Lersha, a one-stop digital platform, recently participated in GITEX Africa 2024 (www.GITEXAfrica.com), an event celebrated for its networking and exposure opportunities within the tech ecosystem. The event proved to be a platform for Lersha to engage with industry stakeholders, forge strategic partnerships, and showcase its commitment to driving innovation in Africa.

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Embracing the theme of innovation and investment, Lersha navigated the vibrant tech landscape of Africa with strategic objectives and meticulous preparation. The event provided a conducive environment for Lersha to foster cross-border collaborations, exchange insights with startups, and explore investment opportunities, contributing to the advancement of African innovation.

Reflecting on the experience, Satta Abraham, Strategy and Growth Lead at Lersha, remarked, “GITEX Africa was an invaluable opportunity for us to connect with industry leaders, exchange ideas, and establish meaningful partnerships. We are excited to harness these connections to drive forward African innovation and empower communities.”

One of the highlights of the event was the productive engagement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) team. Lersha’s Strategic and Growth Lead participated in insightful discussions, exploring avenues for collaboration and growth over dinner.

Furthermore, Lersha actively contributed to the panel discussion on “Agtech for Financial Inclusion,” where its Strategy&Growth Lead shared key insights on leveraging AgTech to promote financial inclusion in Africa. This discussion underscored Lersha’s commitment to utilizing technology to address pressing challenges in the agricultural sector and enhance financial accessibility for all stakeholders.

In addition to participating in panel discussions, Lersha showcased its digital solutions alongside other innovative startups, demonstrating its role in shaping the future of Africa’s digital landscape. From cutting-edge technology to groundbreaking ideas, Lersha reaffirmed its dedication to driving positive change through innovation and collaboration.

As Lersha continues to expand its footprint in Africa, the company remains committed to leveraging technology to empower communities, drive economic growth, and foster sustainable development across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.

About Lersha:
Lersha is a leading digital solutions provider dedicated to driving innovation and fostering economic growth in Africa. With a focus on leveraging technology to address key challenges, Lersha offers a range of solutions tailored to empower communities, enhance productivity, and promote sustainable development. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives, Lersha is committed to shaping the future of Africa’s digital landscape.

EcoFlow (https://apo-opa.co/3VEthn1), a leading provider of eco-friendly energy solutions, is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated Mid-Year Sale (https://apo-opa.co/3XFZ4Wf). The event kicks off on 14th June and runs through 28th June, offering customers in South Africa incredible discounts on a range of EcoFlow’s most popular products.

The Mid-Year Sale coincides with the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship, ensuring fans can enjoy uninterrupted entertainment with reliable and sustainable power solutions. EcoFlow’s innovative portable power stations (https://apo-opa.co/3VGPG30) are designed to power almost any home appliance, from TVs and microwaves to refrigerators, making them an essential addition to any household, not only during periods of loadshedding but also on a daily basis to help save on energy bills.

The sale will feature exclusive deals for products and combos, providing even greater value to customers. The promotion includes, but is not limited to:

RIVER Pro&160W Portable Solar Panel (https://apo-opa.co/3XFZ5th): Originally priced at R21,998, this combo enjoys a 55% discount during the Mid-Year Sale, bringing the price down to R9,999. The RIVER Pro is a versatile power station with a 720Wh capacity, capable of powering up to 10 devices simultaneously. Paired with the 160W portable solar panel (https://apo-opa.co/3VDKjlc), it ensures you have a sustainable power source on hand, perfect for outdoor adventures or emergency backup.

DELTA 2 Max&400W Portable Solar Panel (https://apo-opa.co/3XFZ6gP): This combo, originally priced at R46,998, is now available with a 36% discount, reducing the price to R29,999. The DELTA 2 Max boasts a 2016Wh capacity, making it powerful enough to run heavy-duty appliances like refrigerators and power tools. The included 400W solar panel allows for efficient solar charging, ensuring you can keep your power station charged even off-grid.

DELTA Pro&400W Portable Solar Panel (https://apo-opa.co/3VDKkpg): Originally sold at R80,998, this combo is now priced at R53,999, with a 33% discount during the sale. The DELTA Pro is EcoFlow’s most powerful portable power station so far with a massive 3600Wh capacity. It can power almost any home appliance and even supports EV charging. Combined with the 400W portable solar panel, it provides a robust, eco-friendly power solution for both home and professional use.

Portable power stations are an effective solution during times of loadshedding. As loadshedding is mitigated, portable power stations have gradually become a home essential that helps reduce energy bills and promote a greener and more sustainable lifestyle. Users can potentially save up to around R3,600 with a combo of one DELTA 2 Max and two 400W solar panels set up at home[1].

