Category: Africa Press Organisation – English

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

The merged group consists of an installed and contracted portfolio of 520 MW in solar power generation and 60 MWh of battery storage which, collectively, have led to a carbon offset of more than 360 000 tonnes of CO₂; it also has an additional energy pipeline exceeding 2 GW, employs 275 people and operates in seven African countries; the merged group is now set to become the leading pan-African clean energy platform providing on- and off-site renewable energy solutions to commercial and industrial customers; the merger is backed by Helios Investment Partners (“Helios”) and African Infrastructure Investment Managers (“AIIM”); the merged group will provide serviced solutions including solar energy, battery storage, wheeling, and energy management, on a large scale, to customers across Africa; the group retains its existing regional management structure with in-country teams in each region.

SolarAfrica Energy (http://www.SolarAfrica.com/) and Starsight Energy (http://www.StarsightEnergy.com/) are pleased to announce the successful completion of their business merger. The merged group is now set to become the leading pan-African clean energy platform providing on- and off-site renewable energy solutions to commercial and industrial customers.

It is well-positioned to serve a wide range of customers with a comprehensive mix of cost-effective solutions, providing power security and carbon reduction.

The merger is backed by Helios Investment Partners (“Helios”) and African Infrastructure Investment Managers (“AIIM”), both of which have decades-long track records of bringing investment to support African innovation.

An expanded solutions portfolio unlocking simple and sustainable access to power

Customers across Africa can access fully serviced clean energy solutions through the merged group. This includes solar energy, battery storage, wheeling and energy management which are all operated and maintained on behalf of the customer.

The merged group’s mission is to make power accessible and affordable. The merger will unlock more efficiencies across the group allowing it to take more customers on a green energy journey that solves their power requirements and enables a sustainable future.

“The supply of renewable energy in Sub-Saharan Africa is relatively fragmented with several suppliers in the market. This merger is a substantial step for us and will provide a true pan-African platform to deliver clean renewable energy in key economies,” said Paul van Zijl, Group CEO.

The merged group consists of an installed and contracted portfolio of 520 MW in solar power generation, 60 MWh of battery storage and an additional energy pipeline exceeding 2 GW. The portfolio has led to a carbon offset of more than 360 000 tonnes of CO₂ to date.

“This merger will enhance our current capabilities and allow us to deploy Energy and Cooling as a Service on a much larger scale. This is therefore a story of growth. Not only for Starsight Energy and SolarAfrica but also for the renewable energy landscape in Africa,” Van Zijl added.

Powering Africa through affordable, clean energy

In addition to key markets Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria and South Africa, the group is working on imminent expansion into Tanzania and Uganda. It brings a range of renewable energy solutions to the table, with solar energy, battery storage and cooling at the top of the list.

“We are excited about making a meaningful contribution to power supply on the continent through our on- and off-site solutions. This will help take pressure off national grids which have been under significant strain in many of the core African markets,” said Charl Alheit, Group Chief Investment Officer.

Providing these solutions to more businesses can also go a long way in developing distributed renewable energy frameworks in each region.

In-country focus unlocks continent-wide growth

The merged group will retain a strong presence within the various countries to further strengthen its footprint across Africa.

“We do not believe in a fly-in fly-out model and will have ‘boots on the ground’ in our geographies. Our country teams consist of dedicated in-country management as well as sales and technical teams who represent our ethos, whilst being supported by the wider group management,” said Van Zijl.

“It’s important to have strong representation in each geography with teams who know and understand their markets and are passionate about transforming these markets into green energy hubs. That’s something both SolarAfrica and Starsight Energy have always had in common: we know that the people in our business have always been the reason for our success, and this new chapter will be no different,” Alheit concluded.

Leveraging existing knowledge and capabilities

Both Starsight Energy and SolarAfrica are represented in the group executive management team, combining their expertise and experience.

