Marketing

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press-release distribution service, is proud to announce the appointment of Diego Moriondo as Chief Marketing and Communication Officer for its Volunteer Programme supporting the governing body of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa, the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

Diego Moriondo brings a rich background in luxury brand management and global communications to the non-profit sector. He will serve in this critical volunteer role following a distinguished career in Media and Marketing at prestigious international fashion houses Gucci and Loro Piana. His high level strategic experience will be instrumental in professionalizing and scaling the Roman Catholic Church's outreach across the African continent.

In his role as Chief Marketing and Communication Officer for the APO Group Volunteer Program, Diego Moriondo will be responsible for supporting SECAM's officials in envisioning, developing, and overseeing the entire communication and marketing strategy for the Roman Catholic Church in Africa. His mandate is to strengthen SECAM's public voice, enhance its visibility, and ensure the cohesive dissemination of its messages across the 38 national and regional episcopal conferences it represents.

"The addition of Diego Moriondo's world class expertise is a significant milestone for our volunteer program and our partnership with the governing body of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa," said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), Founder and Chairman of APO Group. "Diego's experience in crafting compelling narratives for global luxury brands like Gucci and Loro Piana will be pivotal in shaping a powerful and unified communication strategy that resonates deeply with Africa's Catholic community and a wider global audience."

Diego Moriondo expressed his enthusiasm for taking on this new challenge: "I am honoured to dedicate my experience to supporting APO Group's mission and the vital work of SECAM. The opportunity to leverage strategic communications to impact the lives of millions across Africa is profoundly meaningful. I look forward to working with the team to develop an integrated strategy that empowers SECAM to communicate effectively throughout the continent."

The Catholic Church operates 82,235 Catholic Schools in Africa, educating 30,629,476 pupils. Its extensive network of care includes 13,880 facilities such as hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, leprosy centres, homes for the elderly and chronically ill, centres for disabled people, orphanages, kindergartens, and marriage counselling centres.

According to recent data from the Vatican, there are 1.39 billion Catholics worldwide, representing around 18% of the world's population. Africa's 236 million Catholics already make up about 20% of the global Catholic population, but they are also the fastest-growing region in the world. By 2050, the World Christian Database estimates that African Catholics will make up 32% of the global Catholic population.

According to the United Nations' 2022 State of the World's Volunteerism Report, there are an estimated 862.4 million volunteers globally. Engaging in volunteerism offers individuals a unique opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience, enhance their professional profiles, and develop valuable skills through impactful service.

More information about APO Group's volunteer programme supporting the Roman Catholic Church in Africa: https://apo-opa.co/3Kuq32Q

Media contact:
marie@apo-opa.com

About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a Provoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple Provoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, the Davos Communications Awards 2025 awarded us the Gold Award for Best PR Campaign and the Bronze Award for Special Event.

APO Group's esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa's Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.

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• New regional initiative supports science-based reef restoration, community training, and marine storytelling.
• Advanced imaging technology to enable accurate monitoring and documentation of fragile ocean ecosystems
• Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor but support nearly 25% of all marine life

Building on the momentum of Canon's EMEA launch of World Unseen 2.0, Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is expanding the initiative into East Africa in collaboration with Kenya's Oceans Alive Foundation. This regional chapter reflects Canon's commitment to supporting the protection of coral reefs—one of the most vital ecosystems on Earth, sustaining 25% of marine life, protecting coastlines, and contributing to the food security and wellbeing of millions across coastal communities.

Over half of the world's coral reefs have disappeared in the last three decades as a result of rising sea temperatures, pollution, overfishing, sedimentation and widespread disease. This decline has direct consequences for people, as ocean biodiversity plays a critical role in human health and wellbeing. In response to these growing pressures, the East Africa chapter places strong emphasis on science-led restoration, community capacity building and imaging-enabled monitoring to support long-term ecosystem recovery and resilience.

Building on Canon's partnership with Nature Seychelles and Coral Spawning International to establish the first coral breeding facility in the Western Indian Ocean, the East Africa chapter further strengthens community-led conservation along Kenya's fragile coastline through its collaboration with Oceans Alive Foundation. Together, the partners will drive local engagement, expand restoration work and support knowledge transfer to enhance reef recovery.

