The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has expressed strong support for revitalizing the African Union (AU) Peace Fund, pledging to continue implementing innovative strategies to address fragility and build resilience across the continent.

Mrs. Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, the Bank’s Vice President for Regional Development, Integration, and Business Delivery, said this during a high-level meeting on Saturday aimed at mobilizing resources for the AU Peace Fund. The event was held on the sidelines of the AU’s 6th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Accra.

Akin-Olugbade highlighted various initiatives by the African Development Bank to foster peace in Africa, including providing technical assistance to the Peace Fund. She emphasized the Bank’s focus on developing human capital, strengthening institutions, and promoting inclusive governance alongside infrastructure and economic growth. “These programs not only foster economic growth but also address the root causes of conflict by promoting inclusivity and empowering marginalized groups,” she stressed.

She mentioned the issuance of Security Indexed Investment Bonds, an innovative financial mechanism to mobilize resources for peacebuilding and development. The Bank is also rolling out Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Banks to empower young entrepreneurs and provide robust support for women-led businesses through the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative. This will foster economic stability, improve livelihoods and bolster social inclusion.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairman of the African Union Commission, announced that the Fund has garnered close to its first target of $400 million, primarily from member state contributions. He commended the countries for their dedication to the Fund, despite facing global challenges.

“This achievement reflects members’ unity and determination,” Mahamat said, urging continued momentum to build on these successes.

Mahamat called on the private sector, multilateral financial institutions, state-owned enterprises, high-net-worth individuals, and philanthropists to support the Fund, emphasizing that “peace is the business of all of us.”

Dagmawit Moges, Director of the AU Peace Fund, announced that the organization’s management was setting up an independent evaluation group to assess Peace Fund disbursements. This group will comprise two representatives from each region of Africa and a representative from the African Development Bank Group and Afreximbank.

“We are implementing a robust organizational strategy to secure commitments from the public sector, multilateral institutions, as well as residents and the diaspora,” Moges said, adding that in the past three months, the AU has successfully engaged the private sector and other organs in five member states – Kenya, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, and Cameroon. This engagement has led to stronger partnerships supporting the Fund’s activities. She commended the AU Staff Association for voluntarily contributing to the Fund.

The meeting brought together ministers from African member states, diplomats, business leaders, private sector operators, representatives of pan-African organizations and regional economic blocs, commercial banks, and development finance institutions.

Saturday’s event not only served as a platform to reinvigorate resource mobilization for the Fund but also showcased the vibrant culture of a self-determined Africa, featuring music, dancing, and tributes to leading pan-Africanists, including Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who led Ghana to independence and subsequently became the country’s first president.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact:
Kwasi Kpodo
Communication and External Relations
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

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany has launched the Fifth Episode of their first-ever TV program – ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ on their social media handles.

‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ is a pan African TV program that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation to feature African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa.

The TV program is currently broadcasting on KTN Home in Kenya, every Saturday at 5 pm and repeated every Thursday at 6:30 am.

It has also been broadcasted on prime TV stations of many countries like BTV (Botswana) Mashariki TV (Burundi), GHOne&TV3 (Ghana), QTV (The Gambia), LNTV (Liberia), Mibawa Limited (Malawi), Defi Media (Mauritius), AYV TV (Sierra Leone), NTV (Uganda), ZNBC TV (Zambia), and ZBC (Zimbabwe) and it immediately captured the attention and hearts of millions of viewers across Africa. “Our Africa” TV Program will soon be broadcast on GTV in Ghana, NBC in Namibia, and ZTN in Zimbabwe. “Our Africa” TV Program is also currently on social media handles of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4bYYciS), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3ShhA3G), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/3yazjmk) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3SkY9Hg) and Merck Foundation (Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3A3LrGg), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3yacaAx), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/3SmpJDU) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4c2uR6V).

Watch the Promo of ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ here: https://apo-opa.co/3Wz26KC

The theme for the Fifth Episode is Breaking the Infertility Stigma, particularly around women, in Africa.

Watch the Fifth Episode promo here: https://apo-opa.co/4cVzG3e

Watch the Fifth Episode here: https://apo-opa.co/3WAuHiY

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation expressed, “Firstly, I would like to thank all the viewers and followers for the amazing response we have received for our TV Program ‘Our Africa’. Our social media is flooded with lovely and inspiring messages from the viewers! This episode is indeed close to my heart as an African woman, as it is part of our signature campaign “More than a Mother”, the work we have created by our fashion designers and artists all over Africa was very encouraging and kept pushing us to work harder to address this sensitive issue and empower infertile women through information, health and change of mindset. And of course, we will keep addressing more sensitive social and health issues to be the voice of the voiceless in our beloved Africa”.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation further emphasized, “The messages of the designs are also focusing on the issue of male infertility and how fertility is a shared responsibility as it takes a man and woman to have a child. We have addressed this issue through our Fashion and Art with Purpose community. Together we can create a culture shift that will help our communities better understand and act on different issues. Through this episode, I also got a chance to thank my dear sisters, the African First Ladies who I have worked very closely with Merck Foundation for this Movement, as Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother.

