In an effort to strengthen the relations of fraternity, friendship, and cooperation between the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire and the Republic of Liberia, the seventh session of the joint Ivoirian-Liberian cooperation commission was held on May 16 and 17, 2024, in Abidjan. The Ivorian delegation was led by His Excellency Mr. Leon Kacou Adom, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Ivoirians abroad, and the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire. The Liberian delegation was led by Her Excellency Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia. During her stay in Cote d’Ivoire, H.E. Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti was received in audience by His Excellency Mr. Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, to whom she transmitted a message of friendship and thanks from His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, for the fraternal and warm welcome extended to him, as well as to his delegation on the occasion of his working and friendship visit to Cote d’Ivoire on March 7 and 8, 2024.

On the sidelines of the work of the seventh session of the Ivoirian-Liberian joint commission, H.E. Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti had a productive meeting with her Ivoirian counterpart, H.E. Kaou Adom, during which they discussed bilateral, sub-regional, and international issues.

At the bilateral level, the two Ministers hailed the good quality of the relations of friendship and cooperation between Cote d’Ivoire and Liberia and reaffirmed their shared desire to work toward reinforcing them for the well-being of their peoples. In particular, the two heads of delegation reiterated their commitment to carry out, without delay, the actions required to revitalize the Mano River Union (M.R.U), in order to reinforce economic integration, in accordance with the instructions given by their two Heads of State, on the occasion of the official visit of the Liberian President on March 7, 2024. In this regard, they committed their respective delegations to identifying new areas of cooperation, as well as actions and projects to be carried out in sectors of common interest and encouraged the private sector communities from both countries to carry out prospecting missions, in order to tap into the opportunities offered by each country.

The two Ministers expressed their interest in developing Ivoirian-Liberian cooperation in the areas of Diplomacy, Security, Education, Technical Education, and Vocational Training, infrastructure, Agriculture, Trade, Youth Development, production, Transport, and Marketing of Energy as well as Cross-Border Cooperation. Furthermore, the two ministers commended the high esteem and deep mutual respect that their Excellencies Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, and Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, share towards each other. At the sub-regional level, the two Heads of delegation expressed their concerns about the recurrence of terrorist attacks, particularly in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. They strongly condemned these acts of violence, which undermine all development efforts and plunge populations into distress and trauma.

At the international level, the Ivoirian and Liberian heads of delegation discussed the crisis situations around the world and called on the decision-making bodies of the United Nations (UN) to take urgent measures aimed at bringing these crises to a peaceful and definitive resolution.

At the end of the work of the seventh session of the Ivoirian-Liberian joint commission, the two Ministers signed six (6) cooperation agreements in the above-mentioned areas and welcomed, through this act, the dynamism of cooperation between the two countries.They also recommended the effective implementation of the various decisions and recommendations after this seventh session. The Ministers hailed the warm and friendly climate which prevailed during the work of this session. They agreed to hold the eighth session of the Ivoirian-Liberian Joint commission in Liberia, on a date to be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

In the face of health crises, timely and coordinated responses are imperative to safeguard communities from the devastating effects of outbreaks. The recent Acute Diarrhoea  Disease in Adigrat, Ethiopia, underscored the critical role of proactive measures and collaborative efforts in containing infectious diseases.

Led by the World Health Organization (WHO) Adigrat sub-office and Zonal Task Force, the response to the acute diarrhoea disease exemplified a model of effective coordination and swift action. With over 110 technical officers deployed across Tigray, Afar, and Amhara regions, supported by funding from various international entities including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Foreign, Commonwealth&Development Office (FCDO), Humanitarian Aid Department of the European Commission (ECHO), the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), the German and Japanese governments. WHO swiftly mobilized resources to support the local government’s response efforts.

Upon receiving a request for assistance from the Ganta-Afeshum Woreda health office, the WHO, in collaboration with local authorities, activated a Rapid Response Team (RRT) comprising public health leaders, disease surveillance officers, and medical experts. This multidisciplinary team played a crucial role in investigating and managing the cluster of acute diarrhoea disease cases.

One of the key strengths of the response was the seamless coordination between various stakeholders, including local government authorities, humanitarian organizations, and academic institutions such as Adigrat University. This collaborative approach facilitated the accurate identification and characterization of the disease, leading to swift case reporting and differentiated care for affected individuals.

The utilization of evidence-based interventions, including cholera Rapid Diagnostic Kits (RDTs) and microscopic analysis, enabled precise diagnoses of the underlying causes of Acute Diarrhoea  Disease, allowing for targeted treatment and care. Moreover, the RRT’s rigorous house-to-house investigations led to the identification of new cases and the specific point source of the outbreak, which was associated with a church event during the religious holiday “Debrezeyt.”

