The first “Journalism Training for Juniors” program, organized by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), TRT, the Algerian Heritage Association and the FOREM Association in the capital Algiers, has been successfully completed.

Forty participants took part in the training program, and a certificate distribution ceremony was held at the conclusion of the course.

The ceremony was attended by Ümit Kılıç, Undersecretary of the Turkish Embassy in Algeria; TİKA’s Coordinator in Algeria, Gökçen Kalkan and representatives from the associations. During the closing event, awards were presented to the successful participants from the groups formed during the training.

Undersecretary Ümit Kılıç expressed his satisfaction with the high level of interest in the program and extended his gratitude to TİKA, TRT and the association representatives for organizing the program.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany has launched the Tenth 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 (apo-opa.co/3XgF3F1), Instagram (apo-opa.co/3yUd0lh), X (apo-opa.co/3T3I8Wu) and YouTube (apo-opa.co/3YU3UQ4)] and Merck Foundation [Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3yMC7Xh), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3T1wBa3), X (https://apo-opa.co/4dP22Nn) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3yMC9hR)].

Watch the Promo of ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ here:

https://apo-opa.co/3yReYTu

The theme for the Tenth Episode is Breaking Infertility Stigma.

Watch the Tenth Episode promo here:

https://apo-opa.co/3XdI3C2

Watch the Tenth Episode here:

https://apo-opa.co/4dqn8kN

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation expressed, “I am deeply touched by the messages we are getting on our social media platform appreciating the TV Program and I thank all our viewers for the phenomenal response and feedback we have been getting for ‘Our Africa’ TV Program. This episode is indeed close to my heart as an African woman, as it is part of our signature campaign “More than a Mother”, the work we have created by our fashion designers and artists all over Africa was very encouraging and kept pushing us to work harder to address this sensitive issue and empower infertile women through information, health and change of mindset. And of course, we will keep addressing more sensitive social and health issues to be the voice of the voiceless in our beloved Africa.”

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation further emphasized, “The messages of the designs are also focusing on the issue of male infertility and how fertility is a shared responsibility as it takes a man and woman to have a child. We have addressed this issue through our Fashion and Art with Purpose community. Together we can create a culture shift that will help our communities better understand and act on different issues. Through this episode, I also got a chance to thank my dear sisters, the African First Ladies who I have worked very closely with Merck Foundation for this Movement, as Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother.

I would also like to thank our viewers for the amazing response we have been receiving, this is indeed very inspiring and encouraging. Moreover, I would especially like to acknowledge the love we have been receiving from our social media followers, it is phenomenal.”

Merck Foundation’s iconic “More Than a Mother” campaign started and led by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej is a rallying movement to Break Infertility Stigma faced by women across the African continent.

“More Than a Mother’ Movement is very close to my heart. Along with all the initiatives under this Movement, Merck Foundation also supports building healthcare capacity in Africa, therefore, I am happy to share that Merck Foundation has provided more than 574 scholarships to doctors from 39 countries, with the aim to advance women’s health by building Reproductive&Sexual care and Fertility Care Capacity in Africa and beyond. Moreover, we have trained more than 3200 media representatives from more than 35 countries to raise community awareness, creating a culture shift and breaking the stigma around infertility and infertile and childless women” explained Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

This tenth episode featured prominent personalities like fashion designers Augustina Annan and Kezia Ansah-Mensal from Ghana. These two designers have been winners of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Fashion Awards 2019, they showcased their designs that displayed strong messages on Women are More Than Mothers, Men and More Than Fathers, #NoToInfertilityStigma, #FertilityIsASharedResponsibility and infertility prevention tips. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej also showcased designs from her colorful collection of casual wear for men and women displaying relevant messages to Breaking Infertility Stigma.

The Tenth episode also featured Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” campaign’s Superwoman Song by artists Cwesi Oteng and Adina from Ghana.

Watch and listen to this song here:

https://apo-opa.co/3T0bcOA

Merck Foundation has also been empowering childless and infertile women through their “Empowering Berna” initiative under Merck Foundation’s “More Than a Mother” movement. This initiative helps women who cannot be treated for infertility anymore by helping them to get trained to establish small businesses so that they can be independent and re-build their lives. Through ‘Empowering Berna’, the lives of many infertile women have been transformed in many African countries like Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Central African Republic, Niger, Malawi and many more.

