Josefa Sacko says African women are the backbone of the continent’s agri-food systems

Addis Ababa 14 February 2025 – Women are the backbone of Africa’s agri-food systems, contributing immensely to production, processing, distribution, and family livelihoods, outgoing African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment Josefa Correia Sacko said in Addis Ababa.   The Angolan diplomat at the end of her mandate at the…

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Harare Sustainable City Initiative trains people on waste recycling and management

Waste pickers from Epworth, Harare Showground, Tafara, Highfields, and Mabvuku have been trained in waste sorting, reducing, recycling, reuse, and management.   Addressing graduates during the awarding of certificates and handover of protective clothing at the Mabvuku-Tafara Multi-clean Energy Centre today, Engineer Herbert Parichi, the Director of Infrastructure Planning and Environmental Management in the Office…

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Josefa Sacko leaves a rich legacy for new AUC Commissioner for Agriculture

A ‘very rich’ legacy built up during the last eight years at the head of the continental body’s Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (DARBE) portfolio is her gift to the new African Union Commissioner, the outgoing Commissioner of the African Union, Josefa Correia Sacko has said.   The diplomat said this during…

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Zimbabwe Calls for Stronger Global Solidarity in Social Development

Zimbabwe has called for stronger global solidarity and multilateral cooperation to address persistent social and economic challenges, emphasizing the need for inclusive growth and social cohesion globally. Speaking at the ongoing 63rd Session of the Commission for Social Development (CSocD63) in New York, Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare Deputy Minister, Mercy Dinha, emphasized the…

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Uncertainty around PEPFAR program puts millions of people at risk

Writes MSF   MSF is calling on the US government to immediately resume funding for the full range of PEPFAR operations as well as other critical health and humanitarian aid.   The decision by the US government to temporarily freeze funding to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) alongside all other foreign aid…

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38th AU Summit: Eswatini hails election of Moses Vilakati as Commissioner for Agriculture

The Government of Eswatini has hailed the election of former Cabinet Minister, Mr. Moses Vilakati, as the Commissioner for the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (DARBE) in the African Union Commission. This achievement follows a highly competitive election held at the 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where…

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Presidential War Veterans Fund taken to Midlands Province

War veterans received US$150,000 on Tuesday during the launch of the Presidential War Veterans Fund in Midlands province. This marks the latest phase of the national rollout, following similar disbursements in Masvingo, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, and Bulawayo. The fund, which totals US$1.5 million nationwide, is part of the government’s efforts to support veterans who…

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38th AU Summit: Opportunity to demand reform of the global financial architecture

As the 38th African Union (AU) Summit roared to life today, the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD), the One Campaign, and Christian Aid, through an online webinar, urged African Heads of State and Government and the African Union Commissioners who will take office to consider taking urgent initiatives to reform global…

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Adopt agricultural practices that can withstand climate change: Commissioner Josefa Sacko

Commissioner of the African Union’s Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, Josefa Correia Sacko said in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) that although agriculture is an important sector, most farmers on the continent practice rainfed agriculture, which is highly vulnerable to climate change.   The Diplomat, who made these remarks at the International…

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Women entrepreneurs from Africa and Asia connect with UK companies to diversify their supply chains

UK companies explore business opportunities with 50 women-led businesses from ten countries – Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Nepal and Pakistan – following a trade mission in Manchester.   As part of the trade mission, British buyers looking to diversify their supply chains met women entrepreneurs working in the fresh and processed agrifood, handicrafts,…

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Chief Charumbira calls for greater harmonisation of efforts to end conflict in Sudan

The President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), His Excellency, Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira, has called for harmonisation of efforts by the African Union and other stakeholders involved in mediating the conflict in Sudan if the conflict is to come to an end.   Speaking at the Political Meeting of the AGA-APSA Platform held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,…

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ZICCO Board Chair Tindo Chiraya Leads Successful Copyright Outreach in Bulawayo

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – The Zimbabwe Council of Copyrights (ZICCO) has taken a major step in expanding its reach under the leadership of Board Chair Tindo Chiraya, successfully launching its outreach program in Bulawayo. The event, which attracted hundreds of businesspeople, artists, and community members, focused on educating stakeholders about the importance of copyright laws and…

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Declining funding disrupts sustained gender equality and women empowerment gains in Zimbabwe

