Africa Finance Corporation Secures US$75 Million Credit Line from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) to Accelerate Infrastructure Development
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent's leading infrastructure solutions provider, has secured a US$75 million term loan facility from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). This landmark transaction deepens AFC's strategic partnership with BADEA.
The agreement was signed by H.E. Abdullah Almusaibeeh, President of BADEA, and Mr. Samaila Zubairu, President & Chief Executive Officer of AFC, as part of AFC Day, held during the B20 Summit in Johannesburg. The signing underscores the two institutions' shared commitment to scaling sustainable development and unlocking long-term capital for African infrastructure.
The collaboration builds on BADEA's shareholder investment in 2020, and the cooperation framework signed that year to jointly develop and finance infrastructure across priority sectors. This new facility reinforces BADEA's role as a strategic partner and strengthens AFC's capacity to deliver transformational infrastructure across the continent.
The proceeds will support AFC's mandate to develop and finance critical power, transport and logistics, heavy industries, telecommunications and digital infrastructure, as well as mining and natural resources. Through its established project development, structuring and execution capabilities, AFC will channel the capital into high-impact projects that catalyse economic transformation.
“As a shareholder of AFC, BADEA has been a valued and long-standing partner in advancing our mandate,” said Mr. Zubairu. “By deploying capital into sustainable, high-impact infrastructure, we continue to create pathways for inclusive economic growth across the continent.”
“BADEA and AFC have been strategic partners in advancing Africa's development agenda, with a remarkable track-record of syndicated transformative projects with medium to long-term financial instruments including equity participation,” said H.E. Abdullah Almusaibeeh, President of BADEA. “Today's signing of this USD75 million line of credit speaks volumes about BADEA's agility to respond to development needs with a variety of instruments of different maturities.”
The facility also supports AFC's broader strategy to diversify its funding base and mobilise long-term capital for Africa's development. By strengthening collaboration with shareholder institutions such as BADEA, AFC continues to expand its capacity to finance resilient infrastructure and advance sustainable economic development across the continent.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).Media Enquiries:
Yewande Thorpe
Communications
Africa Finance Corporation
Mobile: +234 1 279 9654
Email: Yewande.thorpe@africafc.org
BADEA
Badea@badea.org
About AFC:
AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. The Corporation's approach combines specialist industry expertise with financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa's infrastructure needs and drive sustainable economic growth. Eighteen years on, AFC has built a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for delivering high-quality, transformational infrastructure assets that provide essential services across the continent. AFC has 47 member countries and has invested over US$17 billion since inception.
Visit www.AfricaFC.org
About BADEA:
BADEA is a rated multilateral development finance institution owned by 18 sovereign States, members of the League of Arab States which began operations in March 1975. The Bank's mission revolving around promoting social and economic development exclusively in Sub Saharan Africa, fostering cooperation between the Arab and the African regions through investment and trade.
Merck Foundation underscores their long-term partnership with Angola First Lady to train healthcare providers and support Girl Education
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany underscored their commitment to build healthcare capacity and support girl education in Angola during a high-level meeting held between Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and The First Lady of the Republic of Angola, H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, who is also the Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”. The meeting was held during the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation expressed, “I am very happy to have met my dear sister, H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, First Lady of the Republic of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother' at the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025. We had a very meaningful discussion and about our joint programs in the country to transform the public healthcare landscape and raise awareness about a wide range of social health issues.”
H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, First Lady of the Republic of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” said, “I am very excited to start the Educating Linda Program in my country which aims to empower girls through education and end child marriage, this program is very close to my heart as I consider it one of my main objectives as the First Lady of Angola; and as an African woman, I strongly believe that girl Education is one of the most critical areas of women empowerment. As a part of the program, we will be providing annual scholarships to 20 brilliant yet underprivileged schoolgirls. Moreover, I am also looking forward to providing scholarships for our local doctors to build and strengthen healthcare capacity in our country.”
Watch the Speech of H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, First Lady of the Republic of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025here: https://apo-opa.co/4rjkNj1
Watch the video of Merck Foundation CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej receiving H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” here: https://apo-opa.co/480BFn1
Watch the video of strategy meeting between Merck Foundation CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej and The First Lady of Angola, which was held to define strategies to build healthcare and media capacity in Angola to address a wide range of social and health issues here: https://apo-opa.co/4iloTmE
Dr. Rasha Kelej shared, “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 2400 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 underserved medical specialties. We will soon be enrolling doctors from Angola in various medical specialties in partnership with the First Lady and Ministry of Health of Angola. I am certain it will transform the healthcare landscape in Angola".