Guided by Canon's philosophy of Kyosei, meaning “living and working together for the common good”, the programme builds scientific capacity, expands restoration efforts and empowers coastal communities through education and visual storytelling. The Kenya launch brings together conservation science, imaging technology and community engagement. Through restoration work, youth training and imaging-led documentation, the project aims to build local ownership of marine protection and support wider ecosystem recovery. Additionally, the programme will deliver measurable environmental and social outcomes, aligned with Canon's Future of the Planet pillar and broader sustainability goals.

Somesh Adukia, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa, said: ‘The World Unseen in Kenya reflects our commitment to practical, science-based conservation that empowers communities. Paired with Oceans Alive's local leadership, Canon's imaging expertise will enable precise monitoring, credible storytelling, and stronger reef recovery efforts.'

Des Bowden, Founder of Oceans Alive Foundation, added: “We started in Kuruwitu with a bold belief — that communities are the true guardians of the sea. What began as a local effort to protect a dying reef has become a model for ocean recovery driven by the people who depend on it most.

Kenya's reefs are rich, fragile, and often unseen. Through this valuable collaboration with Canon, we are making the invisible visible — documenting life above and beneath the waves with scientific accuracy and cultural respect. When people truly see the ocean, they value it. When they value it, they protect it.”

A Community-Led Partnership for Reef Restoration

Founded in 2018 and rooted in the Kuruwitu community, Oceans Alive is one of Kenya's leading community-driven marine conservation organisations. Its core purpose is to revive degraded coral reefs and improve the wellbeing of coastal communities who depend on healthy oceans for food security and livelihoods.

Across Kuruwitu and the broader North Coast, Oceans Alive has successfully restored multiple reef patches, reintroduced thousands of coral fragments, and worked with local Beach Management Units to strengthen sustainable fisheries. Community members trained in reef monitoring and restoration now lead efforts that have resulted in increased fish abundance, improved reef structure, and measurable socio-economic benefits for local households.

Canon will sponsor nursery tables and reef infrastructure to support the propagation and outplanting of thousands more coral fragments onto permanent reef structures. The partnership also includes rigorous scientific monitoring and transparent impact reporting to ensure that each step of progress is measured and shared with accuracy.

Imaging Technology for Scientific Monitoring and Education

Canon is equipping Oceans Alive with advanced imaging tools – including PowerShot G7 X Mark III and EOS R8 cameras with underwater housings and specialised lighting systems – to capture photographic data on coral growth, bleaching events, fish recruitment, and overall reef structure. These images will provide scientists with measurable insights into coral size, survival rates, and ecosystem recovery.

Canon will also provide professional printing solutions to complete the workflow, enabling Oceans Alive to transform scientific research into high-quality educational materials and public displays for schools, community groups, and visitors.

Community Training, Youth Storytelling, and Education

Together, Canon and Oceans Alive will build practical storytelling platforms that support digital content creation, environmental education, and public awareness. The partnership includes underwater photography workshops, community conservation sessions, and youth-led media projects through Canon Academy.

These programmes ensure that local storytellers, student researchers, and volunteers contribute to documenting Kenya's marine environment with scientific accuracy and visually compelling narratives.

Purpose-Led Impact for People and Planet

‘The World Unseen' advances Canon's long-term vision for Africa by driving ecological recovery, strengthening community stewardship, and elevating local conservation leaders.

By turning ocean science into engaging visual stories, ‘World Unseen' invites people to learn, engage, and take action – reinforcing Canon's commitment to sustainability and a higher purpose.

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group - PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon's business within the Africa region - by strengthening Canon's in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon's commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa's rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon's corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/4rQGKpF) – ‘living and working together for the common good'. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon's products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com

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Senegal is emerging as a continental leader in gas-to-power solutions, combining innovative technical models with flexible project delivery to meet rapidly growing electricity demand, panelists said on Tuesday at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference in Dakar.

Senegal's approach is already showing results: the country launched Africa's first LNG-to-power project this July without subsidies, highlighting a model that could serve as a blueprint for the region, according to Zackarie Fortin-Brazeau, Vice President for LNG to Power & Clean Technologies at Karpowership.

“This is a milestone for the continent and showcases the proof of discipline and strong execution here in Senegal,” Fortin-Brazeau said. He noted that Senegal's electricity demand is growing by 9–10% per year, among the fastest in the world. “Keeping up with this demand requires reliability, flexibility and speed. New turbines today take around five years to procure, deliver and install – this is why powerships play a long-term role in countries that have quick emerging power.” Fortin-Brazeau emphasized that floating powerships can be deployed faster and at lower cost than land-based plants, complementing renewable energy sources by providing generation that can respond quickly to intermittent supply.

