The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation, reviewing ongoing initiatives, and identifying priorities for development financing in the upcoming phase, while also highlighting efforts aimed at enhancing coordination mechanisms and expanding partnerships with relevant regional and international stakeholders.

The opening session, held on 11 May, featured presentations delivered by several key institutions, including updates related to contract management, institutional performance, and future planning within the framework of the ACG. Throughout the two-day meeting, participants also reviewed initiatives aimed at strengthening coordination and highlighting the role of ACG institutions, including a media plan presented by the Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH), which included proposed activities for the upcoming period to enhance communication and outreach efforts.

The agenda also included an advisory report reviewing achievements made and future directions for coordination among member institutions, in addition to discussions on developing a rapid intervention mechanism for the Arab Coordination Group, initiated by the Arab Fund. The meeting further addressed preparations for the upcoming high-level meeting between the Arab Coordination Group and the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC), as well as preparations for the 21st Meeting of Heads of Institutions, scheduled to take place in Vienna on 22 June 2026. The ACG also invited the Global Center on Adaptation to deliver a presentation on potential areas of cooperation across specific sectors and countries.

Discussions also covered proposals for joint interventions in digital technology and artificial intelligence, as well as the exchange of information on new projects in Arab, African, Asian, and Latin American and Caribbean countries, alongside several other strategic and operational matters.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Arab Coordination Group (ACG).

About the Arab Coordination Group (ACG):
The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) is a strategic alliance that provides a coordinated response to development finance. Since its establishment in 1975, the ACG has been instrumental in developing economies and communities for a better future, providing more than 13,000 development loans to over 160 countries around the globe. The ACG works across the globe to support developing nations and create a lasting, positive impact. The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) is considered one of the most important and effective development partnerships at the international level. The group actively works to adopt the best global practices in sustainable development work. It also aims to align the efforts of these institutions to achieve convergence and harmonization in the policies governing their financing operations.

The Group comprises 10 national, Arab regional, and international institutions, including the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the Arab Gulf Programme for Development, the Arab Monetary Fund, the Islamic Development Bank, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Qatar Fund for Development and the Saudi Fund for Development. www.TheACG.org

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Africa’s premier energy event, African Energy Week (AEW), is placing the global AI data center evolution at the forefront of Africa’s energy transformation with the launch of dedicated platform: Renegade Intel. Taking place during the strategic program from October 12-16 in Cape Town, the platform will connect African energy producers, technology firms, financiers and digital infrastructure developers at a pivotal moment for the continent’s industrial future.

The launch comes as African governments and private investors increasingly position data centers not simply as digital infrastructure assets, but as catalysts for electrification, industrial growth, gas monetization and long-term energy security. Renegade Intel will focus on the intersection between AI, power generation, natural gas, data sovereignty and infrastructure financing, while examining how Africa can build its own AI-enabled industrial ecosystem rather than exporting both its raw resources and digital value abroad.

The launch of Renegade Intel comes at a pivotal time for the continent, with rising demand for AI, cloud computing, fintech and expanded mobile connectivity set to drive the growth of the emerging data center market. While Africa’s data market is currently in its infancy stage, forecasts show the sector growing from $2.2 billion in 2026 to approximately $4.3 billion by 2031, highlighting a unique - and increasingly strategic - opportunity for both energy producers and technology firms.

Yet infrastructure remains the primary bottleneck. Unreliable grid systems and low electrification rates impede the development of the continent’s AI data center market - but integrating investments across sectors could turn this trend around. AI-driven demand is already transforming global electricity markets. In the United States, utilities are already warning that hyperscale AI facilities could materially increase grid strain and power prices in key regions. Africa’s opportunity, however, may lie in avoiding that model altogether by building dedicated gas-to-power ecosystems specifically designed for data center operations.

South Africa is currently leading the continent’s data center expansion, with cloud zones from Microsoft and AWS already live and Google expected to follow. While power shortages and grid instability continue to constrain economic expansion, gas is increasingly being positioned as a strategic transition fuel capable of supporting large-scale digital infrastructure. The country not only boasts significant offshore discoveries in the Orange Basin and Outeniqua Basin, but also holds substantial shale gas resources in the Karoo Basin. Combined with Cape Town and Johannesburg’s growing role as digital and cloud connectivity hubs, these resources could support a new generation of gas-fired power projects dedicated to data centers and AI infrastructure.

Nigeria presents an even larger commercial opportunity. Home to more than 200 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves – the largest on the continent – the country is increasingly looking at gas monetization beyond LNG exports. The model creates an opportunity to channel associated gas and currently flared gas into domestic power generation for hyperscale facilities, while simultaneously reducing emissions, addressing energy poverty and accelerating upstream gas development. The commercial logic is increasingly straightforward: monetize domestic gas resources through long-term power supply agreements tied directly to data center development. Renegade Intel will place this commercial model at the center of discussions in Cape Town.

“Africa cannot afford to sit on the sidelines of the AI revolution while exporting its gas, exporting its data and importing digital infrastructure. Renegade Intel is about bringing energy companies, technology firms, financiers and infrastructure developers together to build a commercially viable African model for AI growth. Gas-to-power, data sovereignty and industrialization are now part of the same conversation,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

The launch of Renegade Intel signals a broader evolution in how Africa’s energy future is being framed. Rather than viewing oil, gas and digital infrastructure as separate sectors, AEW 2026 will position them as interconnected pillars of industrial growth, power generation and economic competitiveness. As AI demand reshapes global infrastructure investment, Renegade Intel will provide a platform for technology companies, financiers and oil and gas producers to forge the partnerships needed to build Africa’s next generation of energy-backed digital infrastructure.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) (https://AfricaCDC.org) has announced the launch of the African Strategic Advisory Group on Genomics (ASAG), a new continental advisory mechanism established to provide independent, multidisciplinary, and trusted technical guidance on the strategic governance and implementation of genomics across Africa.

The launch of ASAG marks a pivotal step in advancing Africa CDC’s vision to democratize access to genomics for better public health programming, precision public health, integrated disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness and response, and the development and local manufacturing of medical countermeasures. The Group will support Africa CDC in ensuring that genomics is deployed ethically, responsibly, and for maximum public good, with African leadership, ownership, and equitable benefit-sharing at the centre of continental genomics initiatives.

Africa has made major progress in expanding genomic capacity through the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative, which has strengthened sequencing, laboratory, bioinformatics, and data systems across the continent. These investments have supported the use of genomics for the surveillance and characterization of public health threats, including mpox, cholera, antimicrobial resistance, malaria, and other epidemic-prone diseases. ASAG will help consolidate these gains while guiding the broader application of pathogen and human genomics to address Africa’s priority health challenges, including the rising burden of non-communicable diseases.

ASAG is aligned with Africa CDC’s broader agenda of Africa Health Security and Sovereignty, which emphasizes stronger African institutions, continental preparedness and response capacity, sustainable health financing, digital transformation, local manufacturing, and pooled procurement. Through its advisory role, ASAG will provide recommendations on strategic priorities, harmonized standards, capacity building, technology transfer, data governance, privacy, intellectual property, ethics, and partnerships to strengthen genomics as a cornerstone of Africa’s health security and development.

The inaugural eight-member ASAG brings together renowned African and global experts across pathogen genomics, human genomics, bioinformatics, clinical genetics, precision medicine, public health, data governance, ethics, and capacity building: Prof. Christian Happi, Prof. Ambroise Wonkam, Prof. Leon Mutesa, Prof. Tulio de Oliveira, Prof. Ghada El-Kamah, Prof. Nicky Mulder, Prof. Charles Rotimi, and Dr. Yosr Hamdi.

At its inaugural meeting, ASAG members elected Prof. Christian Happi as Chair and Prof. Ghada El-Kamah as Co-Chair. Their leadership will guide the Group’s work in providing independent, evidence-based, and Africa-centred advice to Africa CDC, while supporting collaboration across African Union Member States, scientific institutions, public health agencies, and partners.

As an Africa CDC–constituted strategic advisory mechanism, ASAG will operate with independence, transparency, accountability, scientific integrity, inclusivity, and equity. Members will serve in their personal capacity and provide non-binding recommendations to inform Africa CDC’s continental genomics programmes, while Africa CDC retains responsibility for prioritization, decision-making, and implementation in line with its mandate.

Through this initiative, Africa CDC is taking a decisive step toward a future in which genomics drives innovation, improves preparedness for emerging threats, enables precision public health, strengthens health systems, and delivers better and more equitable health outcomes for all Africans.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Media Contacts Africa CDC: 
Margaret Muigai Edwin
Director of Communication & Public Information Directorate, Africa CDC
Tel: +255 742 635 592
edwinm@africacdc.org   

Follow Africa CDC on:
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About Africa CDC: 
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is the public health agency of the African Union. As an autonomous institution, Africa CDC supports AU Member States to strengthen health systems, improve disease surveillance, and enhance emergency preparedness and response. For more information, visit: https://AfricaCDC.org 

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Featuring a series of in-depth presentations and workshops, the pre-conference runs from 09:00 to 18:00 and is designed to deliver targeted knowledge exchange through technical sessions and networking engagements. The program aligns closely with Angola’s objective of attracting approximately $70 billion in oil and gas investment over the next five years, setting the stage for conversation and deals-signings during the main conference agenda.

The pre-conference program emphasizes subsurface imaging and structural analysis across Angola’s most prospective basins, including the Lower Congo, Kwanza, Benguela and Namibe. Discussions will focus on unlocking pre-salt reservoirs, improving seismic clarity beneath complex salt formations and advancing exploration strategies in frontier and mature acreage.

In parallel, the pre-conference will address licensing opportunities and regulatory frameworks under Angola’s multi-year strategy lead by the National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency. Insights into the 2025/2026 licensing rounds will highlight offshore and onshore block availability, marginal field opportunities and progress under the Permanent Offer Program.

Fiscal competitiveness will form a central theme, with sessions benchmarking Angola’s evolving terms against global standards. Recent reforms – including reduced petroleum income tax rates, lower royalties for mature assets and increased cost recovery ceilings – have repositioned Angola as a more attractive destination for capital-intensive deepwater and gas projects.

The pre-conference also places strong emphasis on local content development and procurement optimization. With local participation reaching approximately 12% in 2025 and a national target of 20% by 2027, discussions will explore strategies to expand domestic capacity, strengthen supply chains and increase value retention within Angola’s energy economy.

Digital transformation is another core pillar of the program, reflecting the sector’s shit toward data-driven operations. Topics include the integration of AI-enabled systems, real-time monitoring of offshore assets, centralized data infrastructure and the modernization of regulatory oversight through digital platforms to enhance transparency and efficiency.

The structure of the day combines invitation-only networking sessions, in-depth technical workshops and targeted discussions on institutional strengthening. It concludes with a networking cocktail designed to facilitate deal-making and partnership building ahead of the main conference and exhibition.

The value of the pre-conference is underscored by outcomes of the 2025 edition, which delivered early insights into licensing rounds, supported multiple deal signings during the main event and introduced new engagement formats connecting local entrepreneurs with international investors and operators.

With participation expected from regulators, investors and technical experts across the energy value chain, the AOG 2026 pre-conference offers a focused environment to assess opportunities, understand regulatory direction and position for upcoming projects. Attendance is limited and demand is high. With slots filling up quickly, stakeholders are encouraged to secure their place at the AOG 2026 pre-conference to access critical insights and engage with key decision-makers shaping Angola’s next phase of energy growth.

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

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The next cycle of the Prize will be launched in 2027 under the “Development Solutions Achievement” category. This cycle will focus on recognizing and rewarding impactful projects that deliver effective solutions to key development challenges in IsDB Member Countries.

The upcoming 2027 prize cycle includes a cash award of US$100,000 for the first-place winner, while the second- and third-place recipients will receive US$70,000 and US$30,000, respectively.

On another front, the IsDB Institute announces that the 2026 IsDB Prize for Impactful Achievement in Islamic Economics (Knowledge Contribution) has been withheld.

