South Africa’s diversified energy company Central Energy Fund (CEF) will join the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference – scheduled for 4-8 November in Cape Town – as a Platinum Sponsor and Gold Exhibitor, marking its third consecutive year sponsoring Africa’s premier energy event. CEF’s participation underscores its commitment to driving energy security and sustainable development across southern Africa, with the merger of three CEF subsidiaries set to streamline operations and improve efficiency within the sector.

This year marks a pivotal turning point for South Africa’s petroleum industry, as CEF subsidiaries – national oil company PetroSA, iGas and the Strategic Fuel Fund – merge to form the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC). SANPC will initially be incorporated as a subsidiary of the CEF Group until the National Petroleum Bill is promulgated into law​. The national petroleum company will focus on oil and gas exploration, production, midstream and downstream operations and infrastructure development, with a broad mandate to acquire, generate, manufacture, market and distribute various forms of energy, including renewables.

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.

To date, CEF has played a key role in addressing South Africa’s energy needs and driving regional energy development. With activities spanning oil, gas, coal, renewables and alternative energies, the company is committed to ensuring South Africa’s energy security and that of the broader Southern African Development Community. Through its proactive engagement and strategic investments across diverse energy sub-sectors, CEF not only serves to bolster the stability of energy South Africa’s supplies, but also pioneer sustainable practices that harmonize economic growth with environmental stewardship.

CEF is currently in the process of acquiring South Africa’s largest oil refinery, the 180,000-barrel per day Sapref plant. The acquisition is seen as a crucial step toward expanding the country’s refining capacity and supporting CEF’s growth strategy. By acquiring Sapref – a joint venture between Shell and bp – CEF aims to stabilize the country’s fuel supply chain, mitigate risks associated with fuel imports and create job opportunities. Moreover, with over 50 million barrels of fuel storage capacity, CEF stands poised to address growing domestic and regional demand for refined petroleum products, ensuring sustained energy provision across Mpumalanga and the Western Cape.

In addition to its operations in South Africa, CEF’s influence extends across the continent through strategic partnerships and investments. CEF recently concluded its acquisition of a 30% stake in the Republic of Mozambique Pipeline Company (Rompco), alongside Companhia Moçambicana de Gasoduto. The move solidifies CEF’s role in the ownership structure of Rompco, a critical infrastructure asset operating the 865-km gas transmission pipeline from Mozambique to South Africa. Additionally, CEF is at the forefront of developing and commercializing alternative energy resources and innovative technologies, with its portfolio including a 15% stake in the 100 MW Redstone Solar Thermal Power Plant and Molten Salt Energy Storage System.

“CEF plays a pivotal role in South Africa’s energy landscape and the SADC region, continuously driving innovation and sustainability. The merger of CEF subsidiaries to form the newly anointed SANPC marks a pivotal step forward in streamlining operations, enhancing efficiency and driving new energy exploration and production,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “With its Platinum Sponsorship, CEF will play a central role in fostering collaboration and showcasing its capabilities at AEW 2024: Invest in African Energy.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany has launched the Third 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: http://apo-opa.co/3RdVvT8, Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/3RcCFeZ, Twitter: http://apo-opa.co/3x5PUY2 and YouTube: http://apo-opa.co/4aJfWy0) and Merck Foundation (Facebook: http://apo-opa.co/3Xbc4D0, Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/3x7ius3, Twitter: http://apo-opa.co/4aTy5sW and YouTube: http://apo-opa.co/4ejGIjF).

Watch the Promo of ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ here:

https://apo-opa.co/3L8inj6

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

Watch the Third Episode promo here: https://apo-opa.co/4clWEAl

Watch the Third Episode here: https://apo-opa.co/3xCfMuK

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 third episode featured prominent personalities like Nontando Mposo, Editor-in-Chief, Glamour Magazine, South Africa and popular Singer Blaze from Mozambique. Fashion designers Anuja Bharti from Ghana and Alberto from Mozambique showcased their designs that displayed strong messages on #NoToInfertilityStigma and #MenToo can be the cause of infertility.

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/4cbefLj

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 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/3L5eQT0
Watch, share&subscribe to the “More Than a Mother” song by Cwesi Oteng and Adina from Ghana: https://apo-opa.co/3ziuKH0

Listen to all “More than a Mother” songs here:

https://apo-opa.co/3RwVPMR

“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.

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/3Xbc4D0
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4aTy5sW
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4ejGIjF
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3x7ius3
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4ejGKbh
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/45ourGB

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/3Xbc4D0, Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4aTy5sW, Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3x7ius3, YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4ejGIjF and Flicker https://apo-opa.co/4ejGKbh.

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has signed on as a Finance Partner to the upcoming London reception organized by the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) on July 11, which serves as a prelude to the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy 2024 conference this November.