Merck Foundation in partnership with African First Ladies have also launched children’s storybook “More Than a Mother”, to emphasize strong family values of love and respect from a young age which will reflect on eliminating the stigma of infertility and resulted domestic violence in the future. The book has been also adapted to an animation film. Watch More than a Mother Animation Film here:

https://apo-opa.co/3Xg48zW

Merck Foundation has also released many songs to raise awareness about infertility stigma under their “More Than a Mother” campaign. Listen to some of the songs here:

Watch, share&subscribe to More Than a Mother theme song by Sunita Daffeh, a singer from The Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/4dzRcur
Watch, share&subscribe to the ‘Plus qu’une MERE’ composed and sung by Ms. Lucky-Lou, the daughter of The President and The First Lady of Burundi: https://apo-opa.co/4dBqaCI

Listen to all “More than a Mother” songs here:
https://apo-opa.co/3MfsbJ1

“To address this important issue of breaking infertility stigma and also a wide range of other social issues, we annually launch Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother’ Awards in partnership with African First Ladies. I would also like to invite the African Community of Media, Fashion, Film making, and Musicians, students and potential talents in these fields to apply for the awards this year, in order to create a culture shift and break the silence about one or more of the following topics: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels. I am looking forward to receiving their creative work on submit@merck-foundation.com”, added Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

“I am very excited to bring to you all the upcoming episodes 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.

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

Watch Episode 2 here: https://apo-opa.co/3XeH1W9

Watch Episode 3 here: https://apo-opa.co/4dxf0Pn

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

Watch Episode 5 here: https://apo-opa.co/4dxf2GZ  

Watch Episode 6 here: https://apo-opa.co/3yReZH2

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

Watch Episode 8 here: https://apo-opa.co/4dyY9f5  

Watch Episode 9 here: https://apo-opa.co/4dxf6GJ

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

More images: https://apo-opa.co/3WZX0Gw

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/3yMC7Xh
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3yMC9hR
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3T1wBa3
X: https://apo-opa.co/4dP22Nn
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/3T2Zhzn
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4dzbofI
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3YYESPM

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 (www.Merck-Foundation.com); Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3yMC7Xh), X (https://apo-opa.co/4dP22Nn), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3T1wBa3), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3yMC9hR), Thread (https://apo-opa.co/4dzbofI) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/3T2Zhzn).

Trinasolar (www.Trinasolar.com), a global leader in smart PV and energy storage solutions, announced it’s participation at Solar&Storage Live Cape Town, one of Africa’s premier events for the renewable energy sector. The event, taking place from 27-28 August, will see Trinasolar showcasing its latest advancements in solar panel technology, trackers and energy storage solutions, further solidifying its commitment to driving Africa’s transition toward a sustainable energy future. 

“Trinasolar’s participation in Solar&Storage Live Cape Town is a testament to our ongoing commitment to Africa’s renewable energy sector,” said Zhao Lei, Head of Strategic Key Accounts at Trinasolar. “Through our advanced technologies and integrated solutions, we are empowering communities and businesses across the continent to embrace a sustainable energy future. Our goal is to make solar energy more accessible, reliable, and efficient, supporting Africa’s journey towards net-zero emissions.” 

At stand B8, Trinasolar will showcase its comprehensive suite of vertically integrated energy solutions. This includes the Vertex N and Vertex S+ with advanced n-type i-TOPCon technology and 210mm platform. Alongside, attendees can explore the latest innovations and product launches from TrinaTracker and Trina Storage. 

Vertex n-type family: Leading the N era of Solar Energy 

Vertex N 720W (NEG21C.20): Features ultra-low degradation and optimized bifacial power generation. It offers high reliability, efficiency, power, and energy yield, featuring the four keys to unlocking low LCOE and increasing module efficiency up to 23.2%. Thanks to the module golden-sized design, it guarantees seamless integration, ultra-low degradation, and optimized bifacial power generation.  

Vertex N 625W (NEG19RC.20): Known for its compatibility with electrical systems and trackers and its 13% increase in installation capacity for single-row tracker systems, this module is tailored for utility-scale and commercial and industrial (C&I) applications.    

Vertex S+ 510W (NEG18R.28): A versatile solution for commercial and industrial rooftop systems, offering 22.9% efficiency and a design that ensures durability in harsh environments, with a 30-year performance warranty. The size and lightness of the panel, makes it easy to handle and install and suitable for large-scale commercial installation.   

Vertex S+ 455W (NEG9R.28): The black frame module is perfect for high-end applications where both performance and appearance are paramount. This module has power warranty up to 30 years and 22.8% efficiency. It uses 210mm rectangular n-type i-TOPCon cells and covers surface area just under 2 square meters (1,762mm*1,134mm), making it the perfect choice for generating maximum power output from limited space. 

