The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has secured more than $18 million in funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for two major projects aimed at bolstering environmental sustainability and resilience across Africa.

The first project, “Strengthening Zambezi River Basin Management towards Climate Resilience and Ecosystem Health,” has been allocated $10.57 million. This initiative aims to improve the collaborative management of water, energy, food, and environmental resources within the Zambezi River Basin, which spans eight southern African countries: Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The second project, the “Global Electronics Management (GEM) program (Horn of Africa Regional Child Project),” has received $7.83 million to address the growing challenge of electronic waste (e-waste) in Somalia, Djibouti and Ethiopia.

GEF approved the funding during its 67th Council meetings held in Washington DC, from 17-20 June 2024. Established ahead of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the Facility is the largest source of multilateral funding for biodiversity, addressing interrelated environmental challenges globally. The African Development Bank is one of its implementing agencies with direct access to its resources.

The Zambezi River Basin project, estimated to cost $9.45 million, is expected to benefit millions through advancements in agriculture, fisheries, and dam operations. It focuses on promoting transboundary cooperation, integrated planning, and adaptive management practices to boost the basin’s resilience and ecosystem health.

The $60-million GEM program aims to significantly reduce e-waste generation and increase circularity in the electronics sector of developing countries.

Anthony Nyong, Director of Climate Change and Green Growth at the African Development Bank, stated, “Through these projects, the African Development Bank continues to lead the way in promoting environmental sustainability and resilience, driving positive change for both people and the planet.” He added, “Over the years, we have also increased our interventions on issues related to chemicals and waste across the African continent.”

These projects represent a continued commitment by the African Development Bank to foster sustainable development and resilience throughout Africa, addressing critical environmental challenges through innovative and collaborative approaches.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Download image 1 (Hippopotamuses on the Zambesi River, near Victoria falls): apo-opa.co/3RJ6owo

Download image 2 (A worker at a circuit board crusher, shredder, electronic waste recycling plant): apo-opa.co/45KZCvJ

Contact:
Sonia Borrini
Communication and Knowledge Management Specialist
Climate Change and Green Growth Department 
s.borrini@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany announced the Winners of Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2023 and “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards 2023 from Mali. Winners from the rest of the Africa were also announced, in partnership with African First Ladies, the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother. The awards ceremony was held via Videoconference to felicitate all the media award winners.

The winners were announced and acknowledged by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” campaign. The theme of “More Than a Mother” Awards was to raise awareness on any 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 and the theme of “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards was to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension in the African countries.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed, “I am very excited to announce the winners from Mali and the rest of Africa. We have 83 winners from 22 African countries in partnership with my dear sisters First Ladies of Africa and Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More than a Mother”. Congratulations to all our winners.

We started our Media Awards in 2017, and year after year we are witnessing a substantial increase in the number of outstanding and regular  entries from many African countries, which is very encouraging for us.

All our winners are the Champions of critical and sensitive social and health issues in their communities.

It’s truly inspiring to witness how we’re actively involving and engaging everyone, enabling them to be the voice of the voiceless and create a culture shift.

I’m delighted to extend a warm welcome as you join the Merck Foundation Alumni. let’s keep raising awareness on social and health together.”

Merck Foundation is additionally rewarding the winners by providing them with one year access of an online educational training program called ‘MasterClass’. The MasterClass is an immersive online experience and self-paced learning course that can be accessed anywhere with the internet.

“I would also like to announce the Call for Applications for the Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 2024 “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension”. These awards are in partnership with my dear sisters, the African First Ladies who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, concluded Senator Kelej.

