Mbogo Ngabo Seli, Commissioner in charge of the Common Market Department at CEMAC, will discuss how regional integration policies are advancing the Republic of Congo’s oil & gas and energy sectors

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of the Congo, January 21, 2025/APO Group/ — 

As a key leader within the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC), Mbogo Ngabo Seli, Commissioner in charge of the Common Market Department at CEMAC, will join as a distinguished speaker at the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in Brazzaville.

The Common Market Department of CEMAC is tasked with driving regional economic integration by enabling free trade, coordinating economic policies, attracting investment and strengthening competitiveness among its member states. By harmonizing regulation and promoting cross-border collaboration, CEMAC supports the Republic of Congo’s efforts to double its oil production, expand LNG exports and unlock new exploration and development opportunities. The regional body’s focus on infrastructure development, streamlined legislation and shared resource management strengthens Republic of Congo’s position as a key player in Central Africa’s energy sector, while enhancing its ability to meet production targets.

The inaugural Congo Economic and Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025 in Brazzaville, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.

As Commissioner, Seli is expected to share insights on CEMAC’s initiatives to promote economic integration and facilitate regional cooperation, emphasizing their impact on driving energy development in the Republic of Congo and across Central Africa. During CEIF 2025, Seli will highlight how these efforts align with Republic of Congo’s ambitious energy goals, including increased oil and gas production and monetization of natural resources. These initiatives contribute to strengthening the region’s energy infrastructure, boosting intra-regional trade and enhancing energy security.

The role of CEMAC in enhancing energy collaboration and optimizing resource utilization across the region is particularly crucial as member states face the challenge of attracting more foreign investment into the energy sector. Through joint infrastructure projects, such as shared LNG export terminals and cross-border pipelines, CEMAC aims to reduce operational costs, foster trade and create a more competitive regional market. By addressing regulatory inconsistencies and promoting greater policy alignment, CEMAC is laying the foundation for a more sustainable energy future in Central Africa, positioning the Republic of Congo and its neighbors for long-term growth and stability.

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

Philips has supplied 390 Lumify handheld ultrasound devices to Imbuto Foundation in Rwanda to improve healthcare access and outcomes; The initiative aims to enhance diagnostic capabilities, particularly in rural and underserved areas

KIGALI, Rwanda, January 21, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Philips (www.Philips.com), a global leader in health technology, has supplied 390 Lumify handheld ultrasound devices to Imbuto Foundation (http://apo-opa.co/4jmx3ex), a local Rwandan NGO that manages over 20 projects in the area of health, education and youth empowerment. This significant initiative, with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to enhance medical imaging capabilities across the country, supporting Rwanda’s healthcare transformation and ambitions, to advance the quality of care in the region, and enable better healthcare for the population.

The Philips Lumify (http://apo-opa.co/4jhPfWR) ultrasound, combines transducers and an ultrasound app to bring diagnostic capabilities to compatible smart phones and tablets. This application makes quality ultrasound available anywhere, including areas where advanced medical imaging technology is often limited such as remote and underserved areas.

The portable and user-friendly design offers high-quality imaging capabilities to acquire critical clinical data quickly in various point of care scenarios such as emergency medicine, critical care and primary care such as prenatal maternal healthcare. 

A critical goal of our work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is to bring health technology to underserved areas of the world to help improve health outcomes

“A critical goal of our work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is to bring health technology to underserved areas of the world to help improve health outcomes,” says Joe Harb, Senior program Officer – Innovative product introduction, Gates Foundation. “By providing healthcare professionals with the tools needed to deliver high-quality care, we are proud to build a stronger and more resilient healthcare system in Rwanda to drive change.”

“Imbuto Foundation, in collaboration with our partners, remains committed to empowering healthcare professionals in Rwanda with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively use the Philips Lumify ultrasound device. This initiative aims to improve healthcare delivery and ensure better patient outcomes nationwide. This partnership comes at a pivotal moment, reinforcing our efforts to enhance healthcare access and quality for all,” says Vugayabagabo Jackson, Deputy Director General in charge of Programmes at Imbuto Foundation.

The Philips Lumify handheld with tele-ultrasound (http://apo-opa.co/40IdGoM) capability also enables real-time remote collaboration for healthcare workers, such as community-based midwives or nurses, with specialists for expert consult at the point of care. During a patient scan, the device can stream the camera feed, voice, and live ultrasound images to a healthcare professional remotely. The smartphone’s front-facing camera can also display the transducer’s position alongside the ultrasound image, facilitating effective telehealth consultations and support.

Following the handover ceremony, Philips initiated a comprehensive “Train the Trainer” session. This session provided approximately 20 ultrasound technologists from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) (http://apo-opa.co/3CpPOwU) with a full day of theoretical and hands-on training on the Lumify ultrasound devices. The training is designed to ensure that these technologists are well-equipped to utilize the Lumify ultrasound devices effectively and in turn teach and equip health workers – nurses, midwives and clinical officers – in rural areas with fundamental ultrasound skills to incorporate into their regular diagnostic care routines, enabling them to identify risk of complications leading to better clinical outcomes.

In addition, the partners will continue to work closely with the Imbuto Foundation, and the Ministry of Health to ensure that healthcare professionals in Rwanda have the knowledge and skills they need to make the most of the Philips Lumify ultrasound devices.

“By supplying portable, point of care ultrasound devices and comprehensive training, we are not only supporting Imbuto Foundation’s vision but building on the remarkable progress in improving health outcomes in Rwanda over the past two decades,” says Eddy Rizk, Business leader, Ultrasound, Philips META (Middle East, Türkiye & Africa). “Together, improving the quality of life for countless individuals.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Royal Philips.