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From Washington to Bangkok, Africa@WorldBank Gains Global Momentum as Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Takes Centre Stage (By Ajong Mbapndah L)



By Ajong Mbapndah L.

Africa must do more to transform its vast natural resources into industries, jobs and prosperity rather than continue exporting raw materials while much of the economic value is created elsewhere, World Trade Organization Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told a high-level gathering of African policymakers, development financiers and business leaders in Bangkok.

Her message was among the highlights of the October 14 Africa@WorldBank/IMF gathering, where she received the 2026 Trailblazer for Africa Award. The event also marked another milestone for the increasingly influential initiative championed by Dr. Denis Foretia, Executive Chairman of the Nkafu Policy Institute and Founder of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation.

Held at the Rembrandt Hotel on the sidelines of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings, the gathering brought together African ministers, central bankers, development finance executives, researchers and policy experts for discussions on industrialisation, trade, debt sustainability, investment and economic transformation. From its inaugural Washington edition in October 2025 to Bangkok a year later, Africa@WorldBank/IMF has steadily expanded its reach, with its next gatherings scheduled for April 14 and October 6, 2027, in Washington, DC.

For Foretia, the Bangkok meeting represented another step in a sustained effort to ensure that African institutions and policymakers exercise greater influence over international economic decisions affecting the continent. The recognition of Okonjo-Iweala, one of Africa's most distinguished figures in global economic governance, gave the gathering additional prominence while reinforcing the initiative's commitment to celebrating African leadership and advancing practical development solutions.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Challenges Africa to Turn Its Wealth into Prosperity

The recognition of Okonjo-Iweala was one of the defining moments of the Bangkok gathering, celebrating a career spanning economic reform, international development finance and global trade governance.

The WTO Director-General expressed particular appreciation for the honour, describing recognition by African institutions as especially meaningful.

"This recognition by African institutions is very, very special," she said during her acceptance remarks, reflecting on the importance of leadership that produces tangible benefits for society.

Her subsequent fireside chat went beyond personal reflections to address some of Africa's most pressing economic challenges, including the export of unprocessed minerals, inadequate infrastructure and the limited mobilisation of domestic investment capital.

Pointing to the continent's enormous mineral wealth, Okonjo-Iweala noted that Africa possesses approximately 30% of the world's critical minerals, yet too much of that wealth leaves the continent without undergoing meaningful transformation.

"Africa has 30% of critical minerals," she observed, lamenting that much of the continent's mineral wealth is extracted and exported without being processed locally to support manufacturing and employment.

The consequences are considerable. While African countries supply minerals essential to modern technologies, manufacturing and the global energy transition, much of the processing, industrial production and employment associated with those resources takes place outside the continent.

Okonjo-Iweala's message was that African governments must place greater emphasis on domestic processing, industrial investment and policies that allow their economies to capture a larger share of the value generated by their natural resources.

She also challenged African countries to make better use of their considerable domestic financial resources, particularly pension funds.

According to figures she cited, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa collectively hold approximately $250 billion in pension assets, yet substantial portions of that capital are invested outside Africa.

She argued that regulatory reforms could help channel more long-term African savings into infrastructure, industrial development and productive investments, reducing excessive dependence on external financing.

Her remarks came at a time when many African governments are grappling with high borrowing costs, debt pressures and the need to mobilise investment for economic transformation.

Energy and Infrastructure at the Heart of Africa's Industrial Future

Okonjo-Iweala also emphasised the importance of reliable electricity and basic infrastructure in building competitive African economies.

Drawing on her personal experience of installing solar power in her hometown, she explained how dependable electricity replaced diesel generation and improved daily life.

"When we installed solar in our hometown, it changed everything," she recalled, describing reliable energy and connectivity as essential foundations for participating in the modern economy.

Her example illustrated the practical benefits of energy investment, particularly for communities and businesses whose productivity is undermined by unreliable electricity supplies.