• Paul van Zijl assumes the role of Group Chief Executive Officer (formerly Group Chief Financial Officer of Starsight Energy)
• Charl Alheit assumes the role of Group Chief Investment Officer (formerly Chief Investment Officer for SolarAfrica)
• Max Rieg assumes the role of Group Commercial Director (formerly Commercial Director of Starsight Energy)

The group will also retain its regional management structures, with David McDonald (Southern Africa), Emmanuel Ayifa Baah (Ghana), Ladi Sanni (Nigeria) and Rupesh Hindocha (East Africa) leading their respective regions.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

For Catherine Conteh, there’s a moment from the birth of her daughter that still plays over and over in her mind, 30 years later. She had been lying in her hospital bed in Sierra Leone, in labor, writhing in untreated pain, for four days straight. The doctors told her that due to complications with her labor, she needed a Caesarean section surgery – one that 18-year-old Catherine and her husband, Augustine, couldn’t afford. Without payment up front, she would not be given the surgery.

Decades later, she remembers the thought that ran on a loop amid the pain and fear.

“I will lose my life. If nothing happens, I will lose my life. That kept on playing right in my heart, in my mind.”

Catherine and Augustine had been so excited to have their first baby, despite their tight finances and the tumultuous state of their country, then in the middle of a civil war. Her birth was supposed to signify the start of something new and hopeful. But as the hours and days passed, the gravity of Catherine’s situation set in. The baby they’d longed for likely wouldn’t survive – and neither would she.

“Within those four days, my excitement about having my baby, meeting my baby, was fading away slowly, slowly, slowly. What my whole being was focusing on was the pain. When is this pain going to stop?”

By day four, Catherine felt all the strength fading from her body. From a crack in the hospital curtain, she saw a body, covered head to toe, being wheeled out on a stretcher. She wondered, “Am I going to be the next person?”

-Catherine drifted to sleep. When she woke up, it was to the sight of a foreigner by her bedside, stroking her hair, asking her name.

The visitor was Aly Hall, a nurse from New Zealand. She was volunteering on board the first Mercy Ship, the Anastasis, then docked in Freetown. Aly and a few other Mercy Ships volunteers, including anesthetist Dr. Keith Thomson, were on a tour of the maternity ward in the local hospital when they heard Catherine’s agonized cries coming from down the hallway. Aly immediately felt drawn to do something, anything, to help this stranger.

“With Catherine being in labor for four days, the nurse told me that she would die, and the baby would die. It was communicated in a very matter-of-fact way, which shocked me – that this was going to be the outcome without any intervention. I’d never encountered anything like that,” shared Aly. “It was upsetting to think that 100 dollars or so could save the life of her and her baby. That’s all it would take. I didn’t know what to do, so I thought, I’ll pray for this woman and hand it over to God.”

As Aly’s prayer ended, Dr. Thomson came into the room. Upon hearing Catherine’s story, he offered to pay for the surgery in full.

“There are millions of people in Africa who need help, one way or other,” reflected Dr. Thomson about what prompted him to pay for a stranger’s care. “But sometimes I find you get the sort of feeling that says, ‘Help that one.’ Someone else will help that one, that one, that one, and that one. But you help that one.”

-The next thing Catherine remembers is a hospital nurse telling her: “Look, these strangers who came in are going to pay for your Cesarean section. So we’re just waiting for the doctor to come in, and then we can start the process.”

Miraculously, both Catherine and her daughter, Regina, were safe and healthy after the operation. While recovering in the hospital ward, the new mother experienced the moment she’d feared wouldn’t happen: meeting her baby girl.

“It was quite a happy moment for me because I was really looking forward to seeing my own baby, you know? And my husband was just over the moon.”

Aly and another Mercy Ships volunteer, Gina Willig, visited Catherine often in the days that followed, bringing medicine and prayers. Quickly, the strangers became like sisters.

“I call [Aly] sister and she calls me sister,” laughed Catherine, “because it takes a pure heart and someone with pure love, meeting someone and instantly loving them unconditionally, you know?”

Eventually, Catherine recovered and went home to start a new chapter of life with her family. Aly returned to her home in New Zealand. Years passed. The communication with Dr. Thomson remained strong over the years, and he even helped Catherine’s family receive asylum in Australia in the wake of growing conflict in Sierra Leone.

Once there, Catherine decided to enter the medical field and become a nurse, just like Aly. Her daughter, Regina – named after the American volunteer nurse, Gina – grew up to follow the same path. And in a beautiful full circle moment, at the age of 18 Regina returned to the country where she was born to volunteer as a nurse on board a Mercy Ship.

