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Rift Valley Fever in Senegal: On the Frontline to Protect Communities
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Since September, Senegal has been facing an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF), a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes or through contact with infected animals. Affecting both humans and livestock, it spreads mainly in pastoral areas and transhumance zones.
As of November 23, three months after the outbreak was declared, health authorities have reported 500 confirmed human cases, including 457 recoveries and 31 deaths, out of more than 15,400 samples tested. On the animal side, 425 cases have been confirmed among sheep, goats, and cattle, with over 2,000 abortions reported, mainly in the Senegal River Valley. More than 40,000 animals have been vaccinated around outbreak hotspots to curb the spread.
At the heart of this crisis, patients share their experiences. In Kaolack, Diène Ndiaye, a motorcycle taxi driver, recalls: “I thought it was just the flu. The fever spiked suddenly, my head felt heavy, and my eyes were burning. When the health teams carried out screening in my neighborhood, I felt relieved. They tested me, treated me, and reassured me. Today, I tell everyone: take the first signs seriously and use mosquito nets.”
From the first cases, the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene activated the Health Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the response. With support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, including the animal and environmental sectors, the “One Health” strategy was implemented to integrate human, animal, and environmental dimensions. This approach enabled rapid resource mobilization, deployment of teams, and continuous, high-quality technical support.
In affected regions, the response translated into concrete actions: strengthened surveillance with rapid case detection, patient care, distribution of medical and laboratory supplies, training, and community awareness. WHO-trained multidisciplinary SURGE rapid response teams were deployed to Saint-Louis, Kaolack, and Fatick to actively search for cases, investigate high-risk areas, and inform communities about the disease. Exchanges with Mauritania and The Gambia helped harmonize cross-border strategies along the Senegal River.
In Golléré, in the north of the country, Aïssatou Sow, a livestock farmer, went through difficult weeks: “Two of my goats aborted in the same week. Then my husband, who had handled the aborted fetuses, developed a high fever. The health teams and veterinary services came within 48 hours, tested us, and took care of him. They explained how to protect ourselves: avoid contact with blood or raw meat, sleep under mosquito nets. Without their visit, the situation could have been much worse.”
Every day, regional teams monitor the evolution of the outbreak using field data and strengthened alert systems. To accelerate the response, WHO deployed several experts to support local teams in quickly identifying technical and organizational challenges. The Organization also provided 850 kg of medical supplies and medicines, enough to treat more than 10,000 patients over four months, and trained 138 health professionals on triage and care protocols. Eleven health facilities were supervised to ensure compliance with standards, particularly in Kaolack, Fatick, and Saint-Louis, where care kits, intravenous solutions, and four tons of medical oxygen were made available.
Dr Boly Diop, Head of the Surveillance Division at the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, emphasized that WHO's technical and operational support was crucial in rapidly strengthening epidemiological surveillance, improving investigation quality, and harmonizing detection tools in affected regions. “This support played an essential role in the speed of the response and Senegal's ability to contain the spread of the disease.”
Data show that 70% of human cases involve shepherds, livestock farmers, butchers, and other meat industry workers—professions exposed to infected animals and mosquito bites. The districts of Saint-Louis, Louga, Matam, and Kaolack account for most cases, while Fatick and Tambacounda have seen recent increases. The end of the rainy season, with stagnant water favoring mosquito proliferation, poses an additional challenge. Thanks to cross-sector collaboration, analyses are now faster, supported by the Pasteur Institute of Dakar and the National Livestock and Veterinary Research Laboratory.
For Dr Okou Bisso, Incident Manager at WHO Senegal, collective work is key: “We remain alongside the Government to contain the outbreak. The decline in cases shows that this cooperation strengthens the health system's capacity to protect communities.”
Infection prevention and control also received significant support: more than 200,000 pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) (masks, gloves, gowns, gels) were provided, along with updated protocols for biomedical waste management. Assessments were conducted in five regions to ensure compliance with standards and refine case definitions, improving early detection.