Merck Foundation has also conducted three edition of Online Health Media Training for the Angolan journalists, to emphasize on the important role that media plays to influence society to create a cultural shift with the aim to address wide range of social and health issues such as: Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels; to underscore the importance of Empowering Girls and Women in Education and to understand the social and psychological impact social issues like GBV, Child Marriage, FGM etc. over women and their families and communities.
Moreover, to raise awareness of early detection and prevention of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Lady of Angola has also launched their 8 important Merck Foundation Awards for Media, Musicians & Singers, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, and students & new potential talents in these fields.
“I encourage the young Angolan talents to share their creative and inspiring work with us for our 2026 awards. We have celebrated winners from Angola in the previous years and I am looking forward to celebrating more winners in 2026,” concluded Dr. Kelej.
Details of the Awards:
- Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Media representatives and media students are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues: Support Girls' Education, End Child Marriage, End FGM, Stopping GBV and Women Empowerment.
Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.
- Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues: Support Girls' Education, End Child Marriage, End FGM, Stopping GBV and Women Empowerment. Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.
- Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to address one or more of the following social issues: Support Girls' Education, End Child Marriage, End FGM, Stopping GBV and Women Empowerment. Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.
- Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to address one or more of the following social issues: Support Girls' Education, End Child Marriage, End FGM, Stopping GBV and Women Empowerment. Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.
- Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.
- Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026: All Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.
- Merck Foundation Film Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026: All Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle, raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.
- Merck Foundation Song Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026: All Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.
Entries for the above awards can be submitted to us at:
submit@merck-foundation.com
For information on the awards, please visit our website:
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: https://apo-opa.co/4p2KH9b
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YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4rgBrjn
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4igpqGg
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4riahbA
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/49FMlc6
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/48yjlSi
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/4p2KH9b), X (https://apo-opa.co/43P7cG7), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4igpqGg), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4rgBrjn), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4riahbA) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/49FMlc6).
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.
Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) marks ‘International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women 2025’ through their “Our Africa” Television (TV) Program, Songs,...
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, together with The First Ladies of Africa and Asia, who are also the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother, mark the “International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women 2025” through their “More Than a Mother” Campaign and “Educating Linda” program. Through these programs, Merck Foundation conducts impactful community awareness initiatives aimed at addressing Gender-Based Violence, Empowering Women and Girls at all levels, and Supporting Girl Education.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation expressed, “At Merck Foundation, we are deeply committed to raising awareness about the elimination of violence against women and girls through our various impactful community awareness initiatives that include children storybooks and their adapted animation films, inspiring songs, and many episodes of our TV program “Our Africa”, that has been broadcast on national TV stations across Africa.
Through our ‘More Than a Mother' campaign, we are breaking the infertility stigma. Infertile women are often subjected to discrimination, social isolation, and in many cases, violence. By breaking this stigma and shifting mindsets, we aim to protect their rights, restore their dignity, and create a more compassionate and equitable society.”
Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” is a powerful campaign that defines interventions to build quality and equitable Reproductive and Fertility Care Capacity, Break Infertility Stigma and Raise Awareness about Infertility Prevention and Male Infertility.
“I firmly believe that education is one of the strongest drivers of women's empowerment. When women and girls are educated, they gain the confidence, opportunities, and protection needed to break cycles of violence and build stronger futures. Therefore, through our ‘Educating Linda' program, we are providing annual scholarships to more than 1,000 underprivileged but deserving schoolgirls from 18 countries, enabling them to continue their education, and reach their full potential.” Added Dr. Kelej.
Merck Foundation's pan African TV program “Our Africa”, that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and features African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness about social and health issues, has episodes dedicated to issues like Stopping GBV, Ending FGM, Breaking Infertility Stigma, Women Empowerment and Supporting Girl Education.