One day, Catherine got an unexpected call from Dr. Thomson. He’d gotten ahold of Aly’s contact information, and asked Catherine if she’d like to reconnect.

Catherine didn’t hesitate – and before long, she was holding her phone, greeted by a familiar voice from long ago on the other end.

“Hearing her voice again, after almost three decades, was a bit emotional for me… My hope for me and Aly is to physically see ourselves and give ourselves that sisterly hug. And get to praise God together, you know?”

-When she looks back on that decades-ago day, Catherine believes it all comes down to one simple choice. The choice to save a life. The choice to give life. And that choice has manifested in incredible ways over the years.

“I’ve learned, from that one kind choice to help a stranger… out of that decision, a whole family is saved. A whole family experienced success. A whole family experienced what they never imagined. Because [Dr. Thomson] said yes, to the Lord, by paying that £70, he saved my life. He saved my daughter’s life. And I, from there, I grew up to be a young lady who believed in doing what is right, you know?” shared Catherine as she reflected on the years that have passed. “That’s what made me who I am today. I learnt that from him. Help where you can help, because you never know how that little, kind gesture you’re doing will fold out to be.”

It was a simple, spontaneous act of kindness that saved not just one life, but two – and changed the trajectory of a family’s future for good. Decades later, the ripple effects of that moment continue to play out in Catherine’s life and beyond.

Every gift, prayer, and minute matters – and you never know what kind of an impact you can make. Join us investing in the next generation of changemakers in Sierra Leone. 

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has presided over the oath-taking and swearing-in ceremony of the Minister of Finance, MoF, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, and his deputies recently approved by Parliament following their appointments to serve in the cabinet.  

The tradition to prepare public officials before they take up offices to serve in various ministries in Government was in fulfilment of provisions of the Constitution, which require them to ask God to help them as they solemnly swear to serve Sierra Leone faithfully and defend her honour and good name. 

Minister of Finance and his team completed the process before proceeding to read the supplementary budget in Parliament, a macroeconomic proposal that is consistent with programme projections for revenues and expenditures and informed by programme projections for growth and inflation.

Mr. Bangura expressed gratitude to God for providence over the country and the President, whom he thanked for the confidence he had reposed in them at the ministry to serve the country, adding that they would ensure to serve the President and the country with loyalty and faithfulness.

“The team at MoF will maintain the relationship with international partners and we will ensure we work assiduously to deliver for you and the people of this nation,” he said.

In his brief statement President Bio congratulated them, noting that their job was not an easy one.

“I have meticulously chosen this team. I know you are not new to the job, but I am encouraging you to work as one. Rest assured that my doors are always open for discussions and support that you may need,” he told the team at MoF.  

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

This contribution will reach refugees and asylum seekers who have newly arrived in established camps in White Nile State, Gedaref, and Kassala in Sudan after fleeing Khartoum and other conflict areas. The funding will support the provision of lifesaving support for refugees to meet their basic needs and improve their wellbeing through emergency shelter kits and non-food item assistance.

“We are grateful to the Government and people of Japan for their continuing support to UNHCR and our operations in Sudan. Funding support is crucial for UNHCR as we remain committed to stay and deliver protection and assistance to refugees and the forcibly displaced in Sudan,” said Axel Bisschop, UNHCR Representative in Sudan. “The funding comes at a critical time where UNHCR operations are trying to scale up to respond to the large humanitarian needs in the country,” added Bisschop.

As the conflict in Sudan enters its fourth month, over 3.1 million people have already been displaced. The government estimates that over 187,000 refugees and asylum seekers have been forced to move to safer areas within the country since the start of the conflict. UNHCR has been providing immediate support and advocating with partners for their inclusion in services, including with WFP for food assistance distribution.

“I feel so sorry for the innocent civilians who have been forced to flee their homes. I sincerely hope that our contribution would help support vulnerable people, including refugees and IDPs,” said Takashi Hattori, Japan’s Ambassador to Sudan.

