The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) approved the mid-term review of the Country Strategy Paper (CSP) 2022-26 for Rwanda in Abidjan on 21 May 2024. The progress during the first half of the implementation period has been significant.

The CSP for Rwanda was approved by the Boards of Directors of the African Development Bank and the African Development Fund – the Bank Group’s concessional funding window – in November 2021, focused on two priority areas. The first is strengthening physical infrastructure to increase productive resources and reduce the cost of doing business, and the second is developing skills and financial capacity to boost the private sector and drive growth based on productivity.

In the first priority area, 66% of the transport sector indicators have been achieved and have contributed to reducing travel time from over three hours to less than one, improving access to markets and commercial opportunities, and reducing the cost of doing business. Around 50% of the targets have been met in the energy sector, including national access to electricity, which rose from 40.5% in 2017 to nearly 75% in December 2023. An additional 375,543 households and 2,306 connections for schools, healthcare facilities, small businesses, and national offices have benefited from grid and off-grid power connections, improving livelihoods. Similarly, around 50% of the water sector results indicators have been achieved by connecting 1.5 million more people to drinking water, improving their quality of life as a result.

All of the results indicators in the second priority area have been achieved. A total of 120 targeted specialist graduates were employed within a year of graduating and 100 sustainable digital businesses have been created by young people, helping increase revenues in the beneficiary population.

In addition, new priority studies were completed on projected growth drivers between now and 2035 and to identify top investment strategies to support the preparation of the second national transformation strategy 2024 = 2029. These studies have strengthened the dialogue on growth, private sector development and the formulation of the country’s industrial policy.

“These are reassuring results for the next stage of implementing the CSP. There are still challenges and the remaining phase of the CSP will continue to tackle them following the same objective, namely helping Rwanda to encourage the development of productive capacity to boost growth based on productivity, free up the potential of the private sector and ultimately, accelerate the country’s structural transformation,” commented Aïssa Touré-Sarr, African Development Bank Country Manager in Rwanda.

On 30 April 2024, the Bank Group’s active portfolio in Rwanda comprised 22 operations, with a total value of $1.72 billion.

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

A new milestone has been reached in Angola as energy major TotalEnergies and its partners on Block 20/11 announced a final investment decision (FID) for the Cameia and Golfinho fields. The announcement signals the start of development of the $6 billion Kaminho deepwater project – the first large-scale deepwater development in the Kwanza Basin. As the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) commends the partners for the milestone achieved. The AEC believes this project will set a high standard for the development of deepwater projects – both in Angola and across the broader continent.

Block 20/11 is being developed by TotalEnergies as the operator with 40%, energy company Petronas with 40% and Angolan national oil company (NOC) Sonangol with 20%. Located approximately 100km off the coast of Angola in water depths of 1,700 meters, the project features a Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit with a capacity of 70,000 barrels per day (bpd). The FPSO – the seventh developed by TotalEnergies in Angola – will be connected to a subsea production network, with over 10 million man-hours expected to be involved – primarily covering offshore operations. Now that FID has been reached, production is on track to start by 2028.

Angola has set a target of maintaining oil production at 1.1 million bpd by 2027 and thereafter increasing output to two million bpd. The Kaminho project will be instrumental in increasing production while creating jobs and bolstering economic growth. As the first development in the maritime zone of the Kwanza Basin, the Kaminho project represents a new oil frontier and forms part of a broader national strategy to consolidate the country’s footprint as one of the continent’s biggest oil and gas players.  

For TotalEnergies, achieving FID underscores the energy major’s commitment to developing Angola’s offshore oil and gas reserves. Having been active in the country for over 70 years, the company has established a long-standing partnership with Angola. The Kaminho project further solidifies this partnership while demonstrating TotalEnergies’ expertise in developing low-cost, low-emission oil and gas in Africa.

Meanwhile, for Sonangol – Angola’s NOC-turned-operator – the project highlights the company’s emerging role as a major player in the Angolan oil and gas upstream market. Following a national privatization initiative, Sonangol has been transformed into a competitive operator, and its partnership with TotalEnergies on the Kaminho project demonstrates both its expertise and strategic contribution towards developing large-scale oil and gas projects.

“Angola – one of Africa’s largest oil and gas producers – is proving time and time again its commitment to increasing production and alleviating energy poverty through oil and gas monetization. The announcement by TotalEnergies and the ANPG is a critical step forward towards this goal and the AEC commends the efforts by the partners on Block 20/11 to driving this important project forward. The Cameia and Golfinho fields further cement Angola’s status as a major global producer,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.  

In addition to the announcement of FID, TotalEnergies signed an MoU with Sonangol EP for the decarbonization of the oil and gas industry, laying the foundation for a new era of low-carbon oil and gas developments in Angola. The MoU will see the parties jointly pursue research and development initiatives, with a strong focus on reducing emissions and increasing renewable energy projects. The respective research and development teams of TotalEnergies and Sonangol EP have agreed to collaborate on the implementation and development of laboratories while supporting the development of skills in the fields of geology and electrification.