Malian Winners of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2023:

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

Traore Brehima, The TOGUNA, Third Position, Print Category

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

Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of The Gambia, H.E. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW; and The First Lady of Ghana and H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Raissa Sambou, The Spectator, Ghana (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Emelia Naa Ayeley Aryee, Myjoyonline, Ghana (First Position)
Mariam Hamzat, Freelancer, Nigeria (Second Position)
Mariama, Dem Star.gm, The Gambia (Second Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

Evelyn Kpadeh Seagbeh, New Narratives, Liberia (First Position)
Mavis Offei Acheampong, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Ghana (Second Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Emmanuel Samani, TV3, Ghana (First Position)
Stanley Nii Blewu, TV3, Ghana (Second Position)

Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Malawi, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of Zambia, H.E. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

Melody Mupeta, Zambia Daily, Zambia (First Position)
Moses Mugugunyeki, The Standard, Zimbabwe, (Second Position)
Gresham Ngwira, Freelancer, Malawi (Second Position)
Sonja Smith, The Namibian, Print Category, Namibia (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Michael Magoronga, Zimpapers, Zimbabwe (First Position)
Munyaradzi Blessing Doma, ZimNow, Zimbabwe (Second Position)
Caroline Mapando, Africabrief, Malawi (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Charlotte Nambadja, Desert Radio, Radio Category, Namibia (First Position)
Britta Mpata Blantyre, Synod Radio, Malawi (First Position)
Sera Tamina, Radio Icengelo, Zambia (Second Position)
Monde Chaba, Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, Zambia (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Mirriam Kayemba, CAMNET TV,  Zambia (First Position)
Alepher Kasongo, MBC News, Malawi (Second Position)

Here are the winners from East African Countries:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

Marco Maduhu, Nipashe Newspaper, Tanzania (First Position)
Elizabeth Angira, MT Kenya Times and People Daily, Kenya (First Position)
Shaban Njia, Nipashe Newspaper, Tanzania (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Moraa Obiria, Nation Media Group, Kenya (First Position)
Isabella Maua Chemosit, The Times, Kenya (Second Position)
Aveline Kitomary, Tanzania Standard, Tanzania (Third Position)
Sophia Rukwaro, Black Hustlers TV, Kenya (Third Position)
Hudson Kuteesa, The New Times, Rwanda (Third Position)
Beatrice Philemon Mukocho, The Guardian Newspaper, Tanzania (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Caren Waraba Sisya, Citizen Radio, Kenya (First Position)
Olga Fadhil Lungala, Moshifm Radio, Tanzania (Second Position)
Adam Hhando, CG FM, Tanzania (Second Position)
Namale Hajara Shahista, CBS FM, Uganda (Third Position)
Angela Kezengwa, Citizen Radio, Kenya (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

Walter Mwesigye, NTV Uganda, Uganda (First Position)
Elizabeth Atieno Ochieng, TV 47 KENYA, Kenya (Second Position)

Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Koami Agbetiafa, Societe, Niger (First Position)
Astère NDUWAMUNGU, www.LeRenouveau.bi, Burundi (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Mêmèdé Ambroisine Azododassi, Savoir News, Togo (First Position)
Jessy NZENGU, LualabamaProvince.com, DRC (First Position)
AYIBE Ablavi Ayélo, SAVOIR NEWS, Togo (Second Position)
Haburanimana Gérard, Agaseke.bi, Burundi (Third Position)
JEANINE NYABENDA, Ijisho Web Site News TV, Burundi (Third Position)
Tognisse Pugilbert Yannick, DecryptageBenin.com, Benin (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Cyriaque NDAYISHIMIYE, Radio TV BUNTU, Burundi (First Position)
Edmond Niyonkur, Radio Ubuzima-FM, Burundi (Second Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Bahwa Ferdinand, Le Journal.Africa, Burundi (First Position)
Amadou BELLO, Balafon Direct, Cameroon (Second Position)

Here are the winners from Portuguese Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Cabo Verde, H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO:

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Ângelo Amaro Semedo, DW África, Cabo Verde (First Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Maria José Teixeira Veiga Macedo, Rádio de Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS

Edineia Barros, TV Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde (First Position)

Winners of Merck Foundation “Diabetes&Hypertension” Media Recognition Awards 2023

Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Ghana, H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Jennifer Ambolley, Chronicle, Ghana (First Position)
Godwin Awuni Anafo, Daily Graphic, Ghana (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Odimegwu Onwumere, TheNigerianVoice.com, Nigeria (First Position)
Muniratu Akweley Issah, Ghana News Agency, Ghana (Second Position)
Cecilia Lagba Yada, Ghanaian Times, Ghana (Third Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

Grace Hammoah Agyemang, TV3, Ghana (First Position)

Here are the Winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Malawi, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of Zambia, H.E. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Ed-Grant Ndoza, Malawi News Agency, Malawi (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Maria Kandjungu, Unwrap, Online Category, Namibia (First Position)
Alain Kabinda, Daily News Agency, Zambia (Second Position)
Phillipa Mwazvita Chinhoi, Herald.co, Zimbabwe (Third Position)
Rosalia Hipondoka, DBS Blogposts, Online Category, Namibia (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Henry Haukeya, MBC Radio, Malawi (First Position)
Sylviah Chisi, Trans World Radio Malawi (TWR), Malawi (Second Position)
Martha Mzumara, Trans World Radio Malawi (TWR), Malawi (Third Position)

Here are the winners from East African Countries:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Christina Stephen Mwakangale, Nipashe, Tanzania (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Lucy John Bosco, Mwananchi Online, Tanzania (First Position)
Dorcas Wangira, BBC, Kenya (Second Position)
Veronica Romwald Mrema, Freelancer, Tanzania (Third Position)
Tulinagwe Alison Malopa, Gazetini, Tanzania (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Mildrine Nafula Sabwami, North Rift Radio FM, Kenya (First Position)
Mwanaisha Mohamed Makumbuli, Highlands FM Radio, Tanzania (Second Position)

Here are the winners from French Speaking African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

Moïse NKURUNZIZA, Le Renouveau du Burundi, Burundi (First Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Diplomacy&Development, DRC (First Position)
Akossiwa Agossivi YIBOKOU-MENSAH, SAVOIR NEWS, TOGO (Second Position)
Alphonse Julio GADA, GLOBAL NEWS BÉNIN, Benin (Third Position)
Petga Tonga Valgadine, LaVoixDuKoat.com, Cameroon, (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Honorine NININAHAZWE, Burundi National Radio, Burundi (First Position)
Maurice TUNINAHAZIMANA, Radio TV Buntu, Burundi (Second Position)
Rémy RUKUNDO, TV BUNTU, Burundi (Third Position)

Here is the winner from Portuguese Speaking African Country in partnership with The First Lady of Mozambique, H.E. ISAURA FERRÃO NYUSI:

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

Abdul Ibraimo, Radio of Mozambique, Mozambique (First Position)

Details of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2024:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2024

Theme for the awards: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:

Southern African Countries
West African Countries
East African Countries
French Speaking African Countries
Portuguese Speaking African Countries

Submission deadline: 30th September 2024.

2. Merck Foundation Media Recognition “Diabetes&Hypertension” Awards 2024

Theme for the awards: Promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Who can apply: Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:

Southern African Countries
West African Countries
East African Countries
French Speaking African Countries
Portuguese Speaking African Countries
Latin American Countries
Asian Countries

Submission deadline: 30th October 2024.

All entries are to be submitted to submit@merck-foundation.com.

Kindly note, sending multiple relevant entries for both the categories will increase the chances of winning the award.

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

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The working visit by a delegation of European Union ambassadors to the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) Commission on 20 June 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria, is in line with  the growing importance of the partnership between the two institutions.

The meeting, chaired by the Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mrs Damtien Larbli TCHINTCHIBIDJA, is part of ongoing efforts by both parties to strengthen the collaboration in a number of areas, including economic and sustainable development, security, democratic governance and institutional strengthening.