UNHCR remains present in Sudan and operational in locations such as White Nile, Gedaref, Kassala, and Blue Nile states, as well as new established presence in Port Sudan, Wadi Halfa, and Wad Madani. Smaller scale protection and assistance activities are being undertaken in parts of Darfur and Kordofan regions where the security situation allows.

In 2023, UNHCR Sudan is requesting $418.2 million for its operations in Sudan. At the end of June, UNHCR Sudan is only 22% funded.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

Flapmax (https://Flapmax.com/), a leading artificial intelligence (AI) company, announced today its strategic partnership with Intel, the global technology leader, to foster AI innovation and drive economic empowerment in Africa. The collaboration will provide technology access, training, mentorship, and funding opportunities to entrepreneurs in emerging markets, starting with Africa, through the FAST Accelerator program. FAST is designed to help startups that are building cloud-based and AI-enabled products and services supporting Africa’s communities, companies, and governments.

“Flapmax has been working with Intel to develop sustainable digital solutions that readily expand AI accessibility in underserved communities, and we are excited to build on our momentum with the FAST Accelerator program,” said Dr. Dave Ojika, Founder and CEO of Flapmax. “Bridging the knowledge gap in technological advancement is key to creating meaningful social impact. Through this partnership with Intel, Flapmax will bring cutting-edge technology and advanced curricula, including generative AI, robotics, and deep tech, to innovators in Africa and other technologically underserved communities.”

Created by Flapmax in partnership with Microsoft, FAST Accelerator combines business development, AI integration, funding, and community building opportunities designed to enable startups to scale more rapidly and sustainably. More than 800 startups from 25+ countries applied to join the inaugural program. Startup leaders are encouraged to apply to this year’s FAST Accelerator program. The top startup participants will embark on an enriching five-week program in Silicon Valley, California, forging relationships with industry experts, potential investors, and global partners through Flapmax’s vibrant ecosystem of over 600 corporate partners.

“Intel’s mission to shape the future of computing and enable a more intelligent, connected, and productive world aligns perfectly with Flapmax’s vision to bring AI technology to all aspects of life, inclusive of underserved populations in Africa and other emerging markets,” said Michael Campbell, General Manager, Education Client Division, Intel Corporation. “The partnership with Flapmax will greatly accelerate AI adoption for these communities, driving scalable business growth, optimized operations, and contributing to a more sustainable world.”

Program participants will collaborate closely with Intel through extensive mentorship and coaching, ranging from co-innovation projects to sales & marketing support and go-to-market enablement to expand their reach to a broader audience. Members of the Flapmax engineering team will help startups apply new Intel-optimized AI hardware and software solutions as well as scale and fine-tune their AI models on Microsoft Azure cloud platform. Participants will benefit from additional perks, including Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub (up to $150,000 of cloud credits) and Azure OpenAI (including ChatGPT, DALL·E 2, and other Large Language Models: LLM releases), as well as access to Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 developer sandboxes.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

African Energy Week (https://AECWeek.com/) , the leading annual gathering for the African energy industry, and Critical Minerals Africa (https://CriticalMineralsAfrica.com/) , the much-anticipated global summit for African critical minerals, have announced a new alliance and the co-location of both events in the city of Cape Town.

African Energy Week and Critical Minerals Africa will take place concurrently in October 2023. By holding the conferences in Cape Town during the same week, the organizers will bring together the most diverse and significant group of global investors, energy and mining professionals, project operators, and government leaders at a pivotal moment for the global resources sectors. Between the two events, over 5,000 delegates will be hosted in Cape Town.

African Energy Week is the annual conference of the African Energy Chamber, and Critical Minerals Africa is organized by Energy Capital & Power.

African Energy Week will run from 16 to 20 October 2023 with its grand opening and sessions on oil and gas, renewables, hydrogen, investor roundtables and country spotlights across a number of venues in Cape Town, including the V&A Waterfront. The Critical Minerals Africa summit will take place from 17 to 19 October 2023 at the Cape Town International Conference Centre.

African Energy Week and Critical Minerals Africa together represent the African hub for decision making on the energy transition, energy security, resources supply chains, and new technologies.