The WTO chief's intervention reinforced the argument that Africa's industrial ambitions cannot be realised without adequate electricity, transport networks, digital connectivity and infrastructure capable of supporting manufacturing and processing industries.

She also offered reflections on the qualities required of effective leaders, drawing on lessons from her distinguished career.

"I learned that you need to have values and principles," she said, warning that leaders who abandon those foundations risk inconsistency and short-term decision-making.

For Okonjo-Iweala, leadership has always been closely associated with the ability to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Her recognition in Bangkok celebrated not simply the influential positions she has occupied but the contributions she has made to international development and economic governance.

A former two-time Nigerian Finance Minister, Okonjo-Iweala played a leading role in negotiations that secured approximately $18 billion in debt cancellation for Nigeria. She also spent 25 years at the World Bank, rising to Managing Director of Operations, before becoming the first woman and first African to lead the WTO in 2021.

She followed former United States Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the inaugural recipient of the Trailblazer for Africa Award in 2025. Their successive recognition has helped establish the award as a celebration of exceptional leadership and contributions to Africa's development and international standing.

Denis Foretia Draws Lessons from Thailand's Industrial Transformation

While Okonjo-Iweala challenged African countries to make better use of their natural and financial resources, Foretia drew lessons from Thailand's economic transformation to illustrate what deliberate industrial policies could achieve.

"Just two generations ago, Thailand was a low-income economy selling raw produce," Foretia told participants, recalling how the country moved from agricultural processing into electronics and automobile manufacturing.

Today, Thailand is an upper-middle-income economy, offering an example of how sustained investment in productive industries can transform national prosperity.

"Africa can follow the same path," Foretia declared.

His remarks reflected the broader mission of Africa@WorldBank/IMF: helping African countries move beyond dependence on raw commodity exports towards economies capable of producing higher-value goods, creating employment and competing more effectively in international markets.

Foretia highlighted the continent's cashew industry as an example of the opportunities being lost through inadequate local processing.

"Less than 15% of Africa's cashew is processed on African soil," he observed, arguing that the overwhelming majority of processing activity takes place elsewhere, along with the jobs and economic value it generates.

For Foretia, the figures demonstrated why African governments must prioritise industrial capacity, infrastructure, investment and policies that encourage domestic value addition.

His message complemented Okonjo-Iweala's concerns about critical minerals, reinforcing the argument that Africa cannot build lasting prosperity while exporting the bulk of its natural wealth in raw form.

Foretia also reiterated the thinking behind the initiative, which seeks to address the longstanding imbalance between Africa's development financing needs and its influence over international economic policies.

"Too often, Africa's priorities are discussed—usually not by Africans, and without Africans at the table," he told participants at the April 2026 Washington edition, capturing the concern that inspired the platform.

Since its inception, Africa@WorldBank/IMF has sought to address that imbalance by bringing African policymakers, researchers, businesses and development institutions into more direct engagement with international financial organisations.

Industrialisation Panel Examines Debt, Energy and Local Manufacturing

Beyond the award ceremony and keynote engagements, the Bangkok programme featured substantive discussions on the economic and institutional challenges confronting African countries.

The panel on Industrialisation, Value Chains, and Jobs, moderated by Bruno Ittia, Director of Communications, Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives at the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation, brought together Catherine Mithia of the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD), Dr. Eliya Zulu of the African Institute for Development Policy and Rajneesh Bhuee, Just Transition Lead at Recourse.

The discussion examined how African countries could strengthen manufacturing, develop regional value chains and create productive employment while addressing the financial and infrastructure constraints that have slowed industrial development.

Mithia drew attention to Africa's borrowing relationships and the importance of responsible debt management, citing substantial borrowing from China for infrastructure development and cautioning that governments must ensure debt obligations do not undermine broader industrial ambitions.

Her intervention reinforced the need to align public borrowing with investments capable of generating lasting economic returns and supporting domestic production.

Bhuee placed particular emphasis on the relationship between energy infrastructure and manufacturing.

