Byron Adonis Mutingwende

IPU interfaith dialogue in Italy to promote peace and inclusivity

Rome, Italy – The Speaker of Parliament of Zimbabwe, Hon. Advocate J.F.N Mudenda, has arrived in Rome, Italy to participate in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Interfaith Dialogue from 19th to 21st June 2025. This marks the second iteration of the IPU Interfaith Dialogue, following the successful gathering in Marrakech, Morocco, in 2023. The Conference is…

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A.K.M. Glitters Poultry Company inspires youth to venture into agribusiness

A.K.M. Glitters Poultry Company from Tanzania is a good example of how youth can venture into agribusiness as a form of employment and a gateway to food security. This emerged today in a webinar facilitated by Dr. Rachel Mkandawire, the Policy and Research Analyst from the Food Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN)…

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CAADP NSAs Meeting: Lessons learned, call to action for Africa’s youth

By Malama Malama – CAYACC Zambia Representative 📍 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | 10–12 June 2025   From 10th to 12th June 2025, I had the privilege of representing the Consortium of African Youth in Agriculture and Climate Change (CAYACC) at a continental panel discussion on “Lessons and Challenges from Non-State Actors’ Engagement in CAADP Implementation,”…

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Rwanda unveils agricultural plan to attract over $330m in private investment

Rwanda has launched a new Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) investment plan, laying the groundwork to attract over $335 million (approximately Rwf449.7 billion) in private sector investment into sustainable agriculture projects across the country.   Launched on Tuesday, June 18, by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources in collaboration with Rwanda Green Fund and the…

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UNDP Launches 2025 Human Development Report on AI

Harare, Zimbabwe – 18 June 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched its flagship Human Development Report 2025, titled “People and Possibilities in the Age of AI,” at a high-level breakfast dialogue in Harare, Zimbabwe. The report explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to drive human development and improve people’s lives, highlighting…

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200,000 housing units by 2030: DANet

Under the Destiny Of Afrika Network (DANet)’s affordable housing initiative, there are plans to avail 200,000 housing units by 2030 as part of programmes towards attaining an upper-middle-income society.   Bringing smiles to an entire community can be a challenging feat, often requiring extraordinary efforts.   However, the Destiny Of Afrika Network (DANet) has succeeded…

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Cartooning for Africa Facts: An illustrated Fact-Checker’s Guide

To mark International Day Against Hate Speech on 18 June 2025, Africa Check, Zimfact, and Cartooning for Peace are publishing “Cartooning for Africa Facts”, an illustrated Fact-Checker’s Guide that brings together cartoonists and fact-checkers in a unique collaboration.   Previewed in Abidjan during the Cocobulles cartoon festival, whose 8th edition was dedicated to the fight…

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El Niño and climate change cause drought in southern Africa

From Malawi and Mozambique to Zambia and Zimbabwe, down to Namibia and across to the grain belt of South Africa, a combination of the effects of climate change and the El Niño weather phenomenon has been causing drought, hunger and misery for months. The region, already vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, received only 80 percent of expected…

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GPEDC a tool for advancing development effectiveness in Zimbabwe

Civil society organizations (CSOs) are gathered in Harare for a Dissemination and Self-Reflection Dialogue on Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation (GPEDC) for the Northern Region Meeting that is taking place today 18 June 2025 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.   In his opening remarks at the workshop, Bishop Charles Masunungure, the Vice Chairperson of…

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Strict lockdown, checkpoints accelerate Israeli genocide against Palestinians

The Embassy of the State of Palestine in Harare unequivocally condemns the recent draconian measures imposed by apartheid Israel on the West Bank, including a strict lockdown with checkpoints and iron gates restricting the movement and dividing Palestinian cities, making them bantustans worse than those during the apartheid era of South Africa. These actions represent…

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Education, science technology and innovation drive economic development

Education, science, technology, and innovation drive socio-economic development in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Prof Fanuel Tagwira has said.   He made the remarks today Tuesday 17 June 2025 at the SADC Ministers of Education and Training…

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Killer Nox hosts anti-drug campaign and talent show

Staff Reporter Bulawayo-based artist and youth advocate, Knowledge “Killer Nox” Shumba, recently hosted the Ziyajuluka Festival third edition which was meant to promote local culture, raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, and promote upcoming local artists.   The festival was running under the theme “Cultural Revival: Say no to drugs.” In his main…

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Paratus Zimbabwe, PowerTel strike milestone deal

Harare, 16 June 2025 – Paratus Zimbabwe, a subsidiary of Paratus Group, has today signed a major deal with PowerTel to launch a new high-capacity national fiber network across Zimbabwe. PowerTel is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) and is licensed to operate an optic fiber backbone network.  Paratus Zimbabwe,…