“The world of energy, mining and investment will meet this October in Cape Town. We expect delegations from all over Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and the Americas to converge in Cape Town to announce policies and sign deals that advance energy security and resource beneficiation for Africans, and secure supply chains for all. The union of African Energy Week and Critical Minerals Africa advances our mission of ending energy poverty by 2030,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (https://EnergyChamber.org/).

Devi Paulsen-Abbott, CEO of Energy Capital & Power (https://EnergyCapitalPower.com/) , notes: “As the world’s leading producer of many critical minerals, Africa is essential to the global energy transition. Comprising of cobalt, bauxite, copper, chromium, lithium, high-purity iron ore, rare earth metals, and platinum group metals, the continent’s immense mineral reserves are on the rise. By hosting African Energy Week and Critical Minerals Africa at the CTICC in Cape Town this October, we are emphasizing Africa’s imperative role in powering the global energy transition. The continent’s incredible store of critical minerals will bring to it several opportunities over the next few years.”

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Abu Mazen.

Spokesman for the Presidency, Counselor Ahmad Fahmy, said President El-Sisi welcomed Palestinian President Abbas in Egypt and reiterated Egypt’s firm and historical position in support of the Palestinian people. The President confirmed that Egypt welcomes hosting the meeting of the Palestinian factions, which was held in New Alamain City yesterday, in the presence of the Palestinian President, to complete the dialogue on the various issues and dossiers, with the aim of reaching an end to the state of division and restoring Palestinian national unity.

The Palestinian President expressed sincere gratitude and appreciation to President El-Sisi for Egypt’s hosting of this important meeting and for its historical embracing of the Palestinian issue and the concerns of the Palestinian people. President Abbas confirmed that the meeting of the Palestinian factions is being held amid vital regional and international developments as well as developments on the ground. He added that convening the meeting represents an opportunity to discuss and exchange views on the best approaches to achieving national reconciliation.

The meeting focused on ways to coordinate positions and views regarding a number of issues pertinent to the Palestinian cause, particularly reviving the peace process. The two sides stressed the importance of preserving the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, continuing efforts toward achieving lasting, just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, and establishing an independent and sovereign Palestinian State, along the June 4, 1967 lines, with Arab East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international law, the relevant resolutions of international legitimacy as well as the Arab peace initiative, in order to realize peace, stability and prosperity for all peoples of the region.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

The African Union Commission Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHS) through the Social Welfare, Drug Control and Crime Prevention Division, organized a 3-day, Continental capacity building workshop on synthetic drug supply reduction, followed by an intergovernmental experts’ meeting, to facilitate the implementation of comprehensive and integrated strategies to address drug trafficking and related transnational organized crime as well as enhance international cooperation and collaboration.

The consultation was held in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire from 19 – 22 July under the theme “Strengthening Synthetic Drug Supply Reduction efforts towards addressing drug trafficking and advancing crime prevention, criminal justice, and rule of law in Africa”. The Continental Consultation on Synthetic Drug Supply Reduction was strategically formulated under the implementation of the African Union (AU) Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2019-2025) which aims to improve the health, security, and socio-economic well-being of people in Africa by addressing drug trafficking and problematic drug use in all its forms and manifestations and preventing the onset of drug use.

During the opening, H.E. Amb. Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development revealed the AU continental drug sentinel surveillance network – the Pan African Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (PAENDU) has long drawn attention to the seriousness of the problem that synthetic drug use and trafficking pose for our Continent. She asserted that the main focus must therefore be on how to respond, with an emphasis on accelerating coordinated multisectoral approaches to prevent illicit drug manufacturing, detect emerging drug threats, disrupt trafficking and associated organized crime, and promptly address impacts on public safety and public health. She also affirmed that the continental consultation on synthetic drug supply reduction is undoubtedly an opportunity to forge ahead in the above-mentioned regard.

General Seydou Touré, the Diplomatic Advisor at the Ministry of Interior and Security, Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, spoke on behalf of H.E. General Vagondo Diomandé, Minister of Interior and Security, and expressed the country’s immense honour in hosting such an important gathering. He also reaffirmed Cote d’Ivoire’s commitment to fully participate in the continental and global coalition to address illicit drug trafficking, drug abuse and organized crime, with a focus on adapting to the new and emerging trends of activities to tackle drug trafficking and related transnational threats.

