Dr. Rasha Kelej discusses with Nigeria First Lady their joint programs to build healthcare and media capacity and Support Girl Education at 12th Merck...
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, recently conducted the 12th Edition of their annual conference, “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary”, in partnership with the Government of The Gambia. The conference was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of Gambia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President of More Than a Mother. The First Lady of Nigeria, H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, along with The First Ladies of Burundi, Central Africa, Liberia, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Senegal joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.
Dr. Rasha Kelej said, “I was delighted to meet my dear sister, H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & Ambassador of ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother', at our 12th Africa Asia Luminary 2025. We discussed our joint programs to build and advance healthcare capacity by providing scholarships for local Nigerian doctors. I am proud to share that till now we have provided 82 scholarships for local Nigerian healthcare providers in many critical and underserved specialties like Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Care, Women's Health, Oncology, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Preventative Cardiovascular, Cardiology and Obesity & Weight Management, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Care, Dermatology, Rheumatology, Critical Care, Psychiatry, Care for Older Person and Pain Management. Together, we will continue to work closely to transform future of patient care in Nigeria.”
H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & Ambassador of ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother' emphasized, “I deeply value our meaningful partnership with Merck Foundation and also appreciate all their programs. I am particularly excited about Educating Linda Program through which we will be providing annual scholarships to 71 of our top-performing but under privileged schoolgirls in secondary school until their graduation. I firmly believe in empowering girls through education, as it plays a crucial role in building stronger and healthier nations, this is one of the key objectives of my office's strategy. Moreover, I am happy to share that Merck Foundation has provided 82 scholarships for our healthcare providers, in many critical specialties.”
Watch the Video of The First Lady of Nigeria & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during the Day 2 of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/48BplbY
Watch the video of Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej receiving H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & Ambassador of ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother': https://apo-opa.co/3KcysI3
On Day 1 of the conference, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 took place, featuring keynote speeches of First Ladies of Africa. Moreover, a high-level ministerial panel discussion was also held with African Ministers to discuss the Merck Foundation African Research Summit MARS strategy to build scientific research capacity and empower women in STEM with special focus on scientific research.
On Day 2 of the conference, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative- MFFLI committee meeting was conducted between The First Ladies of Africa and Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, where the African First Ladies shared the impact report of Merck Foundation programs in their respective countries, and future strategy was discussed.
Watch the video of MFFLI committee meeting: https://apo-opa.co/4oElHUK
Together with Nigeria First Lady, Merck Foundation has provided 82 scholarships for local doctors in Nigeria in many critical and underserved specialties. Summary of 82 scholarships:
- 14 Scholarships have been provided for Fertility, Embryology and one year diploma and two-year master degree in Sexual and Reproductive Care, Women's Health and Family Medicine. These scholarships are very critical for enhancing women's health in general, and reproductive health in particular.
- 39 scholarships are being provided one year diploma and two-year master degree of Diabetes, Endocrinology, Preventative Cardiovascular, Cardiology and Obesity & Weight Management, under the Merck Foundation Nationwide Diabetes Blue Points Program. Upon completing the course, these doctors can establish diabetes or hypertension clinics within their respective health centers or hospitals, which will enable them to provide essential care, helping to prevent and manage these conditions within their own communities.
- 3 scholarships have been provided for Oncology Research, Medical Oncology and Pain Management, as part of Merck Foundation Cancer Access Program.
- Moreover, 26 scholarships have been provided for Acute Medicine, Respiratory Care, Dermatology, Rheumatology, Critical Care, Dermatology, Infectious Diseases, Psychiatry, and Care for Older Person.
“Merck Foundation has always believed in the importance of building healthcare capacity and has been working for it since 2012. We have so far provided more than 2400 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. We will continue to provide scholarships of doctors from Nigeria and beyond,” added Dr. Kelej.
Merck Foundation also announced the Call for applications for their 8 important awards in partnership with The First Lady of Nigeria for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.
Moreover, in partnership with The First Lady of Nigeria, Merck Foundation is launching their children's storybooks, “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline's Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future” and “Sugar free Jude”, “Mark's Pressure”, and “Ray of Hope”. The storybooks address various social and health issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, stopping GBV, diabetes and hypertension awareness. Thousands of copies of the storybooks will be distributed to school children.
The 12th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary was streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.