"The obstacle to African manufacturing is not just about attracting foreign capital," she observed, arguing that reliable energy infrastructure was equally essential to support local processing and value addition.

Her remarks highlighted the limitations of investment strategies that focus primarily on attracting foreign capital without addressing the electricity and infrastructure challenges confronting African businesses.

Together, the contributions reinforced the need for a coordinated approach to industrialisation, combining responsible financing, dependable energy, stronger institutions and policies that support domestic production.

Gender-Responsive Policies and Africa-Asia Trade in Focus

Gender-responsive economic policymaking was another major focus of the Bangkok gathering, with discussions examining how government budgets, taxation and economic reforms affect women and men differently.

Dr. Tara Povey, Gender Equality and Macroeconomics Project Coordinator at the Bretton Woods Project, highlighted Africa's growing leadership in international debates about economic justice, taxation and unpaid care work.

She pointed to the African Union's Common Position on Care and Debt and African engagement in United Nations tax convention negotiations as examples of the continent's increasing influence in international policy discussions.

Povey emphasised that economic policies must recognise and value unpaid care work, an issue frequently overlooked in traditional economic planning despite its importance to households, communities and national productivity.

The discussion reinforced the importance of ensuring that Africa's economic transformation is inclusive and that development policies respond to the realities of women and vulnerable communities.

Africa-Asia trade and digital connectivity also featured prominently, with participants examining opportunities for stronger commercial partnerships, cross-border payment systems, regulatory cooperation and improved market access.

The choice of Bangkok provided a fitting setting for discussions about how African countries could draw lessons from Asia's industrial development while building stronger trade and investment relationships.

African Leaders Confront the Challenge of Turning Ambition into Results

The panel titled Africa Transforming Africa: From Ambition to Action addressed one of the continent's most persistent challenges: translating ambitious development strategies into measurable economic results.

Moderated by Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi, President and Chief Executive Officer of the African Center for Economic Transformation, the session featured Dr. Hodan Osman Abdi of the Somali Development and Reconstruction Bank, African Union Commissioner Francisca Tatchouop Belobe and Edem Adzogenu, Co-founder of the AfroChampions Initiative. Guinea's Planning Minister Ismael Nabe delivered introductory remarks.

Discussions examined the political and institutional obstacles that frequently prevent reforms from taking hold, including weak coordination, inadequate financing and the difficulty of maintaining development priorities during periods of economic uncertainty.

The gathering also attracted senior African policymakers and development finance leaders, including South Africa's Deputy Minister of Finance Dr. David Masondo, Mauritania's Central Bank Governor Mohamed Lemine Dhehby and Development Bank of Southern Africa Chief Executive Officer Boitumelo Mosako.

Their participation reflected the platform's growing capacity to convene government officials, financial institutions and policy researchers around Africa's development priorities.

The discussions reinforced the importance of stronger regional integration, more effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area and policies capable of translating economic potential into jobs, investment and improved living standards.

A Growing Coalition of African Policy Institutions

The expansion of Africa@WorldBank/IMF has been supported by a growing network of African research and policy institutions, including the Nkafu Policy Institute, the African Center for Economic Transformation, the Partnership for Economic Policy and the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa.

Their collaboration brings together expertise in economic research, governance, public finance, regional integration and development policy, strengthening the platform's capacity to engage international institutions with evidence-based African perspectives.

For Foretia and his colleagues, the objective is to create an enduring platform through which African institutions can influence international economic discussions, develop partnerships and advance practical solutions to the continent's development challenges.

The Bangkok gathering demonstrated the possibilities of that approach, bringing together influential personalities and institutions while giving prominence to issues that directly affect Africa's economic prospects.

The recognition of Okonjo-Iweala, the participation of senior policymakers and the substantive exchanges on industrialisation, investment and development financing further strengthened the initiative's international profile.

Washington to Host Two More Africa@WorldBank Gatherings in 2027

Building on the momentum generated in Bangkok, the next two Africa@WorldBank/IMF gatherings are scheduled for April 14 and October 6, 2027, in Washington, DC.