Watch the Episode about Stopping GBV here: https://apo-opa.co/4ihD4ZO
Watch the Episode about Ending FGM here: https://apo-opa.co/4itM8Lq
Watch the Episode about Women Empowerment here: https://apo-opa.co/3M6vaGB
Watch the Episodes on Breaking Infertility Stigma here:
Watch the Episodes on Girl Education here:
Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa, has launched many inspiring children's storybooks – ‘Not Who You Are' to raise awareness on Gender Based Violence, to educate children about this sensitive social issue so that they can learn to respect girls and women, from a young age, and ‘More Than a Mother' to emphasize and strengthen family values of love and respect from an early age by instilling the thought that Women are more than just mothers, they are productive members in the society. Moreover, children's storybooks like ‘Educating Linda', ‘Jackline's Rescue' and ‘Ride into the Future' have also been launched to support girl education. The storybooks have also been adapted to make interesting and engaging Animation Films to raise awareness among children, youth and adults. These animation films are launched in five languages including English, French, Portuguese, Swahilli, and Spanish.
Watch Animation Films here:
- More Than a Mother: https://apo-opa.co/48dbxEb
- Jackeline's Rescue: https://apo-opa.co/49G61fM
- Ride Into the Future: https://apo-opa.co/44xysJk
Merck Foundation has also released many songs to support women empowerment and girl education.
1. Watch, share & subscribe the “Like Them” song here, sung by Kenneth, a famous singer from Uganda: https://apo-opa.co/4od8SjN
2. Watch and share “Girl Can” song here, sung by two famous singers, Irene and Cwezi from Liberia and Ghana respectively: https://apo-opa.co/44tGX8c
3. Watch and share “Take me to School” song here, sung by Wezi, Afro-soul singer from Zambia, to support girls' education: https://apo-opa.co/49Kd0o9
4. Watch and share “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/4af45Lt
5. Watch and share “ABC, 123” by Sean K from Namibia song here: https://apo-opa.co/44tH1Vu
6. Watch and share “Superwoman Song” by singers Cwezi and Adina from Ghana here: https://apo-opa.co/48j6r9J
“Every woman deserves respect. Every girl deserves safety. On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, let us unite to STOP Gender-Based Violence. By empowering women, supporting girl education, and championing their rights, we can assure them a future free from abuse, discrimination, and inequality,” concluded Merck Foundation CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej.
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: https://apo-opa.co/49FFCPd
X: https://apo-opa.co/4rlQlVq
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4iouBnK
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4poR5Y6
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/3LXXPxI
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4ikKN9m
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3M6B0Yx
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/49FFCPd), X (https://apo-opa.co/4rlQlVq), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4iouBnK), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4poR5Y6), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3LXXPxI) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4ikKN9m).
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.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven Cartels Challenge Traditional Antitrust Approaches, Experts Conclude at HSE Conference
Digital cartels and algorithmic coordination were among the central topics discussed at the 10th Anniversary International Conference “Antitrust Policy: Science, Practice, Education,” organized by FAS Russia, HSE University and the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre. Officials from BRICS and EAEU competition authorities, judges, researchers and practitioners examined how AI technologies reshape global markets and complicate traditional antitrust enforcement.
During the session “Artificial Intelligence vs. Cartels,” Alexey Ivanov, Director of the BRICS Competition Centre, emphasized that algorithmic coordination represents a new form of cartelization. He noted that algorithms can synchronize prices without human intent or explicit agreements, creating “black boxes” that regulators struggle to interpret. While classical cartels relied on meetings and documented communication, digital cartels may evolve autonomously, react in milliseconds and scale across entire platforms.
Ivanov referenced emerging global enforcement practice that illustrates these challenges. In the United States, the RealPage case has demonstrated how revenue-management software coordinating rental prices across a market can lead to cartel-like outcomes, resulting in dozens of settlements and creating a new benchmark for assessing algorithmic collusion. Similar issues arise in ride-hailing and online marketplaces, where centralized algorithmic systems influence pricing, ranking and access to key tools such as the Buy Box. Risks of algorithmic price management, he noted, also exist on Russian platforms. In global commodity trade, digital platforms such as Covantis show how blockchain-based systems may consolidate, rather than decentralize, market power.
According to Ivanov, some forms of digital coordination are becoming structural features of modern markets. Regulators therefore need to understand how algorithms operate and develop tools that differentiate harmful coordination from efficiency-enhancing mechanisms. This includes transparency requirements for algorithms, real-time monitoring, increased technical capacity within antitrust agencies and expanded international cooperation.
The conference underscored a growing consensus: AI-driven coordination is transforming markets faster than traditional antitrust tools can respond. Experts agreed that enforcement approaches must evolve accordingly to ensure that digital markets remain open, transparent and competitive.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre.