Tag: Technology

At the ongoing 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) is strategically advocating for a climate agenda that aligns with Africa's sustainable development and industrialisation ambitions as outlined by its President, Dr. George Elombi.  

The Bank's delegation is advocating for a pan-African climate narrative that builds on the outcomes of the African Climate Summits and previous COPs. Afreximbank's engagements are anchored on the core principles of the AU Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, and emphasizes the critical role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in building climate-resilient economies. 

A central pillar of the Bank's advocacy involves mobilising climate finance primarily to support adaptation aspirations of its member countries and ensuring the swift and effective operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund. The Bank is also pushing for African countries, who are disproportionately affected by climate events despite contributing less than 4% of global emissions, to receive adequate compensation and to develop the necessary domestic structures to access these funds.  

Aligned with President Dr. George Elombi's vision, Afreximbank is spotlighting the continent's immense potential in value addition and strategic minerals processing. Instead of exporting raw materials, the Bank is championing financing for entire value chains, such as transforming the Democratic Republic of Congo's lithium into batteries, to position Africa as a hub for clean technology and create high-skilled jobs.  

The Bank is also urging for a just and equitable energy transition that recognizes Africa's right to address its energy poverty, which leaves over 600 million people without electricity. This includes a balanced approach that integrates renewable energy sources while responsibly utilising transitional fuels like natural gas to power industrialisation. 

The Bank also seeks to draw attention to Africa's biodiversity which is a key source of climate resilience absorbing harmful emissions. Afreximbank is committed to helping its member countries to monetise their biodiversity to further help its fight against the debilitating impact of climate change. 

Furthermore, Afreximbank is showcasing its financial initiatives, such as the Afreximbank Trade Transformation Fund (ATTF) as one of its key vehicles for de-risking and financing green projects across the continent. 

At COP30, the Bank's participation includes high-level dialogues, thematic panels, and side events, including activities at the African Pavilion and a planned session with Liberia on establishing a carbon markets authority.  

Commenting on Afreximbank's participation at COP30, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development Bank at Afreximbank, stated: 

“Our mission at COP30 is clear: to ensure that Africa's voice is not only heard but heeded. Our approach is one of proactive transformation, adding value to our abundant minerals, powering our industries with a sustainable energy mix, and leveraging the AfCFTA to build resilient, integrated economies. We are leveraging our influence to mobilise Global African capital and demand a globally recognised and supported framework for our continent's just energy transition that ensures comprehensive climate action actively serves and reinforces Africa's ambitions for development and industrialisation.” 

Media Contact: 
Vincent Musumba  
Manager, Communications and Events (Media Relations) 
Email: press@afreximbank.com

About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank's total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt. 

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The Africa Tech Festival Awards 2025 (https://AfricaTechFestival.com/), held on Wednesday, 12 November 2025 in Cape Town, brought together technology leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the continent to celebrate excellence in African innovation and digital transformation. 

Recognising the people and organisations driving meaningful impact across the tech ecosystem, the awards ceremony honoured those who are shaping Africa's digital future. Finalists and winners were selected through a rigorous three-stage process, including a public vote and final adjudication by an expert panel of judges representing leading voices in business, technology, and finance. 

2025 award winners 

• Connectivity for All: Orange 
• AI Leader of the Year: Jean-Francois Arnod, CMO, Orange 
• Telco of the Year: Vodacom 
• Innovation for Impact: Mastercard Community Pass 
• CXO of the Year: Dejan Kastelic, CTO, Vodacom 
• Changing Lives: SES and the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) 
• Female Innovator of the Year: Ms Ennaifer Asma, Senior VP CSR, Orange Middle East & Africa 
• Fintech Innovation of the Year: Vodacom 
• Startup of the Year: Booi Industries (Pty) Ltd 
• Cybersecurity Leader of the Year: Tim Theuri, CISO, M-Pesa Africa 

Pictures for the winners can be found here: https://apo-opa.co/48aH8Yh

The judging panel consisted of Vukosi Sambo, Group CIO, PHA STM Healthcare & Marara Group; John Bosco Arends, Group Head: Information and Network Technology Operations, City of Johannesburg; Sithembile Songo, Group Head: Information Security, Eskom Holdings; Nina Triantis, Global Head Telecoms, Media and Technology, Client Coverage, Corporate and Investment Banking, Standard Bank; Bas Wijne, CEO, APO Group; Bunmi Adeleye, Chief Strategy Officer, Retail Supermarkets Nigeria (Shoprite Nigeria); and Robert Aouad, CEO, ISOCEL Telecom. 

The Africa Tech Festival 2025 takes place from 11 to 13 November at the Cape Town International Conference Centre. 

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•  Over 65 countries exhibit, with 70% of solutions being international, connecting Egypt's construction stakeholders to global suppliers and technology providers
• Over 2,800 exhibitors showcase low-carbon solutions, modular builds, energy-efficient systems and prefabrication methods that reduce waste and improve resource use

Across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, urbanization is reshaping economies at unprecedented speed. With more than half the world's population now living in cities, a figure expected to reach nearly 68% by 2050, according to the United Nations (https://apo-opa.co/4oHeBj9), developing regions such as Egypt are accelerating urban transformation through ambitious construction goals, including the development of fourth-generation cities (https://apo-opa.co/4oHeDHN), sustainable infrastructure and inclusive housing to accommodate rapid urbanization and economic growth. As project volumes grow, industry leaders are turning to Big 5 Global (www.Big5Global.com) to explore technologies and solutions that strengthen construction supply chains, improve technological efficiency and advance sustainability.

Bringing together participants from over 165 countries, with 70% solutions from international companies, Big 5 Global connects Egypt's construction and urban development ecosystem to a global network of suppliers, manufacturers and technology providers.

“Egypt continues to expand its construction, infrastructure and urban development ambitions and Big 5 Global provides a great opportunity for local and international stakeholders to connect, explore solutions and enhance project delivery,” said Ahmed Abdel Fattah, Executive Director, Export Council for Building Materials, Refractory & Metallurgy Industries. “Our continued participation highlights the growing role of Egyptian companies in delivering tailored, sustainable and technologically advanced construction solutions that meet the country's modernization goals.”

Strengthening global supply chains for project efficiency

Big 5 Global brings together 2,800 exhibitors and over 60,000 products, services, systems and solutions from around the world, supporting efficient, reliable project delivery.

International pavilions from Germany and Italy return with expertise in advanced materials, including high-performance concrete, cement, marble and stone systems, while India expands its footprint with advanced MEP and smart construction solutions for large-scale projects across the Middle East and Africa. Returning pavilions, Austria and Pakistan, showcase export-ready innovations in modular builds, interiors and MEP systems designed to reduce costs and streamline delivery. Additionally, exhibitors from Armenia, Croatia, Hungary, Jersey, New Zealand, Norway and Serbia further broaden sourcing options for buyers seeking diversified and reliable supply routes. 

As supply networks evolve to meet regional demand, technology is driving the next phase of efficiency in project delivery and procurement.

Technology transforming procurement and project delivery

Digitalization is transforming how projects are procured, managed and executed. At Digital Construction World, global exhibitors including Autodesk, Nemetschek Group, Odoo, Premier Construction Software, Procore Technologies, RIB Software and Trimble showcase technologies that enhance visibility and efficiency across the supply chain. Odoo integrates procurement, HR and operations into a single suite, reducing redundancies; Premier Construction Software simplifies cost tracking and project management; Trimble leverages automation to cut site rework by up to 25%, directly improving delivery times and project profitability; and Meter Technology demonstrates its fully integrated digital solution that transforms surveying and engineering, eliminating decades-old inefficiencies.

Eng. Ahmed Al-Ansary, Chairman, Founder & CEO of Meter Technology, commented: “Meter transforms surveying and engineering from traditional to tech-driven. As the world's first fully integrated digital platform, we've eliminated decades-old inefficiencies. Our AI-powered system completes complex projects within 48 hours with exceptional precision across nine countries. Big 5 Global offers the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and explore sector development worldwide under ‘From the UAE to the World', where geospatial and engineering digital innovation forms the foundation of real estate sustainability.”

Sustainable manufacturing and smarter material supply

International exhibitors are also rethinking how materials are produced, transported and reused to reduce environmental impact while improving long-term value.

China's new Eco-Friendly Zone is built entirely from recyclable materials and features solutions for low-carbon construction, showcasing how sustainability can be integrated throughout the supply chain.

Among key participants, Grundfos Gulf Distribution leads with energy-efficient pumping systems that reduce water and energy use in commercial and industrial facilities. Deewan Equipment Trading LLC introduces modular and precast manufacturing plants that cut onsite waste and shorten construction schedules through prefabrication. Hitech Concrete Products showcases precast hollow-core and insulated wall systems designed for thermal efficiency and reduced raw material consumption, advancing sustainable construction practices across the region.

GF, a leading provider of MEP solutions and sustainable building technologies, returns to Big 5 Global to showcase its advanced systems that support efficient construction workflows and environmentally responsible project delivery. "The region is pursuing one of the world's most ambitious development programs, where sustainable water management is key to realizing this vision. GF is uniquely positioned to support this progress through its comprehensive solutions portfolio, our local presence including manufacturing, offsite-manufacturing and customer experience facilities, long-standing regional partnerships and dedicated teams who understand the market's unique challenges," said Michael Rauterkus, Executive Committee member of GF and President of GF Building Flow Solutions.

These contributions highlight how collaboration with global manufacturers helps the UAE advance smart cities and net-zero goals.

“Big 5 Global continues to connect international manufacturers and regional stakeholders, helping strengthen construction supply chains and advance sustainable growth across the built environment,” said Josine Heijmans, Vice President, dmg events. “As the UAE accelerates towards its smart city and net-zero goals, these international partnerships bring practical, scalable solutions that support project efficiency, quality and delivery.”

Big 5 Global is supported by leading sponsors and partners, including Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, Dubai Civil Defense, Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Municipality, Department of Municipalities and Transport, Ras Al Khaima Municipality, Riyadh Region Municipality, Meter Technology, Schüco, Alumil, Italian Trade Agency, Arabian Gulf Steel Industries (AGSI), GF, Dubai Investments Park, Würth Professional Solutions, MIE Groups, Daikin, Hisense, TCL, Gulf-O-Flex, DAC Group, DeWalt, Nassar Stone and Nemetschek Group.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Deepra Ahluwalia
Action PR
deepra.a@actionprgroup.com
 971 56 477 0995

Nour Ibrahim
Action PR
nour.i@actionprgroup.com
971 54 425 0187

Khushie Mallya
PR Executive
Construction, dmg events
khushiemallya@dmgevents.com

Ranju Warrier
Head of PR & Communications
Construction, dmg events
ranjuwarrier@dmgevents.com

About Big 5 Global:
With a 45-year legacy, Big 5 Global is the largest and most influential building and construction event in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia and the annual meeting hub for the global construction industry.  Taking place from 24 – 27 November 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Big 5 Global attracts more than 85,000 global attendees from over 165 countries and 2,800 exhibitors to UAE covering the full construction and urban development cycle across dedicated sectors and nine specialized events enabling industry professionals to source worldwide building solutions for every stage of construction: Heavy, Totally Concrete, Marble & Stone World, Urban Design & Landscape, Windows, Doors & Facades, HVACR World, LiveableCitiesX, GeoWorld and Future FM. 

For more information and to register, visit: www.Big5Global.com

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From November 12 to 14, 2025, the AFRICA24 Group (https://Africa24TV.com/) will provide exceptional coverage of the 2025 edition of the Afreximbank Compliance Forum, held under the theme: Artificial intelligence for safer and more transparent trade, thanks to a modern AML/CFT/FP compliance framework.

This edition of ACF2025 aims to be a forum for reflection on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it is transforming the compliance landscape across Africa and its diaspora.

ACF2025 : A major three-day event:

• 12–13 November: Launch ceremony and panel discussions
• 14 November: Launch of the African Association of Financial Sector Compliance Professionals (AACPFS)

About the Afreximbank Compliance Forum :

The Afreximbank Compliance Forum (ACF2025) is a leading event that will examine how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping compliance across Africa, enabling organisations to improve their competitiveness and agility through digital transformation.

Participants will examine the role of AI in improving risk assessment, fraud detection, and efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, while addressing the need for robust compliance policies to ensure the responsible use of AI technology.

As a leading forum, the ACF continues to foster dialogue between regulators, banks, and various stakeholders to address compliance challenges and seize opportunities in Africa's dynamic financial landscape.

The Africa24 Group 360° coverage and global broadcasting to 120 million households

Watch ‘Afreximbank Compliance Forum' 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.

