A partnership agreement was signed at Vivatech by Fayçal Adlouni, Managing Partner of Orange Ventures, and Grégoire de Padirac, CEO of Digital Africa to strengthen and accelerate support for African startups from the Orange Digital Centers (ODC). Asma Ennaifer, Executive Director of CSR, Communications and the Orange Digital Center program for Orange Africa and the Middle East, is delighted with this initiative, which strenghtens the strategic partnership signed in June 2023 with Digital Africa to facilitate the financing and support of startups from the ODC network.

This partnership expresses the commitment of Orange Ventures and Digital Africa to further invest in startups accelerated by the ODC network. Through the Fuzé scheme, it is now possible to double the funds committed by one of the two parties, through joint appraisal of applications and the possibility of joint financing. Orange Digital Center is an ecosystem deployed in 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East, and 8 countries in Europe, bringing together in a single location a range of free programs open to all, from digital training for young people to startup incubation and acceleration, as well as support for and investment in project leaders. It offers support throughout the startup lifecycle, with the aim of stimulating entrepreneurship and innovation in the region.

During the first year, five startups in the ODC network received funding of up to €50,000 per startup as part of Digital Africa’s Fuzé program. Three of these beneficiaries are based in Cameroon: Clinihome (Healthtech), Koree (Fintech) and Colorfol (cultural and creative industries), while the other two are Senegalese: Tolbi (Agritech) and Proboutik (Fintech). These funds will enable them to significantly expand their activities.

This new step involving Orange Ventures, the venture capital investment arm of the Orange Group, reflects the desire of both organizations to accelerate the growth of startups through a joint support scheme for African entrepreneurs seeking financing. At the signing ceremony, representatives from Orange, OMEA and Digital Africa expressed their enthusiasm and commitment to the success of this new initiative.

Fayçal Adlouni, CEO of Orange Ventures, said: “The Orange Group is fully committed to nurturing the future champions of the technology scene in Africa and the Middle East. This arrangement, involving Orange Middle East and Africa, Orange Ventures and Digital Africa will collectively enable us to concentrate our resources to create an environment conducive to the success of startups in Africa and the Middle East.”

Asma Ennaifer, Executive Director of CSR, Communications and the Orange Digital Center program for Orange Middle East and Africa, added: “Orange Digital Centers are true catalysts for innovation, where ideas take shape and dreams become reality. By joining forces with Orange Ventures and Digital Africa, we’re giving African startups the means to thrive and make their mark in a rapidly expanding digital world.”

Grégoire de Padirac, CEO of Digital Africa, said: “I am delighted by this partnership with Orange, with whom we share the same commitment to supporting African entrepreneurs from the earliest stages of maturity by providing them with a comprehensive range of financing and support services.”

Startups interested in this new initiative are invited to visit the Orange Ventures: https://apo-opa.co/3WTOxpH, the Orange Digital Center website: http://apo-opa.co/3KdSTRe and the Digital Africa website: http://apo-opa.co/3VdPSFJ.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Orange Middle East and Africa.

Press contacts:
Orange Ventures
Aurélie Santunes,
aurelie.santunes@orange.com;
+33 6 75 30 21 09

Orange Middle East and Africa
Stella Fumey,
stella.fumey@orange.com;
+212 7 70 11 11 16

Orange
Ibtissame NAFII,
ibtissame.nafii@orange.com;
+33 637386050

Krista Stephens,
krista.stephens@orange.com;
+44 7500077969

Digital Africa
Aurore Beuque,
abeuque@digital-africa.co;
+33 7 89 72 09 96 

About Orange: 
Orange is one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators with sales of 44.1 billion euros in 2023 and 137,000 employees worldwide at December 31, 2023, including 73,000 employees in France. The Group has a total customer base of more than 298 million customers at 31 December 2023, including 254 million mobile customers and 25 million fixed broadband customers worldwide. The Group is present in 26 countries. Orange is also a leading provider of global IT and telecommunication services to multinational companies under the brand Orange Business. In February 2023, the Group presented its “Lead the future” strategic plan, built on a new business model and guided by responsibility and efficiency. “Lead the future” capitalizes on network excellence to reinforce Orange’s leadership in service quality.
Orange is listed on Euronext Paris (symbol ORA) and on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol ORAN)
For more information on the internet and on your mobile: www.Orange.com, http://apo-opa.co/3KdM9CL and the Orange News app or to follow us on Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/3Ka7tcq.
Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trademarks of Orange or Orange Brand Services Limited.

About Orange Middle-East and Africa (OMEA): 
Orange is present in 18 countries in Africa and the Middle East and has 149 million customers at 31 December 2023. With 7.1 billion euros of revenues in 2023, Orange MEA is the first growth area in the Orange group. Orange Money, its flagship mobile-based money transfer and financial services offer is available in 17 countries and has more than 90 million customers. Orange, multi-services operator, key partner of the digital transformation provides its expertise to support the development of new digital services in Africa and the Middle East.