The push for gas integration is underpinned by a broader strategic shift, according to Papa Toby Gaye, Director General of national electricity company SENELEC. “This strategy is built on decentralizing capacity. We understand that electricity costs depend heavily on the type of fuel used… If we are able to introduce gas into the mix, we can significantly reduce electricity prices,” Gaye said. He added that smaller, distributed power plants will allow Senegal to flexibly integrate gas as it becomes available.

Technical execution remains central to these efforts. Pape Momar Lô, CEO of state-owned Réseau Gazier du Sénégal, emphasized rigorous preparation, including stakeholder consultation, mapping and environmental planning. He also highlighted the wider potential of gas infrastructure: “Even today, the conversation has moved beyond simply ‘gas-to-power' to ‘gas-to-X.' This reflects that various industries – whether in agriculture, transportation, aquaculture, health or fishing – can adapt and take advantage of this gas infrastructure for their own development. We need a strong legal framework, with a strong gas code to make sure this is sustainable.”

The economic case for gas-to-power in Africa was reinforced by Dr. Riverson Oppong, CEO of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies. “We have tested gas-to-power not only in Ghana but other African countries. The technology is tested, acceptable, and most importantly, very affordable,” he said. Highlighting Ghana's experience, he noted that switching from crude oil or diesel to gas cut electricity tariffs significantly, illustrating the financial impact of integrating gas.

From a financial and operational perspective, Dominique Gadelle, VP Early Engagement Gas at TechnipEnergies, highlighted the pillars of successful gas-to-power projects: revenue security, risk reduction, ESG compliance and technological integration. “Switching from fuel to natural gas is one of the most credible pathways, as it can reduce CO₂ emissions per megawatt-hour by approximately 50%,” he said. Gadelle also emphasized forward-looking planning for the sector: gas-to-power is a lever to transition from coal and fuel to cleaner electricity, but networks should eventually be ready to integrate hydrogen and reduce reliance on carbon to meet future energy demands.

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Junior Achievement (JA) Africa (https://JA-Africa.org) successfully concluded the 15th edition of the JA Africa COY Competition, held from December 3–5, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria, bringing together Africa's brightest young entrepreneurs to showcase innovative business solutions aligned with the theme “ACT! Action for Climate Transformation.” The continental finals convened student companies from across Africa who had progressed through national JA Company Program competitions to compete across six innovation tracks: Innovation & Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Financial Technology (FinTech), Digital Media & Creation, Renewable Energy, and Circular Economy & Sustainability.

Following three days of dynamic pitching, mentorship engagement, exhibitions, and rigorous judging, Nigeria's Smartgenix was crowned the overall Company of the Year 2025 for demonstrating exceptional innovation, execution strength, and high-impact potential. Mauritius' Plantura claimed Second Place, while Uganda's Renewablock secured Third Place, rounding out the podium with solutions focused on sustainability and inclusive development. As the continental champion, Smartgenix will proceed to represent Africa at the global finals of the De La Vega Global Entrepreneurship Award, where it will compete against winning teams from other regions for a grand prize of US $15,000.

Additional recognitions were distributed among other deserving teams, thanks to the generous support of various sponsors, including FedEx, PMIEF, FirstBank Nigeria, Delta Air Lines, Bank of America, Kuda Microfinance Bank, Boeing, and Entrepreneurs' Organization.

Summary of Signature Award Winners:

• FedEx Global Possibilities Award: XeroLabs, Ghana
• PMIEF Best Application of Project Management Award: Kwakhanya PlantIQ, Eswatini
• FirstBank Nigeria CEO Entrepreneurship Award: Plantura, Mauritius

Summary of Branded Award Winners:

• Delta Air Lines Girls LEAD! Award: 16 girls awarded: Matse Takitsi, Fakudze Temantolo Siphesihle, Dlamini Gcinile Lenhle, Dhristi Gooroochurn, Ameydee Shalinee Chocken, Yezhilly Gopaulen, Lashna Gungabissoon, Ihimbazwe Niyikora Kevine, Uwayo Ange Kevine, Abarurema Hirwa Emma Reponse, Kendy Neilla Gisa, Atuhaire Gabriella Kusiima, Comfort Musukuma, Grace Chilinda, Ndanji Nanyangwe, and Wana Sanyikosa
• Bank of America Best Financial Performance Award: Renewablock, Uganda
• Kuda Young Entrepreneurs Award: Kwakhanya PlantIQ, Eswatini
• Boeing Sustainable Innovation Award: XeroLabs, Ghana
• Entrepreneurs' Organizations Rising Leader Award: Ameydee Chocken, CEO of Plantura, Mauritius