The visit was also an opportunity for ECOWAS and the European Union to reiterate their commitment to further deepening their strategic partnership. It also enabled them to express their shared desire to continue working together to overcome regional and global challenges and promote peace, stability and prosperity.

On behalf of the Ecowas Commission, Mrs TCHINTCHIBIDJA thanked the European Union for the continuous support to ECOWAS in achieving its objectives.

The Vice President was joined by the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Dr Abdel-Fatau MUSAH and several Directors of the ECOWAS Commission.

The European Union delegation, led by its Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mrs Samuela ISOPI, and the Head of its West Africa Division in Brussels, Belgium, Mr. Richard Young, was made up of its ambassadors accredited to Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Senegal and Togo.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Since Somalia’s private sector accounts for an estimated 95 percent of total jobs created, marshaling the private sector to support the country’s development is critical for reconstruction, transitioning from fragility, and generating more inclusive economic dividends for it’s people. The country also needs to focus on growth (to avoid falling back into debt), create jobs, and enhance economic opportunities for citizens.

Published today, the Somalia Country Private Sector Diagnostic (CPSD) notes that while private businesses have been remarkably resilient and presently provide most of the products and services on offer in the country, Somalia’s productive tradable sectors remain subdued and fall short of providing a strong basis for structural transformation. Furthermore, private sector activity is concentrated on commerce and other, mostly non-tradable, consumption-driven services. This consumption-driven growth often benefits a few firms that leverage their market-dominating positions. Therefore, most Somali firms remain highly disadvantaged, leading to a “missing middle” and lower overall productivity and job generation. The report also finds that low economic integration and a minimal complexity of foreign direct investment (FDI) weigh on the productivity growth prospects of the Somali private sector, limiting opportunities for trade, technological advancement, and efficient resource allocation.

“Somalia can develop and deepen reforms that enable effective and equitable formal institutions and regulatory frameworks that facilitate private sector-led economic transformation,” said Kristina Svensson, World Bank Country Manager for Somalia.

According to the CPSD, private sector development in Somalia is limited by: (i) critical policy constraints, including the country’s deficient formal institutional, legal, and regulatory frameworks, the prevalence of informal institutions, the enduring impacts of corruption, the incidence of competing alternative governance arrangements, and the lack of an effective and inclusive national public-private dialogue (PPD) mechanism to ensure more effective, inclusive, and efficient reform processes; and (ii) the issues with access/availability and performance of a range of enabling sectors, including the financial sector, the energy sector, transport and logistics, ICT, water, education, and business services.

In this context, the CPSD highlights recommendations that could have the greatest impact on unleashing the Somali private sector, incentivizing short-term dividends, and enabling a private sector-led economic transformation in the medium to long-term. These recommendations are comprised in three groups:

Deepening reforms to establish legitimate, effective, and equitable formal institutions and regulatory frameworks for private sector-led growth;
Promoting private participation and improving public stewardship of key enabling sectors to facilitate an economic transformation in the medium to long-term; and
Improving growth and productivity of selected value chains for short- to medium-term dividends.

“Continued policy reforms will ensure that private sector participation continues to support Somalia’s journey towards sustainable and lasting economic development,” said Cheick-Oumar Sylla, IFC’s Director for North Africa and the Horn of Africa. “The Country Private Sector Diagnostic highlights how the private sector can play an even greater role in unlocking the country’s full potential.”

The report also highlights private investment opportunities that are both feasible and critical to create markets in the near term, in key sectors such as energy and finance. In particular, the CPSD identified upgrading the on-grid energy infrastructure, supporting greater use of renewable technologies, investing in digital financial services, and expanding access to microfinance, as the opportunities with highest development impact and most feasibility in the current Somali context.

Fostering a vibrant and inclusive private sector in Somalia is crucial for inclusive and sustainable economic growth, job creation, and resilience against fragility, requiring concerted efforts to address policy and regulatory gaps, enhance infrastructure, and unlock investment opportunities across key sectors.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.