouragement for our students to do even better and that challenges are overcome by what we invest in you and what we invest in all those that go through our education system here in Seychelles,” said President Ramkalawan.

    On her part, the Principal Secretary for Education Services, Ms. Merna Eulentin commended the students for their outstanding results where she described them as role models for those who are struggling to pass their exam. She underlined that this event is very important in view that it recognizes the aptitudes of candidates from both; the private and public institutions. She noted that parents, teachers, stakeholders, and everyone else must continue to work together to give every child the best education.

    “Your achievements symbolises the immense pride you have in your education. Please, do take note, that sometimes when you are at your highest peak, which is on top of the mountain, this is where you will encounter a few or many challenges. My advice to you is that you stay focused, keep moving forward, ignore the noise, and think of the bigger picture. Dear parents continue to invest in your children’s education in all the ways possible and I am confident that your rewards will be remarkable,” said Ms. Eulentin.

    Also present was the Minister for Education, Dr. Justin Valentin, Principal Secretary for Education Sector Development, Mr. John Lesperance, Ministry of Education officials, Principals, and teachers from the various schools.

    SOURCE

    State House News Alert, Seychelles

  • President Ramkalawan meets FIFA president at State House

    President Ramkalawan meets FIFA president at State House

    15 April 2023 | Sport

    The President of the Republic, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan received the President of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Mr. Gianni Infantino at State House, yesterday morning. The President, who is also the Patron of the Seychelles Football Federation (SFF), welcomed Mr. Infantino on this first visit to Seychelles..

    President Ramkalawan underlined how encouraged he is seeing the number of football clubs that have already shown signs of emerging talents. He gave the commitment of the Government in the development of sports in Seychelles, which he emphasised is a way to keep the young boys and girls away from bad influences as well as for the wellbeing of their health.

    “On behalf of the Government of Seychelles, I would like to thank FIFA for all that you are doing for our young people around the world, and more importantly here in Seychelles. We are grateful for all the financial support that the Federation has given to Seychelles, which has helped us to tackle many outstanding issues including the re-surfacing of the stadium. Rest assured of the Government’s commitment and full support in the development and promotion of sports in Seychelles,” said President Ramkalawan.

    The courtesy meeting between the Head of State and Mr. Infantino was an opportunity for further exchange of views on the development of football in Seychelles. Furthermore, they discussed on the talent development schemes, and the stadium infrastructures on Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, whereby Mr. Infantino gave his commitment for FIFA to invest in a stadium. They also spoke about the upcoming Beach Soccer World Cup in 2025, whereby Seychelles will become the first African country to host the tournament.

    In an interview held after the meeting, Mr. Infantino said that FIFA is looking forward to the future of Seychelles over the next decade and that they will invest together with the local Federation (SFF) into Football development, making sure that talents from Seychelles can emerge, and play at the international level.

    During his short official visit in the country, Mr. Infantino is expected to visit several football projects funded by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association under the Forward 1.0 and Forward 2.0 programmes. He will also inaugurate the Astroturf playing fields at the Seychelles Football Federation headquarters, Roche Caïman which was resurfaced last year. Mr. Infantino will also visit the Technical Centre at the SFF headquarter and the Astroturf pitch at La Retraitre. Another highlight of his visit will be a football match where he is expected to join mixed teams of under-17 boys and girls at the Roche Caïman Astroturf.

    Mr. Infantino was accompanied at State House by Deputy General Football, Mr. Mattias Graftström, Senior Football Advisor, Mr. Youri Djorkaeff, Director Member Associations Africa, Mr. Gelson Fernandos, Head of the President’s Office, Mr. Federico Raviglione, and FIFA Legend, Mr. Houssine Kharja.

    Also present yesterday morning for the courtesy meeting was the Minister for Youth, Sports, and Family, Mrs. Marie-Céline Zialor, president of the Seychelles Football Federation, Mr. Elvis Chetty, Principal Secretary for Sports, Mr. Ralph Jean-Louis, Chief Executive of the Seychelles Football Federation, Mr. Denis Rose, and members of the Federation’s executive committee, Mrs. Sheila Mohideen.

    SOURCE

    State House News Alert, Seychelles 

  • Afreximbank to hold 30th Annual Meetings in Accra, Ghana, from 18-21 June 2023

    Afreximbank Annual Meetings are open to all those interested and/or active in promoting African trade and supporting the socio-economic development of African economies
     
    CAIRO, Egypt, April 13, 2023/ — The 30th Annual Meetings of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) will take place in Accra, Ghana, from 18 to 21 June 2023. The event will mark the high point of the Bank’s year-long 30th anniversary celebrations, under the theme “Delivering the Vision. Building Prosperity for Africans”.