Madam Ruth Aurelie, the representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) emphasized the importance to reflect upon the achievements, challenges, and lessons learned in the collective efforts to tackle drug abuse in Africa and also took time to highlight the significant steps made by UNODC on areas of Drug Abuse Epidemiology, Drug Demand Reduction, Forensics as well as Law Enforcement. She indicated that significant steps have been taken amongst which are the organization of a high-level scientific consultation on prevention and treatment of drug use disorders in Côte d’Ivoire and the launch of the first University Degree in Addictology in West Africa by the Faculty of Medicine in Senegal.

Mr Brian Morales, Chief of the Counternarcotics Branch for the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs / Office of Global Programs and Policy (INL/GPP), remarked that every region around the globe is experiencing a rapid rise of synthetic drugs supply and use, which are frequently more potent and more lethal than plant-based drugs, and, unlike plant-based drugs, synthetics are relatively easy to produce and traffic. He emphasized that the harms of synthetic drugs impact the economic, public health, and security sectors, among others. Therefore, interconnected efforts need to be made in order to address this global challenge, sooner than later.

Prof. Jallal Toufiq, the President of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) stated that while indicators suggest a potential worsening in what concerns illicit synthetic drug manufacture and use globally, there is still significant potential to enhance national, regional, and global collective efforts for coordination, timely data-sharing and, above all, use of existing systems and platforms. He reiterated the importance of preventing drug use and ensuring access to evidence-based treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration services that respect human rights. ‘’At the same time, there is an urgent need to further strengthen supply reduction efforts, as recognized in pillar III of the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention’’ the President noted.

The Continental Consultation was marked with presentations of member states reports on illicit drug seizures at the national level, drug control legislation, policies and strategies including forensic capacities; accompanied by panel discussions and recommendations. Presentations on thematic areas such as the global coalition against synthetic drug threats; awareness of emerging threats in new psychoactive substances, opioids, and related synthetic drugs; roadmaps for strategic implementation of synthetic drug control programs in member states among others, were also part of the program and led the course of the sessions bringing up productive interventions from all participants.

AU member states, AUC staff, development partners and representatives of international organizations expressed their commitment to identifying new responses to jointly work toward synthetic drug supply reduction on the continent, at the concluding sessions.

The workshop was attended by nominated focal points from law enforcement agencies, police, customs, maritime security, INCB, INTERPOL, UNODC, TASC, PTACC, U.S. INL/GPP, the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime, Universal Postal Union, World Customs, ECOWAS, Eastern and Southern Africa Commission on Drugs and representatives from relevant directorate of the African Union Commission.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com) Chairperson & CEO meet DR Congo First Lady to acknowledge their Alumni and Media award winners; Merck Foundation provided 87 scholarships to doctors in many critical specialties in DR Congo (DRC) such as Diabetes, oncology, Fertility and Embryology; Merck Foundation CEO launched a new fellowship of One-year Clinical Diabetes and one-year Clinical Cardiovascular care in India for African doctors with the aim to improve patient Diabetes and Hypertension care in the continent; Merck Foundation DRC Alumni Summit and Merck Foundation Awards ceremony 2023 were conducted in DRC chaired by DRC First Lady and Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO; Merck Foundation acknowledged DRC First Lady for her great efforts as Ambassador of “More Than a Mother” Campaign; After celebrating 2022 Award Winners, Merck Foundation and DRC First Lady announced the Call for Applications for 2 categories of 2023, that includes 8 Awards for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, Students, and new potential talents in these fields.

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, for the first time physically in DR Congo, officially launched their programs in partnership with H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI, The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”. Merck Foundation programs were started in 2020 with the aim to transform patient care, build healthcare capacity, break the stigma of infertility, empower women, support girl education in DR Congo and the rest of Africa. The Merck Foundation delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.

“It was an honor to officially launch our programs in the country in partnership with my dear sister, H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI, The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, the programs that started in 2020. We have together achieved a lot since then. We shared the impact of our programs. We are also happy to launch a new fellowship program of One-year Clinical Diabetes and One-year Clinical Cardiovascular care in India for African doctors with the aim to improve patient diabetes and hypertension care in the continent. It is a new edition of our programs that aim to transform patient care, build healthcare and media capacity, break the stigma of infertility, empower women, support girl education in DRC and the rest of Africa”, emphasize Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.