This decision follows a thorough and rigorous evaluation of the nominations received by the Screening Committee and the external referees. The decision reflects the IsDB’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of excellence and impact in Islamic economics. IsDBI remains dedicated to recognizing field-defining knowledge contributions that meaningfully advance sustainable and inclusive development.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI).

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About the IsDB Institute:
The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is the knowledge beacon of the Islamic Development Bank Group. Guided by the principles of Islamic economics and finance, the IsDB Institute leads the development of innovative knowledge-based solutions to support the sustainable economic advancement of IsDB Member Countries and various Muslim communities worldwide. The IsDB Institute enables economic development through pioneering research, human capital development, and knowledge creation, dissemination, and management. The Institute leads initiatives to enable Islamic finance ecosystems, ultimately helping Member Countries achieve their development objectives. More information about the IsDB Institute is available on https://IsDBInstitute.org/

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Easy People has been confirmed as a Silver Sponsor of the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) Conference and Exhibition, taking place September 9–10, with a pre-conference day on September 8. The sponsorship reflects its commitment to placing digital infrastructure at the forefront of Angola’s hydrocarbon development. Its participation comes amid a broader AI-driven evolution in the country, where digital tools are increasingly being deployed to address operational challenges across the oil and gas value chain.

With a target of sustaining crude production above one million barrels per day, Angolan operators are under pressure to reduce costs while improving efficiency. To balance these priorities, many are moving beyond traditional workflows toward integrated digital environments that optimize exploration, production and asset management. AI-enabled analytics, predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring are beginning to reshape asset performance, particularly in complex offshore operations where inefficiencies can quickly translate into cost overruns.

One of the clearest examples of this shift is Angola’s national oil company, Sonangol. The company inaugurated a new corporate data center in 2026, consolidating previously fragmented systems into a single, high-security hub. Designed to centralize operational control, the facility supports Angola’s broader digital and energy transition agenda. By enabling faster processing of seismic and production data, it is helping move decision-making toward real-time, AI-enabled workflows and away from siloed legacy systems.

Angola’s Block 15 partners are also advancing AI-driven applications across operations. ExxonMobil is deploying autonomous drones for visual and acoustic inspections, reducing inspection times by around 60%. At Blocks 17 and 32, TotalEnergies is using Airborne Ultralight Spectrometer for Environmental Applications drone technology to measure methane emissions, while service providers such as Cabship are leveraging AI-powered software to improve operational visibility and accelerate decision-making.

Within this evolving ecosystem, Easy People plays a supporting but increasingly strategic role. By delivering scalable IT solutions tailored to operator needs, the company enables both major producers and independent players to integrate digital tools into core workflows. This is particularly relevant as independent operators expand their footprint in Angola and require flexible, cost-effective systems to remain competitive alongside larger incumbents.

AOG 2026 provides a platform to align these technology capabilities with industry demand. As Angola works to sustain production, address infrastructure constraints and improve project economics, digital transformation is emerging as a parallel priority alongside upstream investment. The participation of companies like Easy People reflects a broader recalibration in the sector: the next phase of Angola’s oil and gas growth will increasingly be shaped by data integration, systems intelligence and the operational application of AI.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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• Heavy Weight Express enables global heavyweight express shipping up to 1,000 kg per piece / 3,000 kg per shipment
• Proactive shipment control through dedicated Heavy Weight Priority Desks ensures high reliability and customer service support
• DHL Express expands in the heavyweight segment, responding to growing demand

DHL Express (www.DHL.com) announced the worldwide expansion of its Time Definite International portfolio with the introduction of Heavy Weight Express (HWX), an express air solution for shipments up to 1,000 kilograms per piece and 3,000 kilograms per shipment. With this launch, DHL Express strengthens its role as a leading global integrator capable of moving heavyweight cargo with express speed and reliability across more than 220 countries and territories, supported by a dedicated aviation and ground network that ensures stable uplift, predictable transit times, and globally consistent handling standards.

Heavy Weight Express is designed to meet the needs of industries where shipment reliability and timing are critical business drivers. The service integrates fast, time‑definite delivery with full end‑to‑end control, proactive monitoring, and transparent all‑in pricing that eliminates the rate volatility and cost uncertainties associated with other areas of freight. Customers benefit from guaranteed express transit times, comprehensive shipment visibility at every stage, and DHL’s uncompromising operational standards, including stringent handling procedures for shock‑sensitive, high‑value, or regulated goods.

DHL Express CEO John Pearson said “Heavy Weight Express represents a strategically important step for our business, expanding the value that DHL Express brings to global supply chains. As industries face rising volatility, increasingly complex production cycles, and significant financial exposure from delays and supply chain disruption, DHL’s ability to offer express‑level speed, access to capacity and higher reliability for shipments up to 3,000 kilograms fundamentally changes the service levels that customers can expect from their logistics provider.”

“Across Sub‑Saharan Africa, we are seeing customers move larger, more critical shipments at faster speeds as industries scale, modernise and integrate into global value chains. Heavy Weight Express responds directly to that need—combining DHL Express’ unmatched time‑definite reliability with the capability to move complex, heavyweight shipments without compromise. This service gives businesses certainty, visibility and control at a time when supply‑chain performance is a key competitive advantage,” said Hennie Heymans, CEO DHL Express SSA.

The introduction of HWX is supported by the introduction of dedicated Heavy Weight Priority Desks around the world. These specialized teams are responsible for proactive tracking, early exception detection, real‑time intervention, and direct communication with customers to ensure uninterrupted shipment flow. Each heavyweight shipment receives dedicated case ownership, giving customers predictability and personal attention often associated with smaller or specialist logistics providers, but with the additional advantage of DHL’s global integrator infrastructure, standardized processes, and 24/7 operational control.

The solution directly addresses six critical heavyweight use cases observed across global industries: avoiding production downtime, managing program and product launches with immovable timelines, optimizing working capital by reducing inventory buffers, supporting procurement‑driven large‑scale shipping environments, complying with stringent special handling requirements, and stabilizing complex multi‑site supply chains. These use cases are especially prominent in the technology sector, automotive manufacturing, engineering and machinery, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and the oil and gas and energy sectors—industries where even small delays can result in severe financial impacts.

Reducing shippers’ dependence on fluctuating airline capacity and removing the cost variability of add‑on fees and handling surcharges, HWX offers customers the stability of a single carrier from pickup to delivery. DHL Express manages its own aircraft fleet, hubs, gateways, customs operations, and last‑mile delivery—providing customers with predictability even during periods of global disruption or limited air capacity.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of DHL Express.

Media Contact:
DHL Group
Media Relations
Dirk Heinrichs
Phone: +49 228 182-9944
E-mail: pressestelle@dhl.com

About DHL – The logistics company for the world: 
DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 389,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 82.9 billion euros in 2025. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

On the internet: https://apo-opa.co/49qTITA

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In many African organisations, assets are deployed across cities, regions, and in some cases countries often without a consistent mechanism to verify their status in real time. In environments shaped by distributed operations, varying infrastructure conditions, and increasingly mobile workforces, maintaining an accurate view of assets has become significantly more complex.

At the same time, businesses are under pressure to maximise existing capital, delay unnecessary procurement, and extract greater value from deployed assets. Despite this, many organisations continue to rely on static asset registers and manual tracking processes that fail to reflect operational reality.

The result is a growing disconnect between what is recorded on balance sheets and what actually exists within the business assets that cannot be verified, devices that are unaccounted for, and capital tied up in resources that are not delivering value.

“This is a silent but significant challenge,” said Valene Nagiah, Head of Asset Tracking and Management at V-Track. “Many organisations believe they have asset visibility, but in practice, they are operating on assumptions. In environments where teams are distributed and assets are constantly moving, those assumptions quickly break down.”

Across key African markets in Southern, East, and West Africa, organisations are managing increasingly complex asset environments without the systems required to maintain continuous visibility. As digital transformation accelerates, this gap is becoming more pronounced turning what was once an operational issue into a financial and governance priority.

This lack of visibility is increasingly being linked to measurable business impact, including avoidable procurement spend, underutilised assets, audit exposure, and heightened security risk. In environments where assets move between offices, remote locations, and employees, gaps in visibility can quickly translate into both financial loss and operational vulnerability.

In response, organisations are beginning to shift away from periodic audits and spreadsheet-based tracking toward continuous, intelligence-driven asset management.

V-Track, an established asset intelligence platform supporting organisations across African markets, is enabling this shift by moving asset management from static record-keeping to real-time, verifiable control.

The platform allows organisations to:

• Verify the existence, location, and status of assets in real time
• Align IT asset data with financial reporting and audit requirements
• Identify and recover underutilised or unaccounted assets
• Strengthen governance, compliance, and cybersecurity frameworks
• Optimise capital allocation through accurate utilisation insights

“What is changing is the expectation of control,” added Valene Nagiah. “IT assets are no longer just operational tools they are financial assets that need to be actively managed. Organisations that can continuously verify and track these assets are able to reduce waste, improve accountability, and make better financial decisions.”

The challenge is particularly pronounced in African operating environments, where organisations often manage assets across multiple regions, remote locations, and decentralised teams. Without continuous visibility, maintaining accurate records and ensuring accountability becomes increasingly difficult.

Combined with rising cybersecurity risks and tighter regulatory scrutiny, this creates a growing imperative for organisations to ensure that every asset is accounted for, secured, and delivering value throughout its lifecycle.

In this context, IT asset visibility is fast becoming a foundational layer of financial and operational control. Organisations that close this gap are better positioned to improve governance, reduce unnecessary expenditure, and strengthen overall business resilience.

“Organisations that cannot see their assets cannot control their costs,” said Nagiah. “Closing that visibility gap is no longer optional it is essential to operating effectively in today’s environment.”

V-Track supports organisations in bridging this gap by providing continuous, accurate insight into asset environments and enabling finance and IT teams to operate with greater alignment, accountability, and control.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of V-Track.

Media Contact:
Valene Nagiah
VNagiah@vtrack.io

About V-Track:
V-Track is an asset intelligence platform that enables organisations to gain real-time visibility and control over their IT assets. Designed for complex and distributed environments, V-Track connects asset data to financial and operational outcomes helping businesses reduce loss, strengthen governance, improve audit readiness, and optimise capital allocation. By transforming asset management into continuous, verifiable control, V-Track supports organisations in managing assets not just as operational tools, but as accountable financial investments.
V-Track Asset Management and Tracking: www.VTrack.io

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Amini (https://www.Amini.ai/), a sovereign AI infrastructure company, today announced a strategic partnership alongside Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn), the world's largest electronics manufacturer, and Bull, a global leader in high-performance computing, artificial intelligence and quantum computing, to close the sovereign compute gap across Africa and the Global South, giving governments, telecom operators, financial institutions, and energy companies direct access to industrial-grade AI data centre infrastructure they can acquire, install, and operate locally. The partnership marks Foxconn’s first dedicated infrastructure initiative focused on African markets and establishes Amini as its strategic partner across Africa and other emerging economies.

Amini operates one of Africa's leading platforms for locally anchored compute and data capacity, working across multiple markets with governments and enterprises to strengthen domestic AI infrastructure.

Foxconn is the world's largest AI server provider with its technology-intensive hardware underpinning the global AI economy, including advanced computing systems, server architecture, and modular data centre technologies used by the world's leading firms. Through the partnership, these systems are made accessible to African and Global South institutions in configurations designed for local operating conditions and regulatory environments.

The partnership is supported by French-government owned Bull as it  builds on its existing collaboration with Amini to support sovereign AI infrastructure projects. Committed to fostering local ecosystems and regionalized AI, Bull brings additional systems integration capabilities with a longstanding experience covering the full spectrum of high-performance and artificial intelligence, from systems and components to platforms and use cases.  

The announcement was made at the Africa Forward Summit, hosted in Nairobi on 11–12 May 2026, a high-level convening of heads of state, business leaders, and global institutions advancing Africa's strategic position in the digital economy.

Speaking at the opening of the Africa Forward Summit on Monday 11 May, Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic of France, said: "[…] this partnership between Amini, Bull and Foxconn for me is a perfect example of this common sovereignty story: African, European and Taiwanese companies. All of us have to face this challenge of sovereignty and reducing our dependencies."

