By Charlotte Nambadja
Windhoek,Dec. 31, Merck Foundation chief executive officer of (CEO) Dr. Rasha Kelej has been named one of the 100 Most Influential Africans 2025 by New African Magazine, UK recently.This recognition places her alongside leaders, including the presidents of Angola, Ghana, and South Africa.
Kelej’s work focuses on transforming healthcare and empowering women and girls across Africa.Merck Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGa, Germany established in 2017.
Through Merck Foundation, she has implemented impactful programs such as the Scholarship Program for Healthcare Providers and the More Than a Mother campaign, which aims to break infertility stigma and support girl education.
“This recognition is very special to me, as it acknowledges my continued efforts to build and strengthen healthcare capacity, empower women living with infertility, and support girl education through our Merck Foundation programs,” Kelej said.
She added that it encourages and motivates her and her team to strengthen their commitment to continue efforts to create lasting, equitable impact across Africa for generations to come.
Under Kelej’s leadership, Merck Foundation has provided 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries, including Namibia with many alumni becoming the first specialists in their respective countries.
The foundation has also supported childless women through the empowering Berna program, helping them start their own small businesses. Kelej is a strong advocate for education, particularly for women.
Merck Foundation has provided over 1200 annual scholarships to high-performing and underprivileged African schoolgirls from 19 countries in Africa and Asia – Namibia Daily News