H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI, The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” said, “I am very happy to meet and welcome Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO and their team in our country. We started our joint programs in 2020 and are happy to officially launch these important programs, and also celebrate an important milestone of success and impact. We worked hard together with Merck Foundation by providing specialty training to 87 local doctors in our country in many critical and underserved medical specialties, hence transforming patient care landscape in our country.”

Dr. Rasha Kelej further added, “I am proud to share that out of the total 87 scholarships, we have together provided, 21 scholarships have been provided to the first Fertility specialists & Embryologists of the country. This is a great achievement.

65 scholarships are being provided to our young local doctors from different provinces for Diabetes Mastercourse in French language. After completion of the course, these doctors will be able to establish a diabetes clinic in their Health Centre or Hospital with the aim to help prevent and manage the disease in their own communities. This will certainly transform Diabetes care landscape in the country.”  

During the launch program, Merck Foundation DRC Alumni Summit and Awards Ceremony was held, during which Merck Foundation Chairman, Merck Foundation CEO together with DR Congo First Lady met and acknowledged the Merck Foundation Graduates and the Winners of the Merck Foundation Awards.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej said, “It was a pleasure meeting and acknowledging our Merck Foundation Alumni who graduated to become the future healthcare experts of DRC. Moreover, it is amazing  to felicitate the winners of 2022, 2021 and 2020 Merck Foundation Awards from DRC and discuss with them the critical role they can play to create a culture shift, be the voice of the voiceless and be the Merck Foundation health and social champions.”

Moreover, Merck Foundation Health Media Training was also held for the journalists, to emphasize on the important role that media plays to influence society to create a cultural shift with the aim to address wide range of social and health issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels; to underscore the importance of Empowering Girls and Women in Education and to understand the Influence of infertility stigma and other social issues like GBV, Child Marriage, FGM etc. on women and couples – Social and Psychological Impact. Apart from this, the media training also included a session on the importance of increasing the awareness of early detection and prevention of Diabetes and Hypertension. The training session was addressed by prominent Medical and Media Experts.

Merck Foundation in partnership with DR Congo First Lady has also initiated “Educating Linda” Program, which is very important for girls, as through this program, scholarships are provided to 20 underprivileged but brilliant girls to continue their education till they graduate.

Merck Foundation in partnership with DR Congo First Lady has also initiated “Educating Linda” Program, which is very important for girls, as through this program, scholarships are provided to 20 underprivileged but brilliant girls to continue their education till they graduate.

Moreover, Merck Foundation Chairman, and Merck Foundation CEO together with The First Lady of DR Congo released and signed the first copies of four different children’s storybooks titled: “Jackline’s Rescue” to emphasize on the importance of empowering girls through education, “Not Who You Are” to teach boys to love and respect their future wives and eliminate domestic violence, “Ride into the Future” to emphasize on the importance of empowering girls through education and “Sugar free Jude” to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness on the early detection and prevention of Diabetes. Thousands of  copies of these storybooks are going to be distributed to school students of DRC.

DRC winners of Merck Foundation Awards in partnership with H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI, The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” are:

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

• Donat Muemba, JUA Magazine (Second Position, ONLINE Category)
• Kabuya Tshilumba Matthias, Radio TV Debout Kasaï (Second Position, RADIO Category)

Merck Foundation “Diabetes & Hypertension” Media Recognition Awards 2022

• Prisca Lokale Odia, Actualite.CD (First Position, ONLINE Category)
• Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Diplomacy & Development (Special Award, ONLINE Category)

Merck Foundation “Diabetes & Hypertension” Song Awards 2022

• VITA NKANZA Dep’s (First Position)

Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2021

• Donat Muemba, JUA Magazine (First Position, ONLINE Category)
• Kabuya Tshilumba Matthias, Radio TV Debout Kasaï (First Position, MULTIMEDIA Category)
• Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Diplomacy & Development (Special Award, ONLINE Category)
• Jessy NZENGU, www.LualabaMaProvince.com (Special Award, ONLINE Category)