The market opportunity

The partnership arrives at a defining moment for the global digital economy. Africa's digital economy is projected to reach USD 1.5 trillion by 2030. Across the Global South, the trillion-dollar demand for AI-enabled services in finance, energy, public administration, and connectivity is materialising faster than the sovereign infrastructure required to serve it. Without locally anchored compute, that demand will be met by external providers, and the economic value it generates will flow outward.

Africa's data centre market is projected to nearly double from USD 3.49 billion in 2024 to USD 6.81 billion by 2030, with installed capacity expected to triple to more than 3,460 megawatts over the same period. The continent's AI and cloud infrastructure remains concentrated in the hands of a small number of operators. The Amini-Foxconn-Bull partnership signals a shift toward locally anchored, sovereign-aligned AI infrastructure and compute capacity built for African and Global South markets.

The downstream implications are substantial. Locally anchored compute creates skilled employment, strengthens regional technology ecosystems, and retains economic value within domestic markets. Industry estimates place Africa's AI and data infrastructure value chain at between USD 20 billion and USD 30 billion in revenue by 2030, a figure that compounds significantly when paired with productivity gains across finance, energy, public services, and trade.

Built for African realities: why modular

Traditional hyperscale data centres depend on stable grids, multi-year construction timelines, and capital expenditure profiles that exclude most African and Global South stakeholders.

The modular AI data centre infrastructure provided through the Amini-Foxconn-Bull partnership is engineered for these realities. Systems operate in variable power environments, can be deployed in under 12 months, and scale incrementally with offtake demand. Institutions acquire the capacity they require today and expand over time, in line with usage, and without the cost structure and timeline complexity of conventional builds. Each configuration is designed for full data sovereignty, with data remaining in-country under domestic regulation.

Sovereign capability across the sectors driving African economies

The partnership opens sovereign AI infrastructure to the institutions that anchor national economic activity. Energy and utilities can apply AI to grid optimisation and predictive maintenance. Banks and financial institutions can build risk, credit, and financial inclusion systems independent of external platform dependencies. Telecom operators can run edge AI and network intelligence at scale. In each case, the underlying capability, compute, data, and governance, remains domestically held.

For Amini, the partnership is a structural step toward redistributing how AI capability is built and held globally. "AI is becoming foundational infrastructure for every economy, yet most of the world still lacks the compute capacity required to participate on its own terms," said Kate Kallot, Founder and CEO of Amini. "This partnership ensures that Africa and the Global South can acquire, own, and operate AI infrastructure locally, with sovereignty and long-term economic value at its core. The trillion-dollar demand for AI services across our markets will be met. The question is whether the infrastructure beneath it is held with us, or for us."

For Foxconn, the initiative reflects a deliberate expansion into markets where industrial-scale AI infrastructure has historically been absent. "Africa's participation in the AI economy depends on infrastructure designed for its conditions, not adapted from elsewhere," said Jesse Chao, Head of AI & Quantum at Foxconn, during the Africa Forward Summit. "This partnership brings Foxconn's global capabilities into a market model built for sovereign ownership and long-term operational viability."

For Bull, the collaboration extends a longstanding commitment to sovereign digital capacity in emerging markets. "Africa and more generally the Global South have the potential to emerge as a global-scale AI hub, by continuing to build regional computing capacity and supply chain independence. Bull is proud, through its partnership with Amini and Foxconn, to be a part of this journey, to develop a sovereign AI infrastructure." said Alexandre Jouys, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Southern Europe, Middle East and Africa, at Bull. "Our joint solution with Amini reflects a shared conviction that durable digital capacity must be built with the institutions it serves, not delivered to them."
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amini.

Media Contacts:
Media Relations at Amini  
press@amini.ai

Media Relations at Bull  
communication@bull.com

Media Relations at Foxconn
media@foxconn.com

About Amini:
Amini is a sovereign AI infrastructure company enabling locally anchored compute, data, and AI capacity across Africa and the Global South. The company partners with governments, multilateral institutions, and enterprises to bring infrastructure within reach of the regulatory, operational, and economic conditions of emerging markets. Learn more: https://www.Amini.ai/.

About Bull:
Leveraging nearly a century of innovations, Bull is a global leader for High-Performance Computing, Artificial Intelligence and Quantum technologies with c.720m€ in revenue and 3,000 professionals operating in 32 countries. Built on an open, end-to-end and trusted approach, Bull designs, deploys and operates hardware, software and strategic services that unlock enterprise value, accelerate scientific research and advance society. Driven by world-class R&D, backed by 1,600 patents, manufacturing excellence and data sciences expertise, Bull enables nations and industries to fully control their AI and data and to drive progress for the benefit of the planet.

For more information, please visit our website (https://apo-opa.co/3R6ABIa) and follow us on Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/48RlyIv), LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/3PjAwjU), X (https://apo-opa.co/4wvZD3R), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/42q38uP).

About Foxconn:
Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) (TWSE:2317) is the world's largest electronics manufacturer and leading technology solutions provider, ranking 28th in Fortune Global 500. In 2025, revenue totaled TWD8.1 trillion (approx. USD260 billion). The Group's market share in electronics manufacturing services (EMS) exceeds 40% and covers four major product segments: smart consumer electronics; cloud and networking; computing; and components and other. Operating over 240 campuses across 24 countries, Foxconn is one of the world's largest employers with approx. 900,000 employees during peak manufacturing season. We are committed to sustainability in the manufacturing process and serving as a best-practice model for global enterprises. The Group is guided by its 3+3+3 strategy, actively investing in industries of electric vehicles, digital health, and robotics; in technologies of artificial intelligence, semiconductors and next-generation communications; in intelligent platforms of Smart Manufacturing, Smart EV and Smart City. Foxconn is dedicated to becoming a comprehensive, world-class enterprise, with AI as its core driving force. Learn more at www.Foxconn.com/en-us.

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Verdant IMAP (www.Verdant-Cap.com) has advised Heath Goldfields Ltd., the Ghanaian- mining company revitalising the historic Bogoso–Prestea Gold Mine, on a USD 65 million debt financing and associated offtake arrangements. The debt financing shall be used for capex related to the company’s medium term mine plan following an initial restart in December 2024 and for general corporate purposes.

Under the terms of the agreement, in addition to providing the substantial debt financing, Trafigura has committed to purchase 700,000 ounces of gold from the Bogoso–Prestea operation, representing a commercial commitment valued at approximately US$2.8 billion. The offtake arrangement secures a long-term sales channel for Heath Goldfields’ production at competitive market-linked terms and provides revenue certainty as the company scales output from the mine. 

The agreement represents one of the most significant gold offtake commitments in West Africa in recent years and marks a major milestone in the Bogoso–Prestea revival programme. It signals Trafigura’s confidence in Heath Goldfields’ operational capacity and the long-term prospectivity of a well resourced asset compliant with SK-1300 standards.

The offtake agreement provides for the purchase of gold doré produced at the Bogoso–Prestea processing facility Deliveries will commence in line with the company’s production schedule. The agreement has been structured at competitive industry terms benchmarked to prevailing international gold prices.

For Trafigura, the agreement deepens its presence in West African precious metals and aligns with the firm’s broader strategy of securing long-term supply from established mining jurisdictions. Ghana remains Africa’s leading gold producer and offers a mature regulatory framework, stable fiscal environment, and strong government partnership.

This transaction was structured and arranged by Verdant IMAP, acting as exclusive financial advisor to Heath Goldfields. The transaction reinforces Verdant IMAP as one of the leading financial advisors in the African capital market, with the capacity to structure and arrange transactions with Tier 1 global counterparties.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Verdant Capital.

Media enquiries:
Verdant IMAP
Orient Mahonisi
T: +27 10 140 3700
E: orient.mahonisi@verdant-cap.com

About the Bogoso–Prestea Gold Mine:
The Bogoso–Prestea Gold Mine is one of West Africa’s most historically significant mining operations, having produced more than 9 million ounces of gold since 1912. Located in the Prestea Huni-Valley district of Ghana’s Western Region, the operation features a 1.5 million tonne per annum CIL processing plant, sulphide processing infrastructure, grid power access, and established road networks.

Heath Goldfields completed the first gold pour at Bogoso–Prestea in February 2026, marking the restart of production following a 24-month shutdown. Within just three months of commencing production, the company exceeded its capital raise milestones, reinforcing the strength of its operational and financial strategy. The revival has created over 1,400 direct and indirect jobs and engaged more than 15 local contracting firms.

About Heath Goldfields Ltd.:
Heath Goldfields Ltd. is a proudly Ghanaian-owned gold mining company focused on the responsible redevelopment of the Bogoso–Prestea Gold Mine. With deep technical expertise and a commitment to sustainable, community-centred operations, the company is repositioning the asset as a modern, globally competitive mining operation. Heath Goldfields combines indigenous ownership, local workforce development, and Ghanaian entrepreneurship with international best practices in safety, environmental compliance, and stakeholder engagement.

About Trafigura Pte Ltd:
Trafigura is one of the world’s largest independent commodity trading companies. The company trades in metals and minerals, oil and petroleum products, gas, power, and renewable energy, connecting producers and consumers across the globe. Trafigura has an established track record of long-term offtake partnerships with mining producers across Africa and internationally.

About Verdant IMAP:
Verdant IMAP is a leading pan-African investment bank specialising in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and private capital markets. Combining international investment banking experience with a deep understanding of local markets, Verdant IMAP helps clients access global capital and strategic partnerships to drive growth and transformation across the continent. Verdant IMAP has extensive experience in the Metals & Mining sector in Africa.  Verdant IMAP is the IMAP partner firm for its region. IMAP, established in 1973, is a global M&A partnership with over 600 professionals across 51 countries and completing around 300 transactions per year is consistently ranked among the top 5 advisors worldwide for mid-market transactions. www.Verdant-Cap.com

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Smart meters have already been deployed across many utilities and municipalities, yet the expected returns are still not being fully realised.

Improved revenue collection, accurate billing and clearer visibility of consumption remain persistent challenges for organisations that have invested in smart metering infrastructure.

To address this gap, ESI Africa, part of VUKA Group, and GridLens Energy will host a live webinar titled “Maximising smart meter returns” on Tuesday, 2 June 2026 from 14:00 to 15:00 SAST.

The webinar will take a practical look at where smart metering programmes underperform after deployment and what utilities, municipalities and energy users can do to improve outcomes from systems already in place.

Across the sector, common challenges include underutilised data, poor system integration, revenue leakage, billing inaccuracies and limited operational visibility. For many organisations, the issue is not whether to invest in smart metering, but how to extract measurable performance from the investment already made.

The session will bring together experts from GridLens Energy, Drakenstein Municipality and eThekwini Municipality to unpack the technical, financial and operational barriers that prevent smart metering programmes from delivering their full value.

Webinar details

Title: Maximising smart meter returns
Date: Tuesday, 2 June 2026
Time: 14:00 to 15:00 SAST
Registration: https://apo-opa.co/4dCRUcD

Expert speakers

• Carson Dean, Founder, GridLens Energy
• Hilton Smith, Chief Accountant: Water and Electricity Billing, Drakenstein Municipality, South Africa
• Sindisiwe Shozi, Chief Engineer, eThekwini Municipality, South Africa

Key discussion points will include:

• Why smart meter programmes often fail to deliver expected returns
• Where value is lost across data, systems and operations
• How to improve billing accuracy and reduce revenue leakage
• The role of integration and interoperability in improving performance
• Practical approaches to extracting more value from existing deployments

The webinar is designed for utilities, municipalities, metering teams, billing departments, revenue managers, infrastructure decision-makers, large commercial and industrial energy users, technology providers and system integrators.

Smart metering investment has already been made. The priority now is performance.

Register for the webinar here:
https://apo-opa.co/4dCRUcD
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

About ESI Africa:
ESI Africa is Africa’s trusted power, energy, water and utility multimedia platform. Positioned as an impartial industry mouthpiece, ESI Africa has delivered technical developments and analysis in print and digital formats since 1996.