Reflecting on the success of COY 2025, Simi Nwogugu, President and CEO of JA Africa, said, “The creativity, courage, and solution-driven mindset we witnessed at COY 2025 remind us why Africa's youth are our greatest asset. Through entrepreneurship education, we are not just preparing young people for the future of work; we are empowering them to lead climate action, create jobs, and build resilient communities across the continent.”

The competition concluded with the JA Africa Stakeholder Convening held on December 5 in Abuja under the theme “Unlocking Africa's Youth Dividend: Radical Pathways for Inclusive Skills, Entrepreneurship, and Employment Systems.” The high-level gathering brought together policymakers, educators, private sector leaders, philanthropic institutions, and development partners to catalyze strategic collaborations aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship education, expanding skills pathways, and scaling youth employment systems across Africa.

COY is anchored in the JA Company Program, which equips young people aged 14–17 with hands-on experience in business creation, financial management, teamwork, leadership, and venture pitching. As youth unemployment continues to pose a major development challenge across the continent, programs such as COY remain essential in bridging education to enterprise creation, equipping young people not only to seek employment but to become job creators and innovators within their communities. Alumni of the program across Africa have gone on to establish registered businesses, secure international scholarships and fellowships, and lead social and technology ventures.

The 15th edition of the JA Africa COY was made possible through the generous support of its partners: Headline Sponsors – FedEx, Project Management Institute Educational Foundation (PMIEF), and FirstBank Nigeria; Platinum Sponsors – Delta Air Lines, Bank of America, and Kuda Microfinance Bank; Gold Sponsors – Boeing and the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO); and Media Partner – What Media Group

Media Contact:
Ellen Ukpi
Director, Marketing & Communications
Junior Achievement Africa
Email: ellen.ukpi@ja-africa.org

JA Africa:
Junior Achievement (JA) Africa is one of the largest and most impactful youth-serving NGOs on the continent, reaching over 1.5 million young people annually across 23 countries. Through hands-on learning experiences in entrepreneurship, work readiness, financial literacy, and STEM education, JA Africa equips young people with the skills and mindset to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy. JA Africa's mission is to prepare and inspire Africa's youth to become ethical leaders, job creators, and agents of change who drive sustainable development across the continent.

FedEx Corp:
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce, and business services. With annual revenue of $89 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions utilizing its flexible, efficient, and intelligent global network. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 500,000 employees to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards, and the needs of their customers and communities. FedEx is committed to connecting people and possibilities around the world responsibly and resourcefully, with a goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040. To learn more, please visit Fedex.com/about.

PMIEF (Project Management Institute Educational Foundation):
For 35 years, PMIEF has helped put youth on the path to success by incorporating project management skills into their daily lives. Our goal is to forge partnerships with nonprofit organizations that support and prepare youth for success by offering project management expertise, resources, and volunteers to aid them in making their dreams a reality. www. PMI. org/pmi-educational-foundation (http://apo-opa.co/3MOeLa7)

Delta Air Lines:
Delta Air Lines is a major United States airline headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, operating nine hubs, with Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport serving as its largest. Together with its regional subsidiaries under the Delta Connection brand, the airline operates more than 5,400 flights daily and serves 325 destinations in 52 countries across six continents. Delta is a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, expanding its global network, and is the second‑oldest operating commercial airline in the U.S. The airline ranks first globally in revenue and brand value among major airlines and consistently leads industry performance rankings, including The Wall Street Journal's 2022–2024 airline rankings and Condé Nast Traveler's 2024 Readers' Choice Awards for Best Airlines in the U.S.

Delta Air Lines is committed to empowering young people around the world through education and global citizenship programs. Its long-standing partnership with JA Africa expands access to STEM learning, leadership development, and real-world career exposure for Africa's youth. https://www.Delta.com/MEA/en/about-delta/overview

First Bank Nigeria:
FirstBank of Nigeria Limited is the premier commercial bank in Nigeria, with a history of over 130 years of providing dependable and reliable financial services. As a leading financial services provider in Sub-Saharan Africa, FirstBank has consistently supported inclusive economic development by enabling individuals, businesses, and communities to achieve their financial goals. It offers a comprehensive range of retail and corporate banking services, backed by an extensive network of branches and digital channels that ensure seamless banking experiences for millions of customers across Africa and beyond. FirstBank is a member of the FBN Holdings Plc group.  www.FirstBankNigeria.com/

Bank of America:
Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Visit BofA Fast Facts for more information about the company.