Merck Foundation “Mask Up with Care” Media Recognition Awards 2021

• Kabuya Tshilumba Matthias, Radio TV Debout Kasaï (First Position, RADIO Category)
• Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Diplomacy & Development (First Position, ONLINE Category)
• Jessy NZENGU, www.LualabaMaProvince.com (Second Position, ONLINE Category)
• Rosemathe, Hope Chanel Television Goma (First Position, RADIO Category)

Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Song Awards 2021

• Étienne Kasereka (First Position- French Language)
• Carine Kananga Sacerdoce (First Position- Local Language)

Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Film Awards 2021

• Doux-mignon MALOBA (First Position- French Language)

Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2020

• Prisca Lokale Odia, Actualite.CD (First Position, ONLINE Category)

Merck Foundation “Stay At Home” Media Recognition Awards 2020

• Donat Muemba, JUA Magazine (First Position, ONLINE Category)
• Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Diplomacy & Development (First Position, ONLINE Category)
• Jessy NZENGU, www.LualabaMaProvince.com (Second Position, ONLINE Category)
• Mathy Musau Dinyika, Forum Des As (First Position, PRINT Category)
• MUKANYA KAFUATA ANDRE, MBOTE AFRICA (First Position, ONLINE Category)
• Stéphie Manza Mukinzi, alertecoronavirus.wordpress (Second Position, ONLINE Category)
• KAZADI LUKUSA Nicolas, Radiotélévision Happy Day (Second Position, MULTIMEDIA Category)
• Aly BUKASA KABAMBI, Radio Communautaire Butook (First Position, RADIO Category)
• Jody Daniel NKASHAMA, Radio Okapi (Second Position, RADIO Category)

Merck Foundation also announced the Call for applications for their 8 important awards in partnership with The First Lady of DRC for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields. Details of the awards below:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2023: 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 2023. Click here (https://apo-opa.info/40MAi5e) to view more details.

2. Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2023:

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 2023. Click here (https://apo-opa.info/3zDx1sW) to view more details.

3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2023: 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 2023. Click here (https://apo-opa.info/3nVDAoj) to view more details.

4. Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2023 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 2023. Click here (https://apo-opa.info/3ZKyUi9) to view more details.

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

Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention & early detection of Diabetes & Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2023. Click here (https://apo-opa.info/40yUJTn) to view more details.

6. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2023 “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 2023. Click here (https://apo-opa.info/43c8poX) to view more details.

7. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2023 “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 raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2023. Click here (https://apo-opa.info/41dRh0l) to view more details.

8. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2023 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2023. Click here (https://apo-opa.info/3KDU38v) to view more details.

Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to:

submit@merck-foundation.com

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

https://IsDBInstitute.org/) is inviting nominations for the IsDB Prize for Impactful Achievement in Islamic Economics for the year 1445H (2024).

Focusing on the Knowledge Contribution category, this cycle of the Prize aims to recognize, reward, and encourage significant knowledge contributions in areas related to Islamic economics that have the potential to solve major economic and financial challenges of IsDB Member Countries.

Individuals and institutions can nominate other individuals and institutions, based on a project that has a positive and significant impact on people’s lives and has a substantial impact on economic development based on Islamic principles.

The prize comes with a US$ 50,000 award for the first-place winner, US$ 30,000 for second place, and US$ 20,000 for third place.

The nominated contributions should have been made within the previous seven years and be replicable elsewhere.

The nomination is a two-step process that can be initiated by visiting the ‘How to Apply’ (https://prize.IsDBInstitute.org/how-to-apply/) page on the IsDB Prize Portal (https://Prize.IsDBInstitute.org/). The first step is the registration of the nominator/applicant, which is open until 16 Jamada Al-Ula 1445 (30 November 2023). The second step is for the nominator/applicant to upload the nomination form details and any relevant files before 19 Jamada Al-Ula 1445H (3 December 2023).

For more information about the call for nominations, visit the IsDB Prize Portal (https://Prize.IsDBInstitute.org/) and download the brochure to learn more about the procedure.

The prize winner and runners-up will be honored at a ceremony during the 2024 IsDB Group Annual Meetings on a date to be announced in due course.