In addition to containment efforts, the response strategy also prioritized community engagement and health education. The distribution of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and water purification tablets, coupled with hygiene promotion activities, played a crucial role in curbing the spread of the disease and mitigating long-term risks.

Furthermore, the establishment of an isolation center and a separate trench latrine, along with the referral of severe cases to Adigrat General Hospital for specialized care, demonstrated the comprehensive nature of the response efforts.

In retrospect, the successful containment of the acute diarrhoea disease in Adigrat serves as a testament to the effectiveness of collaborative action and proactive measures in public health emergencies. By leveraging expertise from various sectors and adopting a holistic approach, WHO Adigrat sub-office and Zonal Task Force set a commendable example for future outbreak response efforts worldwide.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Ethiopia.

As Africa continues its unique energy transition journey, GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) (https://www.GEVernova.com/) is participating at Enlit Africa, encouraging power sector stakeholders to collectively assume responsibility to develop and support solutions that address the energy trilemma of reliability, affordability, and sustainability. A recent report (https://apo-opa.co/3K9Y30w) shows that up to 50% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s population, ~600 million people, lack access to electricity, and power demand is projected to grow by ~3% in 2024, bringing into focus the need to balance energy transition aspirations with electricity availability.

Visitors to GE Vernova’s exhibition stand at Enlit Africa – booth C22 in Hall 3 at Cape Town International Convention Center – will be able to explore, interact with, and immerse themselves in innovations spanning across the power generation, transmission, and distribution sectors during May 21 – 23, 2024. Spread into three distinct sections, the exhibit features industry-leading technologies electrifying the world, advanced solutions decarbonizing the energy sector, and breakthrough innovations that can help to accelerate the journey to net zero.

Kenneth Oyakhire, MD&CEO of Services in Sub-Saharan Africa for Gas Power at GE Vernova – a keynote speaker at Enlit Africa, says: “Energy enables growth and progress – which is why investing in reliable and affordable power is as critical as advancing lower carbon power to support health, connectivity, safety, security, and improved quality of life. At GE Vernova, we believe that the strategic deployment of renewables and gas power together can help accelerate the continent’s energy transition efforts, enabling substantive reductions in emissions quickly and at scale, while continuing to advance the technologies for low or near-zero carbon power generation.

“We also recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Multiple technologies and fuel sources will be needed, together with investments in transmission and distribution systems, as well as software solutions, with local conditions dictating what works best. The public, private, and not-for-profit sectors must work together, with governments taking the lead to structure transparent and predictable market mechanisms and policies, incentivise reductions in power sector carbon intensity, allow life-cycle economics to drive investment decisions, and encourage research on new technologies and business models.”

Across Africa, countries continue to make progress towards addressing their respective energy challenges. Testimony to this commitment and GE Vernova’s efforts to support them, is the synchronization of the first 60 megawatts (MW) Francis hydro turbine (https://apo-opa.co/3QUuqUF) at a 420 MW power plant in Cameroon. It represents a significant milestone for the project and for the energy transition plan in the country, as the plant is expected to cover up to 30% of Cameroon’s electricity demand, helping to provide reliable and sustainable electricity. In addition to providing seven Francis units to equip the plant, GE Vernova’s Hydro Power team is responsible for the overall coordination of the project, including the design, manufacturing, erection supervision, and commissioning of the turbines and generators, the control system, and the mechanical balance of plant.

GE Vernova spun-off from GE (NYSE: GE) and began trading as an independent company on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on April 2, 2024. With approximately 55,000 wind turbines and 7,000 gas turbines, GE Vernova’s technology base helps generate about 30% of the world’s electricity and has a meaningful role to play in the energy transition. The company has a legacy of over 100 years of presence in Africa, working across the electricity value chain from generation through various power sources including wind, hydro, gas, nuclear, and more, to providing transmission, distribution, and software solutions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GE.

Notes to Editors:
GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) invites you to visit the GE VERNOVA BOOTH (#C22, HALL 3) during Enlit Africa taking place May 21 – 23, 2024, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. We will be delighted to demonstrate how GE Vernova is leading in a new era of energy for the African continent by bringing together THE ENERGY TO CHANGE THE WORLD.

Our global team of energy industry experts will also be available to present advanced solutions and respond to your questions.

Media Contact(s):
Abeer Masood
Communications Director – Middle East&Africa
GE Vernova
+971 55 945 0118
abeer.masood@ge.com

Follow #GEVernovaAtEnlitAfrica and around the region on LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/3wHm4sF).