The declining funding has hurt sustained gender equality and women empowerment gains in Zimbabwe, a gender equality and women empowerment development partner engagement meeting held in Harare yesterday has revealed.   A Team Europe Gender Representative at the meeting, Maria Horno, the Head of Governance and Social Sector of the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe, said…

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New Mbare Traders’ Market offers improved working space for beneficiaries

The modern, all-weather Traders’ Market in Mbare has been described as a major turning point that will witness the formalization of traders and improved working spaces for beneficiaries.   Speaking during a tour to assess the progress made by Masimba Construction in Mbare yesterday, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare…

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Food for thought in a warming climate

Over the past 30 years, extreme events such as wildfires, droughts, floods, and heat waves have multiplied due to the warming climate.   According to climate models and research conducted by the IPCC, NASA, and other scientific institutions, their frequency, intensity, and duration are expected to grow in the future. Apart from the dramatic toll…

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Africa is owed US$36 trillion in climate debt by rich polluting countries, a new report by ActionAid shows

Ahead of the African Union (AU) Summit this week, a new report by ActionAid reveals that over three-quarters of all lower-income countries spend more on foreign debt than on their own healthcare systems and more than half spend more on debt servicing than education.  Rich polluting countries owe low and lower-middle-income countries US$107 trillion in…

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NetOne Expands Healthcare Access Through Innovative Telemedicine Initiative

In a significant step toward modernizing healthcare delivery in Zimbabwe, NetOne and Zim Smart Village have launched another OneHealth Telemedicine Virtual Hospital in Chirumhanzu, marking the latest addition to a growing network of over 22 telemedicine booths commissioned across the country. The initiative, spearheaded by the First Lady of Zimbabwe, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, represents a…

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Leveraging AI for Smart Marketing: Strategies, Benefits, and Real-World Insights for Business Growth

Writes Fakunle John Aremu   Introduction   Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the marketing landscape by enabling personalization and automation at an unprecedented scale. Marketers are leveraging AI to analyze vast amounts of data, predict consumer behaviour, and create tailored experiences. AI-powered tools such as chatbots, recommendation engines, and automated email marketing are enhancing customer…

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Issuance of acquired Land title deeds not in the best national interest

Writes Dr Tapiwa Mashakada   The land reform program which started in 2000, sought to address historical injustices and imbalances in land ownership and distribution patterns.   Before 2000, fertile agricultural land was owned by only 4500 white farmers while the black African majority were confined to tribal trust lands where the land was rocky,…

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Sustainable building practices contribute to the Nationally Determined Contributions: GBCZ

Promoting sustainable building practices contributes to the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), it has emerged.   The UN-Habitat in collaboration with the Green Building Council of Zimbabwe (GBCZ) hosted the awareness and advocacy workshop aimed at promoting sustainable building practices that contribute to the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of Zimbabwe highlighting success stories from other countries…

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Ministry engages the media to enhance skills audit and development

A meeting of the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development and the media has revealed that the development of skills is essential for economic growth and workforce competitiveness.   Addressing the engagement workshop in Harare on Wednesday, Ambassador Dr. Rudo Chitiga, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development emphasised the importance…

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Embassy of Pakistan in Zimbabwe observes Kashmir Solidarity Day

Writes Wallace Mawire The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 5 February 2025 observed the Kashmir Solidarity Day at the Embassy premises in Harare to honour the resilience of the Kashmiri people and their fight for justice and against oppression allegedly perpetrated by India. The ongoing repression in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir highlights…

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Workshop addresses challenges at Kasumbalesa Border Post, spotlights customs and trade promotion

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is holding a Stakeholders’ Technical Meeting and a Senior Official Meeting of the Affected Member States on the Resolution of the Challenges at the Kasumbalesa Border Post from 4 to 7 February 2025 in Harare Zimbabwe.   The summit in August 2024 directed the SADC secretariat to convene an…

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AUC Candidate for Agriculture Commissioner Dr John Basera committed to strengthening agricultural development

Dr. John Basera, a leading candidate for the position of Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment of the African Union Commission (AUC) has highlighted his vision, experience, and plans to strengthen agricultural development and the blue economy across Africa.   Speaking to Spiked Online Media, Dr Basera demonstrated that he is a…

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Continent still not exploiting potential of animal resources, says Commissioner Josefa Sacko

The continent is still not exploiting the full potential of its animal resources, largely because it is failing to fully utilise the opportunities available and address key challenges such as animal feed and health, African Union Commissioner Josefa Correia Sacko said in Addis Ababa.   The diplomat, who was speaking at the launch of the…