Risk communication and community engagement proved essential. Over 70 radio broadcasts in local languages were aired, 110 religious leaders relayed prevention messages, and more than 15,300 people—livestock farmers, shepherds, butchers, transporters—were sensitized during direct sessions. SURGE agents also strengthened the skills of 32 journalists to ensure reliable information adapted to local realities.
Three months after the start of the outbreak, efforts have translated into lives protected and communities better informed. In villages and “loumas,” weekly livestock markets, health teams continue their work: explaining warning signs, encouraging rapid case reporting, reminding people to use mosquito nets and avoid contact with sick animals. Each interaction helps reduce transmission and build trust. Attention is also focused on areas not yet affected, where preparedness actions are underway to ensure these regions and districts are ready in case the outbreak spreads.
For Dr Michel Yao, WHO Representative in Senegal, this mobilization is exemplary: “Our priority is to protect communities by strengthening early detection, care, and prevention. The daily commitment of teams shows that by joining forces—human health authorities, animal health sector, environmental experts, partners, and communities—we can reduce the impact of Rift Valley Fever and save lives.”
As for Diène, now fully recovered, he expresses his gratitude: “After those days of fever and pain, I'm relieved to be healthy again. I hope everyone follows the prevention measures.”
Ethiopia launched the fourth National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance during World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) 2025 commemoration
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Ethiopia commemorated World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) 2025 with a high-level national event held at the Africa CDC Headquarters in Addis Ababa, where the Government officially launched the Fourth National Action Plan for the Prevention and Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) 2026–2030. The event took place under the global theme “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future.”
Senior leaders from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Authority joined representatives from WHO, FAO, Africa CDC, UKHSA, and other partners to highlight the urgent need for coordinated action to address AMR through a One Health approach.
In her keynote address, HE Dr Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health, underscored that AMR remains a growing global threat, directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths every year and associated with almost 5 million deaths worldwide. She noted that without decisive action, AMR-related mortality could increase by 70% by 2050, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries.
Reflecting on Ethiopia's progress, the Minister highlighted achievements under the previous AMR plan, including a 59% increase in AMR awareness among healthcare workers, establishment of 26 AMR sentinel surveillance sites, implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs in 328 health facilities, and strengthened infection prevention and control across the country. She also emphasized remaining gaps, including limited diagnostic capacity, shortages of skilled laboratory personnel, and inadequate regulatory enforcement.
The newly launched National Action Plan (NAP) 4.0 was developed through a rigorous, evidence-informed process, beginning with an end-term evaluation of the previous NAP to identify gaps, achievements, and lessons learned. Based on this assessment, a broad set of interventions was proposed—fully aligned with the Global Action Plan on AMR, informed by other countries' experiences, and guided by WHO's people-centered approach and related global AMR guidance. The SMART Choice prioritization tool was then applied to systematically select the most strategic, feasible, and high-impact interventions across the One Health spectrum. Subsequently, the WHO AMR costing and budgeting tool was used to establish a clear and realistic financial framework. The result is NAP 4.0: a comprehensive, evidence-based, and fully costed five-year plan designed to strengthen AMR surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, laboratory systems, infection prevention and control, community awareness, and One Health coordination.
Partners, including the World Health Organisation, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ethiopia's implementation of NAP 4.0. WHO underscored the importance of sustained collaboration across sectors and pledged continued technical assistance for strengthening national AMR governance, surveillance, diagnostics, capacity building, and risk communication.
The event concluded with a multisectoral panel discussion, where government leaders and partners highlighted sector-specific roles and opportunities to accelerate implementation of the new plan. Participants expressed strong commitment to working together to reduce the burden of AMR and protect the effectiveness of life-saving medicines.
The launch of NAP 4.0 marks a significant milestone in Ethiopia's AMR response and ushers in a new phase of coordinated, evidence-based action to safeguard health, food security, and the environment. WHO remains a committed partner in supporting national efforts to “Act Now” for a safer future.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - Ethiopia.African Development Bank Group-funded fisheries programme impacts two million people, drives economic transformation in 16 Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries
A regional initiative that has overhauled aquatic resource management and boosted cross-border fish trade is now improving the lives of nearly three million people across Southern Africa —raising fish production, consumption, and incomes.