“We are excited to bring our Mid-Year Sale to South Africa, particularly during such a vibrant time as the UEFA tournament,” said Bradley Chetty, B2C Sales Director at EcoFlow South Africa. “Our products are designed to provide reliable power solutions, helping our customers stay connected and entertained, while also promoting sustainability and saving energy costs”

For more information on the Mid-Year Sale and to explore the full range of EcoFlow’s products, visit: https://apo-opa.co/4c2jqNI

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of EcoFlow.

Media Contact:
Haochen Zhang
haochen.zhang@ecoflow.com

About EcoFlow:
EcoFlow is a leading eco-friendly energy solutions company with the vision to power a new world. Since its founding in 2017, EcoFlow aims to become a trusted energy companion for families across the world, providing simple, flexible and reliable power solutions at home, outdoors, and in mobile spaces. Today, with operational headquarters located in the USA, Germany, and Japan, EcoFlow has empowered more than 3 million users in over 100 markets worldwide.

Angola is leveraging industry-wide reform to not only attract new investments across its oil and gas industry but to unlock a wealth of opportunities for the people of Angola. Under the guidance of the Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, the Ministry has strengthened the environment for doing business in Angola, with regulatory amendments, partnerships with IOCs and a deliberate intention to empower state-owned institutions making the market more attractive than ever.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – representing the voice of the African energy sector – met with Minister Azevedo in Luanda to discuss what the country has done to attract investment. Part of a working visit to the country by the AEC, the three-hour session delved into ongoing oil and gas projects; how empowering institutions such as the National Oil, Gas&Biofuels Agency (ANPG); Sonangol; and the Oil Derivatives of the Republic of Angola (IRDP) has created a competitive industry; and the critical role of local content development in the country.

In recent years, the Angolan government has implemented a series of measures to enhance the investment landscape, with regulatory reforms and supportive policies laying the foundation for billion-dollar deals in the oil and gas space. Instituted reforms include optimizing a focus on deepwater projects, offering attractive terms for onshore exploration, and incentivizing local Angolan companies. Additional measures include the establishment of the New Gas Consortium to enhance gas exploration; restructuring the national oil company Sonangol; and the introduction of downstream regulator IRDP. Concurrently, Angola is boosting oil production through a six-year licensing round spearheaded by Angola’s upstream regulator the ANPG. This initiative includes production sharing negotiations for offshore blocks and aims to revitalize exploration in the Lower Congo and Kwanza Basins.

To support companies doing business in Angola, the country has also imposed a series of travel policy amendments. In 2023, the country implemented a measure that allows citizens from 90 countries to travel to Angola visa-free. The policy supports travel and commerce to Angola, making the country that much more attractive to foreign companies. Additionally, the country implemented a one-stop-shop for local content compliance in the oil and gas industry, enhancing transparency and policy implementation across the sector. In tandem with an amended Local Content Policy – which provides greater clarity on local content requirements and creates new avenues for local service providers – the one-stop-shop creates revenue-generating opportunities for the country.  

Recent project developments in Angola reflect the positive impact of these reforms, with various IOCs making significant progress in developing large-scale oil and gas projects. TotalEnergies, for example, is driving a multi-energy strategy in Angola, which includes investments in deepwater exploration and the development of the $850 million Begonia field. The company made FID on the $6 billion Kaminho development last month, the largest deepwater development in the Kwanza basin. The development comprises the Cameia and Golfinho fields and will come online by late-2025. Additionally, the Agogo Integrated West Hub Development – operated by international energy company Azule Energy and located in Block 15/06 – is expected to produce 120,000 barrels per day (bpd). Production is set to commence in 2026 and the project forms part of a broader effort to increase national oil output and utilize existing infrastructure efficiently.

ExxonMobil is also making progress with exploration endeavors. The company has plans to invest up to $15 billion in developing hydrocarbons in the company, following the success and outcome of ongoing exploration projects. ExxonMobil recently completed drilling operations at the Likember-01 research well in Block 15 offshore Angola between February and April 2024. The drilling in the Kizomba B development area uncovered high-quality hydrocarbon-bearing sand packages, which indicate significant potential for further exploration and production. This discovery underscores the ongoing success of Angola’s efforts to attract major international oil companies and highlights the country’s rich hydrocarbon resources.

On the gas front, the Angola LNG Project – a partnership between Sonangol and energy majors Chevron, TotalEnergies and Azule Energy – aims to boost the country’s LNG production capacity. With a capacity of 5.2 million tons per year, the project has been producing and exporting LNG for several years, positioning the country as a gas-driven economy. Additionally, a new terminal and logistics hub in Soyo will produce 65,000 bpd and store 2 million barrels. This Public-Private Partnership project offers importation exemptions and a ten-year tax break, with operations set to begin in 2026 and a license duration of 15 to 25 years.