The forthcoming meetings will provide additional opportunities to deepen institutional partnerships, sustain engagement with international financial organisations and advance discussions on development financing, industrialisation, trade and economic governance.

For Foretia and the institutions supporting the initiative, the expanding calendar reflects a long-term commitment to strengthening Africa's influence over international economic policies and investment decisions.

From Washington to Bangkok and back to Washington in 2027, Africa@WorldBank/IMF is steadily developing into an important meeting point for African economic leadership, global partnerships and policy innovation.

The challenge ahead will be to translate its growing visibility into measurable influence and practical development outcomes.

As Okonjo-Iweala's call for greater domestic investment and Foretia's appeal for industrial transformation demonstrated, Africa possesses considerable natural, financial and human resources. The task now is to develop the policies, infrastructure and institutions needed to convert those resources into lasting prosperity.

*For more information  visit https://Africa.Nkafu.org/ .For inquiries and interest to join next Africa@WorldBank/IMF events, send email to [email protected], and [email protected] .

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Pan African Visions.

  1. SaaSKaspersky identifies vulnerabilities in barcode scanners, posing potential threat for the warehouse industryKaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) experts have discovered a new cyber-attack vector via a widely used barcode scanner model that could expose e-commerce supply chains to cyberattacks. The findings, presented at the Security Analyst Summit 2026 in Bali, are part of a security audit of a warehouse digital ecosystem. Modern warehouses are far more than simple storage spaces, they constitute complex ecosystems built upon multiple technologies and devices. With global e-commerce sales nearly doubling (https://apo-opa.co/4yxQIhZ) since 2019 to over $6 trillion, any disruption or delay in the delivery chain can result in massive financial and reputational losses. To identify possible risks Kaspersky Security Services researchers have examined multiple cyber-attack vectors on warehouse infrastructure, including attacks conducted using various devices in warehouse systems, and have found a new attack vector exploiting a vulnerability in a barcode scanner model from a major manufacturer. Such devices are widely used in warehousing, retail, and multiple other sectors. A typical setup has handheld scanners communicating with a base station, which is in turn connected to a workstation or another business system. The main weak point is that there is no authentication between the base station and the scanners. Kaspersky research reveals that these scanners might serve as an entry point into the warehouse OT network. The attack could be conducted through the scanner’s wireless link. Kaspersky researchers found that an attacker within range could inject keystrokes into the connected device and potentially achieve remote code execution without requiring user interaction. In a hypothetical attack, a user may be carrying out their normal daily work using a wireless barcode scanner connected to a base station, while an attacker obtains the Bluetooth address of the base station, for example, through passive eavesdropping on Bluetooth traffic. Through the established Bluetooth connection, the attacker sends a malicious payload to the base station, simulating keyboard keystrokes. The base station forwards these keystrokes to the connected PC, where they are interpreted as legitimate user input and may be used to execute unauthorised commands. This attack pattern was observed across devices from multiple vendors. As a result, the attacker could gain an initial foothold on a computer within the warehouse network. The scanner serves only as the entry point. The significance of this foothold lies in the computer’s trusted position within the operational environment and its connectivity to critical systems. These attack vectors may pose a significant threat not only to the warehouse industry but also to the retail sector and any other domain where such devices are actively used. Kaspersky researchers believe that the same attack scenarios might be used for other warehouse devices like Portable Data Terminals (PDR) or thermal printers to gain access to infrastructure, such as Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). “Modern retail and logistics are profoundly digital, from enterprise-wide management