Africa is expected to more than double its share in the global natural gas market by 2050 while increasing its renewable energy capacity four-fold by 2030. Concurrently, the continent’s greenfield spending will boom in the coming decade, reaching $37 billion by 2025 and $50 billion by 2030. This growth underscores both the potential of the continent’s energy market and the commitment of companies to maximize its resources.  

On the back of this growth, the continent’s largest energy event – African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy – announces the nominees for this year’s award ceremony. Taking place during the event week from November 4-8, the award ceremony recognizes the companies who are spearheading the development, innovation and growth of Africa’s energy industry.

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.

ESG Leader of the Year

With ESG principles at the forefront of Africa’s natural resource development, this award recognizes champions who protect and promote local populations while ensuring fair and safe operations. It honors outstanding achievements and leadership in embedding sustainability principles and responsible business practices within the sector, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility and robust corporate governance. The nominees are:

TotalEnergies
bp
Sonangol
SLB

Service Provider of the Year

The Service Provider of the Year award celebrates an exceptional service provider that has demonstrated outstanding commitment and innovation in supporting Africa’s energy industry. The award honors service providers who have demonstrated a deep understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities, offering tailored solutions that drive efficiency, productivity and sustainability in the energy sector. The nominees are:

Africa Global Logistics
NOV
Bell Oil and Gas
Technip Energies

Deal of the Year

The Deal of the Year award recognizes the most transformative and impactful deal in the energy sector ­– honoring excellence in negotiation, strategic alignment, innovation and collaboration ­– and celebrates deals that drive advancements in energy and economic growth. The nominees are:

Renaissance Africa: SPDC acquisition in Nigeria
Gabon Oil Company: Assala Energy acquisition in Gabon
Oando PLC: AGIP acquisition in Nigeria
Etu Energias acquisition of Galp Energias’ offshore blocks in Angola

Local Content Champion of the Year

This award celebrates an organization that has demonstrated exceptional dedication and success in promoting and implementing local content initiatives in Africa’s energy sector. The award recognizes champions who have gone above and beyond to ensure that the benefits of the energy industry are shared equitably, fostering inclusive growth and prosperity across the continent. The nominees are:

Africa Global Logistics
McDermott
Perenco
EG LNG
Technip Energies

Reformer and Change-Maker of the Year

This esteemed award honors a government or public sector entity that has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to reforming the energy sector in Africa. It recognizes the efforts of governments and public sector institutions that have driven change, fostering an enabling environment for energy growth, economic development and social progress. The nominees are:

South African National Energy Development Institute
Ministry of Hydrocarbons, Republic of the Congo
Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil&Gas, Angola
Ministry of Mines and Energy, Namibia
Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Egypt

E&P Leader of the Year

Recognizing outstanding leadership and innovation in upstream exploration and production, this award honors individuals driving new production and discoveries in Africa’s energy sector. Nominees demonstrate exceptional vision and operational excellence in unlocking the continent’s hydrocarbon potential. The nominees are:

Galp
Woodside Energy
Eni
ExxonMobil

Gas Monetization Award

This award recognizes companies and projects revolutionizing gas monetization in Africa to bridge the energy poverty gap. It honors innovative strategies and successful commercialization efforts that demonstrate outstanding leadership in maximizing the value of gas resources. The nominees are:

Congo LNG
Perenco
EG LNG
NLNG
Sonatrach

Geoscience and Data Management Project of the Year

This award recognizes outstanding projects that have demonstrated excellence in geoscience and data management, contributing significantly to the advancement of Africa’s energy sector. The award honors projects that have set new standards in subsurface understanding, data-driven decision making and digital transformation, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous energy future in Africa. The nominees are:

TGS/PGS
Shearwater
Viridien – formerly CGG

The AEW: Invest in African Energy Award winners will be announced during this year’s award ceremony. The event aims to celebrate the ongoing contributions by energy companies, investors and individuals to driving projects forward and unlocking long-term benefits for African countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

A 32-year-old police officer became the first patient to receive life-transforming surgery on board Mercy Ships’ hospital ship (www.MercyShips.org) yesterday as the vessel returned to Sierra Leone to deliver a further 1,400-plus surgeries over the next 10 months.