The Program for Improving Fisheries Governance and Blue Economy Trade Corridors (PROFISHBLUE) (https://apo-opa.co/3Y8pOgL) has generated cross-border trade volumes exceeding 500,000 tonnes over the past four years, creating employment, strengthening food security, and building climate resilience across 16 SADC member states.
The initiative has built capacity for over 250,000 beneficiaries across seven African Development Fund (ADF) countries (Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) through various trainings, knowledge transfer programs, fish quality assurance equipment and tools, and refrigerated transport vehicles.
Training covered multiple areas, including fish value chain and post-harvest utilisation, business development and SME incubation, genetic improvement programs for endemic tilapia species, common standards and policy harmonization in collaboration with bureaus of standards and customs officers, nutrition and fish product development, and blue economy investment planning and financing mechanisms.
Further support was provided for fish stock assessments on transboundary lakes, vessel monitoring systems to deter illegal fishing, and training vessel inspection and fish catch statistics.
On World Fisheries Day on 21 November, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Development Bank Group, and strategic partners gathered in Gaborone to celebrate these achievements and showcase how the project has transformed fish value chains and local consumer markets since its inception in 2022.
The $9.2 million grant initiative, funded through the African Development Bank's ADF 15, has successfully facilitated regional integration and economic development by improving fisheries governance and establishing sustainable blue economy trade corridors.
This year's World Fisheries Day aligned closely with PROFISHBLUE's multi-level governance and community-centered approach and measurable impact on fisheries communities throughout Southern Africa.
The gathering brought together government officials, development partners, private-sector representatives, and civil society stakeholders to chart a path forward for sustainable fisheries development in the region.
Transformative Impact Across the Region
"We are indebted to the African Development Bank Group for providing funding to implement this project within the Blue Economy space," said Director Domingos Gove on behalf of Angele Makombo Ntumba, SADC Deputy Secretary for Regional Integration. "This support has demonstrated our capacity to improve aquatic food systems for the benefit of over 380 million people in the region."
The project has successfully demonstrated that fishery resources can be managed sustainably, equitably, and resiliently in the face of climate change and external shocks.
"The PROFISHBLUE project has shown best practices in regional integration of blue economy trade corridors and cross-border fish trade," stated Neeraj Vij, African Development Bank's Regional Sector Manager for Feed Africa Operations for Southern Africa. "About 3 billion people rely on global supply chains for aquatic-sourced food, contributing $300 billion annually to the global economy. This project demonstrates how strategic investment in fisheries governance can create competitive value chains that provide jobs and livelihoods while eradicating extreme poverty, especially in rural areas."
Vij reaffirmed the African Development Bank Group's commitment to expanding support for blue economy initiatives across SADC Member States.
Key implementing partners include the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), WorldFish, and the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO).
Director of Fisheries and Apiculture in Botswana's Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, Kagisanyo Bedi, commended the initiative for creating a crucial platform for learning and exchange of ideas among regional stakeholders in the region.
The celebration featured testimonials from women in fisheries who shared how the project has enhanced their livelihoods, underscoring the project's inclusive development approach.
"We embarked on an investment journey that few smallholder entrepreneurs would consider piloting technology in seaweed farming. We appreciate the opportunity..." said Hifadhi Hai, a project participant from Tanzania.
"This was echoed by a fish processor, Tamala Mtambo of the Twiyule Fish Cooperative, Malawi: "ProFishBlue supported us to turn fish processing into progress."
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).Media Contact:
Emeka Anuforo
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org
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
Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
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
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4pj42Tz
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3MaIOJ7
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.MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 to Discuss Clean Energy and Industrial Development
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Mauritania has advanced its clean energy agenda with the August 2025 unveiling of a 160 MW solar plant, 60 MW wind farm and large-scale battery storage systems - all to be developed under a new public-private partnership framework. The announcement comes as the MSGBC basin undergoes rapid transformation in its energy sector, following the start of LNG production at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project earlier this year – a milestone set to reshape regional power generation, industrial expansion and export potential.