    The 30th Afreximbank Annual Meetings and 30th Anniversary celebrations will bring together on one platform thousands of people, including African and Caribbean leaders and senior government officials, African, Caribbean and other policymakers, corporate leaders, bankers, academia and other thought leaders. The meetings will include the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders and an extensive seminar programme, featuring plenaries and side events.

    “We thank His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his Government for graciously accepting to host Afreximbank’s 30th Annual Meetings. Thirty years ago, the founding fathers of Afreximbank launched a bold initiative for Africans. The hard work of the past three decades, in pursuit of that vision, has shaped what Afreximbank has become today. Member States, clients, customers and partners, the business and international trade community, all those in Africa and the diaspora who strive for the prosperity of African people are invited to join us in Accra to celebrate the Bank’s achievements and reflect on its future in an increasingly turbulent world”, said Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank.

    Afreximbank Annual Meetings are open to all those interested and/or active in promoting African trade and supporting the socio-economic development of African economies.

    Ghana’s Finance Minister, Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta, noted that, “It is only fitting that the commemoration of this milestone for Africa’s key Trade Finance institution is co-organised by the host of AFCFTA Secretariat, the Government, and people of Ghana, who are determined torch bearers for Africa’s quest for trade expansion and integration. This is another opportunity to deepen cooperation and seek African solutions to Africa’s challenges.”

    Register here (https://apo-opa.info/3MFwv5M) for Afreximbank Annual Meetings 2023 (AAM2023). Afreximbank’s last Annual Meetings took place in Cairo, Egypt in June 2022.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

    Media Contact:
    Amadou Labba Sall
    Manager, Media Relations
    Afreximbank
    asall@afreximbank.com

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    About Afreximbank:
    African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. For 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa.

    A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries to effectively participate in the AfCFTA. 

     At the end of 2022, Afreximbank’s total assets and guarantees stood at over US$31 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$5.2 billion. The Bank disbursed more than US$86 billion between 2016 and 2022. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure, (together, “the Group”). For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com.

    SOURCE
    Afreximbank

     

  • Canon Student Development Programme 2023- Unlocking Potential & Empowering Young Photographers

    Canon Student Development Programme 2023- Unlocking Potential & Empowering Young Photographers

    The prestigious programme will allow 100 selected participants to attend key industry events and receive one-to-one mentorship from experts
    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, April 11, 2023/ — The Canon Student Development Programme 2023 (Canon-CNA.com) aims to provide aspiring photographers with the necessary resources and opportunities to take their careers to the next level and become professional photographers.

    This programme includes a range of valuable offerings, such as mentorships, industry visits, grants, portfolio reviews and networking. Supporting events such as Instagram live sessions (IG live sessions) will be held on Canon’s official Instagram page (https://apo-opa.info/3ZU4wC5), featuring Canon ambassadors and CSDP 2022 Alumni.
    Applications are open until April 16th, 2023. To apply to be a part of the 2023 Canon Student Development Programme or view the entry criteria, please visit: https://apo-opa.info/3JSvaXc

    Summary

    The esteemed Canon Student Development Programme (CSDP) is a platform for young, aspiring photographers to fast-forward their creative journey with the help of rewarding opportunities such as mentorships, grants, industry visits, portfolio reviews and networking. For its seventh edition of CSDP, the prestigious programme will allow 100 selected participants to attend key industry events and receive one-to-one mentorship from experts representing established news agencies and publications, and Canon Ambassadors, along with excellent networking opportunities with influential photographers from across the globe.

    Fueling Aspirations: Inspirational Sessions for Young Minds

    In a bid to spread light about this initiative that seeks to empower young photographers, Canon will host an array of live sessions on Instagram. These sessions will provide key insights on what students can expect from the programme, how they can support their careers through CSDP, and testimonials from previous winners. Canon’s most recent IG live session was held on April 6th with Canon Ambassador, Muhammed Muheisen, and Canon Student Development Programme 2022 Alumni, Samuel Alabi, who shared their experiences about the programme: “Working in the creative industry differs from working in the corporate industries, it is highly significant for creative industry aspirants to network and get involved in opportunities that may provide them with exposure of how the industry works. A programme like CSDP can be highly beneficial for young photographers as it provides myriad opportunities that can help them hone their skills and gain valuable knowledge needed to transition from an ‘amateur’ to a ‘professional’ in the industry,” said Muhammed Muheisen. Samuel Alabi added, “This opportunity changed my life for good. It got me out of the country and gave me a new family, and new opportunities. My work was also exhibited at a photo fair in Paris.”