Kuda Microfinance Bank:
Kuda Microfinance Bank is a CBN-licensed subsidiary of Kuda Technologies, a fintech company on a mission to make financial services accessible, affordable, and rewarding for every African on the planet.

Founded in 2019 by Babs Ogundeyi and Musty Mustapha, Kuda offers a modern alternative to traditional finance by delivering free money transfers, instant credit, savings tools, and business banking through digital channels.

The company has raised over $90 million from institutional investors, including Valar Ventures and Target Global, and it serves more than 7 million customers across Nigeria. Kuda.com/

Boeing:
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity.

Boeing's relationship with the Middle East extends back to 1945. Since then, Boeing has established a number of offices across the region, first in Riyadh in 1982, then a dedicated Boeing Defense, Space and Security office in Abu Dhabi in 1999, a regional headquarters in Dubai in 2005, an office in Doha in 2010, and a new office in Kuwait City in 2021. In addition, Boeing has field service teams across the region and two distribution centers for airplane spare parts in Dubai. For further information, please visit: www.Boeing.com

Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO):
The Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) is the world's largest membership network created by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs, everywhere. Since 1987, EO has been supporting the world's leading builders of business to realize more of their potential by fostering connection, strengthening leadership, and creating belonging across industries and borders. EO exists with a clear purpose: to move the world forward by unlocking the full potential of entrepreneurs.

Its mission is engaging entrepreneurs to learn and grow, and its vision is to build the world's most influential community of entrepreneurs.

Nearly 20,000 members across more than 220 chapters in 80 countries make up EO's global network. EO members are founders and owners of thriving businesses with a median revenue of over US $5 million, representing diverse industries and regions around the world. They connect through local and global experiences that go beyond business to holistically support the whole entrepreneur.

For more information or to get involved, please visit: EONetwork.org.

What Media Group:
What Media Group is a holding company focused on strategic investments in Africa's media and entertainment sectors. The group identifies high-growth opportunities across the continent's rapidly expanding media landscape and provides financial investment, strategic guidance,- and operational support to innovative companies. With a commitment to both commercial growth and social impact, What Media Group prioritizes brands that elevate local talent, strengthen cultural expression, and contribute to the sustainable development of Africa's creative industries. www.WhatMediaGroup.com/
 

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Vestergaard Sàrl (www.Vestergaard.com) and Harvestfield Industries Limited today marked a historic milestone with the ground-breaking of a first-of-its-kind joint venture to transform malaria prevention and strengthen health security through direct investment in mosquito net manufacturing in Nigeria. The new joint venture, named SNG Health, will manufacture PermaNet® Dual, Vestergaard's latest, dual active-ingredient pyrethroid-chlorfenapyr net designed to combat insecticide resistance. Production at the state-of-the-art facility is scheduled to begin in April 2026, with at-scale annual capacity of 10 million nets, creating 600 skilled jobs.

The ground-breaking ceremony took place at the site in Ogun State, with contributions from Dr Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator of the President's Value Chain Initiative (PVAC); Dr Godwin Ntadom, Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; Dr Nnenna Ogbulafor, Director and National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme; Ms Cornelia Camenzind, Consul General, Consulate General of Switzerland in Lagos, Nigeria; and Mr Onoriode Ezire, Task Team Leader, World Bank Nigeria.

Dr Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator of PVAC, said: “Nigeria is signalling that we are ready to lead the next frontier of malaria control in West Africa. This facility is a direct outcome of the Federal Government's commitment to industrialize our health sector and anchor critical health products within the country. Every mosquito net produced here represents a Nigerian job, a Nigerian skill strengthened, and value created within our economy. This joint venture between Vestergaard and Harvestfield shows what responsible, future-focused partnership looks like. Today's ground-breaking reaffirms our determination to ensure that lifesaving tools like PermaNet Dual are manufactured at scale, to global standards, and with long-term sustainability built into the system.”

