Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
Reeperbahn Festival International (https://International.ReeperbahnFestival.com) in partnership with the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) and supported by the German Federal Foreign Office (https://bit.ly/3fLIEUw), has released the programme for its Reeperbahn Festival International Pan-Africa digital event from 31 May to 3 June.

The B2B music conference will feature panel discussions, keynote addresses, insightful digital company visit, matchmaking sessions and a hybrid showcase experience with European and African artists. Additionally, a songwriting camp organised by ROBA Music Publishing (https://bit.ly/3ftSOdk) will connect authors, producers and artists from both continents a week before the event.

The MIAF has played a curatorial role in the programme, of which the showcase experience and music industry discussions will be available for the public to view.

The showcase programme will feature Tems (Nigeria), Awa Khiwe (Zimbabwean born Artist based in Germany), Kelvyn Colt (of Nigerian/Germany descent) and Yugen Blakrok (South Africa), with the performances broadcast via the Music In Africa Facebook page (https://bit.ly/3p3aLmf) on 31 May from 8pm CAT.

The second day of Reeperbahn Festival International Pan-Africa will be dedicated to discussion sessions with respected professionals currently working in the African music and entertainment industry, including Boomplay Tanzania general manager Natasha Stambuli, Aristokrat Group founder and CEO Piriye Isokrari (Nigeria), International Federation of the Phonographic Industry regional director for sub-Saharan Africa Angela Ndambuki (Kenya), Daju founder Hannah Shogbola (UK), musician and producer Muzi (South Africa), Lynx Ghana CEO Richie Mensah (Ghana), festival producer Yemisi Mokuolu (UK) andAfroNation executive producer Ruddy Kwakye (Ghana).

The discussions will begin at 2pm CAT on 1 June and take a detailed look at the various areas of the African music industry, including its live music platforms and circuits, genres like amapiano, Afrobeats, Afro-trap, singeli and bongo flava, the potential of music streaming, and digital innovation on the continent. Interested individuals can view the insightful discussions by purchasing tickets here (https://bit.ly/3fvVEih).

European delegates will then take part in digital company visits on 2 June where African decision makers will give valuable insights into their work and market. The company visits will include Africori, Lynx Ghana Limited and PerFORM Music Incubator. To round off the event, a matchmaking session will take place on 3 June with a view to foster business collaborations between European and African music industry players.

Reeperbahn Festival International Pan-Africa is a continuation of a reciprocal partnership between the MIAF and Reeperbahn Festival, which saw the German organisation participating at the MIAF’s ACCES (https://bit.ly/3oYjOVC) music conference in Accra, Ghana, in 2019. Reeperbahn Festival brought three acts (https://bit.ly/3uu7Ow8) and a 30-strong European delegation to the Ghanaian capital, which dedicated itself to learn more about the local music market and create contacts with music professionals from across the African continent. The partnership is broadly based on facilitating sustainable business engagements and exchange between European and African music businesses and professionals, as well as the provision of performance opportunities to musicians in both territories.

“Promoting international cultural exchange and enabling small and medium-sized music industry participants to enter new and relevant cultural markets is the goal we have been pursuing with our spin-off Reeperbahn Festival as a central European music platform since 2016,” Reeperbahn Festival CEO Alexander Schulz said.“With the support of the German Federal Foreign Office, we are taking this strategy into the world – even under the conditions of these challenging times. In cooperation with our partner the Music In Africa Foundation and their fantastic network, our participants are guaranteed the greatest possible amount of attention along with a high level of efficiency in establishing new contacts. With our pan-African edition, I wish all delegates, artists and partners a successful four-day programme.”

For more information, visit the Reeperbahn Festival Pan-Africa official website (https://bit.ly/3uzcDUR). 

Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of MIAF (https://bit.ly/3uwk4My) &#8211; Music in Africa Foundation and Reeperbahn Festival International Pan-Africa (https://bit.ly/3fS00Px).
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Reeperbahn Festival Pan-Africa.
For Media Queries and additional info contact: JT Comms 011 788 7632 Email media@jtcomms.co.za

Reeperbahn Festival International Pan-Africa announces programme

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.