    The next IG live session will take place on April 13th with Canon Student Development Programme 2022 Alumni, Muhammed Mahdy, along with Egyptian fine art photographer and Canon Ambassador, Menna Hossam, on Canon Central and North Africa’s official Instagram page (https://apo-opa.info/3ZU4wC5): “The Canon Student Development Programme is a ladder for aspiring photographers to jump forward in their careers as it presents invaluable opportunities such as mentorships from well-established professionals in the industry, access to esteemed photojournalists, and networking opportunities. I encourage all young students to become part of CSDP and attend the IG live sessions. This is a great opportunity that can open a lot of doors to accelerate career growth,” said Menna Hossam. When asked about CSDP’s contribution towards career acceleration, Muhammed Mahdy, CSDP 2022 Alumni, said, “A fundamental core towards success is to have resources of knowledge and networks that could help you along your career, and Canon provided that at every stage of the Canon Student Development Programme.”

    Don’t miss out: Apply now!

    Of the 100 selected students to receive mentorship from industry experts as part of the Canon Student Development Programme, 30 students will be invited to participate in a five-day workshop in Girona, Spain including a visit to Visa pour l’Image international photo-journalism festival in Perpignan, France. The final five mentees will receive a €2,000 grant along with an exclusive experience at the third edition of the Hamburg Portfolio Review, and top-of-the-line Canon equipment worth up to €9000 to support their creative journey ahead.

    Interested applicants and students above 18 years of age, or those who completed their course in the 2022-23 academic year, can submit their entries until April 16th, 2023, by clicking on this link- https://apo-opa.info/3JSvaXc

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

    Media enquiries, please contact
    Canon Central and North Africa
    Mai Youssef
    E-mail: Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

    APO Group – PR Agency
    Rania ElRafie
    E-mail: Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

    About Canon Central and North Africa:
    Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2015 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

    Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

    Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.info/3xeczh6) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

    For more information: Canon-CNA.com

    SOURCE
    Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA)

     

     

  • ”How Nigeria Could Turn Climate Change into Economic Opportunity”-Prof Okereke

    ”How Nigeria Could Turn Climate Change into Economic Opportunity”-Prof Okereke

    The ongoing effort to stem the negative impact of climate change presents Nigeria with unique opportunities to boost its economy and improve electricity supply through renewable sources, expert on climate change issues, Professor Chukwumerije Okereke has said.

    Okereke who is the Director, Centre for Climate Change and Development, CCCD, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, stated this in Abuja at the award ceremony for the winners of the second National Essay Competition titled ‘Climate Change and Nigeria’s Economic Development: A letter to Mr. Incoming President’.

    Prof. Okereke said the essays written by the three finalists would be sent to whoever emerges Nigeria’s President in the general elections.

    He noted that climate change was not just an environmental issue but a national emergency that should be paid serious attention to by all Nigerians.

    According to him, “Many people misunderstand climate change as a small environmental problem somewhere. We are saying that climate change is a national economic development issue. It has to do with agriculture. It has to do with migration. It has to do with security. It has to do with water resources. It has to do with energy. It has to do with urban planning. It has to do with transportation.

    “Nigeria is losing according to the statistics and research done by the UK Government up to $100 billion a year to climate change as at 2020. And that number may go up to $250 billion per year by 2050 if Nigeria fails to take drastic action to tackle the problem. And the youth is the future.

    “They’re our leaders. You can see how massive their engagement in the current election campaign is. So we thought that it’s important to bring the youth together, to animate them, to equip them to empower them, to sensitise them so that they can champion the cause of climate change and the action to solve the problem in Nigeria.

    “As to whether the right is going to get to the President, absolutely. We will make sure that we email these three winning essays to whoever becomes the next president”.

    Prof. Okereke explained that the government needs to create more awareness among Nigerians on the impact of climate change and also set out a national plan to tackle the issues.

    He said that the national plan has to be implemented to the letter and also ensure that institutions charged with implementing the policies are staffed with competent people to drive the process.

    “The good news is that if we can act on climate change in a sensible and wise and intelligent manner, we can actually turn it from being a threat to being an opportunity. For example, in the area of renewable energy, we have just about 4,000 megawatts of energy that we are generating for a country of about 200 million people. South Africa generates about 40 gigawatts. And yet, Nigeria is a land of sun, we can harvest all the energy we need to meet our power and electricity from the sun.

    “Second, we can begin to utilise what we call green agriculture to be able to deal with the issue of desertification, desert encroachment, the degradation of the Lake Chad lecture and begin to create opportunity for women and men to go into green agriculture, which will build resilience to climate change and also lead to a lot of job opportunities.

    “We should stop the flaring of our gas in the Niger Delta, because its contribution is about 55 million metric tonnes of CO2 per annum to Nigeria. And yet if we harness those gases we can use it to power modular cooking and energy in the rural areas of the country”, he added.