“Angola continues to attract investment through various initiatives and the results are already showing in the oil and gas industry. By offering new exploration blocks, enhancing local content policies to boost domestic industry participation and improving infrastructure to support project logistics, the country is creating a robust and sustainable energy sector that contributes to Angola’s economic growth,” states NJ Ayuk Executive Chairman of the AEC. “The government continues to address challenges to doing business by promoting travel and commerce, tackling above-ground risks such as visas, and engaging with Angolan companies. This will catalyze growth in the country and the AEC fully supports Minister Azevedo and the country.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com) marked a milestone of providing 146 scholarships to Ghanian doctors in 42 critical specialties during their annual Alumni Summit – Celebrating their legacy of transforming patient care landscape in Ghana; Merck Foundation Ghana Alumni Summit and Merck Foundation Awards Ceremony 2024 were conducted in Accra, chaired by Ghana First Lady and Merck Foundation CEO and Chairman.

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany conducted the Merck Foundation Ghana Annual Summit and Awards Ceremony 2024 in Accra, Ghana, chaired by The First Lady of Ghana, H.E. Mrs. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, and CEO of Merck Foundation, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej. During the Summit, they met and acknowledged the Merck Foundation Alumni and the Winners of the Merck Foundation Recognition Awards 2023 from Ghana.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign emphasized, “It is a great honor to meet my dear sister, H.E. The First Lady of Republic of Ghana and the Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” to discuss our long-term partnership, celebrate our great achievements and mark an important milestone of success and impact of our programs, since 2018. I am very happy to share that we have together transformed the patientcare landscape of Ghana by providing 146 scholarships of One-Year Online PG Diploma and Two-Year Master Degree for local doctors in many underserved and critical medical specialties in Ghana such as Fertility, Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Respiratory, Acute Medicine, Sexual and Reproductive care, Embryology, Respiratory, Critical care, Psychiatry, General Surgery, Dermatology, Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Gastroenterology, Neuroimaging for Research, Pain Management, Rheumatology, and Neonatal Medicine and more. This is a huge milestone and revolution in patient care across Ghana.

Moreover, it was amazing to felicitate the 33 winners of Merck Foundation Media, Fashion and Song Awards 2022 and 2023 from Ghana and discuss with them the critical role they can play to create a culture shift, be the voice of the voiceless and be the Merck Foundation health and social champions”, added Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Merck Foundation Board of Trustees emphasized, “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia and other developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patientcare landscape through our scholarships program.”

H.E. Mrs. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO, The First Lady of Republic of Ghana, Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” expressed, “It is a pleasure to welcome and meet Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO to our country. Together we celebrated an important milestone of the great success of our joined programs and also shared the impact of our partnership journey that we have with Merck Foundation to build healthcare capacity, transform patientcare, break infertility stigma and support girl education in our country since 2018.

In a very short time, we have been able to provide 146 scholarships to our young doctors in many specialties which are very critical for us.”

Merck Foundation has provided 1810 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries in 42 critical and underserved medical specialties.

“Merck Foundation and The First Lady of Ghana are together transforming the cancer care in the country,” Dr. Rasha Kelej Added.

Out of the total 146 scholarships provided in Ghana, Merck Foundation has provided 39 scholarships to doctors for Fertility, Embryology, Sexual&Reproductive Medicine and Women’s Health. This is a huge number that will advance women’s health in the country.

61 scholarships have been provided for Diabetes, Endocrinology, Preventive Cardiovascular, and Obesity&Weight Management, for Ghanaian doctors from different provinces across the country, which is very important to improve access to quality and equitable diabetes and hypertension patient care not only in Accra but nationwide. After completion of the course, these doctors will be able to establish diabetes or hypertension clinics in their Health Centre or Hospital with the aim to help prevent and manage the disease in their own communities.

6 scholarships have been provided to doctors for Oncology.

Moreover, Merck Foundation has also provided 40 scholarships to Ghanian doctors for other critical and underserved specialties like Acute Medicine, Respiratory, Critical care, General Surgery, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Gastroenterology, Pain Management and many more, as part of Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement Program.

During the Summit, Merck Foundation Awards Ceremony was held, during which Merck Foundation Chairman, Merck Foundation CEO together with Ghana First Lady met and acknowledged the 33 Winners of the Merck Foundation Awards.

Moreover, Merck Foundation also conducted their Health Media Training in partnership with The First Lady of Ghana and Ghana Journalists Association for the Ghanian journalists, to emphasize on the important role that media plays to influence society to create a cultural shift with the aim to address wide range of social and health issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels; to underscore the importance of Empowering Girls and Women in Education and to understand the Influence of infertility stigma and other social issues like GBV, Child Marriage, FGM etc. on women and couples – Social and Psychological Impact. Apart from this, the media training also included a session on the importance of increasing the awareness of early detection and prevention of Diabetes and Hypertension. The training session was addressed by prominent Medical and Media Experts.