Afreximbank acts as a strategic partner to Africa’s energy sector growth, financing and developing integrated projects that promote intra- and extra-African trade, as well as raising access to capital for project developers. Earlier this month, Afreximbank and the African Petroleum Producers Organization signed into implementation the Africa Energy Bank, designed to facilitate, promote and finance Africa’s oil, gas and energy industries. The agreement marks a historic milestone in efforts to increase energy access and close the funding gap for oil and gas projects across the continent, with $5 billion in initial capital raised from African signatories.

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.

The African continent has seen a series of recent energy sector deals, reflecting growing interest in the market and opening up opportunities for new players and investors. In 2024 alone, farm-in deals include TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy acquiring majority control of Block 3B/4B offshore South Africa; Petrobras acquiring stakes in three exploration blocks in São Tomé and Príncipe; 88 Energy entering PEL 93 onshore Namibia; Energean acquiring operatorship of the Lixus and Rissana licenses offshore Morocco; and Afentra acquiring interests in Blocks 3/05 and 305/A in Angola, among other transactions.   

In addition to mergers and acquisitions, a number of FIDs are expected on large-scale upstream and midstream developments in the coming months. In Namibia, TotalEnergies and Shell anticipate FID for the Venus-1X and Graff-1X deepwater discoveries by the end of 2024. TotalEnergies also anticipates FID for the Matola LNG terminal in Mozambique this year. The Nigeria-Morocco Pipeline expects FID in December 2024, which is set to transform regional energy access by supplying natural gas to Morocco, Europe and 13 West African nations. The Invest in African Energy reception in London serves to support European and global investment opportunities across the African energy value chain, attracting a new class of investors and strengthening cooperation between the two continents. 

“We are determined to close the project finance gap when it comes to funding Africa’s oil and gas and energy industries. There is no better partner for this than Afreximbank, who has played a central role in getting projects off the ground, building investor confidence and creating local project finance capacity. We welcome Afreximbank as the Finance Partner to the Invest in African Energy reception in London, which will set the stage for more deals and investments to be made at AEW 2024,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

The Invest in African Energy London reception takes place at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane from 17:00 to 21:00. Register now at https://apo-opa.co/3XIWuyz or contact register@aecweek.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

The number of children in Sudan facing severe food shortages has almost doubled in six months with about 75% of children now going hungry daily as conflict drives hunger levels to record levels, raising fears of rising child malnutrition, Save the Children said.

Based on drastic new figures from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Partnership – the leading international authority on the severity of hunger crises – Save the Children found 16.4 million children, or three in every four children,  now face “crisis”, “emergency” or “catastrophe” levels of hunger – up from 8.3 million last December [1] [2].

Fourteen months of devastating conflict in Sudan’s crop production areas of Darfur, Kordofan, Khartoum and Al Jazirah, rising displacement and severe restrictions on humanitarian access along with a gaping hole in funding have created one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters. The massive and worsening conflict is upending food systems, killing thousands of farmers, and leaving markets empty.

There is risk of famine in 14 locations across the country, with 755,000 people facing catastrophic levels of hunger, when households cannot meet any basic needs and have exhausted all coping strategies needed to survive, according to the IPC Partnership. Save the Children estimates that 355,605 of these will be children [3].

Lack of adequate food can lead to malnutrition which, without treatment, can have long term implications on children’s health and development, and even kill, Save the Children said.

IPC figures from March showed that in just one displacement camp, almost a quarter of children (23%) were suffering from wasting – the most visible and lethal form of malnutrition [4].

The humanitarian response for Sudan is woefully underfunded, with donors contributing to just 16.8% to a $2.7 billion UN response plan [5]. On the day of a major humanitarian funding conference in Paris earlier this year, Save the Children analysis found that the amount raised for the humanitarian crisis in Sudan in the first 105 days of 2024 was less than a fifth of what was pledged in just two days to rebuild the Notre Dame Cathedral. [6]

Dr. Arif Noor, Save the Children Country Director in Sudan, said:

“These new figures should make our blood run cold. Fourteen months of devastating conflict have turned Sudan’s breadbasket into battlefields. Hundreds of thousands of children who have managed to dodge bullets and bombs are now facing death by starvation and disease.

“Where is the collective outrage – and action – needed to tackle this travesty? It is already too late to prevent mass hunger and malnutrition. But through immediate, co-ordinated action, we can save lives – and history will judge us if we do not.”

Save the Children is calling for an immediate ceasefire and meaningful progress towards a lasting peace agreement. In the meantime, the child rights organisation is pushing for safe, unimpeded humanitarian access to civilians across border routes and fighting lines inside Sudan; the safeguarding of vital infrastructure essential for food systems, such as markets, agricultural land, and storage facilities; and immediate intervention from the international community to fully fund the Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan to save children’s lives.

Save the Children has worked in Sudan since 1983,  and is currently supporting children and their families across Sudan providing health, nutrition, education, child protection and food security and livelihoods support. Save the Children is also supporting refugees from Sudan in Egypt and South Sudan.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Save the Children.