Contact:
Communication Department – Africa24 Group
Gaëlle Stella Oyono
Email: onana@africa24tv.com
Tél.: +237 691 30 03 40

Follow Africa24 Group:
@ 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.

https://Africa24TV.com/

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• Link to the Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025: https://apo-opa.co/4p6eQE7

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7^th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative - MFFLI Summit 2025 on 19^th and 20^th June in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative along with The First Ladies of 14 African and Asian countries, who joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative” emphasized, “It is my great honor to welcome our esteemed Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, The First Ladies of Africa and Asia, and Ambassadors of our ‘More Than a Mother' campaign to the 7^th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit.

Through this important platform, we have collectively exchanged valuable experiences and engaged in meaningful discussions on the impact of our programs, which are aimed at transforming patient care and raising awareness of a wide range of critical social and health issues.”

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees added, “At Merck Foundation, our goal is improving overall health and well-being by building healthcare capacity and by providing access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in the Africa, Asia and beyond. I would like to sincerely thank our Ambassadors and partners. Together, with your unwavering support and collaboration, we will continue to work towards our vision of a world where everyone can lead a healthy and happy life.”

The First Ladies of 14 countries, who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, joined as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers. They are:

• H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola
• H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, The First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde
• H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of the Central African Republic
• H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of the Gabonese Republic
• H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia
• H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana
• H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya
• H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia
• H.E. Mrs. SAJIDHA MOHAMED, The First Lady of the Republic of Maldives
• H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, The First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique
• H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
• H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe
• H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, The First Lady of the Republic of Senegal
• H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej stated, “I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided more than 2400 scholarships for young doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties. Many of our Merck Foundation Alumni are becoming the first specialists in their countries. Together with our Ambassadors and Partners, we are making history and transforming the patient care landscape across Africa and beyond. Many of them are becoming the first specialists in their countries.”

“During our Conference, we also marked together the World Infertility Awareness Month, observed in June, through our signature campaign “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, which aims to empower infertile and childless women by providing access to information, education, and change of mindset. I am happy to share that out of the total 2400 scholarships, more than 760 scholarships have been provided for training in Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women's Health, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, and Family Medicine, to improve access to fertility care and women's health”, she further added. 

During the 7^th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit, two important occasions were marked; the 8^th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 13 years of Merck Foundation's development programs that started in 2012.

On the first day, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit took place, featuring a high-level panel discussion with the participating First Ladies of Africa and Asia. Moreover, a high-level ministerial panel discussion was held with African Ministers and top healthcare experts from across the globe.

The Day 2 of the conference will have three key parallel session will be held- Two medical and scientific sessions covering Oncology and Fertility Topics, and a community awareness session, Merck Foundation Health Media Training. This session will emphasize the critical role of the media in influencing communities and driving cultural change, with regards to a wide range of social and health issues like Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls' Education, Stopping GBV, Ending Child Marriage & FGM, Empowering Women, Diabetes and Hypertension Awareness.

The conference is being conducted in a hybrid format, enabling over 6,000 audiences from more than 70 countries to benefit, meet and discuss strategies and solutions for the health and social challenges in their countries safely and effectively.

Countries participating in the 7^th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative:

Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central Africa Republic, Cambodia, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Guinea – Bissau, Guinea – Conakry, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Gambia, Togo, Tunisia, U.A.E, UK, Uganda, US, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe and more.

The 7^th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative is streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation:

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/445CBE4), X (http://apo-opa.co/4p93EGW), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/3WTSRV0), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/3LDai9M).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4pbHoME), X (http://apo-opa.co/4oCQ4M3), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/3WPky1b), and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4oAA4df).

Link to the Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/4p6eQE7

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 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 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: http://apo-opa.co/445CBE4
X: http://apo-opa.co/4p93EGW
YouTube: http://apo-opa.co/3LDai9M
Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/3WTSRV0
Threads: http://apo-opa.co/4pdkkNv
Flickr: http://apo-opa.co/448i3Lb
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4i3dibS

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 (http://apo-opa.co/445CBE4), X (http://apo-opa.co/4p93EGW), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/3WTSRV0), YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/3LDai9M), Threads (http://apo-opa.co/4pdkkNv) and Flickr (http://apo-opa.co/448i3Lb).