About Digital Africa: 
Digital Africa is the subsidiary of Proparco, AFD Group, dedicated to accompanying and supporting the continent’s start-up digital entrepreneurs. With a budget of €30 million over 3 years, it acts as a catalyst for opportunities, financing and visibility for startups developing technological solutions to serve the real economy and populations in Africa. Taking a partnership approach, it develops agile support programs, financing products tailored to the needs of seed-stage entrepreneurs, and advocacy actions to support digital ecosystems on the continent. With 15 connectors in the field, and strong ecosystem partners, it is resolutely on the side of those who want to change the continent through digital technology, for a tech Made in Africa, a source of inspiration for the whole world.

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA, The First Lady of Malawi and Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother, announced the Malawian winners of Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition “More Than a Mother” Awards 2023 and “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards 2023. 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 proud to announce the winners from Malawi 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.

Malawian Winners of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2023 in partnership with The First Lady of Malawi, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA are:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS

Gresham Ngwira, Freelancer, Malawi (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNER

Caroline Mapando, Africabrief, Malawi (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

Britta Mpata Blantyre, Synod Radio, Malawi (First Position)

MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNER

Alepher Kasongo, MBC News, Malawi (Second Position)

Malawian Winners of Merck Foundation “Diabetes and Hypertension” Media Recognition Awards 2023 in partnership with The First Lady of Malawi, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA are:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

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

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Sylviah Chisi, Trans World Radio Malawi (TWR), Malawi (Second Position)
Martha Mzumara, Trans World Radio Malawi (TWR), Malawi (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNER

Henry Haukeya, MBC Radio, Malawi (First Position)

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 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)
Sonja Smith, The Namibian, Namibia  (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Michael Magoronga, Zimpapers, Zimbabwe (First Position)
Munyaradzi Blessing Doma, ZimNow, Zimbabwe (Second Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Charlotte Nambadja, Desert Radio, Namibia (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)

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; The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Koami Agbetiafa, Societe, Niger (First Position)
Astère NDUWAMUNGU, www.LeRenouveau.bi, Burundi (Second Position)
Traore Brehima, The TOGUNA, Mali (Third 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)
Tognisse Pugilbert Yannick, DecryptageBenin.com, Benin (Third Position)
Haburanimana Gérard, Agaseke.bi, Burundi (Third Position)
JEANINE NYABENDA, Ijisho Web Site News TV, Burundi (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)

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 Zambia, H.E. MUTINTA HICHILEMA; The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Maria Kandjungu, Unwrap, Namibia (First Position)
Alain Kabinda, Daily News Agency, Zambia (Second Position)
Rosalia Hipondoka, DBS Blogposts, Namibia (Third Position)
Phillipa Mwazvita Chinhoi, Herald.co, Zimbabwe (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; and The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI:

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.

Media contact:
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!
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Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com

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 (apo-opa.co/47HPK5u), Twitter (apo-opa.co/3U8RG3y), Instagram (apo-opa.co/494Vib1), YouTube (apo-opa.co/494wHn4) and Flickr (apo-opa.co/3UfoOVU).

Ahead of celebrating Africa Day, Coca-Cola (www.Coca-ColaCompany.com) is dropping its newest Coca-Cola® Creation, Coca-Cola® Wozzaah, a symphony of flavors inspired by the beating heart of African culture. Through digital experiences, coupled by the refreshing taste of Coca-Cola® Wozzaah, fans will be transported through the continent of Africa, experiencing the electrifying flavors and expressive culture of each unique country.

Coca-Cola® Wozzaah is crafted to embody the pulsating rhythm and dynamic energy of Africa. The new flavor provides the refreshing Coca-Cola taste fans know and love, remixed with vibrant, tropical flavors inspired by Africa. Its captivating pulse and innovative blend seamlessly fuse a kaleidoscope of flavors for fans to enjoy, found nowhere else but in Africa. The design of each can of Coca-Cola® Wozzaah boasts contemporary typography and bursts of vivid color that captures the dynamic rhythm of African culture, infused with the heightened expression of the continent’s boundless creativity.

More than just a beverage, Coca-Cola® Wozzaah pays tribute to the energy of the continent, recognizing the influence Africa has across all aspects of culture around the world. To celebrate this cultural resonance, Coca-Cola® Wozzaah invites fans to join in the vibrancy and immerse themselves in a series of exhilarating physical and digital experiences. These experiences will be brought to life through dynamic collaborations with trailblazing artists who embody a profound connection to the essence of Africa’s creativity, igniting a cultural renaissance that resonates with fans worldwide.