Moreover, Merck Foundation is working closely with Ghana First Lady foundation  to inspire girls and sensitize communities about the importance of girl education. As a part of their ‘Educating Linda’ program, Merck Foundation will sponsor the education of 20 deserving schoolgirls. Together, they also executed the TV program “Because I Want To Be” with the aim to reduce dropout rate for adolescent girls and make sure they stay on in school till after SHS and to provide employable skills to adolescent girls who cannot go back to school.

“I really believe that when the girls are educated, their countries become more powerful, stronger&prosperous”, added Senator Kelej.  

Moreover, Merck Foundation Chairman, and Merck Foundation CEO together with The First Lady of Ghana signed  a few copies of their different children’s storybooks titled: “More Than a Mother” created for children and youth to emphasize and strengthen family values of love and respect from an early age; “Educating Aku”, “Jackline’s Rescue” and “Ride into the Future”  to emphasize on the importance of empowering girls through education, “Not Who You Are” to teach boys to love and respect their future wives and eliminate domestic violence, to emphasize on the importance of empowering girls through education and “Sugar Free Jude” and “Mark’s Pressure” to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness on the early detection and prevention of Diabetes&Hypertension. Thousands of  copies of these storybooks are going to be distributed to school students of Ghana.

Winners from Ghana in partnership with The First Lady of Ghana, H.E. Mrs. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO&Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” are:

Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2023

Raissa Sambou, The Spectator, First Position, Print Category
Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee, Myjoyonline, First Position, Online Category
Mavis Offei Acheampong, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Second Position, Radio Category
Emmanuel Samani, TV3, First Position, Multimedia Category
Stanley Nii Blewu, TV3, Second Position, Multimedia Category

Merck Foundation “Diabetes&Hypertension” Media Awards 2023

Jennifer Ambolley, Chronicle, First Position, Print Category
Godwin Awuni Anafo, Daily Graphic, Second Position, Print Category
Muniratu Akweley Issah, Ghana News Agency, Second Position, Online Category
Cecilia Lagba Yada, Ghanaian Times, Third Position, Online Category
Grace Hammoah Agyemang, TV3, First Position, Multimedia Category

Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2022

Agnes Opoku Sarpong, New Times Corporation, First Position, Print Category
Georgina Appiah, www.CitiNewsroom.com, First Position, Online Category
Raissa Sambou, Ghanaian Times, Third Position, Online Category
Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee, Freelance Journalist, Third Position, Online Category
Mavis Offei Acheampong, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, First Position, Radio Category
Ohemeng Tawiah, JoyNews TV, First Position, Multimedia Category
Emmanuel Bright Quaicoe&Anita Serwaa Adzoga, Multimedia Group, Third Position, Multimedia Category
Sarah Apenkroh, TV3, Third Position, Multimedia Category

Merck Foundation “Diabetes&Hypertension” Media Awards 2022

Abigail Nana Efua Arthur, Ghanaian Times, First Position, Print Category
Ernest Senanu Dovlo, Metro Television Online, Second Position, Online Category
Vida Essel, www.GhanaPlus.com, Third Position, Online Category
Muniratu Akweley Issah, Ghana News Agency, Third Position, Online Category
Zadok Kwame Gyesi, Daily Graphic Online, Third Position, Online Category
Sarah Teiki Ofori, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, First Position, Multimedia Category

Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Fashion Awards 2022

Esther Awukubea
David Kwabena Appiah
Ambe Odette Awah (Ody Fachy)

Merck Foundation “Diabetes&Hypertension” Fashion Awards 2022

Eric Adomako
Linda Mensah
Dorcas Baliki
Jude Aryeetey 
Bridgette Prah

Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Song Awards 2022

Fouad Sarpong (eftii)

During the training session, the Call for applications for their 8 important awards in partnership with The First Lady of Ghana were announced for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields. Details of the awards below:

Details of the Awards:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2024: Media representatives and media students are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2024.

2. Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2024:  All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2024.

3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2024: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2024.

4. Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2024: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2024.

5. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2024 “Diabetes&Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2024.

6. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2024 “Diabetes&Hypertension”: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2024.

7. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2024 “Diabetes&Hypertension”: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2024.

8. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2024 “Diabetes&Hypertension”: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2024.

Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to:

submit@merck-foundation.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

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

Contact details:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
+91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

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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/4cjasLt), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/4emj3yL), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/45lAZFV), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4eluve2) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4ejATm9).