platforms down to every device in a worker’s hands. This pervasive connectivity means that any technology at any tier can become an entry point for a cyberattack capable of destabilising the entire ecosystem – as our research shows, even a single barcode scanner. The warehouse sector, and the broader retail industry, should treat cybersecurity as a top priority across every layer of their operations,” said Sergey Sidorov, Head of Industrial Security Services at Kaspersky. To enhance security in warehouse environments, Kaspersky experts recommend verifying every new device before it connects to the network, disabling any unused Bluetooth interfaces and enforce strong authentication mechanisms, segmenting warehouse networks so that only essential connections are permitted, promptly applying security updates to both devices and the WMS, while restricting account permissions to the minimum required, and regularly conduct full‑scale attack‑path exercises that include scenarios involving insiders with legitimate credentials. Kaspersky offers a comprehensive assessment of industrial environments: uncovering weaknesses in ICS, OT, and networked devices, evaluating configurations and access paths, and mapping vulnerabilities to reveal actionable risks. By assessing systems on-site, Kaspersky ICS Security Assessment (https://apo-opa.co/3W06Wmq) uncovers hidden risks and delivers actionable insights without disrupting operations. These measures can be reinforced with purpose-built solutions such as Kaspersky Industrial Cyber Security (KICS) (https://apo-opa.co/3WB0TVC), designed to protect industrial organisations, including logistics companies. The platform helps enhance visibility across the corporate infrastructure and strengthen cybersecurity without disrupting operations or compromising system availability. Read the full security audit of the warehouse digital ecosystem on the Securelist.com (https://apo-opa.co/4k78KE8). Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky. For further information please contact: [email protected] Social Media: https://apo-opa.co/4BetxM6 https://apo-opa.co/4slhSr6 https://apo-opa.co/3WC9U0A https://apo-opa.co/4sbqkZD https://apo-opa.co/4BfwwE7 About Kaspersky Security Services: About Kaspersky: www.Kaspersky.co.za.
  2. His Excellency (H.E.) Ambassador Eshete Tilahun held meeting with Chair of the European Union (EU) Political and Security Committee (PSC) Her Excellency (H.E.) Ambassador Lene Mandel VensildH.E. Ambassador Eshete Tilahun held meeting with Chair of the EU Political and Security Committee (PSC) H.E. Ambassador Lene Mandel Vensild. Ambassador Eshete held productive discussion with Ambassador Vensild, Chair of the Political and Security Committee (PSC) of the European Union on 19 october 2026. During the meeting, Ambassador Eshete briefed Ambassador Vensild on current developments in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. He highlighted Ethiopia’s commitment and ongoing efforts to promote peace, security and stability in the region. He also underscored the important role of the European Union in supporting stability and development in the Horn of Africa region. Ambassador Vensild reaffirmed European Union’s readiness to support the people and Ethiopian Government in their efforts to transform the country. Both sides reiterated their shared desire to strengthening the EU–AU and EU-Ethiopia partnership through continuous dialogue and consultation. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of Ethiopia in Brussels.
  3. Violences dans le centre du Mali : « nous avons fui en pirogue au milieu de la nuit »Depuis le début du mois de septembre, le centre du Mali est le théâtre d’une recrudescence des violences qui a fait des dizaines de victimes et provoqué le déplacement de milliers de personnes. Face à ce nouveau flux de déplacés, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) a mis en place une clinique mobile dans la ville de Macina, où converge un grand nombre de familles. Attaques armées et afflux de déplacés à Macina Une série d’attaques menées par des groupes armés contre plusieurs localités de la région de Ségou, notamment Souleye le 1er septembre et Touara le 15 septembre, a forcé de nombreuses familles à fuir. Plus de 3 400 déplacés ont rejoint Macina, petite ville située aux abords du fleuve Niger. Kadiatou* a fui Touara avec sa famille en laissant tout derrière elle : « Nous avons entendu des tirs au moment de la prière, vers 16h, et cela a duré jusqu’à 20 heures. Des hommes armés sont parvenus à entrer dans le village et tout le monde a paniqué. Nos maris nous ont fait partir en pirogue avec les enfants, au milieu de