Together with the Embassy of Senegal in Canada, The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business (https://CanadaAfrica.ca) is honoured to welcome high-level leadership and Ministerial representation from Senegal and Canada, as the West African leader joins The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.

At the inaugural forum, the Republic of Senegal will present its new economic policy. As one of Africa&#39;s most respected markets, Senegal’s economic growth has been among the highest in Africa: between 2014 and 2018, remaining above 6% annually. GDP growth was 5.3% in 2019.

&#39;It is a great privilege to welcome a nation that Canada regards as a reference for democratic governance and sustainable economic development, says Mr. Sebastian Spio-Garbrah, Chair of the Board of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business: ‘Senegal&#39;s impressive growth averaging 6% for much of the past decade is reflection of unparalleled opportunities in this incredible market&#39;.

&#39;Senegal and Canada enjoy a special relationship, showcased in Prime Minister Trudeau&#39;s visit to Africa last year, joined by the Chair of the Board of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business,’ explained Her Excellency, Ambassador Viviane Bampassy, representing Senegal in Canada: ‘The opportunities are immense. I am proud of Senegal&#39;s role as a leading commercial partner to Canada&#39;s trade diversification agenda.
Official Program: Tuesday 1 June 2021 at 11:00 ET / 07:00 PT / 15:00 Dakar
RSVP (https://bit.ly/3fWeu13) or Learn More (https://bit.ly/3wD9CEC).
11:00 Call to Order (MC: Mr. Jacques NdoutouMvé)
11:01 Chair of the Board of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business (Mr. Sebastian Spio-Garbrah) &#038; introduction of the Ambassador
11:05 Welcome Remarks: Ambassador Viviane Bampassy, The Ambassador of Senegal to Canada
11:10 Government of Canada: Hon. Rachel Bendayan (MP), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade
11:20 Keynote Speaker: Senegal’s New Economic Policy Path by Minister Amadou HOTT
11:30 Panel on Senegal’s New Economic Policy Path
Moderator: Christian Azarian, Commercial Counsellor and Senior Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Canada in Senegal
Panelists
 	El Hadji Ibrahima Boutouthe Mané, Director of Cooperation, External Financing and Private Sector Development 	Evelyn Dioh SIMPA, Executive Director, WIC Capital 
12:05 Q&#038;A and deliberations begin
12:30 Formal Closing
See more and download the speaker biographies (https://bit.ly/3fPVO2M).
The event will include translation services and is followed by the Virtual Trade Mission to Senegal on 7 September 2021. Save the Date (https://bit.ly/3yKqRWr) for this exciting trade mission by registering early (at no cost).
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.
For more information: Garreth Bloor President The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business Tel: +1.647.667.1223 Email: garreth@canadaafrica.ca Manulife Building RTO 55 Bloor Street West, PO Box 19553 Toronto, Ontario M4W 3T9
Media files

CORRECTION: Senegal’s New Economic Policy to be outlined in Canada

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.

Together with the Embassy of Senegal in Canada, The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business (www.Canada-Africa.ca) is honoured to welcome high-level leadership and Ministerial representation from Senegal and Canada, as the West African leader joins The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.

At the inaugural forum, the Republic of Senegal will present its new economic policy. As one of Africa&#39;s most respected markets, Senegal’s economic growth has been among the highest in Africa: between 2014 and 2018, remaining above 6% annually. GDP growth was 5.3% in 2019.

&#39;It is a great privilege to welcome a nation that Canada regards as a reference for democratic governance and sustainable economic development, says Mr. Sebastian Spio-Garbrah, Chair of the Board of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business: ‘Senegal&#39;s impressive growth averaging 6% for much of the past decade is reflection of unparalleled opportunities in this incredible market&#39;