Father-of-one, Sahr, had been suffering since the age of 20 from a hernia that had grown to the size of a large avocado. It left him living in daily pain and struggling to eat, due to the discomfort it caused.

Sahr said: “I think this problem was caused by the hard work I was doing when I was farming,” he said remembering his younger days before he became a police officer in a Western Area Rural District about 30 miles outside Freetown.

Sahr said: “I was always complaining of sickness.” He could not sit for long without feeling pain and had to learn to push his hernia back inside his stomach to avoid suffering.

Nervous of medical interventions, the dedicated police officer was on duty when he learned of the Global Mercy™ returning to deliver free surgeries and training. The patient registration team paid a courtesy visit to the commanding officer at his police station. When the registration information was shared on their police forum, he decided to register in the hope he could receive the help he needed.

Surgeon volunteer from the USA, Dr Timothy Burandt, who would eventually operate on Sahr said: “Hernias are basically a hole in your abdominal wall, and some of your organs can be forced through that hole and that hurts. It also can interrupt the digestive system because those organs carry food and fluid through your body.

“The hernias that we see in Africa tend to be larger and more complex because patients don’t have an opportunity to seek care and see doctors earlier on.”

Dr Burandt explained: “Ultimately this would get larger and more painful. It would get large enough and a piece of bowel would come through there, potentially twist on itself, strangle, and he could die from that.”

But thanks to safe surgery, Sahr’s hope of a better life devoid of pain was ignited after about an hour in the operating room on board.

“He will not have to think about this again. The chances of him having a recurrence are infinitesimally small. He can … get back to being a father and a brother and a son and his normal life,” Dr. Burandt shared.

The Global Mercy was invited to extend her stay in Freetown by His Excellency, Julius Maada Bio, the President of Sierra Leone, after performing 1,979 life-changing surgeries for 1,728 patients and training 145 healthcare professionals between August 2023 and June 2024. In response to the invitation, the world’s largest purpose-built hospital ship docked back in Freetown on August 14, 2024.

Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, was amongst 300 distinguished guests and partners who welcomed the hospital ship back into Freetown last week.

Her Excellency, Dr. Bio, said: “Beyond providing direct medical care, Mercy Ships has focused on empowering civil union healthcare professionals on board the Global Mercy. They have the privilege of training 145 individuals, including residents in surgery and anesthesia, surgical and operating room nurses, nurse anesthesia providers and psychotherapists. This investment in local talent is crucial for the enhancement of the capacity of our health care system.”

“Together, we are building a future where every person has the opportunity to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. Here is to our shared vision, to the lives we will continue to change, and to the enduring impact and our collective effort that we will provide for our great nation. May God Bless you all.”

Dr. Sandra Lako, Country Director for Mercy Ships in Sierra Leone, explained that despite the efforts of the government and the expanding surgical workforce, there is a huge unmet surgical need in Sierra Leone. 

She said: “And so together with the Government of Sierra Leone, we can partner and work together to achieve their goal of safe surgery for every person in Sierra Leone.”

More than 200 national volunteers have been trained to work on board and healthcare workers will receive ongoing mentoring.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.

For more Information about Mercy Ships, contact:
Sophie Barnett
Mercy Ships International PR Manager
international.media@mercyships.org

About Mercy Ships:
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.   

Each year, more than 3,000 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical, obstetric and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit www.MercyShips.org and follow @ MercyShips on social media.  

First production at the Sangomar Oilfield in 2024 in tandem with undeveloped oil, gas and renewable energy potential make the MSGBC region a hotspot for energy investment. As such, this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy 2024 conference – taking place in Cape Town from November 4-8 – will feature a country spotlight on Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry, showcasing how the region presents a compelling opportunity for investors due to its vast untapped resources, favorable regulatory environments and strategic location. 

The Invest in MSGBC Energies country spotlight – sponsored by engineering and technology company Technip Energies – will explore how governments in the region are actively promoting policies that will attract foreign direct investment, providing incentives and serving to streamline processes that reduce barriers to entry.  

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. 