    Source:(CCCD Post)

  • Investment Forum for Access to Energy: the African Development Bank conducts consultations for the implementation of its strategy on mini-grids in the Sahel

    The event also aimed to raise awareness of the Desert to Power initiative and promote strategic investments in solar energy in the Sahel countries.
    ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire, March 30 , 2023/ — On the sidelines of the Energy Access Investment Forum, held in Abidjan from March 21 to 23, 2023, the African Development Bank ( http://www .AfDB.org ) organized two-day consultations with stakeholders in the mini-grid sector in Africa. Objective: to attract the main actors of the sector in order to discuss the strategy of mini-grids that the bank plans to put in place through the Desert to Power taskforce ( https://apo-opa.info/3ZBnD3W ).

    The event also aimed to raise awareness of the Desert to Power initiative and to promote strategic investments in solar energy in the countries of the Sahel as a major contribution to the fight against climate change.

    The first session, which brought together nearly 50 participants including actors from the private and public sectors and then financial partners, made it possible to discuss the bottlenecks in the promotion of mini-grids in the countries of the Sahel. Participants shared best practices and lessons learned from their experiences.

    The second session, which brought together around forty participants, focused on the use of technology platforms to plan, acquire and operate mini-grids and monitor their performance. The results of the two sessions will make it possible to refine and finalize the bank’s intervention strategy in the financing and development of mini-grids in the countries of the Sahel.

    The National Focal Points of the Desert to Power Initiative and the Directors General of Rural Electrification Agencies from Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Chad, met with the Desert to Power Taskforce on 20 March 2023, ahead of the two sessions in order to discuss the challenges of deploying mini-grids in the region. This consultation had been requested, during the 3rd ministerial meeting on the Desert to Power Initiative, held in Nouakchott in December 2022. The energy ministers of these five countries wanted more in-depth discussions for an approach that would make the strategy applicable. in each country given the importance of the deployment of mini-grids in achieving universal access to electricity in the region.

    Daniel Schroth, Director of Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency at the African Development Bank, welcomed the strong mobilization and the active and fruitful participation of the various delegations. He particularly underlined the need to accelerate the deployment of green mini-grids in the Sahel.

    The managing directors of rural electrification agencies welcomed the bank’s initiative, which made it possible to capitalize on various expertise for the development of mini-grids while being based on the specific realities of each country. They expressed their expectations on the final document which they hope will serve as a reference for the deployment of mini-grids in the Sahel countries.

    Distributed by APO Group for African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media contact:
    Xiaomi Ollo HIEN
    Department of Communication and External Relations
    o.hien@afdb.org

    Technical contacts:
    Franklin GBEDEY
    Head of the Renewable Energy Division
    f.gbedey@afdb.org

    About the Desert to Power Initiative:
    Launched in 2019, “Desert to Power” ( https://apo-opa.info/3ZBnD3W ) is a flagship renewable energy and socio-economic development initiative initiated and piloted by the African Development Bank Group . As part of the first strategic priority of the Bank Group’s “High 5s”, the initiative has a great ambition “ to light up and supply electricity “ to eleven countries in the Sahel region by increasing, by 2030, 10 gigawatts of solar generation capacity through public and private, on-grid and off-grid projects. The initiative should thus provide 250 million people with access to electricity throughout the Sahel region, for socio-economic development purposes. It covers 11 countries in the Sahel (Burkina Faso, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan and Chad), where 64% of the population lives without electricity — with consequences for education, health and business.

    SOURCE
    African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

     

  • Merck Foundation – 84 winners of their 2022 Media Awards announced from 21 African Countries

    Merck Foundation – 84 winners of their 2022 Media Awards announced from 21 African Countries

     

    Merck Foundation CEO announced call for application of 2033 Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards in partnership with African First Ladies – apply now at submit@merck-foundation.com

    HARARE, Zimbabwe, March 27, 2023/ — Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with the African First Ladies, announced the winners of Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2022 and “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards 2022. The awards ceremony was held via Videoconference to felicitate all the media award winners.

    The winners were announced and acknowledged by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” campaign. The theme of “More Than a Mother” Awards was to raise awareness on any 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 and the theme of “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards was to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension in the African countries.

    Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed, “I am very excited to announce the winners together with my dear sisters First Ladies of Africa. I am very happy with the quality and quantity of entries received this year. It is improving year after year since we started our Media awards in 2017.”

    “Congratulations to all winners. This year, we have 84 winners from 21 African countries. You are all the Champions of social and health issues in your communities. This was my dream and vision since I started my advocacy journey in 2012, that we involve and engage everyone in a way that they can make a difference through their day-to-day work and create a cultural shift.”

    “I am pleased to celebrate and welcome you to be members of Merck Foundation Alumni and work closely with us to be the voice of the voiceless and raise awareness on social and health issues by featuring impactful and inspiring stories.”

    The Merck Foundation CEO also announced CEO Special awards in order to recognize the journalists who have been contributing regularly through their work to raise awareness about the above issues in Africa.