Amid this progress, the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition – taking place in Dakar from December 8-10 – will host a high-level session – Powering the MSGBC Region with Sustainable Technologies. Speakers include Katrin Puetz, Co-Founder of social business initiative BioGasUnite; a senior representative from Senegal's body for oil and gas projects COS Petrogaz; Jonathan Ambrogi, Business Development Officer at consultancy firm EnGreen; and Jason Yang, General Manager at industrial manufacturer Neway Valve. The panelists will examine how emerging technologies, expanded gas and renewable capacity, and improved regulatory frameworks can accelerate energy security, industrial growth and sustainable development across the MSGBC region.
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.
Senegal continues to consolidate its position as a regional power hub through its upcoming Cap des Biches combined-cycle gas plant, which will add 300 MW to the national grid and support the country's 2025 target of 30% renewables in its electricity mix. The project follows the start of the Sangomar oil field in mid-2024 – which has strengthened government revenue streams intended to support diversified industrial development - and ahead of the anticipated final investment decision on the Yakaar-Teranga gas project. Yakaar-Teranga further anchors Senegal's strategy to deploy natural gas as a stabilizing bridge fuel.
The Gambia is similarly advancing its energy and regulatory landscape, with new petroleum exploration and production legislation under development and a fresh renewable energy partnership with Turkey aimed at expanding national infrastructure. These advancements align with the country's goal of achieving 90% electrification by the end of 2025.
Mauritania's position as a future global green hydrogen hub also forms a central part of the regional transition, marked by gigawatt-scale ventures such as the Aman project – which completed geological studies in March 2025 – and the Megaton Moon initiative, following its framework agreement signed in February 2025. Together, these projects aim to supply both domestic green industries such as green iron production and export markets in Europe.
Against this backdrop, the upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power conference will bring together industry leaders to examine how these emerging renewable, gas-to-power and hydrogen developments can accelerate sustainable growth across the region.
“Powering the MSGBC Region with sustainable Technologies will be a critical session that reflects the basin's rapid shift toward cleaner, more reliable energy systems. As new gas, renewable and hydrogen projects come online, this dialogue will help stakeholders chart a pathway to long-term energy security and industrial growth,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director, Energy Capital & Power.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.Eritrea: Livestock vaccination in Molqui sub-zone
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During a livestock vaccination program conducted in November, around 100 thousand livestock were vaccinated in the Molqui sub-zone, according to Mr. Leul Gaim, head of livestock resources in the sub-zone.
In the program, which was carried out in 19 administrative areas of the sub-zone, 65 thousand livestock were vaccinated against various animal diseases, while 2,000 dogs were vaccinated against rabies.
Mr. Leul, indicating the cooperation of livestock owners, said that thanks to their support, the program was successfully implemented.
Commending the efforts the Government is undertaking to ensure the health of their livestock, the farmers called for the sustainability of the program.
According to the report, similar vaccination programs were carried out in the sub-zone in the months of April and May.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.Eritrea: Social science training to youth in Sawa
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Social science training organized by the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students has been provided to 1,875 youth from the Warsai-Yikealo School in Sawa.
The training covered the National Charter, administration and leadership, types and objectives of government, foundations of Eritrean national culture and values, health and productivity of youth, the foothold and unity of the Eritrean people, nation-building and development, benefits and significance of organization, globalization and its influence, importance and influence of mass media, as well as the history of the armed struggle for independence and safeguarding national sovereignty.
Ms. Helen Amine, head of follow-up of regions at the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students central office, noted that strong efforts are being exerted to expand and strengthen organization with a view to nurturing competent youth, and that the training program was part of that initiative.
Representative of the trainees expressed readiness to practically translate the knowledge they gained from the training into their daily activities.
Col. Debesay Ghide, Commander of the National Service Training Center, called on the trainees to apply the knowledge they gained in serving their society and influencing their peer groups.
In related news, the Amberbeb Share Company provided training on material management to 50 workers from seven Government institutions.
The training covered scientific methods of material management, materials and workshop handling, as well as spare-parts management.
Indicating that the training was unique in its type, Mr. Solomon Negash, head of material management at the company, commended the interest the trainees demonstrated during the program.