&#39;Senegal and Canada enjoy a special relationship, showcased in Prime Minister Trudeau&#39;s first visit to Africa, joined by the Chair of the Board of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business,’ explained Her Excellency, Ambassador Viviane Bampassy, representing Senegal in Canada: ‘The opportunities are immense. I am proud of Senegal&#39;s role as a leading commercial partner to Canada&#39;s trade diversification agenda.
Official Program: Tuesday 1 June 2021 at 11:00 ET / 07:00 PT / 15:00 Dakar
RSVP (https://bit.ly/3wz9Psv) or Learn More (https://bit.ly/3fOcdoj)
11:00 Call to Order (MC: Mr. Jacques NdoutouMvé)
11:01 Chair of the Board of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business (Mr. Sebastian Spio-Garbrah) &#038; introduction of the Ambassador
11:05 Welcome Remarks: The Ambassador of Senegal, Her Excellency Viviane Bampassy
11:10 Government of Canada: Hon. Rachel Bendayan (MP), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade
11:20 Keynote Speaker: Senegal’s New Economic Policy Path by Minister Amadou HOTT
11:30 Panel on Senegal’s New Economic Policy Path
Moderator: Christian Azarian, Commercial Counsellor and Senior Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Canada in Senegal
Panelists
 	El Hadji Ibrahima Boutouthe Mané, Director of Cooperation, External Financing and Private Sector Development 	Evelyn Dioh SIMPA, Executive Director, WIC Capital 
12:05 Q&#038;A and deliberations begin
12:30 Formal Closing
See more and download the speaker biographies (https://bit.ly/3oWQJKn)
The event will include translation services and is followed by the Virtual Trade Mission to Senegal on 7 September 2021. Save the Date (https://bit.ly/3fqytpB) for this exciting trade mission by registering early (at no cost).
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.
For more information: Garreth Bloor President
The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business Tel: +1.647.667.1223 Email: garreth@canadaafrica.ca
Manulife Building RTO 55 Bloor Street West, PO Box 19553 Toronto, Ontario M4W 3T9
Media files

Senegal’s New Economic Policy to be outlined in Canada

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.

With just under a week to go until entries close at the end of 31st May for Canon (https://global.Canon/en) – a photography competition for enthusiast photographers &#8211; Canon Ambassadors reveal how they would tackle the theme of ‘Light in the Dark’. Emannuel Oyeleke (https://bit.ly/2TbZSCL) and Menna Hossam (https://bit.ly/2RSKhYt), CCNA Canon ambassadors share tips with aspiring photographers – whether it is emphasising shadows, experimenting with different light sources or shooting with long exposures – they’re championing creative, experimental techniques to get the winning shot.