Joining the ranks of oil-producing countries, Senegal shipped its first crude cargo from the Sangomar oil project in July this year. The $5.2 billion Sangomar field development is operated by global energy company Woodside Energy and aims for an initial production of 100,000 barrels per day. The first phase of the development involves 23 wells – comprising 11 production, 10 water injection and 2 gas injection wells – and targets and estimated resource base of 630 million barrels. 

Additionally, Mauritania anticipates first natural gas production from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project – straddling the maritime border of Mauritania and Senegal – to begin this year and is also spearheading the development of 12.5 million tons of green hydrogen capacity by 2035. In July this year, the government approved two bills, the first of which establishes an incentive-based and transparent legal and regulatory framework to attract renewable energy and green hydrogen investors. The second bill introduces new mechanisms to promote SMEs that provide high-quality goods and services, as well as develop local expertise and know-how in the country’s extractive industries.  

Meanwhile, The Gambia’s offshore prospects offer significant potential for play-opening discoveries and is situated in proximity to the Sangomar field. The country’s Bambo prospect reservoirs have revealed oil shows in recent years and could hold up to 1.2 billion barrels of oil. The data – acquired by independent oil and gas company FAR – has opened additional material exploration opportunities in the offshore A2 and A5 blocks. 

Set to support Guinea-Bissau’s first solar power plants with a $35 million grant, the Board of Executive Directors at international finance institution the World Bank is set to develop 30 MW of solar parks with battery energy storage systems in the country. Meanwhile, last year, the government and energy supermajor Eni joined forces to embark on a joint endeavor to appraise the country’s offshore exploration prospects 

Major advancements this year saw Guinea-Conakry initiating discussions with private partners for the development of 500 MW of solar energy. Meanwhile, natural gas company West Africa LNG announced the start of development of the $3 billion Guinea LNG import project, which is poised to supply power to the country’s energy and mining sectors by 2025.   

In light of these major milestones in the MSGBC region, the country spotlight at this year’s AEW: Invest in African Energy conference will outline ongoing project developments, future investment opportunities and emerging partnerships. Speakers will include Senegal’s newly appointed Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines Birame Souleye Diop; Guinea-Conakry’s Minister of Energy, Hydropower and Hydrocarbons Aboubacar Camara as well as upstream oil company Kosmos Energy’s Vice President and Country Manager for Mauritania Ismail Sid Ahmed; marine engineering company Golar LNG CEO Karl Staubo and senior executives from engineering and technology company Technip Energies and energy company AGL Energy.  

“Advancements in the oil, gas, renewables and green hydrogen sectors coupled with the development of favorable fiscal and regulatory incentives make the MSGBC region one of the most attractive investment destinations for the energy industry in the world. To maintain the success of ongoing projects, the region is strengthening its investment climate to encourage new participation and funding,” states African Energy Chamber Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany released the Fourteenth 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 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/3Xg3T6H), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4cSpgAN), X (https://apo-opa.co/3Xs183t) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4g8m6vx)) and Merck Foundation (Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3X4WEy8), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3ZaiqmQ), X (https://apo-opa.co/3Xk2Xyi) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4gcUXaF)). 

Watch the Promo of ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ here: https://apo-opa.co/3z8gkcB

The theme for the Fourteenth Episode is Supporting Girl Education.  

Watch the Fourteenth Episode promo here:  https://apo-opa.co/4cTY7NZ

Watch the Fourteenth Episode here: https://apo-opa.co/3TbHiab

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation expressed, “I strongly believe that Education is one of the most critical areas of women empowerment. When Girls are educated, they feel more empowered, and their countries become more powerful, stronger&prosperous. I realize there’s a need for more support as there are many brilliant girls out there who are struggling financially and socially to meet their educational needs. Together with African First Ladies, we have has contributed to the future of thousands of girls by providing scholarships to continue their education and also providing essential school items for thousands of schoolgirls through our “Educating Linda” program in many African countries such as Burundi, Malawi, Ghana, The Gambia, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger and more.”  

“Moreover, we have benefitted many girls through our awareness campaign which includes releasing many inspiring children’s storybooks, animation films and songs to support girl education and end child marriage”, shared Senator Kelej. 