Mr. Girmay Berhe, manager of the company, for his part, indicating that the program was a continuation of efforts to enhance the capacity of members of the company and partner institutions, called on the trainees to apply the knowledge they gained in their daily activities at their respective workplaces.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.The Surge in Gas Production and Africa’s Path to Economic Transformation (By NJ Ayuk)
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By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (https://EnergyChamber.org).
Natural gas will be a pivotal component of Africa's energy future as it is uniquely poised for growth despite the move toward a surplus liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply in the global gas cycle.
As detailed in the African Energy Chamber's 2026 Outlook Report, “The State of African Energy,” African demand for gas is forecast to rise 60% by 2050. In fact, gas is the only fossil fuel expected to expand its share of primary energy demand globally. Furthermore, as North Africa's dominance in the sector diminishes, the report expects sub-Saharan Africa to drive this gas surge as the region holds over 70% of the continent's remaining recoverable resources.
Export revenues and domestic use are the two avenues down which Africa will find the transformative benefits that gas offers, but actually getting there depends on successfully navigating infrastructure gaps, pricing disputes, and the transition from associated to non-associated gas.
The Next Gas Epicenter
Two-thirds of gas production on the continent takes place in North Africa with Algeria, Egypt, and Libya holding the top spots as leading producers with high gas penetration in their own power mixes. However, we expect North Africa's share of total continental production to decrease to below 40% by 2035 as output from other regional producers accelerates. While sub-Saharan production currently accounts for the remaining third of current gross output, the region will dominate future growth.
With the 2021 launch of its “Decade of Gas,” a government initiative to develop gas resources and aid in the transition to cleaner energy, Nigeria will likely lead this expansion, as it already produces more than half of the region's commercialized gas. Emerging producers like Mozambique, Tanzania, Senegal, Mauritania, and Angola are set to follow. Notably, Mozambique's Coral Sul project, Senegal-Mauritania's Greater Tortue project, and Congo LNG have all added new export streams since 2022.
Our 2026 Outlook Report also forecasts that total African gross gas demand will have climbed steadily from roughly 55 billion cubic meters (Bcm) per year in 2020 to over 90 Bcm by 2050. Residential, industrial, and other power sectors are anticipated to drive the growth.
With sub-Saharan Africa holding more than 400 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of recoverable gas resources, which amount to 70% of the continent's total reserves, the region is poised to meet that demand.
Also, unlike North Africa's mature, pipeline-linked markets, sub-Saharan gas is increasingly non-associated or “dry,” meaning it is not found alongside crude oil in reserves. While non-associated gas is more expensive per million British thermal unit (MMBtu), the fact that it is not cross-subsidized by oil essentially frees it from the operational and pricing constraints of oil-centric projects, making the gas available to new domestic, regional, or export pathways to monetization.
Transformative Avenues: Exports and Domestic Industrialization
As our report explains, gas development can transform host government economies through two primary channels: exports and in-country value creation.
Exports: Last year, Africa supplied 34.7 million metric tonnes (MMt) of LNG (8.5% of the global supply). Sub-Saharan volumes in 2024 reached 26.9 MMt, with 60% destined for Asia and 25% for Europe. Adding Tanzania to the export roster, the 2026 Outlook Report projects a quadrupling of the sub-Saharan supply by 2050.
Furthermore, as west and southwest African LNG producers are in proximity to both Atlantic and Indian Ocean markets, producers in these regions specifically can function as swing suppliers, taking advantage of fluctuations in European and Asian LNG spot prices or global supply disruptions.
Also, where gas export projects have domestic market obligations (DMOs), like in Nigeria, Senegal-Mauritania, Angola, and Cameroon, growth in exports grows the gas supply for domestic use. For example, Senegal has plans of achieving 3 gigawatts (GW) of gas-fired power by 2050, largely fed by DMOs from the Greater Tortue LNG project and the Yakaar-Teranga LNG project.
Domestic Monetization and Industrialization: In addition to the revenue collected from exports, gas can empower a producing nation by fueling transport, powering industry, and electrifying homes all within its borders.