la nuit », raconte-t-elle. « La nuit, j’entends encore les coups de feu de cette attaque. Nous n’avons pas pu enterrer certains de nos proches, leurs corps sont encore au village », témoigne Kadiatou, hantée par le souvenir de l'attaque. La réponse médicale de MSF face aux besoins sanitaires d'urgence En appui aux structures du ministère de la Santé, MSF déploie depuis fin septembre une clinique mobile à Macina, assurant la prise en charge d'environ 150 patients chaque jour. « Nous constatons principalement des infections respiratoires, liées aux conditions de vie précaires des personnes déplacées, ainsi que des cas de paludisme. Beaucoup n’ont pas d’abris et manquent de latrines comme d’accès à l’eau », explique Hussein Younoussa, responsable des activités d’urgence pour MSF. Une forte pression sur les ressources locales et des risques d'épidémies importants La plupart des déplacés vivent au sein de familles d’accueil qui leur ont ouvert leurs portes, mais qui ne peuvent subvenir à l’ensemble de leurs besoins. D’autres vivent dans la rue, alors que la localité voit arriver quotidiennement de nouvelles personnes. Des kits d’urgence fournis par MSF à l’hôpital de Macina ont par ailleurs permis d’assurer la prise en charge chirurgicale et médicale de 25 personnes blessées lors de l'attaque contre Touara. Ces attaques ont été suivies d'une contre-offensive militaire et d'une intensification des tensions sécuritaires dans le centre du Mali. *Prénom modifié pour des raisons de sécurité. Distribué par APO Group pour Médecins sans frontières (MSF).
  4. L'Angola fait progresser l'enseignement supérieur grâce au nouveau campus universitaire de Baía FartaCette semaine, le gouvernement angolais a posé la première pierre du nouveau campus universitaire de Baía Farta – Université Katyavala Bwila et ISCED – Benguela, marquant ainsi une étape importante dans l’investissement du pays dans les infrastructures d’enseignement supérieur. Le projet est réalisé en partenariat avec Mitrelli (www.Mitrelli.com). La cérémonie s’est déroulée en présence de S.E. Albano Vicente Lopes Ferreira, ministre de l’Enseignement supérieur, des Sciences, de la Technologie et de l’Innovation ; S.E. Manuel Nunes Júnior, gouverneur de la province de Benguela ; la professeure Maria da Conceição Barbosa, titulaire d'un doctorat, présidente de l'ISCED de Benguela ; José Domingos Calelessa, titulaire d'un doctorat, recteur de l'université Katyavala Bwila ; et Alberto Biamonti, directeur général de Mitrelli pour l'Angola, ainsi que des représentants de la province, de l'université et de Mitrelli. Le campus regroupera quatre entités académiques: les facultés de médecine, de droit et d'économie de l'université Katyavala Bwila, ainsi que l'Institut supérieur des sciences de l'éducation (ISCED), un établissement d'enseignement supérieur spécialisé dans les sciences de l'éducation et la formation des futurs enseignants. Avec une capacité prévue d’environ 8 500 étudiants et une surface totale de construction prévue d’environ 27 495 m², ce campus élargira considérablement l’accès à l’enseignement supérieur dans la province de Benguela. Le projet comprend également des installations destinées à faire le lien entre l'enseignement théorique et la pratique professionnelle. La Faculté de médecine disposera d'un centre de simulation clinique, permettant aux étudiants d'acquérir des compétences pratiques dans des environnements hospitaliers simulés. La Faculté de droit comprendra quant à elle une salle d'audience simulée, offrant aux étudiants une expérience pratique des procédures judiciaires. « Aujourd’hui, nous réaffirmons l’engagement du gouvernement à ouvrir un nouveau chapitre pour l’enseignement supérieur dans la province, en nous appuyant sur les avancées que nous avons célébrées ces dernières années », a déclaré S.E. Albano Vicente Lopes Ferreira, ministre de l’Enseignement supérieur, des Sciences, de la Technologie et de l’Innovation, lors de la cérémonie de pose de la première pierre. Former les professionnels de demain Alors que l’Angola s’efforce de diversifier son économie, les besoins en professionnels qualifiés dans les domaines de la santé, de l’éducation, du droit et des affaires ne cessent de croître. Le nouveau campus contribuera à répondre à ces besoins en offrant davantage d’opportunités de formation universitaire et en soutenant le développement des compétences indispensables aux services publics, aux institutions et au secteur privé. « L’enseignement supérieur constitue un investissement stratégique pour le développement économique et la compétitivité d’un pays », a déclaré Rodrigo Manso, PDG de Mitrelli. « Le campus universitaire