    Merck Foundation is additionally rewarding the winners by providing them with one year access to an online educational training program called ‘MasterClass’. The MasterClass is an immersive online experience and self-paced learning course that can be accessed anywhere with the internet.

    Senator Rasha Kelej further added, “I would also like to announce the Call for Applications for the Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 2023 “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension”. These awards are in partnership with my dear sisters, the African First Ladies who are also the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”.

    Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2022

    Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of The Gambia, H.E. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; The First Lady of Ghana, H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO; The First Lady of Liberia, H.E. CLAR MARIE WEAH; and The First Lady of Nigeria, H.E. Dr. AISHA MUHAMMADU BUHARI:

    Print Category Winner

    • Agnes Opoku Sarpong, New Times Corporation, Ghana (First Position)

    Online Category Winners

    • Georgina Appiah, Citinewsroom.com, Ghana (First Position)
    • Ijeoma Francisca Ukazu, The Daily Newswave, Nigeria (Second Position)
    • Tealee A. Brown, www.wattpad.com, Liberia (Second Position)
    • Raissa Sambou, Ghanaian Times, Ghana (Third Position)
    • Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee, Freelance Journalist, Ghana (Third Position)
    • Essa Bah, Progress, The Gambia (Third Position)

    Radio Category Winner

    • Mavis Offei Acheampong, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Ghana (First Position)

    Multimedia Category Winners

    • Ohemeng Tawiah, JoyNews TV, Ghana (First Position)
    • Ezedimbu Karen Ogom, Africa Independent TV, Nigeria (Second Position)
    • Emmanuel Bright Quaicoe & Anita Serwaa Adzoga, Multimedia Group, Ghana (Third Position)
    • Sarah Apenkroh, TV3, Ghana (Third Position)

    Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Botswana,  H.E. NEO JANE MASISI; The First Lady of Namibia, H.E. MONICA GEINGOS; The First Lady of Malawi, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

    Print Category Winners

    • Paheja Siririka, New Era Publication Corporation, Namibia (First Position)
    • Gresham Ngwira, Nation Publications, Malawi (Second Position)
    • Mpho Annie-Marie, Sunday Standard, Botswana (Third Position)

    Online Category Winners

    • Shireen Van Wyk, Bakwa Magazine, Namibia (First Position)
    • Jessie Ngoma Simengwa, Times of Zambia, Zambia (Second Position)
    • Shingirirai Mutonho, The Patriot Newspaper, Zimbabwe (Second Position)
    • Adelaide Kuudzerema, Student of Harare Polytechnic school of Journalism, Zimbabwe (Second Position)
    • Michael Gwarisa, Health Times, Zimbabwe (Third Position)
    • Phillipa Chinhoi, Sunday Mail, Zimbabwe (Third Position)
    • John Manzongo, The Herald Newspaper, Zimbabwe (Third Position)
    • Muchaneta Chimuka, Zimpapers Online, Zimbabwe (Third Position)

    Radio Category Winners

    • Glendah Fadzai Takachicha, Capitalk Zimpapers Radio, Zimbabwe (First Position)
    • Muuba Gabriel Josias, Radio Musi-O-Tunya, Zambia (Second Position)
    • Eva Hatontola Chanda, Radio Christian Voice, Zambia (Second Position)
    • Chimwemwe Manda, Transworld Radio, Malawi (Third Position)
    • Lucy Nambela, Capital FM, Zambia (Third Position)

    Multimedia Category Winners

    • Henry Ngosa, Prime Television Zambia, Zambia (First Position)
    • Mushota Mpundu, Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), Zambia (Second Position)

    Here are the winners from East African Countries:

    Print Category Winners

    • Marco Maduhu, Nipashe Newspaper, Tanzania (First Position)
    • Ronald Musoke, The Independent Magazine, Uganda (Second Position)
    • Beldeen Waliaula, Standard Media group, Kenya (Third Position)

    Online Category Winners

    • Elizabeth Angira, The Sun Weekly Online, Kenya (First Position)
    • Lydia Atieno Barasa, The New Times, Rwanda (Second Position)

    Radio Category Winners

    • Michael Chilonwa, BBC Media Action, Tanzania (First Position)
    • Benjamin Jumbe, KFM Radio, Uganda (Second Position)
    • Vivian Pyuza, CGFM Radio Tabora, Tanzania (Third Position)

    Multimedia Category Winner

    • Geoffrey Michael Machemba, East Africa TV, Tanzania (First Position)

    Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; The First Lady of Central African Republic, H.E. BRIGITTE TOUADERA; The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI; and The First Lady of Niger, H.E. KHADIJA BAZOUM:

    Print Category Winner

    • Emelyne IRADUKUNDA, Le Renouveau du Burundi, Burundi (First Position)