@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/3XAwioE), X (http://apo-opa.co/4oBhf94), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/48RAlmL), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/48QWLoe).
@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/49RgxB0), X (http://apo-opa.co/3XALMJk), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/49SMqJq), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4ptjNYb).
Link to the YouTube live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/49Ru6Ap
Summarizing Merck Foundation's initiatives and impact:
Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:
- 2400+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for healthcare providers from 52 Countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.
Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:
- 3700+ Media Representatives from more than 35 countries trained by Merck Foundation to better raise awareness about different social and health issues
- 8 Different Awards launched annually for best Media coverage, Song, Films, and Fashion.
- Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa
- 9 Children's Storybooks in four languages - English, French, Portuguese, and Swahili
- 6 Awareness Animation Films in five languages - English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education and prevention and early detection of Diabetes, Hypertension & Cancer.
- Pan African TV Program "Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community
- 1040+ Scholarships provided annually to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls from 18 countries, to help them to complete their studies and empower them to reach their full potential
- 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8.5 Million Followers.
Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
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About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/49XcBPe), X (https://apo-opa.co/449mdmb), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/49T8Fit), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4479a4I), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4pUTLgt) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4pj42Tz).
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.
A Major Win for Namibia as ReconAfrica Delivers Kavango West 1X Hydrocarbon Discovery
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The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org) strongly welcomes the announcement by Reconnaissance Energy Africa of a successful hydrocarbon encounter at the Kavango West 1X well on Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 73, onshore Namibia. The results represent one of the most meaningful milestones yet for the country's onshore energy potential and reaffirm Namibia's position as one of the most attractive frontier markets for exploration in Africa and globally.
On December 3, ReconAfrica reported that the Kavango West 1X well was safely drilled to a depth of 4,200 meters, with results confirming a substantial section containing hydrocarbons. The well encountered a significant zone of oil- and gas-bearing rock, with more than 60 meters of confirmed hydrocarbon pay and additional hydrocarbon shows in deeper intervals. These results not only highlight the geological prospectivity of the Damara Fold Belt but also support ongoing modeling that suggests significant development potential across ReconAfrica's six-million-acre lease position. The Company has announced plans to production-test the well during the first quarter of 2026, an important next step in confirming deliverability and commerciality.
The AEC applauds the efficiency and technical excellence of the operation, which was completed safely, on schedule and on budget. For Namibia – one of the continent's fastest-emerging exploration hotspots – this progress reinforces the importance of sustained upstream investment, supportive regulatory frameworks and strong cooperation between operators, government and communities.
A Boost to Onshore Development and Local Jobs
Namibia's offshore discoveries in recent years have garnered significant global attention, but onshore exploration has long represented an equally important pillar for long-term energy security and economic diversification. ReconAfrica's latest results bring renewed confidence to the role onshore resources can play in creating employment, stimulating local supply chains and accelerating industrialization.
Every stage of the Kavango West 1X campaign – from seismic acquisition to drilling and upcoming testing – has generated local business opportunities and direct jobs for Namibians. Continued success in PEL 73 would unlock new rounds of contracting, infrastructure development and capacity building, particularly in logistics, field services, community development programs and environmental management.
Commitment to Community Partnerships
The AEC also recognizes ReconAfrica's ongoing engagement with communities in the Kavango regions, including local partnerships and capacity-building efforts carried out during its exploration activities. The company's proactive approach to stakeholder dialogue, transparency and collaboration sets a strong precedent for how frontier exploration should be conducted in Africa.
An expanding onshore industry offers the potential for long-term socioeconomic impact in northern Namibia, bringing new opportunities for young people, small businesses and local authorities, while supporting the country's broader development goals.
A Step Forward for Africa's Energy Future
With Africa seeking to balance energy security, economic growth and responsible resource development, Namibia continues to shine as a continental success story. The Kavango West 1X results strengthen Africa's case for sustained exploration, particularly at a time when global capital allocation is increasingly selective and competition for investment is fierce. By moving promptly toward production testing, ReconAfrica is demonstrating its long-term confidence in Namibia's potential. The AEC encourages continued collaboration with national regulators, environmental authorities, and community stakeholders to ensure timely and responsible progression toward appraisal and, ultimately, development.