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.

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Tech leaders, policymakers, and innovators took the spotlight on the second day of Africa Tech Festival 2025 (https://AfricaTechFestival.com/), turning discussions on ethical AI, inclusive investment, and human-centred leadership into a blueprint for Africa's digital future. Across the festival's stages, private and public sector stakeholders alike shared a commitment to driving innovation that is responsible, equitable, and rooted in African values.

A key highlight of the day was UN Assistant Secretary-General and Chief Information Technology Officer, Bernardo Mariano Junior, pledging the UN's support for Africa's AI journey. In his virtual keynote titled Governing AI in Africa – Building Trust through Contextual and Ethical Leadership, he underscored the need for African-led frameworks that prioritise transparency, accountability, and inclusion in the development and deployment of AI. Mariano noted that Africa's cultural and linguistic diversity makes it a proving ground for ethical and inclusive technology, and called for Africa to shape, not merely adopt, global AI norms and develop technology that serves humanity in the spirit of ubuntu.

Entrepreneurship and financial inclusion took centre stage at AfricaIgnite, where Odunayo Eweniyi, Co-Founder of PiggyVest and General Partner at FirstCheck Africa, shared tips on building sustainable ventures during the Lessons from a Top Founder on Building Success session. She reflected on PiggyVest's decade-long journey to democratise savings and investment for millions of Nigerians, emphasising that user trust, transparency, and regulatory collaboration are the cornerstones of long-term success in fintech. The session highlighted how responsible innovation can expand access and foster financial resilience across Africa's rapidly growing digital economy.

The festival's focus on youth and leadership was highlighted at Tech, Talent and the African Youth Dividend, featuring rugby legend and philanthropist Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira in discussion with Marcia Mahlalela (Ascendants Media Group). Drawing parallels between sport and entrepreneurship, the conversation highlighted discipline, resilience, and mentorship as key ingredients in shaping Africa's next generation of leaders. Reflecting on his journey from sport to social impact through the Beast Foundation, Mtawarira noted that leadership also means investing in others, empowering youth, and leaving organisations stronger for the future, including using technology to advance careers and improve social circumstances.

Addressing a key issue affecting many African countries, the AfricaCom fireside chat Connectivity Empowering Africa's Future – Why Rural Matters focused on the transformative power of digital infrastructure in underserved areas. Tumi Chamayou-Sekhukhune (MTN South Africa) and Dion Jerling (Connect Earth) examined how expanded connectivity continues to unlock economic potential and drive social inclusion across rural communities.

Continuing the discussions on the key role of women in Africa's tech ecosystem, panellists Nirvani Dhevcharran (The Foschini Group), Zandile Mposelwa (Zandile Mposelwa Consulting), and Nikita Thakrar (Included VC) discussed the need for sustained investment in women-led ventures and equitable representation in decision-making roles. The session, titled Leading from the Front - Women Shaping Africa's Tech Future, underscored that inclusive leadership is essential for sustainable growth, while highlighting successful women-designed tech innovations.

Reflecting on the day's programme, Kadi Diallo, Portfolio Manager for Africa Tech Festival, said, “Day Two showcased the power of inclusive investment in people, diversity, and potential. Whether through ethical AI governance, connectivity, or leadership, Africa's innovation story continues to be defined by those building a digital future that leaves no one behind.”

Framed by the festival's central themes of responsible innovation, inclusive investment, connectivity for development, and policy harmonisation, Africa Tech Festival 2025 continues to celebrate the strength and creativity of the continent's digital ecosystem across its four flagship programmes: AfricaCom, AfricaTech, The AI Summit Cape Town, and AfricaIgnite.

About Africa Tech Festival:
Now in its 28th edition, Africa Tech Festival 2025 will take place from 11 to 13 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), bringing together more than 15,000 technology leaders, policymakers, investors, startups, and visionaries. The Festival encompasses four anchor events:

• AfricaCom – The continent's largest telecoms and connectivity event
• AfricaTech – The hub for technology, innovation, and enterprise growth
• AfricaIgnite – Driving growth and impact in Africa's startup ecosystem
• The AI Summit Cape Town – Where commercial AI comes to life

With over 500 speakers, 300 exhibitors, and extensive networking opportunities, Africa Tech Festival remains the continent's most influential gathering for those shaping Africa's connected future.