de Baía Farta contribuera à former la prochaine génération de médecins, de juristes, d’économistes et d’enseignants en Angola. À travers nos activités dans les secteurs de l’éducation et de la santé, nous sommes fiers de travailler aux côtés du gouvernement angolais pour concrétiser cette vision, depuis sa conception initiale jusqu’à la livraison d’un campus entièrement équipé qui servira les générations futures. » Ce projet s’appuie sur la collaboration de longue date entre Mitrelli et le gouvernement angolais dans les domaines de l’éducation et de la formation professionnelle. Son développement étend cette collaboration à l’enseignement supérieur, en mettant l’accent sur le renforcement des compétences professionnelles et de l’expertise nécessaires à un progrès économique et social durable. Distribué par APO Group pour Mitrelli Group. Contact presse : [email protected] À propos de Mitrelli : www.Mitrelli.com, une entreprise internationale basée en Suisse qui exerce depuis plus de dix ans une influence considérable en Afrique, collabore étroitement avec les dirigeants, les gouvernements, les entreprises et les communautés africains, investissant dans des solutions innovantes, holistiques et durables à l'échelle nationale et les mettant en œuvre. À ce jour, l'entreprise a mis en œuvre plus de 100 projets à l'échelle nationale sur tout le continent, dans les domaines du logement, de l'eau, de l'alimentation et de l'énergie, ainsi que dans des secteurs clés pour le développement de la société tels que l'éducation, la santé et la technologie. Pour en savoir plus, rendez-vous sur notre site www.Mitrelli.com et suivez-nous sur LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/3VY1j8m).
  5. HealthcareAngola Advances Higher Education with New Baía Farta University CampusThis week, the Government of Angola laid the cornerstone for the new Baía Farta University Campus – Katyavala Bwila University and ISCED – Benguela, marking an important milestone in the country’s investment in higher education infrastructure. The project is being delivered in partnership with Mitrelli (www.Mitrelli.com). The ceremony was attended by H.E. Albano Vicente Lopes Ferreira, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation; H.E. Manuel Nunes Júnior, Governor of Benguela Province; Professor Maria da Conceição Barbosa, PhD, President of ISCED Benguela; José Domingos Calelessa, PhD, Rector of Katyavala Bwila University; and Alberto Biamonti, Mitrelli Country General Manager for Angola, alongside provincial, university and Mitrelli representatives. The campus will bring together four academic entities: the faculties of Medicine, Law and Economics at Katyavala Bwila University, and the Higher Institute of Educational Sciences (ISCED), a higher education institution focused on education sciences and the preparation of future teachers. With a planned capacity of approximately 8,500 students and a total planned construction area of approximately 27,495 m², the campus will significantly expand access to higher education in Benguela Province. The project also includes facilities designed to connect academic learning with professional practice. The Faculty of Medicine will feature a Clinical Simulation Center, enabling students to develop practical skills in simulated hospital environments. The Faculty of Law will include a Moot Court, providing students with practical experience of legal proceedings. “Today, we reaffirm the Government’s commitment to opening a new chapter for higher education in the province, building on the achievements we have celebrated in recent years,” said H.E. Albano Vicente Lopes Ferreira, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, during the cornerstone ceremony. Preparing the Professionals of Tomorrow As Angola works to diversify its economy, the need for qualified professionals across healthcare, education, law and business continues to grow. The new campus will help address this need by creating additional opportunities for university-level education and supporting the development of expertise essential to public services, institutions and the private sector. “Higher education is a strategic investment in a country’s economic development and competitiveness,” said Rodrigo Manso, CEO of Mitrelli. “The Baía Farta University Campus will help develop Angola’s next generation of doctors, legal professionals, economists and educators. Through our education and health sectors, we are proud to partner with the Government of Angola in bringing this vision to life, from initial conception to the handover of a fully equipped campus that will serve generations to come.” The project builds on Mitrelli’s longstanding work with the Government of Angola across education and vocational training. Its development extends that collaboration into higher education, with a focus on strengthening the professional skills and expertise required for sustainable economic and social progress. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mitrelli Group. Media Contact: [email protected] About Mitrelli: www.Mitrelli.com and follow us on LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/3VY1j8m).