“This discovery is a big win for Namibia and a big win for Africa. ReconAfrica's progress is proof that committed investors, supportive policies and strong community partnerships can unlock real energy opportunities onshore,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC, adding that “These results strengthen confidence in the Damara Fold Belt and reaffirm Namibia as a global exploration hotspot. The Chamber fully supports this next phase of testing and encourages continued investment that creates jobs, builds capacity and drives long-term economic growth for Namibians.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.Building Africa’s Next Industrial Frontier: The Role of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (By Henok Teferra Shawl)
By Henok Teferra Shawl, Boeing managing director for Africa (www.Boeing.com).
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) presents a strategic opportunity not only to reduce lifecycle emissions but to retain value in African economies and create skilled jobs.
Today, Africa imports most of its jet fuel, sending billions of dollars off the continent each year and leaving airlines and governments vulnerable to volatility of oil prices and currency shocks. At the same time, Africa's diverse agricultural and renewable resources provide a strategic advantage for SAF production. Domestic SAF production could help address structural cost disadvantages facing African airlines — higher jet fuel prices, weak supplier competition, low procurement volumes, and higher taxes.
The World Bank (https://apo-opa.co/4pfameJ) projects Sub‑Saharan Africa will see a major working‑age population expansion by 2050 and capturing this demographic dividend depends on creating skilled jobs at scale. SAF value chains – from feedstock cultivation to refining and logistics – can drive employment and economic growth. Turning this potential into production requires coordinated action across three mutually reinforcing areas: feedstock, policy and finance.
Today, SAF carries a price premium due to limited production. Africa's abundant renewable energy resources and diverse feedstocks could make the continent a key contributor to bringing costs down – an industrial opportunity not to be missed.
From years of research in Africa and globally, including a 2019 study (https://apo-opa.co/4iCdXAY) with WWF South Africa and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, and a 2023 study (https://apo-opa.co/4atc87s) in Ethiopia and South Africa with the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), Boeing has found that data‑driven local feedstock assessments are the essential first step.
Building on this experience, Boeing and RSB are engaging other African countries to assess sustainable feedstock potential and SAF production capacity to support creation of a regional SAF ecosystem and inform national policies. Convening governments, research bodies and airlines will help produce credible baselines for such work.
SAF can cut carbon emissions by up to 80% over the fuel's lifecycle compared to conventional jet fuel. However, in order to achieve the aviation industry's decarbonization goal, SAF production worldwide must grow from anticipated 2 million tons in 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/49XflfA) to roughly 500 million tons within 25 years (https://apo-opa.co/3Kf8X8Z), according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
SAF will not scale overnight, hence maximizing the impact of every liter of SAF must be paired with reducing fuel demand. Modern airplanes like the Boeing 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner help airlines cut fuel burn and lower operating costs. In Africa, where about 70% of future deliveries are narrowbody airplanes and intraregional connectivity is a priority, efficient airplanes can expand routes and support trade and tourism while the industry is working to scale SAF supply.
Working together we can turn Africa's potential into local industries, jobs, connectivity and shared prosperity. Building sovereign SAF markets while accelerating fleet modernization and operational efficiency can power that transformation and unlock lasting economic benefits across the continent.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Boeing.Binance Co-Founder Yi He Appointed Co-Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as the Company Nears 300 million Users
Binance (www.Binance.com), the global blockchain ecosystem behind the world's largest digital asset exchange by trading volume and users, today announced on stage at Binance Blockchain Week that its co-founder, Yi He, has been appointed Co-CEO.
“Yi has been an integral part of the executive leadership team since the launch of Binance. Her innovative and user-focused approach has been instrumental in shaping the company's vision, culture, and bottom-up business strategy,” said Binance CEO Richard Teng. “This appointment is a natural progression and she will continue to guide the organization from strength to strength.”
“We remain dedicated to being the most trusted and regulated exchange in the world, always putting our users first. Yi plays a critical role in growing our community and driving product innovation as we work to reach one billion users. Together, we are focused on building the Web3 infrastructure and promoting financial freedom, empowering people to participate in a more open and fair financial system,” added Richard.
“I am honored to build alongside Richard, who brings decades of experience in regulated financial markets and was among the first to regulate crypto in its early days,” said Yi He. “Together, we bring diverse perspectives and are confident in leading the future of the industry during this pivotal time, as we responsibly expand our global presence and drive sustainable innovation with our users always at the center.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.