diplomacy&development

Food packages containing essential food were delivered to 400 families in need, especially to disabled people, residing in Agadez. By benefiting the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan, Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided food support to the people of Agadez, also called as “Istanbuleva”, who have a unique affinity for Turkish culture and identity. Food packages containing essential food were delivered to 400 families in need, especially to disabled people, residing in Agadez. Food parcels consisting of rice, pasta, sugar and oil were distributed to families in need with the participation of the Sultan of the Sultanate of Aïr (Agadez), Oumarou Ibrahim Oumarou; the Republic of Türkiye’s Ambassador to Niamey, Özgür Çınar, and TİKA’s Coordinator in Niamey, Tanju Polat. Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Editor

Dr. Ugbe stressed the need for coordinated efforts to address the increasing humanitarian events and reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to assisting Member States in reducing the suffering of affected populations. The ECOWAS Regional Consultation Workshop, aimed at addressing humanitarian challenges faced by vulnerable populations across Member States, commenced in Abuja, Nigeria. The workshop, scheduled from March 26th to 28th, 2024, brings together key stakeholders to validate baseline data on the humanitarian needs assessment of Persons of Concern (PoCs), including IDPs, Refugees, Returnees, Stateless People, Asylum Seekers, and their Host Communities. In her opening remarks, Dr. Sintiki T. Ugbe, Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs at the ECOWAS Commission, highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing humanitarian crises in the region. He emphasized the workshop’s objective to analyze priorities, challenges, and opportunities based on data collated from the regio

Armel Simondin, CEO Perenco Recently-appointed CEO Armel Simondin will share insights into Perenco’s gas monetization plans at the Invest in African Energy Forum this May. Perenco’s recently-appointed CEO, Armel Simondin, will participate as a distinguished speaker at the upcoming Invest in African Energy (IAE) forum, accompanied by a five-person delegation. Taking place in Paris on May 14-15, the event serves to facilitate connections between European and African energy players, with a view to advancing sustainable energy solutions and achieving shared energy security. Perenco, an Anglo-French independent energy company, is an active player on the African continent, with operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chad, Gabon, Cameroon and the Republic of Congo (ROC). Accelerating its engagement across Central Africa, the company acquired Eni’s non-core assets in the ROC for $300 million last June, as well as successfully completed an offshore 3D seismic acquisition campaign l

Paul Eardley-Taylor – responsible for Standard Bank’s oil and gas sector coverage activities in Southern Africa The Invest in African Energy forum in Paris will connect African energy projects with global financial institutions like Standard Bank, Africa’s largest lender. Paul Eardley-Taylor – responsible for Standard Bank’s oil and gas sector coverage activities in Southern Africa – will speak at the upcoming Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2024 forum in Paris. As Africa’s largest lender by assets, Standard Bank plays a critical role in financing Africa’s capital-intensive energy projects, featuring a balanced portfolio across oil and gas, power generation, renewable energy and mining sectors. The bank contributed $485 million to the financing of TotalEnergies’ $15-billion Mozambique LNG facility, set to generate billions in LNG export revenues for the local economy and up to 10,000 direct jobs by 2025. In Uganda, Standard Bank is currently evaluating the decision to invest $120 millio

Dr. Allan Pamba, Executive Vice President, Diagnostics, Africa at Roche Diagnostics Over many centuries, tuberculosis (TB) has travelled alongside humanity. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is thought to have been around for millions of years and has had many names. In ancient Greece, it was called “phthisis”; in the 1700s, the “White Plague” and in the 1800s, it was graphically referred to as the “consumption”.1 Until relatively recently, TB was considered incurable – a deadly companion that caused 25% of all European deaths between the 1600s and 1800s alone. In 1921, however, the first vaccine was developed, and by the mid-20th century, Antibiotics had gained us the advantage. Presently, we can identify, diagnose and treat TB – and even latent TB – to prevent the disease from developing. One might think these scientific breakthroughs would finally allow us to bid a not-so-fond farewell to this unwanted sidekick that had long outstayed its welcome. Unfortunately, TB has proven to be m

Given the cost-intensive nature of infrastructure projects, blended financing and public-private partnerships have emerged as crucial avenues for attractive private investment in projects. As South Africa invites investment in large-scale infrastructure projects, blended financing and public-private partnerships (PPP) have emerged as viable solutions to mobilize private participation in projects. A panel discussion during the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa (SIDSSA) – taking place March 17-19 – underscored the role these capital-raising solutions play in the country. “Following the string of [global] shocks we have seen, it is clear that the way the governments finance development has changed. Government has re-thought the way they finance development and we are helping them. Financing the required infrastructure needs to involve private sector,” stated Leila Mokaddem, Director General: Southern Africa, African Development Bank. Taking place on March 17

South Africa's First Private N-Type Utility Scale Project with Multiple Off Takers. Trina Solar ( https://www.TrinaSolar.com/ ), a global leader in smart PV and energy storage solutions, proudly announces the commencement of the groundbreaking Springbok project in collaboration with SOLA and WBHO, marking a significant milestone in South Africa's renewable energy landscape. The signing ceremony for this monumental venture took place at Solar & Storage Live Africa, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships in driving sustainable energy solutions. The Springbok project, located in South Africa’s Free State province, is the first and largest privately developed n-type utility-scale project in the country with a capacity of 195MW, standing as a landmark initiative. It is also the first project in South Africa to serve multiple off-takers. "At Trina Solar, we are proud to contribute to South Africa's renewable energy landscape through the Springbok Project,