Tip 1: Emphasise the shadows
Known for his iconic fashion and beauty images, Canon ambassador, Emmanuel Oyeleke (https://bit.ly/3vu64US) from Nigeria pointed out that one doesn’t need to always light the whole scene as the shadow does its magic. Many upcoming photographers are often scared of using shadows as they want a polished clean look, and he notes that emphasizing on shadows is important.
Menna Hossam (https://bit.ly/3vqzyTG), another Canon ambassador and an Egyptian fine art and fashion photographer whose imaginative work is inspired by myth, fantasy and visual storytelling, notes the importance of avoiding anything that&#39;s not linked to the subject, instead arranging additional shadow or lighting a plant so it casts a shadow on your subject, making the image more atmospheric.
Tip 2: Experiment with different light sources
With a competition brief like this, it can be easy to lean on traditional techniques and tools such as your camera flash or a lighting panel, but Canon Ambassadors highlight the power of experimenting with different light sources. Emmanuel (https://bit.ly/3fHOeHi) tells us that there are no rules when it comes to shooting in the dark, as it can be blurry or grainy, but with a few simple lighting techniques one can completely transform well-known landscapes. The darker it is, the more impact you can have with your light.
Menna (https://bit.ly/3hWyJhv) points out that light and shadow are also critical parts. She recommends using a range of different light sources - such as torches, projectors or even bike lights - to create the right look and feel for each image. Photographing in the dark with this small, direct source of light she says, can be exciting because it gives you a dramatic, stylised look. Also, having a model in front of the projection distorts the image and creates a more abstract, interesting photo. As much as possible upcoming photographers should try to use unconventional light sources available in their environment to create atmosphere.
Tip 3: Play with long exposures 
Both ambassadors note that painting with light is a great way to create landscape photos which look unnatural. One can either opt for long exposure or use drones as a great tool for putting light and colour where one wouldn’t ever normally see it in nature. How fascinating it is to see the red-light contrast against the deep blue of the night sky. To paint with a light source such as a drone or even a laser pen, it is crucial that you get your camera settings right. One could use slow shutter speeds together with flash and then use a laser pen to draw with light. A shutter speed of 2 seconds, with an ISO of around 100 and aperture at 11 creates these light trails. You can easily paint any shape or emphasise certain elements of your subject with this technique. You never know what you are going to get, just experiment.
If you feel inspired by the Canon Ambassadors, there is still time to shoot and enter a winning image. Open until 23:59 GMT, 31st May 2021, enter Canon’s Redline Challenge (https://bit.ly/3yKnajm) by visiting here (https://bit.ly/3hYKYKy). You can find more top tips to shoot Light in the Dark from Canon Ambassadors, Youtube Channel (https://bit.ly/3fSDK88), @CanonCNA Instagram Channel (https://bit.ly/3wFDRuq).
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).
Notes to Editors: Terms and Conditions (for full T&#038;Cs and details please see Canon’s website here https://bit.ly/2R0DXOm).
 	•  Promotion Period: Enter between 00:01 GMT on 22nd March 2021 and 23:59 on 31st May 2021 inclusive. 	•  Incomplete, invalid or inappropriate entries, or entries received after the closing date on the 31st May 2021 at GMT 23:59 will not be eligible for publication or any prize. 	•  All entrants (“Participants”) must be amateur photographers, who are [Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)] residents aged 18 or over and hold a valid passport. 	•  Professional photographers or those earning more than 20% of their annual income from photography and employees of Canon Group, their families, agents, and other parties directly involved with this competition and the sponsorship are not eligible to enter. 	•  No purchase is necessary. It is free to enter this competition and images do not have to be taken on a Canon device. 	•  A maximum of 20 entries are permitted per person during the Promotion Period, but any Participant may only win once. Each new entry must be of a new image; the same image cannot be entered more than once. 	•  By submitting an entry, each Participant hereby grants to Canon Group a non-revocable, worldwide, royalty-free and free of charge, sublicensable licence to publish, republish, display and use their image for all purposes connected with this competition, including but not limited to display on Canon Group websites, Canon Group social media accounts and/or channels, any other websites of Canon Group or its agents/contractors, and in marketing materials (including at exhibitions) relating to this competition for up to one year after the competition ends. 
Media enquiries, please contact: Canon Central and North Africa  Mai Youssefe Mai.youssef@canon-me.com
APO Group &#8211; PR Agency Rania ElRafie Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com
About Canon Central and North Africa: Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2015 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region &#8211; by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.
Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.
Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.
For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com.
Media files

Shoot Like a Pro: Canon Ambassadors Share Redline Challenge Tips for Capturing Light in the Dark

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.

Register HERE (https://bit.ly/3yFkQdB) | Visit the Summit Website (https://bit.ly/3yFkQdB)

Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) (www.CorporateCouncilOnAfrica.com) will hold the 13th U.S.-Africa Business Summit virtually on July 27-29 to build sustainable partnerships and opportunities between key government and private sector decision-makers across America and the African continent. With participation from over 2,000 U.S. and African business executives and government leaders, this year’s CCA Summit will give your organization a seat at the table in building new pathways to strengthen the economic partnership between the United States and Africa.


While much of the world’s attention has been focused on responding to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the outlines of the post-COVID future are emerging.  African countries have largely weathered the economic and health challenges better than expected, and have implemented a number of innovative solutions to replace disrupted global supply chains, rapidly expand access to digital platforms and e-commerce, enhance the role women play in their economies, and reshape their financial sectors to deal with debt issues.  African countries have continued to reshape their trade and investment environment with the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement – the largest free trade area ever created under the World Trade Organization.  African countries have also continued to negotiate economic partnerships with foreign partners, including from Europe and China.  This, and the business opportunities across key sectors in Africa, mean that it is time to explore new pathways to a stronger U.S.-African economic partnership. 