Nigeria shoulders the world's highest malaria burden, accounting for a quarter of all global cases and tragically, two out of every five children lost to malaria are Nigerian. While these are daunting statistics, new evidence from the Malaria Atlas Project shows we know what works: insecticide-treated nets have been instrumental in the fight against malaria, responsible for 72% of all malaria cases prevented (https://apo-opa.co/3KjuMEr) globally between 2000 and 2024. Notably, dual active-ingredient nets including PermaNet Dual have alone stopped 40 million cases from 2019 to 2024. These findings underscore that, though the challenge is immense, scaling up access to these proven, life-saving tools can unlock progress towards both national and global malaria control targets.

In March 2024, Nigeria signed the Yaoundé Declaration, pledging that “no one should die from malaria given the tools and systems available.” Today's ground-breaking ceremony turns that pledge into action, building on the momentum from the memorandum of understanding (https://apo-opa.co/3KjuNbt) that was signed between the Nigerian Ministry of Health and Vestergaard last year, and turning technological advancements into tangible progress for a malaria-free generation.

Amar Ali, CEO of Vestergaard, said: “This facility embodies Vestergaard's commitment to long-term partnership with Nigeria, demonstrating that private sector leadership can drive lasting impact. By directly investing in local production of PermaNet Dual—and putting our brand's reputation behind this venture—we are not only delivering world-class innovation, but also ensuring families across Nigeria have quality protection against malaria. We believe that responsible enterprise must support African leadership in health by investing in local systems, training professionals and strengthening the capacity needed for countries to have the autonomy to protect the health of their own people.”

Martins Awofisayo, CEO of Harvestfield Industries, said: “Today marks an important step in strengthening Nigeria's health security and industrial capacity. By partnering with Vestergaard to establish this facility in Nigeria, we are creating a reliable local source of world-class mosquito nets that will support malaria prevention efforts across the country. This investment is a testament to our commitment to saving lives, empowering communities, and building a sustainable manufacturing base for essential public health tools.”

Prosper Ndayiragije, Managing Director, SNG Health, said: “Today's ground-breaking opens a new chapter of malaria control for Nigeria, underlining this country's steadfast commitment to defeating this devastating disease. We are honoured to have the unwavering support of PVAC as we work together with Vestergaard and Harvestfield to make this initiative a reality. By manufacturing Vestergaard's latest mosquito net innovation – PermaNet Dual – we are committed to doing our part to ensure that no Nigerian family will have to endure the burden of malaria in the future.”

Media contacts:
Vestergaard
Sarah-Jane Loveday
Director of Communication & Marketing
media@vestergaard.com

Harvestfield Industries
Morenikeji Lannisa
Compliance Manager
morenikeji@harvestfield-ng.com

About Vestergaard Sàrl:
Vestergaard is a social enterprise making innovative fabrics that have life-changing impact. Our PermaNet® insecticide-treated mosquito nets are a mainstay of global malaria elimination programmes, and our agricultural products safeguard harvests and protect high-value crops. Founded in Denmark in 1957, today the company is based in Switzerland and the USA, which leads all our research and innovation. Our manufacturing and quality testing operations are located in Vietnam, and we have teams across Africa, with facilities including a vector control research laboratory in Ghana. We have been a member of the United Nations Global Compact since 2006 and a certified B Corporation since 2021.

More information: www.Vestergaard.com

About Harvestfield Industries Limited:
Harvestfield Industries Limited (HIL) focuses on the importation and distribution of agrochemicals (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and store fumigants), provision of malaria vector control products and services to the Roll Back Malaria Programme in Nigeria, and agricultural spraying equipment used in the crop production value chain. HIL currently has offices and warehouses in 26 locations in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria, with a multi-billion naira agro-chemical formulation and manufacturing factory in Ogun State and Head Office in Lagos State.

More information: www.Harvestfield-ng.com

About SNG Health:
SNG Health is a first-of-its-kind joint venture between Vestergaard Sàrl and HarvestField Industries Limited, created to transform malaria prevention and strengthen health security through direct investment in mosquito net manufacturing in Nigeria. The state-of-the-art facility will manufacture PermaNet® Dual, Vestergaard's flagship dual active-ingredient mosquito net designed to overcome insecticide resistance. Facilitated by the Nigerian President's Value Chain Initiative (PVAC), SNG Health combines Vestergaard's long-term vision for sustainable, locally anchored solutions with Harvestfield's extensive distribution network and manufacturing excellence, setting a benchmark for quality, safety, and resilience in regional supply chains.

More information: www.SNG-Health.com

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