Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and The Gambia First Lady welcomed First Ladies of Africa, Ministers and participants at 12th Africa Asia Luminary...
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 Ladies of Burundi, Central Africa, Liberia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Senegal joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) said, “It was an honor to co-chair the 12th Edition of our annual conference with my dear sister H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, First Lady of The Gambia. During our meeting, we discussed our joint programs to break infertility stigma, support girl education and build healthcare capacity and media capacity. I am proud to share that till now we have provided 94 scholarships for local healthcare providers in many critical and underserved specialties. Together we are making history by providing trainings for first specialists in the country.”
H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia & Ambassador of ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother' emphasized, “Our partnership with the Merck Foundation began in 2017, since then, we have worked hand in hand to accomplish outstanding milestones that are often very difficult to achieve within such a short period of time. Merck Foundation is helping us transform our public healthcare landscape by so far providing 94 scholarships for our doctors. Together we are making history by providing my country with first specialists in many critical fields.
I am also excited to share about Educating Linda program, through which we are providing annual scholarships to support the education of 40 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls, till they graduate.”
Watch the Video of The First Lady of The Gambia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/43GmRHz
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/3X4UG1i
Together with The Gambia First Lady, Merck Foundation has provided 94 scholarships for local doctors in The Gambia in many critical and underserved specialties. Out of 94 scholarships:
- 29 Scholarships have been provided in the vital field of oncology, so that the patients can receive quality and equitable cancer care in their home country.
- 26 Scholarships have been provided for our doctors for hands-on training in Fertility and Embryology, as well as for One-Year Postgraduate and Two-Year Master's Degrees in Sexual and Reproductive Care.
- 10 Scholarships have been provided for Diabetes Care. This has and will continue to significantly contribute to advancement of women's health and revolutionize the Reproductive and Fertility care in The Gambia.
- Additionally, 29 Scholarships have been provided for our doctors in specialized fields of Respiratory Care, Acute medicine, Infectious Diseases, Neonatal Care and more.
“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 The Gambia and beyond,” added Dr. Kelej.
Merck Foundation has also conducted 3 editions of their Online Health Media Training in partnership with the Office of First Lady, to emphasize on the important role of media to address these critical social and health issues and be the voice of the voiceless. A special Merck Foundation Health Media Training session was also organized for all Gambian journalists during the conference.
Moreover, Merck Foundation also announced the Call for applications for their 8 important awards in partnership with The First Lady of The Gambia for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.
Moreover, in partnership with The First Lady of The Gambia, Merck Foundation has also launched children's storybooks, “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline's Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future” and “Sugar free Jude”, and “Ray of Hope”, “Mark's Pressure”. The storybooks address various social and health issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, stopping GBV, and diabetes, hypertension and cancer awareness.
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 (https://apo-opa.co/4o5Vga2), X (https://apo-opa.co/3LMZpT6), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/48nlOPq), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3LFJ2HU).
@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4i61VzE), X (https://apo-opa.co/3X1Aa1F), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4oP54GR), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3JSIlKJ).
Link to the YouTube live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/49ZdHK3
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 raise awareness about different social and health issues
- 8 Different Awards launched annually for best media coverage, film, song 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 Swahilli
- 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 to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls to empower them to complete their studies
- 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8.5 Million Followers.
Additional images: https://apo-opa.co/47Pqn55
Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
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Website: www.Merck-Foundation.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/4o5Vga2), X (https://apo-opa.co/3LMZpT6), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/48nlOPq), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3LFJ2HU), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4ic0ShK) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/3X6TlXT).
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.
TotalEnergies Senegal to Speak at MSGBC 2025
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Oil and gas supermajor TotalEnergies' Senegalese subsidiary – TotalEnergies Senegal – will be represented at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition by Badara Mbacké, Managing Director and Country Chair. Taking place in Dakar on December 8-10, the event brings together key stakeholders from the MSGBC region's oil, gas and power sectors to discuss investment, exploration and infrastructure developments across West Africa and the wider African region.
Mbacké's participation highlights TotalEnergies' continued presence in Senegal, where the company plays a leading role in petroleum products distribution and is actively involved in the country's emerging offshore oil and gas sector. The company operates the Rufisque Offshore Profond and Ultra Deep Offshore exploration blocks, in partnership with Senegal's national oil company Petrosen and the Korea National Oil Corporation. Activities in these blocks currently focus on technical studies, appraisal and exploration planning.
Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region's oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.
In the downstream sector, TotalEnergies Marketing Senegal maintains a leadership position in the distribution of fuels, lubricants and LPG, operating over 170 service stations nationwide. The company is also supplying LNG to Senegal's floating power plant and coordinating with the national electricity company Senelec on further deliveries. This comes as part of the country's gas-to-power infrastructure rollout plan, with the Gandon power plant – a key facility within this framework – expected to become operational in early 2026.
Senegal's energy landscape has evolved significantly in recent years, including the start of production at the Sangomar oilfield in 2024 and plans for a second refinery to process local crude and reduce fuel imports. TotalEnergies holds a 7% stake in the country's existing refinery the Société Africaine de Raffinage.
“TotalEnergies Senegal's participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition highlights the company's strategic presence in both petroleum distribution and offshore exploration. Mbacké's insights will undoubtedly contribute significantly to discussions on the region's energy development,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director, Energy Capital & Power.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.46th Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie: The Africa24 Group offers you exclusive coverage
From November 19 to 20, 2025, the AFRICA24 Group (https://Africa24TV.com) will provide exceptional coverage of the 46th Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie. This conference, chaired by Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of La Francophonie, will be held under the theme: ‘30 years after Beijing: the contribution of women in the French-speaking world.'
This 46th Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie aims to define concrete ways to strengthen the impact of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), to intervene more effectively where other multilateral bodies struggle to act, and to better reflect the priorities expressed by its 90 member states and governments.
46th Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie: a major event in two stages:
- 19 November : Opening session of the Ministerial Conference
- 20 November : Closed-door meeting of ministers from full member states and governments, and closing ceremony
About the 46th Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie:
The 46th Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie (CMF), which will be held for the first time in Rwanda on 19 and 20 November 2025 at the Kigali Conference Centre, will be preceded on 18 November by the 132nd session of the Permanent Council of La Francophonie (CPF). This meeting will provide an opportunity to take stock of the -term review of the 2023-2026 four-year programme, adopt the OIF's budget and guidelines, and reaffirm, through the Kigali Appeal, the collective commitment to gender equality, the economic empowerment of women and the recognition of their central role in the sustainable development of the French-speaking world. At the closing ceremony, the presidency of the CMF will be handed over from France to Cambodia, marking a new step towards a more united, inclusive Francophonie that is resolutely focused on concrete action.
The Africa24 Group 360° coverage and global broadcasting to 120 million households
Watch ‘46th Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie' live, on replay and on demand on all your screens at :
- AFRICA24 in French (channel 249) et AFRICA24 English (channel 254) of the Canal+ Africa bundle
- On myafrica24 Africa's first HD streaming platform.
- On https://Africa24TV.com which offers you a full access to all our programmes.
Africa24 Group, Transforming Africa Together.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AFRICA24 Group.Contact:
Communication Department
Africa24 Group
Gaëlle Stella Oyono
Email : onana@africa24tv.com
Tél. : +237 691 30 03 40
Social Media:
@ africa24tv
About the Africa24 Group:
Launched in 2009, the Africa 24 Group is the continent's leading TV and digital media publisher, with four full HD channels broadcast in the major cable packages. A leader among decision-makers and senior executives on the continent, Africa24 in French and Africa24 English, the Group is the pioneer and leader in African news channels. Africa24 has strengthened this leadership through sport with Africa24 Sport, Africa's leading channel dedicated to sports news and competitions, and Africa24 Infinity, the first channel dedicated to creative industries that showcase the creative genius of African youth in art, culture, music, fashion, design and more.…
The leading audiovisual brand on the continent, the AFRICA24 Group has four full HD television channels, each a leader in its segment :
- AFRICA24 TV : Leading French-language source for African news, published by AMedia
- AFRICA24 English : Leading African news source exclusively in English.
- AFRICA24 Infinity : The creative talent channel dedicated to music, art and culture.
- AFRICA24 Sport : Leading sports and competition news channel.
The AFRICA24 Group publishes myafrica24 (Google store and App Store), the world's first HD streaming platform in Africa available on all screens (television, tablet, smartphone, computers) ... More than 120 million households have access to Africa24 Group channels through major operators such as Canal+, Bouygues, Orange, Bell, etc., and more than 8 million subscribers on various digital platforms and social networks.