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Father first, miner Second: Why a Gwanda artisanal miner puts family before all

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)   The now 44-year-old Zibusiso Ndlovu was only 19 when he came to Tshebetshebe, Gwanda in 2001 to explore the ‘golden’ opportunities offered in the gold mining sector in Zimbabwe. He was full of hope at a time when Zimbabwe was experiencing serious economic challenges that led to high inflation and…

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ActionAid Malawi urges IMF to abandon public sector expenditure austerity measures

ActionAid’s latest study “Human Cost of Public Expenditure Cuts in Africa,” was officially launched yesterday with renewed calls on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to abandon its austerity measures such as public sector expenditure cuts for poor countries, saying such measures have brought more misery for poor and vulnerable such as women and girls in…

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From Seeds to Sustainability: Climate-Smart Agriculture Takes Root in Southern Zimbabwe

Smallholder farmers in Chiredzi and Mwenezi districts are adopting climate-smart agriculture to enhance food security and strengthen resilience to climate change, through the project Strengthening Climate Resilience of Agricultural Livelihoods in Southern Zimbabwe—a partnership between the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Green Climate Fund.  …

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Non-state actors proffer recommendations to make CAADP3 work

Writes Byron Adonis Mutingwende    Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Non-state actors meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from the 10th to the 12th of June 2025 are proffering recommendations to make the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan 2026-2035 work.   Justice Zvaita, the Coordinator of the Southern Africa Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance…

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MCAZ, HPA Warn Against Illegal Ozempic Sale and Use For Weight Loss

Writes Catherine Murombedzi (Health Correspondent)   The Medicines Control Authority Zimbabwe (MCAZ) and Health Professions Authority Zimbabwe (HPA) have issued a warning against the illegal sale, purchase, and use of Ozempic. Ozempic is a prescription medication for type 2 diabetes, being misused for weight loss. MCAZ Director General, Mr. Richard T. Rukwata said it is…

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Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis Report for Limpopo River Basin under consideration

07 June 2025, Maputo, MOZAMBIQUE – The Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM) will convene a special basin-wide meeting on 10-12 June 2025 in Bilene, Gaza Province of Mozambique for its Member States to consider and approve the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) Report for the Limpopo River Basin (LRB).   This follows the successful validation of the…

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Heal Us Zimbabwe Launches Anti-Drug Walkathon from Plumtree to Harare

Plumtree, Zimbabwe – In a powerful show of commitment to combating drug and substance abuse, Columbus Tapiwa Mushore, Founder and Chairman of Heal Us Zimbabwe, led the launch of a 543-kilometre walkathon from Plumtree to Harare under the theme “Say No to Drugs – Together We Walk, Together We Heal.”   Mushore was joined by…

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Oxfam and the SADC PF partnership strategic to regional programming

The collaboration between Oxfam and the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) is both strategic and central to their regional programming because the challenges that the Southern African region is facing require concerted efforts by all parties.   These were remarks by Mr. Machinda Marongwe, the Oxfam in Southern Africa Programme Director during…

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NetOne building a digital future, catering for the environment

NetOne’s unwavering commitment to a clean and healthy country while stamping its authority as a pace-setter in building a stronger digital future for Zimbabwe came to the fore this week.   On Monday 2 June 2025, NetOne proudly stood among Zimbabwe’s most celebrated companies at the prestigious ZIMBRANDS Awards, hosted by Buy Zimbabwe and Select…

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SAYoF signs MOU with SADC PF to amplify youth participation in developmental processes

VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE – In a landmark move to amplify youth participation in regional and developmental processes, the Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF) today 7 June 2025 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) on the sidelines of the 57th  SADC PF Plenary Assembly in Victoria Falls.   This strategic…

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IPEC embarks on life-changing medical outreach in Buhera and Makoni districts

Writes Catherine Murombedzi (Health Correspondent) In a heartwarming display of corporate social responsibility, the Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) partnered with key stakeholders to deliver a comprehensive medical outreach programme to over 900 beneficiaries in Buhera and Makoni districts. The initiative, held from May 26-30, brought vital healthcare services to vulnerable communities, transforming lives and…

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TIMB Biometric System Simplifies Grower Registration, Boosts Security

Writes Munashe Nyuke   The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has hailed the rollout of its biometric grower registration system as a major success, with thousands of farmers already onboarded and reaping the benefits of enhanced security, transparency, and accountability within the tobacco value chain.   Launched as part of broader efforts to curb…

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South Africa embraces FANRPAN Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2035

Mr. Mooketsa Ramasodi, the Director General of the Department of Agriculture of the Republic of South Africa, who is also the Food Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) Board Member on Wednesday 4 June 2025 welcomed the launch of the FANRPAN Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2035.   The Government of South Africa…

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ECF-SADC’s partnership with SADC PF deepens regional cooperation, strengthens democracy