Through its print, digital and webinar platforms, ESI Africa connects readers with solution providers and delivers insight into Africa’s energy, power, utility and water transformation.

Website: www.ESI-Africa.com

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group connects people and organisations across Africa’s energy, mining, mobility, green economy and retail sectors through events, content and strategic networking. VUKA Group is a venture partner to The Global Trust Project and a leader of NPO Go Green Africa.

Website: www.WeAreVUKA.com

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SWFs are no longer passive investors but are increasingly positioning themselves as active partners in mining development, with countries scaling up SWF participation to reduce reliance on external financing, accelerate exploration, enable local beneficiation and integrate artisanal and small-scale mining into formal value chains.

One of the clearest examples of this shift is in East Africa. Ethiopian Investment Holdings - with assets exceeding $45 billion - is playing a central role in advancing mining-led industrialization. In 2026, the fund signed an agreement with the country’s Ministry of Mines to invest in potash development, targeting fertilizer production amid rising global demand. It is also partnering with RUSAL on a $1 billion aluminum smelter, anchoring downstream beneficiation capacity.

Similar case studies are being seen in West Africa. In Senegal, FONSIS is co-investing in the country’s first gold refinery alongside Société des Mines du Sénégal - a move aimed at strengthening local value addition while integrating artisanal miners into formal supply chains. Guinea also plans to launch a sovereign wealth fund in 2026, leveraging revenues from the $20 billion Simandou iron ore project and signaling a strategic shift toward reinvesting resource wealth into long-term national development.

Meanwhile, Angola’s Fundo Soberano de Angola is backing economic diversification through mining investments, including equity participation in Pensana’s Longonjo rare earth project - expected to supply up to 5% of global magnet metals once operational.

As frontier and established mining jurisdictions compete for global capital, SWFs offer a stable, long-term funding source capable of accelerating project deployment while aligning with domestic development goals. This role becomes most critical in capital-intensive markets where scale, infrastructure requirements and long development timelines continue to deter traditional private investment.

For instance, as the Democratic Republic of the Congo seek to unlock an estimated $24 trillion in untapped resources, regional SWFs could support project development by offering alternative sources of finance. Similarly, as South Africa targets to raise R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential, SWFs could play a catalytic role in achieving this goal. 

Against this backdrop, the African Mining Week Conference and Exhibition - Africa’s most influential mining conference scheduled for October 14–16 in Cape Town - will position SWFs as a critical bridge between Africa’s mineral wealth and long-term industrial capital. The event will convene SWFs, project developers, investors and policymakers through high-level panels, deal-making platforms and project showcases - designed to accelerate partnerships and unlock financing for the next generation of mining projects.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Today marks the official opening of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) (https://FSC.org) Stadium of Life, Africa's first stadium constructed with sustainably sourced timber. The structure, which sets a new standard for responsible construction practices in Africa, was independently certified by DNV Business Assurance against Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) requirements under project certification (DNV-PRO-002776).

The FSC Stadium of Life is the latest development at the Kick4Life Centre, a hub of social and economic development in the heart of Maseru, Lesotho's capital city. The centre was first opened in 2011 as part of FIFA’s legacy for the 2010 FIFA Men's World Cup in South Africa, with this initial support from world football’s governing body resulting in one of the world's leading examples of a major tournament legacy achieving sustainable social impact.

Today’s event brings together stakeholders from Lesotho and internationally, to learn about the unique approach to sustainable design and construction that was used for the FSC Stadium of Life, as well as learning how the facility supports the wider work of Kick4Life FC, as a charity, social enterprise and football club dedicated to social change.

Gerard Busse, FSC’s Africa and Middle East Regional Market Development Manager, says: “Project certification verifies that the forest materials come from responsibly managed forests, ensuring the promotion of environmental stewardship and community development”.

Peter Alele, FSC’s Africa Regional Director adds: “The project highlights the continent’s potential to set global benchmarks in sustainable forestry, while demonstrating how responsible forest management can support wider social and economic development”.

Greg Markwell, Sales Manager for DNV Business Assurance Africa, says: “We’re proud to have supported the FSC Stadium of Life through our independent certification, helping to give confidence that the timber used is responsibly sourced and traceable. This was a passion project for me personally and the vision reflects DNV’s purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, and shows how sustainability and ingenuity can be embedded into landmark developments that deliver real community value – today and for generations to come”.

The design and construction process was led by Rise International through its ‘in loco’ design and build training programme, which supports the development of young professionals in the construction industry.

Pedro Clarke, the project’s lead architect at Rise International, says: “As the construction sector seeks materials with a lower carbon footprint, eyes are turning towards forest products”.

The stadium features 8,584 treated Eucalyptus poles, minimising concrete use and highlighting the potential of sustainable building materials. The poles were sourced from MTO Forestry’s FSC-certified plantations in Mpumalanga, South Africa, and by using FSC-certified timber, the project directly supports responsible forestry practices.

Daniela Gusman, Founder of Rise International, adds: “The Stadium of Life exemplifies a paradigm shift in sports infrastructure, combining sustainability, social impact, and cultural representation”.

The inclusion of a unique ‘Biodiversity Stand’ dedicated to showcasing diverse flora from across Lesotho’s ten districts further highlights the important relationship between sport and nature, and will be used for community education about the importance of promoting biodiversity.  A small outdoor amphitheatre – the Theatre of Life – has also been integrated, providing a stunning space for a wide range of educational sessions and cultural performances, and the opportunity to watch football through the lens of nature.

Steve Fleming MBE, Co-founder of K4L, says: “With the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup starting next month, we are proud to continue building on the legacy of Africa’s first tournament 16 years ago. Since the initial investment of a centre through FIFA’s ’20 Centres for 2010’ initiative, we have added a number of award-winning hospitality social enterprises, including No.7 Restaurant and Hokahanya Hotel & Conference Centre, which generate income to sustain our sports-based community programmes, as well as providing training and employment opportunities for young people”.

Fleming continues: “Combined with our health education, gender empowerment and life-skills development programmes, this pioneering approach to organisational sustainability and livelihoods saw us recognised with the 2025 Laureus Sport for Good Award, and the FSC Stadium of Life is the latest development which continues to push new boundaries in Sport for Good and the sports industry as a whole”.

Motlatsi Nkhahle, Kick4Life’s Country Director, adds: “The new facility will extend the impact of Kick4Life’s existing centre, serving as a home ground for our football teams, including our women’s team who became national champions of Lesotho in 2025, qualifying for the CAF Women’s Champions League. Through the Kick4Life Academy, the facility will also be used to prepare more young people - on and off the field - for genuinely life-changing student-athlete scholarships at international universities”. 

The launch event will also provide an opportunity for guests to observe a Sport for Good exhibition on Kick4Life’s 5-a-side pitch, with new artificial turf donated by SIS Pitches. There will also be an introduction to the centre’s latest social enterprise - Bophelo Gymnasium & Health Club, led by two young women who have been trained as gym and fitness instructors. Constructed using four repurposed shipping containers, the gym was developed as a part of SESLA (Sport for Education and Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa) and the Sustained Insight and Impact Initiative, backed by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and Agence Française de Développement (AFD).

Nkhahle concludes: “The FSC Stadium of Life is more than just a place to watch football; it is a destination that combines sport, nature, art, culture and social impact. It is an inspirational place where you can become part of a special community dedicated to building a brighter future for the children and young people of Lesotho”.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Forest Stewardship Council.

About Kick4Life FC:
Kick4Life FC is a multi-award-winning charity, social enterprise and football club based in Lesotho in Southern Africa. Their mission is to transform the lives of children and young people in Lesotho through the power of sport, with a range of interventions focused on health, education, gender, employability and nature. Through Kick4Life Assist, they also support organisations globally in developing and implementing Sport for Good programmes and social enterprises. Kick4Life’s work was recognised with the Laureus Sport for Good Award 2025.

About Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®):
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) is a non-profit organization that provides a proven responsible forest management solution. Currently, over 170 million hectares of forests worldwide are certified according to FSC standards. It is widely regarded as the most rigorous forest certification system among NGOs, consumers, and businesses alike to tackle today’s deforestation, climate, and biodiversity challenges. The FSC forest management standard is based on ten core principles designed to address a broad range of environmental, social and economic factors. FSC’s “check tree” label is found on millions of forest-based products and verifies that they are responsibly sourced, from forest to consumer. https://FSC.org.

About Rise International:
Rise International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to partnering with rural African communities to create sustainable opportunities in education, architecture, and economic empowerment, with a special focus on women and children. Their innovative social enterprise model combines humanitarian mission with sustainable business practices, creating self-funding initiatives that generate both social impact and economic value within the communities they serve.

About DNV Business Assurance:
DNV Business Assurance is a leading global provider of accredited management system certification, supply chain assurance, and training services. Operating in over 100 countries, it helps companies across diverse sectors manage risk, improve performance, and ensure compliance, having issued over 70,000 certificates for safety, quality, and environmental standards.

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EnerGeo Alliance, under Martin’s leadership, has been advancing the role of geoscience and data-driven exploration in de-risking investments across frontier markets. Its recent strategic engagements, including partnerships supporting renewed exploration activity in countries such as Libya, reflect a broader push to bring technical rigor and investor confidence back into African upstream sectors. By strengthening the link between subsurface intelligence and policy decisions, EnerGeo is helping governments position their resources more competitively in a capital-constrained global market.

Complementing this upstream focus, ARDA has been at the forefront of reinforcing Africa’s downstream resilience. At its 2026 annual conference, the association underscored energy security as a top priority, with refiners across the continent moving to shield themselves from global market volatility and supply disruptions. This comes as Africa continues to expand refining capacity and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, a shift that is critical not only for economic sovereignty but also for stabilizing domestic energy markets. ARDA’s work increasingly intersects with broader industrialization goals, positioning refining and distribution networks as key enablers of growth.

Bridging these traditional energy systems with the continent’s long-term transition ambitions is GEAPP, where Koech leads the organization’s Africa strategy. The alliance has rapidly emerged as a central force in mobilizing blended finance for large-scale electrification and renewable deployment. In 2026, GEAPP and its partners surpassed $100 million in commitments to support Mission 300 – an initiative aimed at connecting 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030 – while simultaneously working to unlock far greater flows of public and private capital. Through technical assistance, project development and market-shaping interventions, GEAPP is helping translate high-level ambition into bankable projects across nearly two dozen countries.

“African Energy Week has always been about bringing together the right partners at the right time,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “The participation of organizations like EnerGeo Alliance, ARDA and GEAPP reflects the increasing alignment we are seeing across the global energy landscape. These are institutions that are not only shaping policy and investment, but actively delivering solutions on the ground – and their engagement at AEW 2026 will be instrumental in advancing Africa’s energy ambitions.”

As AEW continues to evolve into a platform for integrated energy dialogue, the inclusion of these global associations reinforces its role as a convening point for the partnerships that will define Africa’s next phase of growth. Their participation reflects the growing recognition that Africa’s energy future cannot be addressed through fragmented approaches, but through coordinated action across sectors, institutions and geographies.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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JA (Junior Achievement) Africa (www.JA-Africa.org), with support from the ExxonMobil Foundation, announces the launch of the 2026 ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Program, an initiative designed to equip young Africans with critical science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) and artificial intelligence (AI) skills.

The program builds on a successful partnership that has already reached more than 10,000 young people across Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, and Nigeria. The 2026 edition, dubbed STEM Africa 2.0, is an initiative that integrates AI learning pathways and aims to equip 4,000 additional students aged 14–17 with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

The launch comes at a pivotal moment for Africa, where the youth population continues to grow rapidly, yet access to STEM and digital skills remains limited. By combining hands-on learning, mentorship from industry professionals, and real-world problem-solving, the program positions young people to participate meaningfully in emerging sectors such as energy, sustainability, and digital innovation.

Through a structured, four-phase learning experience, participants engage in STEM and AI quizzes, zonal competitions, national innovation camps, and a final continental showcase at Africa Energy Week Conference. These experiences move beyond classroom theory, enabling students to develop practical solutions to real-world challenges while building confidence, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.