This year’s U.S.-Africa Business Summit will feature senior U.S. Government officials as they explain the Biden Administration’s priorities for Africa, including details of new programs to support development in the Information Communications Technology sector, environmentally smart infrastructure and sustainable energy, and what to expect on trade and investment, including prospects for the U.S.-Kenya Free Trade Agreement, updates on Prosper Africa and the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).  African leaders will update participants on the latest developments in AfCFTA, including a preview of what to expect as African countries move to Phase II of this landmark trade and investment agreement this fall.  They will also showcase how Africa’s energy sector is evolving to meet the need for rapid increases in electricity generation that balances concerns on climate change and meets the demands of the world market.  The Summit will also highlight new ways that women are being economically empowered, highlight what is new on entrepreneurship and foreshadow what to expect on post-COVID tourism and the creative industries.  There will also be focused sessions on doing business in some of Africa’s most dynamic markets.

This year’s Business Summit will also feature high-level sessions on the health sector, including a discussion with the companies leading the world’s campaign against COVID-19 and U.S. and African government leaders outlining what to expect on vaccine roll out and laying the groundwork for stronger health partnerships.  Sessions will also feature CCA’s U.S.-Africa Health Security and Resilience Initiative, which is creating more effective partnerships on Universal Health Care, Disease Management, and Trade and Investment in health products and services.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Corporate Council on Africa (CCA).
CCA Media Contact: Olaotan Awoyomi oawoyomi@corporatecouncilonafrica.com
About the U.S.-Africa Business Summit: Since its inception in 1997, the CCA U.S.-Africa Business Summit has been the essential conference for connecting American and African businesses and staying ahead of the curve on critical developments in key sectors, including agribusiness, energy, health, infrastructure, trade facilitation, ICT and finance.  Summit participants will network virtually with key private sector and government officials, explore new business opportunities, visit virtual exhibition booths to meet potential business partners, and forge new business deals. The Summit also serves as an opportunity to shape and advocate for effective U.S.-Africa trade and investment policies. 
CCA has hosted more than 50 U.S. and African Heads of State and over 15,000 participants at its Business Summits. Visit the U.S.-Africa Business Summit Website Here (https://bit.ly/3yFkQdB) for more details on highlights from past conferences.     About Corporate Council on Africa (CCA): Corporate Council on Africa is the leading U.S. business association focused solely on connecting business interests between the United States and Africa. CCA uniquely represents a broad cross section of member companies from small and medium size businesses to multinationals as well as U.S. and African firms. Learn more at www.CorporateCouncilOnAfrica.com
Media files

Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) to host the Virtual 2021 U.S.-Africa Business Summit July 27-29

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation) announced the Call for Applications for their upcoming Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2021 and “Mask Up with Care“ Media Recognition Awards 2021 in partnership with African First Ladies at the 8th edition of “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary”; The Merck Foundation Health Media Training was attended by African, Asian, and Latin American Journalists from more than 35 countries.