I would also like to thank our viewers for the amazing response we have been receiving, this is indeed very inspiring and encouraging. Moreover, I would especially like to acknowledge the love we have been receiving from our social media followers, it is phenomenal.”

Merck Foundation’s iconic “More Than a Mother” campaign started and led by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej is a rallying movement to Break Infertility Stigma faced by women across the African continent.

“More Than a Mother’ Movement is very close to my heart. Along with all the initiatives under this Movement, Merck Foundation also supports building healthcare capacity in Africa, therefore, I am happy to share that Merck Foundation has provided more than 574 scholarships to doctors from 39 countries, with the aim to advance women’s health by building Reproductive&Sexual care and Fertility Care Capacity in Africa and beyond. Moreover, we have trained more than 3200 media representatives from more than 35 countries to raise community awareness, creating a culture shift and breaking the stigma around infertility and infertile and childless women” explained Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

This fifth episode featured prominent personalities like fashion designers David Kusi Boye-Doye from Ghana, and Claire Asiimwe from Uganda who showcased their designs that displayed strong messages on Women are More Than Mothers, Men and More Than Fathers, #NoToInfertilityStigma, #FertilityIsASharedResponsibility and infertility prevention tips; and Santa Anzo, a renowned Fashion Designer from Uganda.

The episode also featured a More Than a Mother theme song by Sunita Daffeh, a singer from The Gambia, and a video about Jackline Mwende, a victim of infertility stigma. The video shows how childless women in some cultures suffer from discrimination, violence, stigma, and ostracism, and how Merck Foundation supported Jackline by providing her with house and supermarket so she can be independent and have a steady income.

Merck Foundation has also been empowering childless and infertile women through their “Empowering Berna” initiative under Merck Foundation’s “More Than a Mother” movement. This initiative helps women who cannot be treated for infertility anymore by helping them to get trained to establish small businesses so that they can be independent and re-build their lives. Through ‘Empowering Berna’, the lives of many infertile women have been transformed in many African countries like Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Central African Republic, Niger, Malawi and many more.

Merck Foundation in partnership with African First Ladies have also launched children’s storybook “More Than a Mother”, to emphasize strong family values of love and respect from a young age which will reflect on eliminating the stigma of infertility and resulted domestic violence in the future. The book has been also adapted to an animation film. Watch More than a Mother Animation Film here: https://apo-opa.co/4bVPAcz

Merck Foundation has also released many songs to raise awareness about infertility stigma under their “More Than a Mother” campaign. Listen to some of the songs here:

Watch, share&subscribe to More Than a Mother theme song by Sunita Daffeh, a singer from The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/46zc8z7
Watch, share&subscribe to the ‘Plus qu’une MERE’ composed and sung by Ms. Lucky-Lou, the daughter of The President and The First Lady of Burundi: https://apo-opa.co/4d5nzAu
Watch, share&subscribe to the “More Than a Mother” song by Cwesi Oteng and Adina from Ghana: https://apo-opa.co/3zVBHxS

Listen to all “More than a Mother” songs here: https://apo-opa.co/46kHwkp

“To address this important issue of breaking infertility stigma and also a wide range of other social issues, we annually launch Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother’ Awards in partnership with African First Ladies. I would also like to invite the African Community of Media, Fashion, Film making, and Musicians, students and potential talents in these fields to apply for the awards this year, in order to create a culture shift and break the silence about one or more of the following topics: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels. I am looking forward to receiving their creative work on submit@merck-foundation.com”, added Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

More images: https://apo-opa.co/3xZJTNb

Contact details:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
+91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
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/3A3LrGg
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/3SmpJDU
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4c2uR6V
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3yacaAx
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4dbZ3gV
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download the Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4deRdDc

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 and scientific research capacity 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/3A3LrGg), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/3SmpJDU), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3yacaAx), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4c2uR6V) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4dbZ3gV).

Following the results of ongoing drilling campaigns, energy major ExxonMobil could invest as much as $15 billion in Angola’s Namibe basin by 2030. Active in the country for 30 years, the company is developing a series of large-scale oil and gas projects while implementing initiatives to maximize output at producing fields. ExxonMobil’s Lead Country Manager/Managing Director for Angola Katrina Fisher will provide an update on the company’s project portfolio in Angola during the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference this November.

Boasting 18 discoveries in Block 15 alone, ExxonMobil is intensifying its exploration and production activities in the country, aligning with national objectives to maintain production above 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd) through 2027. The company currently produces 200,000 barrels daily across various high-potential blocks, with interests in Blocks 15, 17, 32, 30, 44, and 45. Hitting a milestone of 2.5 billion barrels of cumulative production at Block 15 in 2023, the company remains committed to supporting production growth in Angola.

AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

ExxonMobil is making great strides towards maximizing production at active oilfields in Angola. In line with the country’s Incremental Production initiative – which aims to incentivize investment in producing fields through amended fiscal terms – the company made a discovery at the Likember-01 research well in Block 15 this year. Situated in the Kizomba B development area, the well revealed the existence of high-quality hydrocarbon-bearing sand packages and was the first to be drilled as part of the Incremental Production program. The discovery follows another find made at the Bavuca Sul-1 exploration well in November 2022, both of which underscore additional potential at Block 15. Fisher will provide an update on ExxonMobil’s efforts to revitalize output at producing fields in the southern African nation at the AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024.

Alongside upstream projects, ExxonMobil is contributing to sustainable development in Angola through local content, Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives and capacity-building efforts. In June 2024, the ExxonMobil Foundation launched the Africa STEM Program in Angola, part of a $300 million project to promote STEM education for approximately 3,000 African students across Nigeria, Namibia, Angola and Mozambique. The program aims to equip 1,000 Angolan students with essential skills to thrive in the STEM industry. Additionally, ExxonMobil and its Block 15 partners sponsor the Eco-Youth Program, offering vocational training to over 600 girls in Angola’s Benguela and Luanda provinces in areas such as electrical installation, environmental sustainability, IT training and welding. During the AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 conference, Fisher will not only provide insight into strategies for advancing sustainable oil and gas development in Angola but engage with regional and global players on future projects and collaborative opportunities.

“Angola has transformed from a nascent explorer into one of Africa’s largest oil producers. ExxonMobil has contributed significantly towards the growth of the Angolan energy market through large-scale investments, innovative technologies, infrastructure development and a commitment to local empowerment. Notwithstanding the value of producing projects, the company’s commitment to reinvesting in active oilfields is beginning to unlock new opportunities for production growth in Angola, showing the value of directing capital towards maximizing output,” stated NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

During AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, Fisher will participate in panel discussions around investment opportunities in Angola’s oil and gas market. This year’s conference will also feature an Invest in Angola Energies country spotlight, providing direct insight into the country’s block opportunities, ongoing projects and national industry priorities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Equatorial Guinea’s national oil company (NOC) GEPetrol has outlined a multi-phase development plan for the Zafiro Field, located in Block B. The company will work towards increasing the flow of production at the field, leveraging its newfound position as operator of the block to bolster production and support economic growth. The plan envisages a new era of industry growth for the country, all on the back of GEPetrol’s restructuring as a competitive upstream player.

The field development plan comprises three phases, the first of which will be implemented at the beginning of 2025. This phase includes reconnecting selected wells that were previously connected to the Zafiro Producer floating production unit (FPU). ExxonMobil was forced to halt production in 2022 due to water entering the Zafiro producer FPU. The second phase, which will be implemented in parallel to the first phase, involves cost optimization work as well as the optimization of well exploitation and production. The third phase will be implemented from 2025 onwards and will feature the redevelopment of the Zafiro field, with the plan for this phase currently under discussion.

GEPetrol assumed operatorship of Block B from energy major ExxonMobil this year, following the expiration of the Production Sharing Contract that existed between the major and the government. Comprising the Zafiro field – an offshore asset that has been producing since 1996 – the block has the potential to boost national oil production through fresh investment and collaborations. In April 2024, GEPetrol awarded a five-year technical contract to international service provider Petrofac for work related to Block B. The $350 million contract covers services related to onshore support bases, an FPSO and a platform at the Zafiro field. The contract aligns closely with GEPetrol’s commitment to revitalizing the Zafiro field and will support operations as the NOC boosts production.

The multi-phase redevelopment of the Zafiro field comes as GEPetrol redefines its role in the industry from an entity that represents the state to a competitive operator and producer. The acquisition of Block B reflects this transformation and will be instrumental in both GEPetrol’s evolution and the country’s growth. GEPetrol has also recently celebrated the first shipment of Zafiro Blend Crude Oil with the NOC as operator, showcasing the proactive approach the company is taking to operating and growing the block. 

GEPetrol’s transformation into a competitive operator follows a trend of similar NOC restructuring in Africa, all of which have enhanced the competitiveness and capacity of the respective NOCs. These include Angola’s Sonangol, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Algeria’s Sonatrach, and more. Globally, the transformation of Brazil’s Petrobras, Mexico’s Pemex and Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Aramco positioned these companies as major explores and producers, allowing them to compete with IOCs and independents while aligning projects with national development objectives. With its operatorship of Block B, GEPetrol is following the same path and remains committed to accelerating the development of oil and gas in proven blocks such as this.

“The Zafiro field has played an important part in shaping Equatorial Guinea’s energy industry for several decades and will continue to be a catalyst of growth in the years to come. By taking over as operator, GEPetrol is not only demonstrating its commitment to the block but the company’s newfound transformation into a competitive upstream player. GEPetrol looks forward to this new era of industry growth in Equatorial Guinea as well as new collaborations that will unfold as a result of Block B’s success,” stated Antonio Oburu Ondo, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons of Equatorial Guinea.

As the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber supports the multi-faceted approach GEPetrol is taking to boost oil production in Equatorial Guinea.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.