• The EIB is providing €33 million for the construction of one of Kosovo’s largest solar photovoltaic plants. • In line with the EU Global Gateway initiative, the project will also benefit from a €29 million loan from the KfW Development Bank and a €32 million EU grant channelled through the Western Balkans Investment Framework. • The new plant will contribute to higher energy security and the phasing out of coal-based power generation. To support the green transition in Kosovo*, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €33 million investment loan for the construction one of its largest solar photovoltaic plants near Pristina - with a capacity of up to 100 MWac (120MWp). By increasing the share and capacity of solar energy in power generation, the project will contribute to energy supply security, a faster green transition and economic growth in the region. Upon completion, the plant is expected to produce around 169 GWh of electricity and displace 174 000 tonnes of CO2 a year o

The RSF arrangement will support the reforms of the Ivorian authorities to strengthen adaptation and mitigation, particularly in the areas of agriculture, transport, infrastructure, and public financial management. The IMF Executive Board approved a 30-month RSF arrangement for Côte d’Ivoire for a total amount of SDR975.6 million (approximately US$1.3 billion); Côte d’Ivoire is exposed and vulnerable to climate change. Rising temperatures, rainfall disruptions, flooding, rising sea levels and coastal erosion are major challenges and represent recurring risks for resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth; The RSF arrangement will support the reforms of the Ivorian authorities to strengthen adaptation and mitigation, particularly in the areas of agriculture, transport, infrastructure, and public financial management. The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) Arrangement for Côte d’Ivoire. Reviews under

The exhibition will display more than a thousand works of art from emerging and “un-galleried” artists starting Friday 22nd March at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) on 270 Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos . Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) ( www.AfricaFC.org ), the continent’s leading instrumental infrastructure solutions provider, has joined forces with Ecobank Nigeria and Soto Gallery to host the +234Art Fair, a 10-day international exhibition intended as a springboard to promote Africa’s art and its artists. The exhibition will display more than a thousand works of art from emerging and “un-galleried” artists starting Friday 22nd March at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) on 270 Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos . Announcing the partnership in Lagos, Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of Africa Finance Corporation, said: “The +234Art Fair aligns with AFC’s advocacy strategy of empowering and elevating Africa’s youthful population, thereby fosteri

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation • On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2024, The Business Executive Group, a leading Pan African Media Firm honored Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej at their Global She Achievers Awards for spearheading Merck Foundation’s programs in the Healthcare and Women & Girls Empowerment. • Under the leadership of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, Merck Foundation was also awarded the “Best Health Sector Philanthropy of the year 2023” at the Ghana Philanthropy Awards by The Business Executive Group. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Business Executive Group awarded Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, at their Global She Achievers Awards 2024, for her efforts to empower women in STEM, and girls in girls in education, and building healthcare capacity in Africa and beyond. The awards ceremony took place recently in Dubai, UAE.  Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation expressed gratitude remarking

    Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck • À l'occasion de la Journée Internationale de la Femme 2024, le Business Executive Group, une société médiatique panafricaine de premier plan, a récompensé la Sénatrice Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck, lors de la remise des prix de « Global She Achievers Awards », pour avoir dirigé les programmes de la Fondation Merck dans les domaines de la santé et de l'autonomisation des femmes et des jeunes filles. • Sous la direction de la Sénatrice Dr. Rasha Kelej, la Fondation Merck a également reçu le prix de la « Meilleure Philanthropie du Secteur de la Santé pour l'année 2023 » lors des Prix de la Philanthropie au Ghana décernés par le Business Executive Group. À l'occasion de la Journée Internationale de la Femme, le Business Executive Group a récompensé la Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO de la Fondation Merck, lors de leur ‘Global She Achievers Awards 2024’, pour ses efforts visant à autonomiser les femmes dan

  Helen Korkor Quarcoo,  La Surintendante,  Chef de l'unité commerciale au Senior Correctional Centre (SCC) du service pénitentiaire du Ghana La Surintendante Helen Korkor Quarcoo, chef de l'unité commerciale au Senior Correctional Centre (SCC) du service pénitentiaire du Ghana, a souligné la nécessité pour les investisseurs au Ghana, en Afrique et à l'étranger de soutenir consciemment les entreprises appartenant à des femmes dans le pays. S'exprimant lors du Women Investment Summit Africa (WISA 24), organisé le M ardi 5 Mars 2024,  sous les auspices de l'Oxford Africa Women Leadership Institute (OAWLI) au British Council, à Accra, le surintendant Quarcoo a souligné qu'il est impératif que les investisseurs du monde entier financent les entreprises appartenant à des femmes. "Un financement avec la logistique et les capitaux nécessaires stimulerait leurs activités et cela générerait plus de revenus pour le pays afin d'accélérer notre dynamisme en tant qu

Helen Korkor Quarcoo,  Superintendent , Head of Commercial Unit at the Senior Correctional Centre (SCC), of the Ghana Prisons Service Superintendent Helen Korkor Quarcoo, Head of Commercial Unit at the Senior Correctional Centre (SCC), of the Ghana Prisons Service has underpinned the need for investors in Ghana, Africa and overseas to consciously support women-owned businesses in the country. Speaking at the Women Investment Summit Africa (WISA 24), held on Tuesday 5 March 2024, under the auspices of the Oxford Africa Women Leadership Institute (OAWLI) at the British Council, Accra on Tuesday, Supt. Quarcoo accentuated that it is imperative for investors globally to fund women-owned businesses. "Funding with the needed logistics and capital would boost their businesses and that would generate more revenue for the country to accelerate our bouyancy as a nation", she emphasised. Elaborating that, funding women-owned businesses would serve as a viable means of stabilizing the Gh