  6. SaaSIn New Article, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej Advocates Work-Life Fusion and Purpose-Driven Leadership through Her New Mentorship and Leadership PlatformCompanies: Merck KGaAAs part of her newly launched virtual Mentorship and Leadership Platform, "Beyond Power; Leadership, Global Influence and Impact," Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation (https://Merck-Foundation.com/), has shared a new article titled "Why Work-Life Fusion Works Better for Me Than Work-Life Balance." To read the full article, visit: https://apo-opa.co/4dMAx93 Speaking about the article, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) shared, “For many years, we have been told that work-life balance is the goal. However, through my experience as a global leader working across multiple countries and time zones, I have found that work-life fusion is a more realistic and fulfilling approach. When your work is aligned with your passion, purpose, and values, work and life no longer compete with each other; they complement and strengthen one another. Work-life fusion is not about working more; it is about living and working with intention, flexibility, and purpose.” In the article, Dr. Kelej explores seven key pointers that support the concept of work-life fusion, including viewing leadership as a responsibility rather than a schedule, aligning work with passion, prioritizing flexibility over rigidity, integrating wellbeing with performance, practicing discipline, being fully present in every moment, and adapting to the realities of today's globally connected world. She emphasizes that success is not achieved through strict separation of work and personal life, but through creating harmony between the two. Dr. Kelej added, “I believe the real challenge is not dividing our time equally between work and life, but being fully present and intentional in whatever we are doing. Whether I am leading a strategic discussion, engaging with partners across different countries, spending time with family and friends, or pursuing creative interests such as music and fashion design, I strive to bring the same energy, passion, and purpose. This integration has enabled me to sustain high performance, manage stress effectively, and remain inspired throughout my journey.” The article is available through Dr. Rasha Kelej's Mentorship and Leadership Platform, "Beyond Power; Leadership, Global Influence and Impact," through Substack, that has been launched to create an accessible resource designed to inspire, guide, and support future leaders, particularly women and young future leaders in Africa, Asia and Global South Countries. The platform is accessible to all, ensuring that aspiring leaders from diverse backgrounds can access valuable mentorship, leadership insights, and practical guidance. Link to Dr. Rasha Kelej’s Mentorship and Leadership Platform: https://apo-opa.co/4yxJdHR The articles can be freely accessed on Dr. Rasha Kelej’s website: https://Rasha-Kelej.com/ The links of the articles can also be accessed on Merck Foundation Website: https://Merck-Foundation.com/ The links can also be accessed on the Social Media channels of Dr. Rasha Kelej and Merck Foundation. Through the Mentorship and Leadership Platform, Dr. Rasha Kelej is committed to sharing her 32 years of knowledge and experience to support and guide aspiring individuals in unlocking their hidden potential, achieving their professional and personal goals, and becoming the leaders of tomorrow. To learn more about the Dr. Rasha Kelej’s journey, visit her Social Media Handles: Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4BwlPNM), Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4BmXdHg), X (https://apo-opa.co/47w2UEV), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3VXMClJ). And Merck Foundation Social Media Handles: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4BbcZVj), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4Bfp1wX), X (https://apo-opa.co/4yYU3HT) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4ivXT5q). Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation. Contact: [email protected]