“The future of Africa will be shaped by the ideas, ingenuity, and leadership of its young people,” said Simi Nwogugu, President and CEO of JA Africa. “Through STEM Africa 2.0, we are not only strengthening STEM competencies but also opening pathways into artificial intelligence and innovation. This is about ensuring that young people across the continent are prepared to lead, create, and solve problems that matter, both locally and globally.”

Alvin Abraham, President of the ExxonMobil Foundation, added: “We believe that investing in young people is one of the most powerful ways to drive long-term economic growth and resilience. By supporting STEM Africa 2.0, we are helping to bridge the skills gap and enabling young people to engage with emerging technologies that will define the future of work.”

The significance of the 2026 launch lies in its forward-looking approach. By integrating AI literacy into secondary school STEM education, the program directly addresses global workforce trends while ensuring young Africans are not left behind. It also strengthens the connection between education and employability, exposing participants to career pathways in high-growth sectors and building a pipeline of future innovators.

In addition to technical skills, the program emphasizes inclusion, ensuring participation from underserved communities and promoting gender balance across all activities. A strong monitoring and evaluation framework will track learning outcomes, behavioral shifts, and long-term progression into STEM-related pathways.

Young people, educators, and partners interested in participating or learning more about the ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Program can visit ExxonMobilSTEMsAfrica.org.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Junior Achievement (JA) Africa.

Media Contacts:
Ellen Ukpi
Director, Marketing & Communications
JA Africa

About JA Africa:
JA Africa is one of Africa’s largest youth-serving nonprofits, equipping young people with the skillset and mindset to succeed in a global economy. Through immersive learning experiences in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and capabilities, JA Africa reaches more than 1.6 million young Africans annually, preparing them to build thriving communities and sustainable futures.

www.JA-Africa.org

About the ExxonMobil Foundation:
The ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of ExxonMobil, supporting initiatives that advance education, economic opportunity, and community development worldwide. Through strategic partnerships, the Foundation invests in programs that equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to drive long-term societal progress and innovation.

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Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany together with First Ladies of Africa and Asia who are also the Ambassadors of "Merck Foundation "More Than a Mother", champions Girl Education as the Foundation of Women Empowerment, through their impactful and transformative development programs, reaffirming over 14 years of their sustained commitment and legacy in empowering women and girls.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and One of the Most Influential African and African Women for Seven Consecutive Years (2019 - 2025) expressed, “At Merck Foundation, empowering women and girls is embedded in everything we do. It shapes our vision and guides our programs. For the past 14 years, together with my dear sisters, and our Ambassadors, the First Ladies of Africa and Asia, we have been empowering girls and women through our programs including ‘More Than a Mother’, ‘Merck Foundation Scholarships Program’, ‘Educating Linda’, and ‘STEM Program’.”

“Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” is a strong movement that aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education, health, and change of mindset.

Through their “Scholarships program”, Merck Foundation is transforming the patient care landscape across Africa, Asia and beyond, having provided more than 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties to date.

“I am proud that out of the 2600+ scholarships provided across 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties, about 1290 scholarships, that is nearly 50% have been provided to women medical graduates, empowering them to become future healthcare experts and leaders.

Also, I am happy to share that we have provided over 800 scholarships for young healthcare providers, dedicated to advancing women’s health by strengthening reproductive & sexual health, and fertility care capacity.”

Merck Foundation CEO strongly believes that Education is one of the most critical areas of women empowerment.

“As a part of our Educating Linda program, together with my dear sisters, the First Ladies of Africa, we have year to date provided more than 1400 annual scholarships to deserving yet underprivileged African schoolgirls from 21 countries, enabling them to complete their education and reach their full potential,” shared Dr. Kelej.

Merck Foundation also actively empowers women in Science and Technology through its STEM Program and the annual Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards that recognize and celebrate the Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers, fostering research excellence.

“Our goal is to empower women and young African researchers, enhance their research capacity, and promote their contributions to STEM,” emphasized Dr. Kelej.

Moreover, Merck Foundation in partnership with First ladies of Africa and Asia announces annual Awards of Media, Song, Film and Fashion to raise awareness about women empowerment, supporting girl education and related themes like breaking infertility stigma, ending female genital mutilation & child marriage, stopping gender-based violence.

Merck Foundation is also raising awareness about the importance of supporting girls’ education through a range of creative initiatives, including inspiring children’s storybooks, animation films, awareness songs, and dedicated episodes on this theme through their Our Africa by Merck Foundation TV program.

Watch episodes of Our Africa, focusing on Supporting Girl Education:

Episode 2: https://apo-opa.co/48Rj5Od

Episode 11: https://apo-opa.co/42sSrYk

Episode 14: https://apo-opa.co/3Rwwoh0

Read Educating Linda Storybook here: https://apo-opa.co/4ff8b8R

Watch Merck Foundation Animation Films on supporting girl education:

• Jackeline’s Rescue: https://apo-opa.co/42t3h0r
• Ride Into the Future: https://apo-opa.co/436r7PL

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

1. Watch, share & subscribe “Girls Can” song here, sing by Cwesi Oteng from Ghana and Irene Logan from Liberia: https://apo-opa.co/4wF84Kj
2. Watch, share & subscribe the “Like Them” song here, sung by Kenneth, a famous singer from Uganda: https://apo-opa.co/4u3CYtQ
3. Watch, share & subscribe “Take me to School” song here, sung by Wezi, Afro-soul singer from Zambia, to support girls’ education: https://apo-opa.co/4wlF0Hl
4. Watch share & subscribe “Tu Podes Sim” Portuguese song, which means “Yes, You Can” in English by Blaze and Tamyris Moiane, singers from Mozambique in English here: https://apo-opa.co/4u4foNP 
5. Watch, share & subscribe “ABC, 123” by Sean K from Namibia song here: https://apo-opa.co/4dzr9FY
6. Watch, share & subscribe “Brighter day” song by Sean K and Cwesi Oteng from Namibia and Ghana respectively: https://apo-opa.co/4d3mIDb
7. Watch and share “Superwoman Song” by singers Cwezi and Adina from Ghana here: https://apo-opa.co/42wrPFU

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

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

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: http://apo-opa.co/3PAELHQ
X: http://apo-opa.co/4tutw1F
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4tsDEYK
Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/43565Ry
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4eAPWKQ
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4d3PL9R
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4umSIIR

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/3PAELHQ), X (http://apo-opa.co/4tutw1F), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/43565Ry), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4tsDEYK), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4eAPWKQ) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4d3PL9R).

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

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The international charity and UN-accredited NGO is using the occasion to highlight the growing importance of its Social Coach Leadership Programme (SCLP) and Community Campus model in addressing the social, cultural, economic, and wellbeing challenges affecting young people and communities across the UK, Commonwealth, and internationally.

For more than three decades, the Youth Charter has worked through sport, art, culture, and digital engagement to support disadvantaged and disengaged young people, while advocating for sustainable approaches to tackling inequality, violence, exclusion, poor health, unemployment, and community fragmentation.

Central to this work has been the development of the Youth Charter’s Community Campus framework, built around the principles of “Engage, Equip and Empower”, alongside the organisation’s Social Coach Leadership Programme, which seeks to develop a new generation of socially conscious coaches, mentors, educators, and community leaders.

The Youth Charter believes that the role of the coach must now extend beyond traditional sporting environments to respond to wider social and community needs. Within this approach, Social Coaches act as trusted role models and connectors between schools, families, grassroots organisations, public agencies, and local communities, helping to create safer, healthier, and more inclusive environments for young people.

As part of this year’s International Coaching Week reflections, the Youth Charter is also recognising the forthcoming tenth anniversary of the passing of the late Muhammad Ali in 2026, acknowledging his enduring humanitarian legacy and contribution to peace, equality, dignity, and social justice.

Inspired by these values, the Youth Charter developed the SCLP “Float Like a Butterfly” Coach Leadership Programme in collaboration with the wider sport-for-development movement and through its longstanding relationship with the Muhammad Ali Center.

The programme seeks to empower coaches and community leaders to use sport and physical activity as tools for resilience, inclusion, leadership, education, wellbeing, and social transformation. It also reinforces the belief that coaching should not solely focus on sporting performance and competition, but should contribute to character development, confidence, compassion, and civic responsibility.

The Youth Charter states that the Social Coach Leadership Programme provides a practical framework to:

• Support youth and community engagement
• Improve health and wellbeing outcomes
• Reduce violence and anti-social behaviour
• Enhance education, employability, and leadership pathways
• Strengthen community cohesion and social inclusion
• Deliver measurable social, cultural, and economic impact aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Develop future generations of socially responsible coaches and community leaders

The organisation has further reiterated its belief that long-term investment in prevention, engagement, and community-led intervention remains significantly more effective and sustainable than reactive intervention strategies.

Through its Global Call to Action, the Youth Charter continues to advocate for stronger collaboration between governments, sporting bodies, educational institutions, philanthropy, business, and civil society organisations in supporting the development of Community Campuses and Social Coaches internationally.

The Youth Charter believes that, at a time of increasing social disconnection and inequality, coaching has the potential to become a significant force for social innovation, community resilience, peacebuilding, and human development.

In marking International Coaching Week 2026 and the approaching commemoration of Muhammad Ali’s legacy, the organisation is calling for renewed international commitment to ensuring that sport is used not only as a form of entertainment and competition, but also as a platform to educate, empower, and unite communities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Youth Charter.

Media & Partnership Enquiries:
Youth Charter Official Website (www.YouthCharter.org)

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Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that the summit is being held under the theme "Africa Forward".

The summit aims to strengthen the African–French partnership by focusing on the challenges of economic growth, digital transformation, and energy. It also targets reforming the international financial system, as well as integrating African priorities into global economic frameworks. 

The summit will witness broad participation from African leaders, the French President, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Participants will also include numerous heads of international and regional financing organizations, in addition to representatives of the African and French business sectors.

President El-Sisi will deliver Egypt’s speech during the summit. The President will also hold a number of bilateral meetings with African leaders and officials from international organizations on the sidelines of the summit.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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This transition was a central theme during the State of African Energy 2026 Outlook webinar hosted by S&P Global and the African Energy Chamber (AEC), offering a detailed read on Africa’s upstream trajectory. The webinar, hosted by Vice President of the AEC Verner Ayukegba, brought together analysts from S&P Global to assess shifting investment flows, evolving project timelines and the principal risks shaping African energy markets.

Africa’s upstream oil and gas sector is entering a phase of stabilization, with production forecasts at 11.4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2026 and capital expenditure expected to reach $41 billion. Offshore deepwater remains the dominant growth driver, increasingly shaping long-term supply resilience as mature onshore basins face natural decline and higher reinvestment thresholds.

S&P Global’s Director for African Regional Research Justin Cochrane highlighted Africa’s structural under-exploration, noting that only around 25,000 wells have ever been drilled across the continent. He stressed that 74% of discoveries since 2010 have come from deepwater and ultra-deepwater plays, with gas accounting for 73% of total hydrocarbon finds. However, he cautioned that monetization remains uneven, with many frontier discoveries still lacking infrastructure or viable market access.

Natural gas is emerging as the central investment thesis for African energy development, increasingly positioned as both a transition fuel and an industrial enabler. LNG expansion, floating production solutions and domestic gas-to-power initiatives are reshaping the continent’s energy mix as global buyers compete for flexible, non-Russian supply and regional demand continues to grow.

Simon Wood, Head of EMEA Gas, LNG and Low Carbon Gases Consulting, S&P Global noted that global LNG supply growth is accelerated but stressed that Africa must focus on building integrated value chains rather than relying solely on resource availability. He said, “there is no shortage of gas potential in Africa,” but emphasized that regulatory certainty, infrastructure alignment and aggregation models are essential to de-risk projects and unlock financing at scale.

Energy access remains Africa’s most pressing structural challenge, with approximately 600 million people still lacking electricity and over 900 million without clean cooking access. At the same time, electricity demand is expected to grow by nearly 4% annually through 2030, driven by population growth, urbanization and emerging digital and industrial loads.