The partnership between the Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC Countries (ECF-SADC) and the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) promotes regional cooperation and strengthens democracy in the region.   In his address today during the ongoing 57th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum in Victoria Falls, Glen Mashinini, the Commissioner of ECF-SADC…

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A malaria-free SADC is possible: Prof. Sheila Tlou

VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE – With unwavering commitment and collective action, a malaria-free Southern African Development Community (SADC) is possible, Prof Sheila Tlou, the Special Ambassador of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), has said.   She was addressing the 57th SADC Parliamentary Assembly today 6 June 2025 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.   Prof Tlou said…

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AI and innovation enhance financial accountability and governance: SADCOPAC

VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE – The Organisation of Public Accounts Committees of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADCOPAC) has said harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation enhances financial accountability and governance.   This was revealed by Hon Alice Nomvula Ponco, the SADCOPAC Vice Chairperson during the 57th Plenary Session of the SADC Parliamentary Forum resort city…

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Cut to public spending in education, health across six African countries: ActionAid

OWN CORRESPONDENT   A new study by ActionAid reveals that deep cuts to public spending in education and health across six African countries have seen workers struggling to afford essentials like food resulting in overcrowded classrooms and failing healthcare. The Human Cost of Public Sector Cuts in Africa surveyed over 600 healthcare workers, teachers, and…

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Artificial intelligence integral to progress and development: SADC PF

The 57th Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) Plenary Assembly Session convened a Symposium, from the 2nd to the 6th June 2025 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe on the theme: “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) For Effective and Efficient Parliamentary Processes in the SADC Region: Experiences, Challenges and Opportunities” and resolved that the SADC Region…

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Stakeholders welcome FANRPAN’s Strategic Plan (2025-2035)

The Food Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) Strategic Plan (2025-2035) lays out not only its strategic priorities – ranging from climate change resilience, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods to trade, innovation, and social inclusion but also it shows how the network delivers through robust evidence generation, knowledge management, and partnerships.   These were…

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Artificial Intelligence Strategies Must Be Rooted in Local Realities: Prof Manhibi

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – June 3, 2025 — At the 57th Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) Plenary Session, Professor Ronald Manhibi, Director of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence at Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE), delivered a powerful and timely call for Southern African parliaments to urgently embrace localized Artificial Intelligence (AI)…

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Community stewardship key in protecting Wetlands

Writes Edgar Gweshe Community stewardship is a powerful model for wetlands protection which fosters local ownership and engagement leading to more sustainable and effective conservation efforts. Community involvement in wetlands protection ensures that locals become the primary stewards of wetlands thus promoting long-term sustainability and positive change. Community stewardship promotes increased awareness, collaboration, and partnerships,…

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Gilead Committed to Rolling Out HIV Prevention Jab in Africa, awaits FDA approval

Gilead Sciences is poised to supply its groundbreaking twice-yearly injection, lenacapavir, to low-income countries, pending FDA approval, writes Catherine Murombedzi.   The twice-yearly jab has shown nearly 100% effectiveness in preventing HIV infection in large trials, sparking hope that it could help end the 44-year-old.   The Food and Drug Administration’s approval is the crucial…

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AI empowers informed data-driven decision-making in SADC

In his presentation during the symposium on artificial intelligence at the ongoing 57th session of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) at the Elephant Hill Resort in Victoria Falls today, Mr. Liberty Dandira from the Midlands State University explored how AI-powered intelligence systems can transform parliamentary operations in the SADC region. The…

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Regulation addresses challenges associated with use of artificial intelligence

Dr Tarisai Mutangi, a Law Lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe, has urged legislators aligned with the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) to craft regulations to harness artificial intelligence and legal technology for effective and efficient parliamentary processes.   He was making a presentation today in Victoria Falls during a symposium on…

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Dr. Chinofunga Urges SADC to Adopt Unified Digital Architecture Powered by AI

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – In a bold and visionary presentation delivered at a high-level regional forum in Victoria Falls, Dr. Shakemore Chinofunga, Executive Director of ICT at Chinhoyi University of Technology, called on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to embrace a unified digital enterprise framework grounded in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and structured through the…

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Minister Mavetera lays out AI roadmap for SADC Parliamentary Forum

Hon Tatenda Mavetera, Zimbabwe’s Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services has proposed strategies for the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) to foster sustainable development in the region. She revealed this in a video presentation during an AI symposium held at the Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria…

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Technological cooperation and knowledge sharing strengthen democratic institutions: President Mnangagwa

Technological cooperation and knowledge sharing are meant to strengthen democratic institutions across the region, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said while officially opening the 57th Plenary Assembly of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) today in Zimbabwe’s resort city of Victoria Falls. He said the Fourth Industrial Revolution, characterized by a fusion of emerging…

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