As European Union (EU) Plans Russian Gas Exit, Ministers to Convene in Paris to Chart Africa’s Export Potential
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In the wake of seismic shifts in the European energy landscape, the Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2026 Forum in Paris will host a Ministerial Dialogue on “Unlocking Africa's Gas Supply for Global Energy Security.” This strategic session will examine how Africa can turn its untapped gas reserves into a reliable and sustainable source of supply. With Europe seeking to diversify away from Russian gas, the dialogue highlights both the continent's growing role in global energy markets and the opportunity for African producers to attract long-term investment.
Recent developments underscore the urgency of Africa's role in global energy security. Last month, EU countries agreed to phase out their remaining Russian gas imports, with existing contracts benefiting from a transition period: short-term contracts can continue until June 2026, while long-term contracts will run until January 2028. In parallel, the European Commission is pushing to end Russian LNG imports by January 2027 under a broader sanctions package aimed at limiting Moscow's energy revenues.
Africa's role in this rebalancing is already gaining momentum. Algeria recently renewed its gas supply agreement with ČEZ Group, ensuring continued deliveries to the Czech Republic. In Libya, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) has approved new compressors at the Bahr Essalam field to boost output and reinforce flows via the Greenstream pipeline to Italy. These developments complement the Structures A&E offshore project – led by Eni and the NOC – which is expected to bring two platforms online by 2026 and produce up to 750 million cubic feet per day, supporting both domestic and European demand.
West Africa is pursuing ambitious export routes as well. Nigeria, Algeria and Niger have revived the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP), with engineering firm Penspen commissioned earlier this year to revalidate its feasibility. The proposed $25 billion Nigeria–Morocco pipeline is also advancing as a long-term corridor linking West African gas to European markets. Meanwhile, the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project off Mauritania and Senegal came online earlier this year, with its first phase targeting 2.3 million tons of LNG annually. In June, the project delivered its third cargo to Belgium's Zeebrugge terminal, marking the first African LNG shipment from GTA to Europe. Together, these milestones underscore a strategic convergence: African producers are accelerating efforts to scale up exports just as Europe intensifies its search for reliable alternatives to Russian gas.
Yet, as the ministerial session will explore, unlocking Africa's gas supply demands sustained investment, regulatory alignment, environmental management and community engagement. For Europe, diversification of supply is a strategic necessity; for African producers, it is an opportunity to accelerate development, build infrastructure and secure long-term capital.
At IAE 2026, these shifts will be examined by the officials and stakeholders driving them. The Ministerial Dialogue brings African energy leaders together with European policymakers, industry players and investors in a setting that supports practical, solution-focused discussion on supply, export strategies and future cooperation. As Europe adapts its gas strategy and African producers progress major projects, the Forum provides a direct platform for ministers to outline priorities and for investors to engage with key decision-makers.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.About Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2026:
IAE 2026 (http://apo-opa.co/4o5Paqa) is an exclusive forum designed to connect African energy markets with global investors, serving as a key platform for deal-making in the lead-up to African Energy Week. Scheduled for April 22–23, 2026, in Paris, the event will provide delegates with two days of in-depth engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or register as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com
United Arab Emirates: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) receives credentials copy from new Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia
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H.E. Omar Obaid Alhesan Alshamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received a copy of the credentials of H.E. Nkombo Muuka, Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to the UAE.
His Excellency wished the new Ambassador success in the performance of his duties and emphasized the UAE's keenness to enhance the relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Zambia in all fields.
The newly appointed Ambassador praised the leading and prestigious position that the UAE enjoys regionally and internationally under the visionary policy of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.
The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Zambia enjoy distinguished relations across a range of areas of mutual interest, and both sides are keen to further strengthen this partnership to serve shared interests and promote sustainable development for the two friendly countries and their peoples.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Seychelles: Minister Wallace Cosgrow Sworn in as Principal Minister
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Minister Wallace Cosgrow was sworn in as Principal Minister following his approval by the National Assembly on 14 November 2025, during a short ceremony held at State House, Wednesday Morning.
During the ceremony, Principal Minister Cosgrow took three oaths before President Dr. Patrick Herminie: the oath of allegiance to the Constitution, the official oath, and the oath of secrecy.
The ceremony was attended by Vice-President Mr. Sebastien Pillay and the Cabinet of Ministers.
Principal Minister Cosgrow also holds the portfolio of Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.