Rehan Burger, Associate Director for Global Power, S&P Global noted that renewables will dominate long-term capacity additions but warned that intermittency creates system-wide instability without flexible baseload support. He described gas as “system critical,” arguing it plays a stabilizing role in enabling renewable integration while ensuring reliability across grids that remain underdeveloped and highly fragmented.

Critical minerals are emerging as a parallel strategic pillar alongside hydrocarbons, with Africa holding roughly 30% of global reserves of key inputs such as cobalt, lithium and platinum group metals. These resources are becoming central to global electrification, battery supply chains and industrial decarbonization strategies.

Ross Embleton, Principal Consultant, S&P Global cautioned that Africa’s resource advantage alone is insufficient to guarantee value capture. He emphasized that success depends on investment conditions, governance stability and infrastructure readiness. “This opportunity is not automatic,” he noted, adding that beneficiation strategies in countries such as Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo will determine whether Africa transitions from exporter of raw materials to industrial producer.

The 2026 Middle East crisis has introduced a severe external shock to global energy markets, disrupting nearly 10 million barrels per day of supply following particle closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rising about $110 has triggered demand destruction, inflationary pressure and widespread supply chain realignment across importing countries.

The situation is the largest oil disruption in history, according to S&P Global’s Director and Head of African Fuels and Refining Research Stanislas Drochon, who warned that Africa is disproportionately exposed due to high import dependence and limited strategic inventories. He noted that trade flows are already shifting, with countries such as South Africa increasing imports while accelerating efforts to diversify supply routes and strengthen regional resilience.

Across all segments, the Outlook reinforces a structural transition from resource discovery toward capital-intensive execution. Africa’s primary constraint in 2026 is no longer subsurface potential, but rather the ability to deliver infrastructure, regulatory clarity and coordinated financing at scale to convert reserves into sustained production.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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The new entity will be led by Javier de Corral, who will lead business development, establish partnerships with telecom operators and build a local team based in Johannesburg.

The South African launch builds on Telecoming’s existing footprint in the continent, where it already operates through its Algerian subsidiary, DCB Software Dzayer, further strengthening its regional position.

DCB Software South Africa will operate as a local hub focused on AI-driven digital services, supported by a team entirely based in the country. Its scope includes the development of digital products, mobile and web services, as well as solutions in digital entertainment and marketplaces, all built on scalable, multi-device platforms designed to ensure a seamless user experience.

The subsidiary combines in-depth knowledge of the South African and Sub-Saharan markets with direct access to telecom operators, digital platforms and local payment solutions. It will deploy multiple monetisation models, including Direct Carrier Billing (DCB), to optimise conversion rates and overall performance.

“The launch of DCB Software South Africa marks a key milestone in our global expansion strategy”, said Cyrille Thivat, CEO of Telecoming. “We are very excited about the opportunities in South Africa and committed to investing in its digital future. With Javier de Corral at the helm, we are confident that this new subsidiary will not only drive our local growth but also contribute to the broader digital and AI ecosystem.”

Telecoming develops technology designed to enhance user acquisition, streamline payment processes and improve the performance of digital services. Its platforms integrate monetisation, advertising and user experience, leveraging artificial intelligence to deliver secure, scalable and efficient solutions.

This expansion reinforces Telecoming’s commitment to delivering innovative digital and AI services and strengthens its position as a key player in the African market. With this launch, the company takes another step in its international expansion, enhancing its ability to support the development of Africa’s digital ecosystem through advanced technology, local expertise and strategic partnerships.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Telecoming.

Press contact:
Bárbara González 
M. +34 603 578 654

About Telecoming:
Telecoming is an international company specialising in the development and distribution of mobile digital experiences. Since 2008, the company has developed technologies for the monetisation of digital services in collaboration with telecom operators, operating in multiple countries across three continents. Telecoming is an expert in the design, development and monetisation of digital services that connect brands and users through personalised and highly effective experiences. From sports and music to news and entertainment, it creates solutions that shape users’ everyday digital experiences, transforming the way they interact with their digital world. All of this is driven by a strong focus on artificial intelligence to enhance the relevance and personalisation of each experience. A leader in the mobile economy since its inception, Telecoming has been recognised by the London Stock Exchange as one of Europe’s most inspiring companies. It is also ranked among the fastest-growing companies in Europe according to the Inc. 5,000 ranking by Morningstar. For more information: www.Telecoming.com

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Enlit Africa 2026 will put commercial and industrial delivery front and center on Wednesday 20 May with a dedicated line-up across the Power Hub, Water Hub and Renewable Energy & Storage Hub. The day is built for decision-makers who must keep operations running, secure reliable supply, manage risk and move projects from concept to implementation.

Taking place 19–21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Enlit Africa, created by VUKA Group, convenes utilities, municipalities, large energy users, financiers, developers and technology providers to focus on what shifts outcomes in African infrastructure.

On 20 May, the programme is anchored by the keynote, “How a coordinated energy/water plan could change African resilience” (09:30–11:45), positioning water and energy as interlinked operational risks that can no longer be managed in silos. From there, the day breaks into practical tracks tailored for large users and the solution partners that support them.

In the Renewable Energy & Storage Hub, sessions focus on the realities of C&I adoption and delivery at scale, including “Project implementation for multi-megawatt C&I projects” (11:45–13:00) and “Clean energy adoption in the C&I market” (14:30–15:45), before turning to fleet electrification and operations with “Mobility: Management of electric vehicle fleets for C&I” (16:00–17:30).

In the Water Hub, the agenda targets the technologies and operating models that matter most to industrial continuity and compliance. Sessions include “Next-generation water treatment technologies” (11:45–13:00), “Advanced water treatment & smart water systems” (14:30–15:45) and “Accelerating water technology deployment for C&I operations” (16:30–17:30).

Together, the three stages create a single day of high-signal, implementation-led content for C&I leaders, utilities, municipalities and suppliers focused on operational performance, investment readiness and delivery discipline.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

About Enlit Africa:
Enlit Africa convenes stakeholders across the power sector value chain to address the commercial and operational realities of delivery, bringing together leaders across finance, utilities, government, industry and technology to accelerate bankable investment, system readiness and measurable outcomes. https://apo-opa.co/4f8qGMc

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group connects people and organisations across Africa’s energy, mining, mobility, green economy, and retail sectors through events, content, and strategic networking. Venture partners to The Global Trust Project and leaders of NPO Go Green Africa. www.WeAreVUKA.com       

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This shift presents a structural challenge for Africa. While the continent is rich in energy resources, its planning frameworks remain largely oriented around incremental, megawatt-scale additions – often tied to localized demand or short-term capacity gaps. In the context of AI-driven infrastructure, this approach is increasingly misaligned with the scale and concentration of future demand.

Africa’s data center sector, while growing, remains at an early stage. Operational capacity currently stands at approximately 300–400 MW, with projections reaching 1.5–2.2 GW by 2030. At the same time, demand is accelerating rapidly: electricity consumption from data centers is rising at 20–25% annually and is expected to reach around 8,000 GWh in the near term. This growth mirrors a broader global surge, with data center power demand projected to approach 945 TWh by 2030, driven largely by AI workloads.

What distinguishes AI-related demand is not only its scale, but its concentration and consistency. Unlike many traditional industrial loads, data centers require uninterrupted, high-quality power, often with built-in redundancy. This places new demands on grid design, prioritizing stability, capacity and long-term scalability over incremental expansion.

Meeting these requirements will require a departure from conventional planning models. Rather than adding capacity in small increments, there is a growing case for developing gigawatt-scale generation aligned with emerging digital infrastructure hubs. This means integrating power generation, transmission and data center development into coordinated investment strategies, particularly in markets with strong resource bases and improving regulatory environments.

It also requires a shift in how excess capacity is viewed. In many African power systems, surplus generation has historically been treated as a financial inefficiency. In the context of AI and digital infrastructure, however, maintaining a margin of available capacity can enhance grid stability, reduce outages and provide the flexibility needed to support rapid load growth, while creating a foundation for broader industrial development.

A useful benchmark can be seen in Northern Virginia, the world’s largest data center market, where installed capacity has now exceeded 4 GW and more than 1 GW of new supply was added in a single year, reflecting the rapid pace at which hyperscale infrastructure is being deployed. Driven by major cloud and AI players, demand has tightened the market significantly, with vacancy rates approaching zero and most new capacity released well in advance. The scale and speed of development highlight how quickly data center demand is expanding – and underscore the level at which infrastructure must be planned.

These dynamics are increasingly shaping the policy conversation. At African Energy Week 2026, the AI and Data Center Track will focus on the infrastructure required to support this transition, with a particular emphasis on aligning energy planning with digital economy objectives. As AI infrastructure scales, reliable and abundant power is no longer a supporting factor, but a prerequisite.

“This is ultimately about aligning Africa’s energy strategy with where global demand is heading,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “If we continue to plan in megawatts, we will struggle to compete in an economy that is already moving at the gigawatt scale. Building larger, more resilient power systems is not just about meeting demand – it is about creating the conditions for investment, innovation and long-term growth.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) (http://www.AfricaCDC.org) and the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia officially launched the Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) 2026, the continent’s foremost public health gathering.

“The launch symbolises our determination to build a healthier and more resilient Africa, fully aligned with the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” said H.E. Ambassador Hadera Abera, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. “CPHIA 2026 is necessary. It will help advance Africa from dependency to self-reliance, from vulnerability to resilience, and from fragmentation to coordinated continental action.”

The conference will take place in Addis Ababa from 23 to 27 November 2026, bringing together governments, scientists, policymakers, health professionals and partners to advance practical solutions for Africa’s health transformation and help shape the future of public health on the continent.

Held under the theme “Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty: Transformation from health dependency and vulnerability to ownership and resilience,” CPHIA 2026 will provide a strategic continental platform to advance Africa-led solutions, strengthen resilient health systems, and accelerate implementation of the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty agenda.

“This platform provides an opportunity to influence evidence-based policy and shape strategies that will define the health security of Africa’s 55 AU Member States,” said Dr Raj Tajudeen, Acting Deputy Director General, Africa CDC. He noted that while the inaugural edition of CPHIA in December 2021 attracted 2,500 participants, CPHIA 2026 is targeting 30,000.

CPHIA 2026 aligns with the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) agenda, recently adopted by the 39th ordinary session of the African Union Assembly. It builds on the CPHIA 2025 continental commitments outlined in the Durban Promise (http://apo-opa.co/4u7zO8w), which calls for mobilising Africa’s wealth and innovation for health sovereignty, strengthening governance and accountability, reinvesting in primary health care and community systems, and fostering regional solidarity and market efficiency, among other priorities.

CPHIA (https://CPHIA2021.com), the flagship conference of Africa CDC and AU member states, is a unique annual event that connects political leaders, policy makers, private sector and community actors with scientists and programme implementers. It provides an important opportunity for African stakeholders to engage in open dialogue on critical health issues, share new scientific breakthroughs and innovations, and identify solutions with the potential to catalyse positive change.

Africa CDC has convened four previous editions of CPHIA, each strengthening its position as the continent’s leading forum for public health dialogue, policy alignment and scientific exchange. Hosting CPHIA 2026 in Addis Ababa reinforces Ethiopia’s position as a major diplomatic hub, home to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the African Union and its agencies, including Africa CDC, among other global institutions.

“We are proud to partner with Africa CDC to convene this significant gathering,” said H.E. Ambassador Hadera. “We will continue working closely with Africa CDC to ensure the successful hosting of CPHIA 2026 in Addis Ababa,” added Dr Tajudeen.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Media Contacts:
Margaret Edwin 
Director of Communication and Public Information
Africa CDC 
EdwinM@africacdc.org

Connect with us:
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About Africa CDC:
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a public health agency of the African Union. It is autonomous and supports member states in strengthening health systems. It also helps improve disease surveillance, emergency response, and disease control.
Learn more at: http://www.AfricaCDC.org.

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This Mother’s Day, Mercy Ships (https://MercyShips.org) highlights the extraordinary courage of mothers around the world through the story of Doxie, who defied deeply rooted cultural traditions in Madagascar to save her son.

In numerous African regions, cultural traditions dictate that new mothers remain bedbound for several weeks postpartum, receiving dedicated care as they recuperate. However, shortly after delivering her premature son Alfredo at seven months, Doxie elected to diverge from these deeply rooted practices. Despite experiencing significant fatigue and jeopardizing her own recovery, she courageously left her bed to seek immediate medical attention for her newborn.

“I was determined that day,” Doxie said. “I needed help for my baby.”

Her decision marked the beginning of a relentless fight for Alfredo’s life. Born at home with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, Alfredo faced challenges from his very first day of life. The condition made feeding extremely difficult, leaving him vulnerable and undernourished. Research shows (http://apo-opa.co/3RvAiqo) that up to 96% of children with cleft conditions in Madagascar suffer from malnutrition, often because feeding is so difficult in the early months of life.

Like many mothers confronted by unexpected medical obstacles, Doxie found herself balancing fear with fierce determination.

“When they showed me my baby, I was really surprised,” she recalls the first time she held Alfredo. “I didn’t expect that.”

Due to an inability to breastfeed and limited access to reliable alternatives, Alfredo’s health quickly deteriorated. At six months old, his weight of only 2.6 kilograms indicated a critical underweight status that would be a significant challenge to his survival.

Despite recurring obstacles and recommendations to return home when resources dwindled, Doxie remained committed to her mission. Demonstrating notable resolve, she opted for proactive measures rather than acquiescence. Her search ended in the port of Toamasina, where the Africa Mercy® was docked. Medical teams on board immediately recognized the urgency of Alfredo’s condition.

Placed on a specialized infant feeding program, Alfredo began receiving carefully measured nutrition, just milliliters at a time. Slowly, his condition stabilized. For Doxie, each small sign of progress was deeply emotional.

Months later, Alfredo returned to the ship transformed—healthy, stronger, and ready for surgery. The surgical procedure successfully repaired his cleft lip, giving him a new chance at life.

“I couldn’t hold back my tears of joy,” Doxie said. “I didn’t expect that my child would be healed. God really didn’t abandon us. Even when I felt discouraged, He was always there. My wish for Alfredo is that he will grow up, study like every other child, and have a better future.”

Doxie’s story is a powerful reminder that motherhood often means making impossible choices. By challenging expectations and overcoming uncertainty, a loving mother will do whatever it takes to protect her child.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.

About Mercy Ships:
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.

Each year, 2,500+ volunteer professionals from more than 70 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit https://MercyShips.org and follow @MercyShips on social media.

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During the ceremony, the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Sergey Lukashevich, remarked: ‘Today, the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the instructions of Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov and following the call of their hearts, laid flowers at the Minsk – Hero City monument. This symbolic site, situated near the Museum of the Great Patriotic War, is significant not only for all Belarusians, but also for all those who honour the memory of past events. Together, we stand for peaceful skies, for historical justice, and for a future without war.’

Victory Day remains for Belarus a symbol of unparalleled courage and unity in the struggle for the honour and freedom of our Motherland. The memory of the immeasurable price paid for the right to determine our own future on our own land serves as a reliable guide in the work of diplomats today. 
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.

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The Minister spoke about the long history between the two countries and noted that though the cooperation between the two countries is modest, it has proved to be highly effective, especially in the areas of health, tourism, environment and drug rehabilitation. He stated that the presence of the first resident Ambassador in Switzerland, is a significant step towards deepening the engagement between the two countries, as well as extending current and future opportunities. Minister also expressed Seychelles’ appreciation to the various funding provided by Switzerland in different areas, especially towards the Climate Fund.

In his remarks, Mr. Cassis shared Switzerland’s readiness to cooperate in the areas of interest for both sides. He shared the importance Switzerland places on multilateralism and sought the support of Seychelles in this area. He stated that he looked forward to working closely in different areas, especially, as Seychelles has upgraded its presence in Switzerland.

On 8 May 2026, Minister Faure met with the Director General of the United Nations Office in Geneva, in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Minister thanked the secretariat for the assistance to Seychelles in preparation of its Universal Periodic Review taking place on the 8 May 2026 and funding provided to ensure participation from capital.

The Director General emphasised the importance of countries focus on sustainable development post-2030. The Minister agreed and noted that implementation and monitoring of results of sustainable development goals is a priority for Seychelles.

Minister iterated the importance of multilateralism, to ensure international rules are adhered to, and small countries like Seychelles, have a level platform to put forth its position. He closed the meeting with assuring the Director General, that Seychelles is a strong supporter of the UN and ensures its participation in the relevant forums.

The Minister was accompanied to both meetings by Ambassador Cillia Mangroo.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.

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Scheduled for October 12–16 in Cape Town, AEW 2026 comes as Rhino Resources accelerates exploration activity across Namibia’s Orange Basin while broadening its footprint into South Africa’s Karoo Basin. The sponsorship reflects the company’s strategy to deepen engagement with investors, service providers and policymakers as it advances multiple assets toward development readiness and future final investment decisions.

At the core of Rhino Resources’ upstream momentum is its multi-well deepwater drilling campaign in Namibia’s Orange Basin – one of the world’s most prolific frontier exploration hotspots. The company is targeting FIDs between late 2026 and early 2027 across operated and partner-led assets, including the co-development of the Volans and Capricornus discoveries in Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) 85.

Recent drilling results have strengthened the commercial case of these Namibian assets. The Volans-1X well delivered strong gas-condensate flow rates in February 2026, while the earlier Capricornus-1X well confirmed the presence of light oil, positioning Rhino Resources among the key players contributing to Namibia’s ambition of achieving first oil production by 2030.

Beyond Namibia, Rhino Resources is broadening its portfolio through onshore exploration in South Africa’s Karoo Basin. The company is advancing a six-well campaign targeting helium, methane and hydrogen resources in the Free State Province – a move that reflects both geographic diversification and a wider strategy to support a more resilient and diversified regional energy mix.

This expansion comes at a time when Southern African economies face energy security challenges due to ongoing disruptions to global shipping routes, reinforcing the importance of unlocking domestic resource potential to support industrial growth and reduce external vulnerabilities.

Rhino Resources’ role as Gold Sponsor at AEW 2026 therefore comes at a pivotal stage in its growth trajectory. The event provides a platform to showcase its exploration progress, strengthen partnerships and position its projects within the broader African energy investment landscape.

At AEW 2026, Rhino Resources’ executives are expected to participate in high-level panel discussions, offering insights into frontier basin development, cost-efficient exploration strategies and pathways to fast-tracking project commercialization across emerging African markets.

“Rhino Resources represents a new generation of African-focused independents that are willing to take on frontier risk to unlock long-term energy value,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “The company’s recent discoveries in Namibia and expanding exploration strategy in South Africa highlight the scale of opportunity across the continent and the critical role independents play in translating resources into production, investment and economic growth.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Nigerian integrated energy company Levene Energy has joined the African Energy Week (AEW) Conference and Exhibition as a Gold Sponsor, reinforcing its position as an emerging pan-African energy platform focused on infrastructure expansion, energy access and long-term market diversification.

Taking place October 12–16 in Cape Town, AEW 2026 comes as Levene Energy accelerates its transition from a project-focused developer into a long-term energy infrastructure investor with interests spanning upstream, midstream, downstream and renewable energy segments.

A key milestone of this strategy was reached in January 2026 when the company secured a $64 million facility from the African Export-Import Bank to acquire a 30% stake in Axxela Limited. The transaction marks the company’s entry into Nigeria’s regulated gas infrastructure space, strengthening its position in gas processing, distribution and industrial energy supply.

The investment also aligns with Nigeria’s Decade of Gas initiative, which seeks to monetize the country’s estimated 600 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves while expanding energy access, supporting industrialization and improving access to cleaner cooking solutions nationwide.

Beyond gas infrastructure, Levene Energy continues to strengthen its upstream portfolio. The company holds interests in multiple producing and exploration assets in Equatorial Guinea, including Blocks EG-03, EG-04, EG-19 and Block P, alongside bitumen assets in Nigeria. This upstream footprint supports a broader strategy to increase resource development and supply in response to rising regional demand for hydrocarbons.

At the same time, the company is advancing its renewable energy business as part of a diversified energy mix strategy. Through its subsidiary LPV Technologies, Levene Energy operates a 200 MW solar panel manufacturing facility in Lagos, supporting both rural electrification initiatives and commercial and industrial adoption of solar power. The focus on distributed energy solutions and local manufacturing reflects Levene Energy’s growing emphasis on energy access, grid resilience and local value creation.

“Africa’s energy future depends on building integrated, locally anchored energy systems that can withstand global volatility while delivering reliable and affordable power,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “Levene Energy’s expansion across gas, renewables and infrastructure reflect the kind of long-term, value-driven strategy needed to unlock the continent’s full energy potential.”

The company’s participation at AEW 2026 builds on its recognition as a Local Content Champion at AEW 2025, highlighting its commitment to local capacity building, inclusive growth and the development of African-led energy solutions. AEW 2026 provides a platform for the company to engage with policymakers, investors and industry stakeholders to forge new partnerships and advance its regional expansion strategy across Africa’s evolving energy landscape.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Africa holds over 600 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, representing a significant share of global supply. Yet despite this abundance, the continent consumes only a fraction domestically, with much of production historically geared toward exports.

At the same time, Africa’s digital infrastructure remains underdeveloped. The continent accounts for just 0.6% of global data center capacity – despite representing nearly 20% of the world’s population. Total installed capacity stands at roughly 1.2 GW across active, planned and pipeline projects, with only about 360 MW currently operational.

Demand, however, is accelerating rapidly. Africa’s data center needs are expected to increase 3.5 to 5.5 times by 2030, requiring up to $10–20 billion in investment. Power demand is rising in parallel, growing at 20–25% annually and projected to reach 8,000 GWh in the coming years.

This is where natural gas becomes critical. Unlike intermittent renewables, gas-fired power offers dispatchable, baseload energy – making it particularly suited to the always-on requirements of data centers. Globally, data centers already consume around 1.5% of total electricity, with demand growing at roughly 12% annually, far outpacing overall electricity consumption. In emerging markets, where grid reliability is inconsistent, this reliability advantage becomes even more important.

Major gas projects across Africa underscore the scale of potential supply. Mozambique’s offshore developments – among the largest globally – are expected to produce over 13 million tons per year of LNG, while Nigeria continues expanding its gas monetization strategy around its 200+ trillion cubic feet of reserves. Meanwhile, new producers such as Senegal and Mauritania are entering the market with large-scale LNG developments.

The opportunity is not simply about exporting gas, but about using it domestically to power industrialization and digital infrastructure. Today, Africa exports energy while still facing chronic power shortages, creating a disconnect between resource wealth and economic development.

Bridging this gap could redefine the continent’s trajectory. Gas-to-power projects, integrated with data center development, offer a pathway to anchor digital infrastructure in energy-rich regions. Countries such as Nigeria, Egypt and Algeria are particularly well positioned, while emerging producers like Mozambique and Senegal could embed domestic supply into new industrial and digital hubs from the outset.

This convergence is now moving to the forefront of industry discussions. At African Energy Week 2026, the AI and Data Center Track will focus on how power – particularly natural gas – can underpin the continent’s digital expansion. As AI infrastructure scales, the track highlights a central reality: without reliable, scalable energy, Africa risks missing out on the next wave of global digital investment.

“This is not just an energy discussion – it’s an economic strategy,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “AI data centers require constant, reliable power at scale, and natural gas is the only resource Africa has today that can deliver that immediately. If we align gas development with digital infrastructure, we can industrialize, create jobs and position Africa as a serious player in the global AI economy.”

Still, challenges remain. Infrastructure gaps, pricing constraints and regulatory uncertainty continue to limit domestic gas utilization. Without coordinated investment in pipelines, power plants and digital infrastructure, the continent risks continuing its role as an energy exporter while importing digital services.