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany conducted their Health Media Training through an online video conference, on the sidelines of the 8th Edition of “MERCK FOUNDATION AFRICA ASIA LUMINARY”, being held in partnership with the Government of Zambia. The conference was inaugurated by The President of Zambia, H.E. Dr. EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU and Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp Chairman of both of Executive Board of E.Merck KG and Merck Foundation Board of Trustees. It was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. ESTHER LUNGU, The First Lady of Zambia and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.
The Merck Foundation Health Media Training is a part of ‘Merck Foundation More than a Mother’ community awareness Program and was organized to emphasize on the important role that media plays to influence our society to create a cultural shift with the aim to Break the Stigma around Infertility, raising awareness about Infertility Prevention, and Empowering Girls and Women through Education.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck More Than a Mother emphasized “I have always emphasized on the prominent role of media as I strongly believe that media has the capacity and ability to create a culture shift in our communities in a cost-effective way. Through this important training, we are aiming to educate media, especially the young journalists, on how to break the silence and be the voice of the voiceless in order to eliminate the stigma of infertility and raise awareness about male infertility and infertility prevention and emphasize the importance of girls’ education, through their day to day work”.
Merck Foundation Health Media Training was addressed by top fertility experts and stalwarts of media from countries like Ghana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, and Senegal.
The Health Media training was attended by journalists from Print, TV, Radio and Online media from more than 35 African and Latin American countries.
During the session, Merck Foundation also announced two awards for media fraternity, Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards  “More Than a Mother” 2021 and Merck Foundation “Mask Up With Care” Media Recognition Awards 2021; two awards for fashion fraternity, Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2021 and Merck Foundation “Make Your Own Mask” Fashion Awards 2021.
Furthermore, Merck Foundation in partnership with African First Ladies announced two other important awards:
1) Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2021 and 
2) Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2021.
“All these awards are in partnership with my dear sisters the First Ladies of Africa. 20 First Ladies will lead these awards in their countries as Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More than a Mother. However,  the awards are open for all of Africa as well as Latin America which will be announced separately in Spanish and Portuguese next week”, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej added.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej also emphasized, “I strongly believe that media, art, and fashion play a significant role in raising awareness about sensitive topics like infertility and girl education and women empowerment, hence will contribute significantly to break the stigma around infertile women in Africa, if utilized properly. There are many infertile women out there; we witness their stories of suffering and humiliation every day, it is time to act and make a change. Through the awards under the “More Than a Mother” campaign, we would like to join hands with media, film, music and fashion fraternity to make a change and Break Infertility Stigma, a message that must reach every door, every community, every mind, and every heart. Another important message is to emphasize the importance of girl education in our communities.
Moreover, given the unprecedented times and second wave of coronavirus, it is important to sensitize communities and raise awareness about following best practices. Raising awareness about coronavirus in our communities will also contribute to supporting health workers who are at the forefront of COVID-19 response &#8211; providing high-quality, respectful treatment, and care. Hence, we came up with awards for media persons and fashion designers, so as to encourage people to wear masks during the Coronavirus pandemic and protect themselves and others.
Details of the Merck Foundation Africa “More Than A Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2021:
Who can apply:
Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:
 	Southern African Countries 	West African Countries 	East African Countries 	African French Speaking Countries 	African Portuguese Speaking Countries 	Latin American Countries 
How to Apply:
Entries can be submitted via email to: submit@merck-foundation.com  
Last date of Submission: 30th August 2021
The Subject line of the mail should mention: Merck Foundation Africa “MORE THAN A MOTHER” Media Recognition Awards 2021
Please specify your name, country, category of application, and contact details in the mail.
Categories and Prize Money:
Categories
Print Media
Online Media
Radio
Multimedia
Prize Money
USD 500
USD 500
USD 500
USD 1000

Sending multiple applications will increase the chances of winning the award.
For more information on the awards, please visit our website: www.Merck-Foundation.com.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard: Facebook: bit.ly/2LdbD8F Twitter: bit.ly/2LesKH8 YouTube: bit.ly/3sdHMxm Instagram: bit.ly/2LC26rm Flickr: bit.ly/2XqzQdU Website: Merck-Foundation.com Download Merck Foundation App: bit.ly/2MmNvAU
About ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother’ campaign: “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” is a strong movement that aims to empower infertile women through access to information, education and change of mind-sets. This powerful campaign supports governments in defining policies to enhance access to regulated, safe, effective and equitable fertility care solutions. It defines interventions to break the stigma around infertile women and raises awareness about infertility prevention, management and male infertility. In partnership with African First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Information, Education &#038; Gender, academia, policymakers, International fertility societies, media and art, the initiative also provides training for fertility specialists and embryologists to build and advance fertility care capacity in Africa and developing countries.
With “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, we have initiated a cultural shift to de-stigmatize infertility at all levels: By improving awareness, training local experts in the fields of fertility care and media, building advocacy in cooperation with African First Ladies and women leaders and by supporting childless women in starting their own small businesses. It’s all about giving every woman the respect and the help she deserves to live a fulfilling life, with or without a child. 
The Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” are: 

H.E. NEO JANE MASISI, 			The First Lady of Botswana
H.E. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of The Gambia
H.E. MONICA GEINGOS, The First Lady of Namibia
H.E. SIKA KABORE, The First Lady of Burkina Faso
H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO, The First Lady of Ghana

H.E. AISHA BUHARI, The First Lady of Nigeria
H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE,
The First Lady of Burundi
H.E. CONDÉ DJENE, The First Lady of Guinea Conakry
H.E FATIMA MAADA BIO, The First Lady of Sierra Leone
H.E. BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of Central African Republic
H.E. CLAR WEAH, The First Lady of Liberia
H.E. ESTHER LUNGU, The First Lady of Zambia
H.E. ANTOINETTE SASSOU-NGUESSO, The First Lady of Congo Brazzaville
H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA, The First Lady of Malawi
H.E. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, The First Lady of Zimbabwe
H.E. DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI, THE First Lady of Democratic Republic of Congo
H.E. ISAURA FERRÃO NYUSI, The First Lady of Mozambique