Elementa 2: Advanced Energy Storage 
Trinasolar will also spotlight the Elementa 2, its next-generation energy storage system. Elementa 2 sets a new benchmark in performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness. This Energy Storage System (ESS) offers advanced flexibility and high efficiency. Key features include an upgraded pack design, smart liquid cooling technology for precise thermal management, and a comprehensive fire mitigation and suppression system. This innovative solution is tailored to meet the growing demand for reliable and efficient energy storage across various sectors in Africa. 

Leading the Way in Solar Tracking with TrinaTracker Vanguard 1P 
Trinasolar team will provide detailed insights into TrinaTracker’s upgraded Vanguard 1P solar tracker. This advanced system, equipped with a state-of-the-art smart control system, is designed to deliver unparalleled adaptability, system stability, and ease of installation, particularly on flat terrain. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about how TrinaTracker’s solutions can optimize solar energy production for large-scale projects. 

Guided by the mission “Solar Energy for All,” Trinasolar continues to lead the way in smart PV and energy storage solutions, paving the way for a net-zero future across Africa and beyond. Its commitment to innovation and sustainability ensures that clean energy becomes more accessible and efficient, driving positive change on a global scale. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Trina Solar.

About Trinasolar (688599. SH) 
Founded in 1997, Trinasolar Co Ltd (stock symbol: Trinasolar; stock code: 688599) is engaged mainly in PV products, PV systems and smart energy. PV products include R&D, production and sales of PV modules. PV systems consist of power stations and system products. Smart energy comprises mainly PV power generation and operations and maintenance, smart solutions for energy storage, smart microgrid, and development and sales of multi-energy systems. We are committed to leading the way in smart PV and energy storage solutions and facilitating the transformation of new power systems for a net-zero future.  

On June 10, 2020, Trinasolar was listed on the Science and Technology Innovation Board (STAR Market) of the Shanghai Stock Exchange(SSE). It was the first PV and energy storage company to go public on the STAR Market providing PV products and systems, as well as smart energy. For more information, please visit www.Trinasolar.com. 

Angola’s national oil company (NOC) Sonangol is accelerating project development across the oil and gas value chain. The company partnered with industrial group Tosyali this month to develop the Kassinga mining and steel project; awarded engineering firm KBR a contract for the development of the 200,000 barrels per day (bpd) Lobito refinery and achieved FID with project partner TotalEnergies for the Kaminho deepwater project. These projects and the many more across its portfolio showcase Sonangol’s evolving competitiveness as both a partner and industry operator.

During the Angola Oil&Gas (AOG) conference – taking place October 2-3 in Luanda – a panel discussion titled The Role of the NOC in Unlocking Upstream Potential and Regional Collaboration will provide insight into Sonangol’s emergence as an oil and gas operator. Speakers will also delve into the critical role NOCs play in Africa’s oil and gas industry, with case studies and project updates representing a main feature of the conversation.  

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 Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; 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.

With over 60 years’ experience, Sonangol has been at the forefront of Angola’s oil and gas expansion. The government is currently in the process of privatizing the NOC – expected by 2026 – under efforts to strengthen its capacity as an upstream operator. This move will not only diversify the government’s 30% stake in the company but enhance its competitiveness at a time when Angola’s oil and gas industry is rapidly growing.

Sonangol is enhancing its competitiveness and emerging as a key partner for regional NOCs. Recent collaborations include developing an integrated logistics hub in Namibia with Namcor and the Namibian Ports Authority, and advancing the $5 billion Angola-Zambia Oil Pipeline with Zambian entities, linking the Lobito refinery to Lusaka. These partnerships accelerate oil and gas development in Africa, strengthening regional cooperation.

Meanwhile, an agreement signed between Angola and neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in July 2023 opens new pathways for collaboration between the two countries respective NOCs. The agreement outlines the co-development of the Chevron-operated Block 14 – situated on the maritime border of the two countries. Given the DRC’s nascent oil and gas sector, collaboration between Sonangol and Sonahydroc will not only bolster the development of the frontier DRC market but strengthen Sonangol’s presence in regional countries.

Like Sonangol, other African NOCs are strengthening their role in the oil and gas industry, leveraging collaboration to monetize untapped resources. This not only creates opportunities for domestic resource development but introduces newfound opportunities for bilateral partnerships between regional NOCs. As such, the AOG 2024 panel will explore the instrumental role Africa’s NOCs play in supporting national production goals. Speakers will unpack opportunities for NOC-led innovation and technology as well as the challenges and opportunities faced across the oil and gas industry.

For more information about the AOG 2024 program, visit https://apo-opa.co/4dAJ0Kh

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