As AI drives a new wave of energy demand, natural gas is emerging as a critical enabler of digital infrastructure. For Africa, the challenge – and opportunity – is to turn that advantage into global competitiveness.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Ambassador Tirant highlighted key achievements in advancing the SIDS agenda, including the establishment of the SIDS Group, the Group of Friends of SIDS, and the development of dedicated strategies. He reiterated the importance of recognising SIDS as a priority group within UNESCO, supported by a dedicated Director, to strengthen advocacy for climate action and financing.

A central objective of Seychelles’ participation was to promote the country’s World Heritage nomination for the Mission Ruins of Venn’s Town, which would become Seychelles’ first historic site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Ambassador underscored the significance of this nomination for safeguarding Seychelles’ cultural heritage and enhancing global recognition of its historical legacy.

He also recalled Seychelles’ leadership in innovative financing, notably the 2018 Blue Bond, which mobilised capital for marine and ocean-based projects delivering environmental, economic, and climate benefits. He further emphasised the importance of implementing the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) across global decision-making processes.

The panel featured senior representatives from UNESCO, the European Union, Australia, and regional organisations, and was moderated by the Co-Chairs of the Group of Friends of SIDS.

An exhibition showcasing SIDS cultural heritage was held alongside the event. In collaboration with the Seychellois diaspora, the Embassy of Seychelles in Paris presented a stand featuring traditional Seychellois culinary dishes.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.

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• Merck Foundation together with African First Ladies and Ministries of Health continues to build cancer care capacity by providing around 260 Scholarships of One-year Clinical Training in many oncology sub- specialties, and One year and Two year Post Graduate Diploma and Master Degree of Cancer and Clinical Oncology, Medical Oncology and Pain Management.
• Merck Foundation is making history in Africa by training the First African Oncologists and First Cancer Care Teams in Countries such as The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Central African Republic, Chad, Malawi, Niger, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and more.
• Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO together with African First Ladies recently released “Ray of Hope” children’s storybook and Animation Film for Cancer Awareness in three languages. Watch ‘Ray of Hope’ animation film here: https://apo-opa.co/4wj0apB

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks ‘World Cancer Day 2026’ together with Africa’s First Ladies and Ministries of Health by continuing to build and advance cancer care capacity through their Cancer Access Program, with the aim to increase the limited number of Oncologists in Africa.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) explained, “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Cancer Day through our sustained, everyday efforts to transform cancer care in Africa by addressing one of its most critical gaps: late diagnosis and the shortage of trained specialists.

Together with my dear sisters, African First Ladies, we have strengthened cancer care capacity in the continent by providing 258 Oncology Scholarships for healthcare providers from 34 African and Asian countries, significantly increasing the number of trained oncologists and developing the multidisciplinary cancer care teams. In several of these countries, there wasn’t even a single oncologist. We are very proud that we are making history by training the first oncologists and first multidisciplinary cancer care teams in many countries like The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Central African Republic, Chad, Niger, and many more.”

Merck Foundation in total provided more than 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialities.

“Merck Foundation remains committed to transforming the landscape of patient care in general, and cancer care in particular, leading Africa toward a healthier future,” Dr. Rasha Kelej further explained.

As part of their Cancer Access Program, Merck Foundation has to date provided 258 Scholarships for healthcare providers from 34 countries as per the following:

Merck Foundation is establishing Multidisciplinary Oncology Care teams in many African countries by providing scholarships of One year clinical training in most of oncology sub- specialties such as; Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Pediatrics Oncology, Gynecology Oncology, Breast Oncology, Haemato-Oncology, Orthopedic Oncology, Palliative Care, Pathology Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Research in Oncology, Genital Urinary oncology, Advanced Cytopathology Training, Interventional Radiology, Radiation Technician, Laboratory Technician, Oncology Nursing.

Moreover, Merck Foundation provides One-year and Two-year Post Graduate Diploma and Master Degree of Cancer and Clinical Oncology, Medical Oncology and Pain Management from reputed Universities in UK like University of South Wales, University of Buckingham, Queen Mary University of London, and Cardiff University.

The 34 countries include Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

According to WHO data (2022), Africa sees roughly 1.1 million new cancer cases and up to about 700,000 cancer deaths each year. Cancer mortality rates in Africa are much higher than in many other regions of the world, reflecting late diagnosis, limited access to care, and gaps in health systems. Therefore, Merck Foundation’s oncology scholarships play a critically important role in strengthening cancer care capacity across the continent.

Dr. Rasha Kelej further shared, “Nearly two-thirds of cancer cases can be successfully treated when diagnosed early, and up to one-third can be prevented by reducing key risk factors such as exposure to radiation, certain infections, and lifestyle-related causes. To raise awareness about it, we have recently launched a children storybook and its adaptive animation film “Ray of Hope”, in partnership with African First Ladies. The story deals with childhood cancer and highlights the critical importance of early detection and access to well-trained cancer care teams capable of recognizing early warning signs.”

Read ‘Ray of Hope’ storybook here: https://apo-opa.co/4npV5b6

Watch ‘Ray of Hope’ animation film here: https://apo-opa.co/4wj0apB

Merck Foundation has also created awareness materials including awareness leaflets and videos on Cancer Prevention and Early Detection.

Dr Judith Mkwaila, Merck Foundation Alumni from Malawi shares, “It was a great honor and privilege to be awarded the Merck Foundation Scholarship to pursue the Surgical Oncology fellowship training program at Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, India. The fellowship gave me both, theoretical and hands-on training in complex oncological procedures for head and neck cancers, breast, upper gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers. I was exposed to a multidisciplinary team approach in cancer care hence deepening my knowledge and skills in multimodality approach to cancer treatment for both curative and palliative purposes. Due to the knowledge and skills acquired through the training, I was able to start a General Surgical Clinic and become the First and Only Female Chief Surgeon at the Mzuzu Central Hospital. I am very thankful to Merck Foundation for the opportunity given to me to pursue this fellowship program and for continuing this noble cause of increasing access to high quality cancer care.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

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

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
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Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4ddMROq
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4tm4K3w
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4uyC0pj

About Merck Foundation: 
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3QStt29), X (https://apo-opa.co/4dir4Fz), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4tlB5HG), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4uGPKyx), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4ddMROq) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4tm4K3w).

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

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Founded in Lagos in 1987, APPO has grown from eight founding member states to 18, representing the full breadth of Africa's oil-producing nations from Algeria and Nigeria in the north and west to Namibia and South Africa in the south. Headquartered in Brazzaville, Congo, the organization underwent a major reform in 2019, broadening its mandate beyond market coordination to actively facilitate investment and financing across the continent. The AEB is the most significant product of that expanded mandate to date.

The bank is designed to fill the financing vacuum created by the withdrawal of Western institutions from African oil and gas projects. With over 150 essential projects stalled across the continent due to capital shortfalls, the AEB's mandate covers the full value chain, from upstream exploration and midstream infrastructure through to downstream distribution. Established with an initial capitalization of $5 billion, the bank is targeting $10 billion in Phase 1 deployments, with a longer-term goal of raising $15 billion for oil and gas projects by 2030. Nigeria handed over the bank's Abuja headquarters to APPO and Afrexibank in February 2026, signaling a crucial step toward its operational start.

Beyond direct project finance, Ghezali has stressed the AEB's potential to transform how African National Oil Companies (NOC) access capital. APPO's 18 NOCs have historically operated without a common financial platform, limiting their collective ability to attract large-scale investment. The bank is expected to support NOC listings, connecting sovereign producers to capital markets and sovereign wealth funds at scale, while also aiming to unify intra-African oil and gas pricing to deliver up to 30% in savings on energy imports across member states.

"The AEB represents more than a new financing institution. It is a statement that Africa intends to control the terms of its own energy development," said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. "APPO has spent years building the institutional groundwork and member-state alignment to make this credible."

AEW 2026 - Africa’s largest energy gathering - will bring together policymakers, project developers, financiers and operators to assess how the AEB's arrival reshapes the continent's energy financing landscape. Ghezali's address is set to be among the event's most consequential sessions as Africa's oil and gas sector navigates a decisive shift in how its projects are funded.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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On this providential day one year ago, under the loving gaze of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Church received with gratitude the generous acceptance by His Holiness of the mission entrusted to him as Successor of Peter. From the very beginning of His Petrine ministry, Pope Leo XIV has guided the People of God with simplicity, wisdom, compassion, and evangelical courage.

Throughout this first year of His Pontificate, His witness of faith and humility has become a source of hope for the Church and for the world. His tireless appeals for peace, reconciliation, justice, and human fraternity have touched hearts across nations and renewed confidence in the Gospel of Christ, especially among those who suffer from war, poverty, displacement, and social injustice.

The Church in Africa remains profoundly grateful for the Apostolic Visit of His Holiness to the continent. His presence among the African peoples was not merely a pastoral journey, but also a powerful sign of communion, closeness, and encouragement. He came to Africa as a true Apostle of Christ and Messenger of Peace, strengthening the faith of the people, comforting the afflicted, inspiring the youth, and reaffirming the dignity of every human person.

The words and gestures of His Holiness have already borne abundant spiritual fruits within the local Churches. They have renewed missionary zeal, encouraged reconciliation where wounds and divisions persist, deepened solidarity among ecclesial communities, and strengthened the Church’s commitment to justice, peace, and integral human development. His paternal voice continues to resonate in the hearts of the faithful, calling all to walk together in synodality, hope, and fidelity to the Gospel.

As the Church, Family of God in Africa, SECAM renews its filial closeness, prayers, and full communion with His Holiness. The Church in Africa entrusts His ministry to the loving protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church and Our Lady of Pompeii, praying that she may continue to intercede for him and sustain him with grace and strength in his universal mission.

May the Lord abundantly bless His Holiness with wisdom, good health, serenity, and the enduring joy of the Holy Spirit as he continues to guide the Church along the paths of peace, unity, and salvation.

Ad multos annos, Holy Father.

† Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo
Archbishop of Kinshasa
President of SECAM
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

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This strategy is most visible at the Dawes Island field (PPL 259) in the Niger Delta, where Petralon has moved rapidly from license award in 2022 to first oil in 2026 – one of the fastest timelines in Nigeria’s recent marginal field program. The company has since drilled multiple wells, including DI-2, which is currently producing, and DI-3, which reached total depth in early 2026 and is expected to be brought onstream within the year. A fourth well (DI-4) is planned as part of the next development phase, alongside investments in permanent production facilities.

Initial production has already resulted in the evacuation of approximately 158,000 barrels of crude through the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal, marking a tangible step toward sustained output growth. These developments are aligned with Nigeria’s “drill or drop” policy under the Petroleum Industry Act, which is designed to ensure that marginal field licensees translate acreage into production.

Beyond operations, Petralon’s progress has attracted notable industry backing. In February 2026, Shell Western Supply and Trading publicly recognized the company’s achievement of first oil, with its role as crude offtaker and co-financier underscoring growing investor confidence in indigenous operators capable of executing projects at pace.

Petralon’s activities also reflect a broader structural shift in Nigeria’s upstream sector, where local companies are increasingly taking control of assets previously held by international majors. The Dawes Island development stands out within the current marginal field cycle, where relatively few operators have progressed from license award to sustained production within a comparable timeframe.

Looking ahead to 2026–2027, the company is expected to focus on increasing output from existing wells, bringing new wells online and expanding field infrastructure to support long-term production stability. At the same time, Petralon maintains indirect exposure to some of Nigeria’s largest deepwater assets – including Agbami, Akpo and Egina – through its shareholding in Prime Oil & Gas, providing additional scale and diversification within its portfolio.

“Indigenous companies like Petralon are demonstrating that Africa’s upstream future will be driven by execution, discipline and long-term commitment to asset development,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “Their progress at Dawes Island is a clear example of how local operators are turning policy reforms into production and investment outcomes that strengthen Africa’s energy security.”

As AEW 2026 convenes industry leaders in Cape Town, Petralon Energy’s Diamond Sponsorship signals the growing role of indigenous operators in delivering real production growth across the continent. With projects moving from licence to first oil in compressed timelines and new capital flowing into local players, companies like Petralon are helping redefine how Africa’s upstream sector develops in the years ahead.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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