About GE Vernova: 
GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) is a purpose-built global energy company that includes Power, Wind, and Electrification segments and is supported by its accelerator businesses. Building on over 130 years of experience tackling the world’s challenges, GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to help lead the energy transition by continuing to electrify the world while simultaneously working to decarbonize it. GE Vernova helps customers power economies and deliver electricity that is vital to health, safety, security, and improved quality of life. GE Vernova is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., with more than 80,000 employees across 100+ countries around the world. Supported by the Company’s purpose, The Energy to Change the World, GE Vernova technology helps deliver a more affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure energy future. Learn more: GE Vernova (https://www.GEVernova.com/) and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/49i3NiJ). [Insert business boilerplate add-on]

GE Vernova’s mission is embedded in its name – it retains its legacy, “GE,” as an enduring and hard-earned badge of quality and ingenuity. “Ver” / “verde” signal Earth’s verdant and lush ecosystems. “Nova,” from the Latin “novus,” nods to a new, innovative era of lower carbon energy.

Multinational oil service company Halliburton is inviting eligible local companies to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the supply of goods and services across the oil and gas industry. With various categories available, the EOI aims to assess local interests and capabilities, connecting players to oil and gas projects. Following submissions, a competitive bidding process will lead to the selection of preferred and alternative suppliers.

As the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) commends the commitment by Halliburton to give opportunities to local companies across the oil and gas value chain. In Africa, this step will lead to enhanced participation by African-based companies and service providers, and is a testament to the role international companies can play in spearheading local content– even in countries without a dedicated local content law in place.

The EOI encompasses categories supporting oil and gas operations, including machine repair and operation tools; oil, lubricants and tyers; lifting materials and accessories; welding and fabrication; calibration, certification and fuel; and many more. This not only supports participation by local players but strengthens supplier diversity, enabling Halliburton to draw competitive and strategic advantages from established relationships with local suppliers. The EOI not only creates an in-roads for local service providers but supports national and local capabilities, stimulates economic growth and market expansion.  

Additionally, the categories cover associated support services such as car rentals; medical clinics; security services; IT hardware; office suppliers and merchandise branding; PPE and safety equipment; transportation; travel agencies; and more. Other categories include logistics services; auditing; tax and advisory services; manufacturing; storage and electronics. This supports participation by companies that are not only directly active in the oil and gas industry but across the entire economic spectrum.

As the second-largest energy service company worldwide, Halliburton boasts a strong presence in Africa and is active in numerous large-scale energy projects. The company’s projects are underpinned by a mission to drive sustainable energy projects across the continent. In Namibia, Halliburton won a contract in 2024 for a deepwater multi-well construction project in Block 2914A. The company will provide solutions for the construction of exploration and appraisal wells from Q4, 2024 on. Halliburton has shown a commitment to local content development in the country despite the fact that Namibia’s local content policy is still in the draft phase and has not yet been implemented. This shows a dedication to in-country development and Namibians should gain insight from this approach and establish joint ventures with multinationals such as Halliburton. This will ensure local content is at the forefront of industry growth, and will only be accelerated as policy is brought into place.

Meanwhile, in March 2023, the company made a return to Libya, winning a $1.4 billion contract with Honeywell to develop and oilfields and refinery for the country’s National Oil Corporation. Following securing nine contracts by Woodside Energy for offshore oil and gas activities in Senegal, Halliburton has played an instrumental part in supporting the construction of the first phase of the Sangomar Oilfield Development – which is on track for first production in the coming weeks. Through the contracts, the company has spearheaded employment opportunities in Senegal’s oil and gas industry while collaborated with local service providers on project development. Similar achievements have been made in Nigeria, where the company secured a $300 million deal with Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria for a large-scale offshore gas project. In 2023, a Halliburton Nigeria production facility reached its 10-million-barrel milestone. Across all these developments, Halliburton’s commitment to local content has led to fruitful opportunities for communities.

Through an established local content strategy, Halliburton is dedicated to not only creating value for clients regarding oil and gas projects but unlocking opportunities for the communities in which the company operates. The EOI is a testament to this strategy, and oil service companies active across the continent can lead from and follow this example. Halliburton’s local content strategy shows that companies do not need to wait for the requisite laws before they act: local content can form the base of operations despite a lack of policy.

“While various countries have already implemented local content policies that support local participation in oil and gas developments, many nascent producers have yet to establish the relevant local content regulation. Yet, companies such as Halliburton are proving that international service providers, project developers and investors can do a lot without a local content law. Halliburton is not only giving opportunities to local companies but is laying the foundation for a vibrant oil and gas landscape in Africa. Other international companies should learn from Halliburton’s local content strategy,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.   

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.