As the ambassador of this new Coca-Cola(R) Creation, Coca-Cola is partnering with global music sensation and proud Eswatini citizen, Uncle Waffles, who will play a pivotal role in bringing Coca-Cola® Wozzaah to life. Renowned for her electrifying performances and unwavering commitment to celebrating African culture, Uncle Waffles promises to infuse the Coca-Cola® Wozzaah experience with unparalleled energy and celebrations that can be connected to fans across the world.

On May 23rd, Coca-Cola® Creations and Uncle Waffles are joining forces for an exclusive concert in Johannesburg, South Africa, bringing to life the world of Coca-Cola® Wozzaah for fans to immerse themselves in. The event will surprise and delight local spectators with a special pop-up concert by Uncle Waffles, followed by the grand unveiling of Coca-Cola® Wozzaah.

“We are thrilled to introduce Coca-Cola® Wozzaah, a new Coca-Cola Creation that not only celebrates the rich tapestry of African culture but also embodies the spirit of innovation and creativity,” said Silke Bucker, Senior Director, Coca-Cola Category Lead, Africa. “Partnering with Uncle Waffles adds an authentic touch to this exciting launch, and we can’t wait to see how her dynamic presence will elevate the Coca-Cola® Wozzaah experience, creating unforgettable moments for our consumers worldwide.”

Accessible through the Creations Hub, Coca-Cola® Creations is inviting fans to experience its interactive online experience that amps up African creativity through artists reshaping the global music scene. Hosted by Uncle Waffles, each channel features audiovisual elements inspired by distinct spaces within South Africa, Morocco, Algeria, and Nigeria. Fans will be able to digitally explore the unique interactive experience and engage with social elements including customizable Snapchat lenses. Fans can access the digital experience by visiting https://apo-opa.co/3wQdB6v.

To help further build the world of Coca-Cola® Wozzaah and highlight the cultural influences of Africa, Coca-Cola® is collaborating with WafflesnCream popularly known as waf., Nigeria’s first skateboarding company, to create exclusive merchandise available for purchase in select markets. waf. merchandise is available for purchase internationally and can be ordered by visiting WAFFLESNCREAM – waf.Online (https://apo-opa.co/4dULpQO).

“The latest Coca-Cola® Creation celebrates the vibrancy and influence of Africa, immersing consumers in the limitless energy of the continent,” said Oana Vlad, Senior Director, Global Strategy at The Coca-Cola Company. “This latest expression and collaboration with incredible African artists, designers and voices is what Coca-Cola® Creations is all about – creating ‘Real Magic’ for our fans through cultural connections.”

Coca-Cola® Wozzaah is available to purchase for a limited time only in select markets including Nigeria, Algeria, South Africa, and Morocco.

For more information about Coca-Cola® Creations, visit https://apo-opa.co/3UVCWUw.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca-Cola.

Media:
Name: Amel Benchikh El Houcine
Email: abenchikh@coca-cola.com

About The Coca‑Cola Company:
The Coca‑Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company’s purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca‑Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We’re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.Coca-ColaCompany.com and follow us on Instagram (htps://apo-opa.co/3UUYYqp), Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4dVjCPV) and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/3yr4mtQ).

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) approved a loan of $240 million to Mauritius in Abidjan on 22 May 2024 to implement the second phase of the Economic Competitiveness and Resilience Support Program.

“Following the approval and implementation of the first phase of the Program in 2023, the aim of this second phase is to continue to support improvements in economic diversification and competitiveness, to improve the country’s resilience and achieve more inclusive, sustainable growth. The proposed programme will support the economic recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic, through fundamental reforms to improve the business environment and the real economy,” declared Kennedy Mbekeani, the African Development Bank’s Country Manager in Mauritius.

Several government measures will be supported, including the government’s approval of the fisheries framework bill to fill the gaps in current legislation, especially regarding unregulated fishing and the use of sanctions. This will help boost the fishing sector and offer Mauritians new employment and income opportunities. Another measure concerns the approval of the roadmap and strategic plan for the agriculture and livestock farming sectors 2024-2030 focused on increasing production for resilient food security, promoting sustainable, resilient production, as well as entrepreneurship and agro-industry.

The program’s second phase will also support the installation of rooftop solar panels (using 1.5 kilowatt-hour solar kits) for households with modest incomes. Beneficiaries’ monthly electricity bills will be reduced by 75-kWh for 20 years. The not only promotes the share of renewable energies in the energy mix and lower greenhouse gas emissions, but is designed to help reduce poverty among these types of customers.

The Mauritian Minister of the Economy, Planning and Development, and several other ministries responsible for the areas covered by the operation are the program’s direct beneficiaries. The private sector will also benefit from better investment opportunities in agro-industry.

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

Media contact:
Alexis Adélé
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

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