Additionally, Merck Foundation is adapting their storybooks to create interesting animation films with the purpose of reaching out to the communities to raise awareness on the important supporting girl education and ending child marriage. Watch Jackline’s Rescue Animation film: https://apo-opa.co/3MyCbx8

Watch Ride into the Future Animation Film: https://apo-opa.co/3AQLaqO

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej further emphasized, “In partnership with the African First Ladies, we have been building healthcare capacity through providing training to healthcare providers in many medical specialties. Out of the total 1810 scholarships, more than 828 scholarships have been provided to female doctors in critical and underserved specialties. This is a great achievement for us”. 

Other than the “Educating Linda” program, Merck Foundation has also announced the MARS Awards to appreciate and recognize ‘Best African Women Researchers’ and ‘Best Young African Researcher’. The aim is to empower women and young African researchers, advance their research capacity and promote their contribution to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).  

The Fourteenth episode features Santa Anzo, a renowned Fashion Designer from Uganda and young fashion designers Claire Asiimwe from Uganda and Boye Doe David Kusi from Ghana, who is also a winner of Merck Foundation “More Than A Mother” Fashion Awards 2019. The talented designers displayed their designs with strong messages like “Yes to Girls Education” and “Educate Me and I Will Change the World”. 

The episode also featured a background song ‘Like Them‘ by Merck Foundation to support girls’ education. The song has been sung by Kenneth Mugabi, a popular singer from Uganda.  

1. Watch share&subscribe “Tu Podes Sim” Portuguese song, which means “Yes, You Can” in English by Blaze and Tamyris Moiane, singers from Mozambique in English here: https://apo-opa.co/4dLlhXS
 
2. Watch, share&subscribe “ABC, 123” by Sean K from Namibia song here: https://apo-opa.co/3APbmSx
 
3. Watch, share&subscribe the “Girl Can” song here, sung by two famous singers, Irene and Cwezi from Liberia and Ghana respectively: https://apo-opa.co/47bPUU0

4. Watch, share&subscribe the “Like Them” song here, sung by Kenneth, a famous singer from Uganda: https://apo-opa.co/47hOg35

5. Watch, share&subscribe “Take me to School” song here, sung by Wezi, Afro-soul singer from Zambia, to support girls’ education:https://apo-opa.co/3ANmGhX 

6. Read Jackline’s Rescue Storybook 

7. Read Educating Linda Storybook
 
8. Read Ride Into The Future here: https://apo-opa.co/4e9wtNJ

“I am very excited to bring to you the upcoming episode of ‘OUR AFRICA by Merck Foundation’ TV program. So, stay tuned and be ready to Get informed, Get healthy, and Get entertained!”, concluded Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej. 

You can watch all the past episodes by referring to the below links: 

Watch Episode 1 here: https://apo-opa.co/3yVpjhp​  

Watch Episode 2 here: https://apo-opa.co/47bQcdy

Watch Episode 3 here: https://apo-opa.co/4e9qwQX

Watch Episode 4 here: https://apo-opa.co/3ZdPj22

Watch Episode 5 here: https://apo-opa.co/3TdFhdm​ 

Watch Episode 6 here: https://apo-opa.co/3z1B0TH

Watch Episode 7 here: https://apo-opa.co/3Tf3jVy

Watch Episode 8 here: https://apo-opa.co/3XaXSbs​ 

Watch Episode 9 here: https://apo-opa.co/47fNNON

Watch Episode 10 here: https://apo-opa.co/3XbhITU 

Watch Episode 11 here: https://apo-opa.co/3XftT1M

Watch Episode 12 here: https://apo-opa.co/4cNtM3z

Watch Episode 13 here: https://apo-opa.co/3X91IBT

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/3X4WEy8
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4dMXffj
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3ZaiqmQ
X: https://apo-opa.co/3Xk2Xyi
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4dMXhnr
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/3XusK89
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3XvZ36L

About Merck Foundation 
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: Merck Foundation; Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3X4WEy8), X (https://apo-opa.co/3Xk2Xyi), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3ZaiqmQ), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4dMXffj), Thread (https://apo-opa.co/3XusK89) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4dMXhnr).