The Former First Lady of Burundi, H.E DENISE NKURUNZIZA, The Former First Lady of Chad, H.E. HINDA DÉBY ITNO, The Former First Lady of Malawi, H.E. PROFESSOR GERTRUDE MUTHARIKA and The Former First Lady of Niger, H.E AÏSSATA ISSOUFOU MAHAMADOU have worked successfully with Merck Foundation as Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Ambassadors to break the stigma of infertility and empower infertile women in their countries.

Merck Foundation launched new innovative initiatives to sensitize local communities about infertility prevention, male infertility with the aim to break the stigma of infertility and empowering infertile women as part of Merck Foundation More than a Mother COMMUNITY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN, such as; • ‘Merck Foundation More than a Mother’ Africa Media Recognition Awards and Health Media Training • ‘Merck Foundation More than a Mother’ Fashion Awards • ‘Merck Foundation More than a Mother’ Film Awards • Local songs with local artists to address the cultural perception of infertility and how to change it • Children storybook, localized for each country

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 &#038; 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.com to read more. To know more, reach out to our social media: Merck Foundation (Merck-Foundation.com); Facebook (bit.ly/2MU6Fht), Twitter (bit.ly/3scVf8t), Instagram (bit.ly/3boJ0jr), YouTube (bit.ly/3sf4aWX) and Flicker (bit.ly/3snPHZ8).
Media files

Merck Foundation Health Media Training and Media Awards 2021 conducted in partnership with African First Ladies to build Media capacity in breaking Infertility stigma and supporting Girl Education

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.

Hosted by, and produced in partnership with NVentures, this edition features five offshore asset presentations from leading independents: Africa Energy Corp, VAALCO Energy, Impact Oil &#038; Gas, Heritage Oil and Eco Atlantic. All five centre around prospective opportunities offshore Africa, from Equatorial Guinea to Southern Africa; a region which has recently been in the industry spotlight for its high-profile discoveries and deepwater plays – signalling the possibility of further groundbreaking reserves.

Each presentation gives an in-depth look into the asset or portfolio opportunity, including: license details, exploration history, available data, farm-in process and timelines.

The presentations include:

 	Garrett Soden, President, CEO &#038; Director of Africa Energy Corp presents their portfolio of world-class assets offshore Southern Africa 	David DesAutels, EVP Corporate Development at VAALCO Energy presents high-value opportunities across Block P, offshore Equatorial Guinea 	Philip Birch, Exploration Director at Impact Oil &#038; Gas presents their targeted billion-barrel portfolio 	David McGurk, Exploration Director at Heritage Oil, presents their drill-ready, low-risk exploration opportunity lying at the heart of a world-class petroleum system 	Selma Usiku, Senior Geologist at Eco Atlantic Oil &#038; Gas; presents highly prospective opportunities in the Walvis Basin, offshore Namibia. 
For 2021, AOW looks forward to hosting a full day’s programme of the Africa Independents Forum, as we welcome 20+ Independents to the Main Stage to present world-class farm-ins and the hottest asset opportunities from across the continent.

Partners of AOW’s Africa Independents Forum include: NVentures and Farmout Finance Forum.

To access the digital edition of the Africa Independents Forum, click here (https://bit.ly/3fIaLEb).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Oil Week.
For more information, please contact: Shelby O’Brien Africa Oil Week Email: Shelby.OBrien@hyve.group
About Africa Oil Week: Africa Oil Week (www.Africa-OilWeek.com) is the voice of E&#038;P and aims to power the sustainable future of the Africa upstream. Now entering its 27th year of the show, the event brings together governments, national and international oil companies, independents, investors, the G&#038;G community and service providers.
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To celebrate Africa Day, Africa Oil Week launches an exclusive digital, pre-event edition of the Africa Independents Forum, showcasing prospective offshore opportunities across Africa

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Merck Foundation Health Media Training and Media Awards 2021 conducted in partnership with African First Ladies to build Media capacity in breaking Infertility stigma and supporting Girl Education

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