“The reforms implemented by the President João Lourenço and his oil minister Diamantino Azevedo are proving effective. They have addressed many of Angola’s above-ground risk issues, streamlined the permitting and approval processes, and made a compelling case for capital investment in the country. Achieving FID while partnering on decarbonization initiatives underscores TotalEnergies and Sonangol’s commitment to the development of low-carbon oil and gas in Angola. This is what Africa needs: to bring its oil and gas resources online while developing low-carbon technologies and skills to support a just energy transition,” adds Ayuk.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

With proven oil reserves of 9 billion barrels and gas reserves of 11 trillion cubic feet (tcf), Angola has established itself as a significant player in the global energy market. Meanwhile, recent milestones in Mozambique, such as its first successful shipment of LNG to Europe in 2022, highlight the country’s emergence as a reliable gas market.

This year’s Angola Oil&Gas (AOG) 2024 conference and exhibition – taking place in Luanda from October 2-3 – is poised to stand as a premier opportunity for burgeoning industries such as Mozambique to learn from Angola’s success. By leveraging the AOG platform, planned projects including energy supermajor TotalEnergies’ $20 billion Mozambique LNG project are set to serve as important opportunities for investment in the country’s energy sector.

AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the African Energy Chamber; and the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute, the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Cross-Border Cooperation Opportunities Abound

Last month, Angola’s Foreign Minister Téte António attended the 10th Joint Commission of Cooperation between Angola and Mozambique in Maputo. The meeting evaluated projects, review agreements and addressed bilateral issues across various sectors including politics, defense, economy and energy. The collaboration highlights the countries’ longstanding relationship, providing Mozambique with valuable insights to improve its LNG market competitiveness.

Boasting a reserve base of 100 tcf, Mozambique is the third-largest holder of natural gas in Africa. Developing an effective and prosperous natural gas infrastructure and distribution network will require an earnest commitment to collaboration among nations throughout the continent. A rail network connecting the city of Nacala in Mozambique to Lusaka in Zambia offers an inland transportation route for LNG to international markets.

Meanwhile, pipelines connecting Lusaka to floating storage regasification units in Angola offer the country the opportunity to play a central role in connecting active natural gas operations in Mozambique to existing and established LNG infrastructure in Angola.

Building on the Momentum of Established Success

Poised to contribute up to 90% of Angola’s total natural gas output, the Angola LNG Project – operated by Angola LNG Limited – will support the country’s ambitions to expand infrastructure for future growth and export non-associated natural gas by 2025. Meanwhile, recent milestones in Mozambique, such as the successful shipment of LNG cargo to Europe via multinational energy company Eni’s Coral Sul floating LNG facility in 2022, highlights the country’s emergence as a reliable gas market.

In the downstream, a comprehensive terminal and logistics hub in Angola’s city of Soto capable of producing 65,000 barrels of oil per day and storing 2 million barrels, is set to start operations by 2026. Meanwhile, with plans to develop two onshore LNG trains – with FID planned for early-2025 – Mozambique stands to emerge as a major LNG exporter in the coming years.

Joint efforts can overcome financing and regulatory hurdles, while regional projects optimize infrastructure investments. Market integration through shared hubs and networks are set to enhance efficiency and flexibility and this collaboration not only strengthens Africa’s position in the global LNG market but also promotes sustainable development and energy security continent-wide.

By participating in AOG 2024, Mozambican companies are poised to benefit from networking opportunities while gaining insights into the regional market and showcasing its capabilities. By collaborating with industry stakeholders, Mozambique is well-positioned to establish partnerships and secure investments to expedite the expansion of the country’s energy sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, The First Lady of Zimbabwe and Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother, announced the Zimbabwean 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 Zimbabwe 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.

Zimbabwean Winners of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2023 in partnership with The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA are:

PRINT CATEGORY WINNER

Moses Mugugunyeki, The Standard, Zimbabwe, (Second Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

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

Zimbabwean Winner of Merck Foundation “Diabetes and Hypertension” Media Recognition Awards 2023 in partnership with The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA are:

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNER

Phillipa Mwazvita Chinhoi, Herald.co, Zimbabwe (Third 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 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)
Gresham Ngwira, Freelancer, Malawi (Second Position)
Sonja Smith, The Namibian, Namibia  (Third Position)

ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS

Caroline Mapando, Africabrief, Malawi (Third Position)

RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS

Charlotte Nambadja, Desert Radio, 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; 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, 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 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, Namibia (First Position)
Alain Kabinda, Daily News Agency, Zambia (Second Position)
Rosalia Hipondoka, DBS Blogposts, 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; 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.

Click on the icon below to download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4ddoe3L

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

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