Although only a few sub-Saharan countries currently have power mixes that include gas, generation from natural gas has shown a steady increase across the region over the last decade. As detailed in our report, Nigeria's gas-fired capacity is at 12.6 GW, and installations in Ghana and Mozambique are at 2.9 GW and 1.1 GW, respectively. Tanzania, Senegal, Angola, Côte d'Ivoire, and South Africa are also home to smaller gas power plants. In countries such as Senegal and Ghana, that have coastal demand centers, floating power ships operating on natural gas are in place to satisfy demand.
What's more, Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal, Angola, Ghana, Tanzania, and Mozambique all have stated ambitions of developing or furthering gas-to-power infrastructure. Our report also sees a coming increase in demand for gas-derived products such as fertilizers and petrochemicals, as well as for implementation in industrial applications like metals processing.
Angola's recently approved National Gas Plan targets these sectors with a focus on curbing import reliance, while Nigeria's push for compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles under the 2020 National Gas Expansion Program officially commenced in March 2022. These are just two examples of how sub-Saharan Africa's gas sector is poised to deliver an economic one-two punch through exports and in-country monetization that would enable nations to cut down on imports, grow their revenues, and provide energy access to their people for decades to come.
Challenges to Realizing Africa's Gas Potential
Africa holds both abundant gas resources and significant unrealized potential. In fact, Africa ranks second in the world behind only Russia for discovered yet undeveloped gas resources. In two examples, the Rovuma basin, off the coasts of southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique, holds 129 Tcf, and the Niger Delta basin along the Nigerian coast holds 113 Tcf, but these basins remain largely untapped.
There are numerous obstacles between Africa's current position and the economic transformation that gas development could deliver. Our 2026 Outlook Report identifies four essential success factors that Africa must manage if it is to navigate those obstacles: upstream economics, market access and offtake, adequate infrastructure, and country risk/fiscal terms.
As international majors have been known to exit discoveries due to a lack of integration of these factors, support from governments and regulators is critical to finding alignment between them.
Upstream Economics: Currently, over 50% of sub-Saharan production is tied to associated gas, which carries very low production costs. This has contributed heavily to regional gas sector expansion as seen in Nigeria and Angola. By contrast, non-associated gas — though not constrained by oil production rates, enhanced oil recovery reinjection requirements, or oil price fluctuations — demands a competitive dollar-per-MMBtu price to justify future investment and infrastructure development.
Market Access and Offtake: To ensure transparent pricing, adequate returns, and reliable long-term demand all while maximizing domestic benefits, success with this factor will require long-term contracts with creditworthy offtakers (buyers held to specified purchase amounts through long-term agreements), predictable consumption patterns, and government-backed incentives that encourage producers to sell and consumers to buy.
Adequate Infrastructure: Linking supply hubs to demand centers requires LNG facilities and pipelines. With this factor, the “chicken-and-egg paradox” emerges: Investors who can provide the necessary infrastructure expect guaranteed demand, yet demand only grows once that infrastructure is in place. This dynamic is why governments must put in place predictable regulatory and pricing frameworks that attract investment while advancing national economic and energy priorities.
Country Risk and Fiscal Terms: To keep gas production projects attractive to investors, national governments must find the correct balance of royalties, production sharing terms, taxation, DMOs, and local content requirements. Governments must also align their export and domestic priorities to satisfy operator needs and achieve their own local supply or revenue ambitions. Maintaining overall political stability to ensure long-term investor confidence is another critical component of this success factor.
Seizing the Surplus
The 2026 Outlook frames gas as Africa's bridge fuel: cleaner than coal or oil, versatile for power generation and industrial applications, and increasingly competitive as global prices decrease in the coming years.
Sub-Saharan Africa's anticipated non-associated gas production surge can deliver energy security, export revenues, and new industrial jobs. Success in this effort will require a resolution of the infrastructure-demand paradox through reliable contracts, transparent pricing, and balanced fiscal policies.
If African nations can collectively support upstream scalability, midstream connectivity, and downstream certainty, gas production will not merely surge — it will transform the entire continent for the better.
"The State of African Energy: 2026 Outlook Report" is available for download. Visit https://apo-opa.co/48v4gzN to request your copy.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