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Over 67 million people food insecure in Horn of Africa as climate shocks, conflict rise: Report

About 67.4 million people in the Horn of Africa are food insecure, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East African bloc, said in a joint report.   This is a rise from 64.8 million at the end of November 2024, the institutions said,…

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Young people are active agents of change in Zimbabwe’s national climate action efforts

Zimbabwe Children and Youth Position Paper on the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) 3.0 (2025 – 2035)   Prepared by Cinderella Ndlovu and Eric Morgen Moyo    Rapporteurs: Linet Ndou, Natalie Gwatirisa, Shamiso Mucha   Introduction   The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are the core of the Paris Agreement and serve a critical role in determining…

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AXIAN Telecom Signs the GSMA Humanitarian Connectivity Charter to Strengthen Disaster Preparedness Across Africa

Leading pan-African telecom group, AXIAN Telecom is proud to announce that it has officially become a signatory of the GSMA Humanitarian Connectivity Charter (HCC). Launched in 2015 by the GSMA, the HCC aims to enhance the preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) during sudden onset emergencies, such as natural disasters.   AXIAN Telecom…

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SECZim’s #MySchool Outreach Programme Drives Sustainable Financial Literacy Through Capital Market Toolkit

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe (SECZim) is deepening capital market awareness through the #MySchool outreach programme, which is empowering students and teachers across Zimbabwe with essential knowledge about the capital market. Leveraging the innovative capital market toolkit, (the toolkit) the programme is designed to foster financial literacy and encourage future participation in the…

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Strengthening Zimbabwe’s Climate Commitments: Stakeholders Review and Validate NDCs

Stakeholders from diverse backgrounds are holding a critical consultation meeting in Harare on strengthening Zimbabwe’s climate commitments under nationally determined contributions (NDCs).   In his opening remarks read on his behalf by Mr. Lovemore Dhoba, Acting Director of the Climate Change Management Department, the Chief Director of Climate Change and Meteorological Services in the Ministry…

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Increase efforts towards attaining food security: Commissioner Josefa Sacko

The African Union Commissioner recognised in Addis Ababa that the efforts that have been made in food security, sustainable environmental practices, rural development, and the blue economy have had a tangible impact on the entire continent.   Josefa Sacko, who was speaking at a meeting with members of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue…

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Apartheid Israel escalating aggression on Refugee Camps in the West Bank

Palestine’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, HE Dr. Tamer Almassri has strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli military aggression against Palestinian refugee camps and towns in the West Bank, which has entered its 14th consecutive day killing over 25 Palestinians while dozens are injured and detained. The attacks, concentrated in Jenin camp, Al-Far’a camp, Tulkarm camp, and the…

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Return stolen money for Pastors: Reverend Obadiah Musindo tells Wilson Masokovere

After a successful meeting attended by 267 pastors from different churches in Manicaland Province, Reverend Obadiah Musindo, the founder of Destiny of Afrika Network (DANet), has sent a chilling warning to the network’s Projects Manager, Wilson Masokovere against publishing falsehoods meant to tarnish his image and ordered him to return money he stole in a…

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Adam Molai Foundation partners QRent in schools IT initiative

Adam Molai Foundation has partnered with the QRent Zimbabwe who have donated 30 desktop computers to enhance educational opportunities for students at Dombotombo, Wenimbi, and Chamatendere primary schools in Marondera. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and provide disadvantaged students with access to essential technology.   Nomagugu Nyaundi, Executive Director at the Adam…

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The Sahel Can Revolutionize Renewable Energy Access and Affordability Up to the Last Mile

By Reshmi Theckethil (Lead Portfolio, Climate Action, Disaster Risk Reduction, Energy, and Resilience | Sahel Resilience Project Manager, UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa (www.UNDP.org).    Imagine a Sahel region where every household, school, and hospital has access to clean, affordable energy—where renewable power not only serves homes but also drives economic transformation….

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Destiny of Afrika Network in successful Pastors’ Economic Empowerment Seminar in Mutare

Destiny of Afrika Network (DANET) yesterday held a successful economic empowerment seminar for pastors in the Manicaland Province in Mutare, with detractors who allegedly sought to block this initiative put to shame.   Before yesterday’s successful event, Wilson Masokovere, the DANET Projects Manager; and Temba Sauramba, the Treasurer; had run a smear campaign against Reverend…

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