    Online Category Winners

    • Koami Agbetiafa, Nigerinter.com, Niger (First Position)
    • Donat Muemba, Jua Magazine, DRC (Second Position)
    • Alphonse Julio GADA, Global News, Benin (Second Position)
    • Brah Souleymane, Journal la Voix du Peuple, Niger (Third Position)
    • Anonwodji Yao AUGUSTIN, Togofinancebusiness.info, Togo (Third Position)
    • BAZIZANE Mariam, Teach the World, Burundi (Third Position)

    Radio Category Winners

    • Salissou Kaka, Saraounia FM, Niger (First Position)
    • Kabuya Tshilumba Matthias, Radio Television Debout Kasaï, DRC (Second Position)
    • Jeanine Nyabenda, Ijisho Web Site News TV, Burundi (Third Position)
    • Maurice Tuninahazimana, Radio Buntu, Burundi (Third Position)
    • Remy Rukundo, Radio Buntu, Burundi (Third Position)
    • Schella Claudicia YEMENGALI, Radio Centrafrique (RCF), CAR (Third Position)

    Multimedia Category Winners

    • Ferdinand Sengi, Lejournal.africa, Burundi (First Position)
    • Jean Nepomuscene Irambona, Buntu TV, Burundi (Second Position)

    Here are the winners of MERCK FOUNDATION CEO SPECIAL AWARD:

    • Walter Mwesigye, NTV, Uganda
    • Mercy Tyra Murengu, MediaMax Limited-Milele FM, Kenya

    Merck Foundation “Diabetes & Hypertension” Media Recognition Awards 2022

    Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Ghana, H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO and The First Lady of Nigeria, H.E. Dr. AISHA MUHAMMADU BUHARI:

    Print Category Winner

    • Abigail Nana Efua Arthur, Ghanaian Times, Ghana (First Position)

    Online Category Winners

    • Patience Ivie Ihejirika, Leadership Newspaper, Nigeria (First Position)
    • Ernest Senanu Dovlo, Metro Television Online, Ghana (Second Position)
    • Vida Essel, GhanaPlus.com, Ghana (Third Position)
    • Muniratu Akweley Issah, Ghana News Agency, Ghana (Third Position)
    • Zadok Kwame Gyesi, Daily Graphic Online, Ghana (Third Position)

    Multimedia Category Winner

    • Sarah Teiki Ofori, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Ghana (First Position)

    Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Malawi, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of Namibia, H.E. MONICA GEINGOS; and The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

    Print Category Winner

    • Memory Kutengule Chatonda, Malawi News Agency, Malawi (First Position)

    Online Category Winners

    • Catherine Murombedzi nee Mwauyakufa, Freelancer – The Observer Zimbabwe, Health Times and CNS Health of India, Zimbabwe (First Position)
    • Elizabeth Sitotombe, The Patriot Newspaper, Zimbabwe (Second Position)
    • Matilda Chimwaza Majawa, Times website (www.times.mw), Malawi (Second Position)
    • Jeoffrey Mukubi, unWrap.online, Namibia (Third Position)

    Multimedia Category Winner

    • Rinelda Mouton, The Namibian, Namibia (First Position)

    Here are the winners from East African Countries:

    Print Category Winner

    • Christina Mwakangale, Tanzania Daima, Tanzania (First Position)

    Online Category Winners

    • Veronica Romwald Mrema, Matukionamaisha.blogspot.com, Tanzania (First Position)
    • Pauline Odhiambo, BBC, Kenya (Second Position)
    • Ines Umurerwa, The New Times Rwanda, Rwanda (Second Position)
    • Isabella Awor Olong, TND News, Uganda (Third Position)

    Radio Category Winners

    • Namale Hajara Shahista, CBS FM, Uganda (First Position)
    • Adam Gabriel Hhando, CG FM Radio Tabora, Tanzania (Second Position)
    • Mwanaisha Makumbuli, Highlands FM Radio, Tanzania (Third Position)

    Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI; and The First Lady of Niger, H.E. KHADIJA BAZOUM:

    Online Category Winners

    • Prisca Lokale Odia, Actualite.CD, DRC (First Position)
    • Hamidou Saley Mouhamed, Niger Times, Niger (Second Position)
    • Mêmèdé Ambroisine Azododassi, Savoir News, Togo (Third Position)

    Radio Category Winners

    • Boureima Ouedraogo, Radio la Voix du Paysan, Burkina Faso (First Position)
    • Cyriaque NDAYISHIMIYE, Radio Buntu, Burundi (Second Position)

    Here is the winner from Portuguese Speaking African Country in partnership with The First Lady of Mozambique, H.E. ISAURA FERRÃO NYUSI

    • Abdul Ibraimo, A Voz do lslam, Mozambique (First Position)

    Here is the winner of MERCK FOUNDATION CEO SPECIAL AWARD:

    • Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Diplomacy & Development, DRC

    Details of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2023:

    1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2023

    Theme for the awards: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels.

    Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:

    1. Southern African Countries
    2. West African Countries
    3. East African Countries
    4. African French Speaking Countries
    5. African Portuguese Speaking Countries

    Submission deadline: 30th September 2023.

    Click here (https://apo-opa.info/3LTfHri) to view more details.

    2. Merck Foundation Media Recognition “Diabetes & Hypertension” Awards 2023

    Theme for the awards: Promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

    Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:

    1. Southern African Countries
    2. West African Countries
    3. East African Countries
    4. African French Speaking Countries
    5. African Portuguese Speaking Countries

    Submission deadline: 30th October 2023.

    Click here (https://apo-opa.info/40yUJTn) to view more details.

    All entries are to be submitted to submit@merck-foundation.com.

    Kindly note, sending multiple relevant entries for both the categories will increase the chances of winning the award.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

    More images: https://apo-opa.info/3TO3Pss

    Media contact:
    Mehak Handa
    Community Awareness Program Manager
    +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
    mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

    Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard:
    Facebook: https://apo-opa.info/3Ykd3hH
    Twitter: https://apo-opa.info/3Yo3y11
    YouTube: https://apo-opa.info/3jMdG4G
    Instagram: https://apo-opa.info/3lsqM7q
    Flickr: https://apo-opa.info/3JT8BSC
    Website: Merck-Foundation.com
    Download the Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.info/3xeJMsI

    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 and scientific research capacity 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.info/3Ykd3hH), Twitter (https://apo-opa.info/3Yo3y11), Instagram (https://apo-opa.info/3lsqM7q), YouTube (https://apo-opa.info/3jMdG4G), and Flickr (https://apo-opa.info/3JT8BSC).

    SOURCE
    Merck Foundation
  • Sierra Leone Seeks Upstream Partners to Fast-Track Exploration, says Petroleum Directorate

    Sierra Leone Seeks Upstream Partners to Fast-Track Exploration, says Petroleum Directorate

    In an exclusive interview with the African Energy Chamber, Foday B. L. Mansaray, Director General of Sierra Leone’s Petroleum Directorate, spoke on the country’s exploration agenda to develop its hydrocarbon-rich, ultra-deep basins
    JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 27, 2023/ — The African Energy Chamber (http://www.EnergyChamber.org) – the voice of the African energy sector – spoke with Foday B. L. Mansaray, Director General of the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone, in an exclusive interview on the country’s latest oil and gas developments. These include a fifth licensing round launched last May, ongoing evaluation of its gas prospects, streamlined concession terms, and an upcoming wildcat and appraisal well to be drilled later this year.

    What is the current state of Sierra Leone’s oil and gas industry?

    We are still a nation in its infancy and we want to get to a stage where we can commercialize our oil and gas reserves. Over the past years, we have managed to streamline the process for application to conduct exploration works. So far, we have a Nigerian independent in our basin which – in its first evaluation conducted last year – has highlighted gas prospects. With the energy transition taking center stage, having gas in our energy mix will be crucial in driving energy security and sustainability.

    Last year, Sierra Leone launched its fifth licensing round to kickstart new exploration in the country. How has engagement with operators been to date?  

    The licensing round closes at the end of September and has been an excellent round so far, with very strong interest from majors, IOCs and independents that have already looked at our data and are conducting data and financial evaluation. We have 56 graticules and 63,000 ㎢ in area on offer. We also have hydrocarbon-rich, ultra-deep basins on offer through direct negotiations. We want technically-sound companies to partner with – those that can drill and have the capability to progress our exploration agenda. Our entire basin is covered with 3D and 2D data, hence there is a strong foundation for companies to advance and fast-track exploration.

    How does your latest licensing round differ from previous rounds and from others being launched across the continent?

    We are determined to make this round the most successful licensing round we have ever had. The conversation around energy transition is shifting slightly, with major companies approaching us to participate. We have reduced the red tape for companies to come in with very simple and straightforward terms. We have only three non-negotiable terms: a corporate income tax of 25%; a 10% royalty for oil and 5% royalty for gas; and a petroleum resources tax. The barriers to entry are very low. The period from application to ratification is 85 days, hence we have heavily improved our application period. We are also positioned within the Office of the Presidency and are very quick and nimble at making decisions.

    Sierra Leone’s basins are similar to Guyana’s where huge discoveries have been made, and we are positive that we will attract major IOCs and a few independents. Once we open our doors for them to enter, we expect more firms to flood into our sector. We are willing to learn from neighbors such as Namibia and Angola to enhance our sector growth.

    How is Sierra Leone prioritizing local content and skills development as its energy sector develops?

    Our local content laws are very strong and the area is a very important aspect regarding how we want to develop our industry. We have existing Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with Equatorial Guinea, The Gambia and Ghana. Last year, we sent 18 people for training in Ghana from different departments. We want to capacitate local content into our sector and ensure that we have as many qualified Sierra Leoneans as possible wherever there is a gap. We also want to focus on African local content with our neighbors because local content is key to driving industry growth. We have many programs and training that we offer around petroleum engineering and geology.

    How is Sierra Leone balancing the energy transition with its need for energy security?

    Our plan is to not leave our oil and gas resources in the ground. A key part of industrialization is driving access to energy. We are aware of climate change, and as we develop our resources, we will make sure our sector is ready for future business models and low-carbon operations. Our resources are more useful in shaping the energy transition and economic development when they are on the surface than in the ground, hence we will continue with drilling, development and monetization of our resources.

    How is the Petroleum Directorate serving to attract new investment?  

    We are very active in terms of attracting investments and promoting opportunities within Sierra Leone. We are not just waiting for investments to come to us – we are going where they are. We had very fruitful meetings and conversations with companies in Qatar around natural gas, and we will be chatting with two Italian IOCs. The industry is competitive and we need to be actively seeking investors.

    What are the key investment opportunities within Sierra Leone’s energy value chain?

    We have recently made a discovery with a small-to-medium upstream company and are looking for companies willing to develop that to meet our in-country energy needs. We have also signed an MoU for the development of the Nigeria-Morocco-Niger Gas Pipeline for us to tap into – as well as feed into – that pipeline to meet our demands. In the downstream sector, we are ensuring fuel security with the development of more pipes to import more fuels. The key area that will give us energy independence is exploration.

    With the 2023 edition of African Energy Week being held this October, what message will you be sharing during the event and what deals do you hope to be signed?

    We are closing the licensing round around the time of African Energy Week (AEW) and we plan to sign the agreements during the event. We are currently speaking to one supermajor and we want AEW to be the platform where we make a huge announcement. With the Nigerian company that is already in the basin, it will start drilling a wildcat and appraisal well later this year, so we also plan to announce the size and scope of its discovery at AEW.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    SOURCE
    African Energy Chamber

     

     

  • Event in Pictures

    Event in Pictures

  • Niger Country Unique Selling Points re-echoed

    Niger Country Unique Selling Points re-echoed

    ……As UK Trade and Investment Mission Visits

    Story: Mohammed Abu

    The Nigerien Minister of Trade, H.E.Mr. Allache Alhada has re-echoed Niger’s numerous investment opportunities in terms of huge agriculture potential, rich mineral deposits, energy, tourism and handicrafts among others adding that, his Ministry was playing the facilitator role.

    Mr. Alhada also touched on concrete measures being taken by government to create a most enabling environment for businesses and investments to thrive well in Niger.

    Mr. Alhada was speaking recently in Niamey during an audience he granted to members of the UK Trade and Investment Mission to Niger in the company of Her Excellency, Ms Catherine Inglehearn MBE, the UK Ambassador to Niger alongside representatives of a number of Ghana based Nigerien diaspora owned companies and other Ghanaian companies with business interest in Niger.

    The meeting was part of the programme line up of the UK Trade and Investment Mission to Niger held concurrently with the visit of  the West Africa region Country Manager of  the UK Export Finance, Steven Gray .

    The two-day event organized under the auspices of the British Embassy in Niamey and the UK Exports Finance in collaboration with the government of Niger, drew about twelve companies from the UK as well as some  local Nigerien economic operators and their Ghanaian counterparts.

    Mr. Alhada noted that the essence of involving the Ghanaian economic operators during the UK Trade and Investment Mission was borne out of the fact that, Ghanaian companies had decades long experience in trade, business and financing matters as it relates to the UK. Thus, their participation he intimated, was good for the possibility of fruitful collaboration and partnership between them thereby adding value to the UK mission to Niger.

    Also part of the programme line-up was audience with the Ministry of Planning, Industry, Agro-industrial pole creation among others.

    There were also presentations sessions on Investment opportunities in Niger by the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture, Mines, Hydrocarbons, energy among others as well as presentation by Her Excellency, Ms Ingleheam the British Ambassador to Niger, the West Africa regional Executive Director of UK Export Finance, Steven Grey, FCDO, DMA Invest, members of the visiting UK Trade and Investment Mission to Niger, UK Export Financing mechanisms for infrastructure among others.

    The two-day programme packed event was rounded off by a visit of the UK Trade and Investment Mission led by Her Excellency, the UK Ambassador to Niger, MA Invest and members of the UK Mission to LAIT SA, Riz Du Niger,

    The event was in reciprocation to an earlier Nigerien Mission to the UK.