Byron Adonis Mutingwende

UNDP and Ministry of Health Celebrate Landmark Handover of NatPharm Warehouse in Masvingo

In a significant stride towards improving healthcare delivery in Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), today commissioned the newly completed NatPharm warehouse in Masvingo. The state-of-the-art facility, which was funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria (Global Fund), is expected…

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UN calls for peaceful elections in Mozambique

Writes Charles Mangwiro   MAPUTO (Mozambique) – The United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Mozambique, Dr. Catherine Sozi has called for peaceful Mozambique general elections due on October 9 to choose the country’s next president and 250 members of parliament.   “A peaceful and democratic electoral process is essential for the prosperity and…

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Visa-Free travel and improved connectivity crucial for unlocking Africa’s tourism potential

The 7th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum, held on Wednesday in Gaborone, Botswana highlighted the urgent need to remove visa restrictions, reduce airfares, and enhance connectivity to unleash Africa’s vast tourism potential.   Stakeholders emphasised that these strategies, which aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), were crucial to boosting intra-Africa travel and fostering…

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Science-based V30 Accelerator model wins Zimbabwe the Africa Food Prize

Tinotenda Mhiko, the Chief Executive Officer of the Agriculture and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) has said the implementation of the revolutionary agricultural science-based  Vision 2030 (V30) accelerator model has won him the prestigious 2024 Africa Food Prize.   He was addressing journalists at a press conference at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) in Rwanda yesterday…

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ARDA CEO Tinotenda Mhiko wins the coveted Africa Food Prize

Tinotenda Mhiko, the Chief Executive Officer of the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) has won the coveted US$100,000 Africa Food Prize that celebrates Africans who are taking control of the continent’s agriculture agenda.   The prize puts a spotlight on bold initiatives and technical innovations that can be replicated across the continent to create…

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Desertification in Africa causes damage to productive land, warns AUC’s Commissioner Sacko

At least 4.4 million hectares of productive land are lost to desertification every year, leading to the malnutrition of some 68 million people in Africa, African Union Commissioner Josefa Correia Sacko said today in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.   The diplomat, who was speaking at the Tenth Special Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the…

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Africa Food Systems Forum: Seed Sector Performance Index (SSPI) disseminated

The 2023 Seed Sector Performance Index (SSPI) Status Report for Africa was disseminated at the African Food Systems Forum’s 2024 Summit on 2 September in Kigali, Rwanda. The SSPI is a new, single score-based measurement tool that provides “a bird’s eye view” of the health of national seed systems across the continent. The SSPI was…

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Digital Agriculture Providing New Frontiers in Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa

Writes George Marechera (AGRA – Head of Digital Systems and Solutions for Agriculture)   New technologies and digitalisation are transforming agriculture and offering new opportunities for transformative agriculture development in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Digital agriculture is a new and emerging field that has the potential to help address the productivity, sustainability, resilience, market, and trade…

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Zimbabwe demonstrates innovative food system policy through the 1-hectare irrigation model

Zimbabwe demonstrated a scalable innovative food system policy through its 1-hectare irrigation model during a plenary session on the official opening yesterday of the Africa Food Systems Forum running from 2 to 6 September 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda.   Addressing participants during a room discussion on scalable innovative food systems policies and the financing needed…

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AUC’s Ambassador Sacko calls for increased investments in agricultural research and development

H.E. Amb. Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment of the African Union Commission has called for increased investments in agricultural research and development.   She was speaking through the Director of her Department, Dr. Godfrey Bahiigwa, during the official opening of the Africa Food Systems Forum that is running…

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Sustainable African food systems accelerate attainment of SDGs

Building productive, nutritious, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable African food systems accelerates the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.   This was revealed today by Hon Ildephonse Musafiri, Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources during the official opening of the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum) 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda.   He…

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Renewable energy, food security, and digital economy topical at Second Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum

In her keynote address during the official opening of the Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum in Bali, Indonesia on 1 September 2024, Her Excellency, Dr. Puan Maharani, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia, said there is a need for strategic cooperation between Indonesia and Africa in the arena of renewable energy, food…

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Extension services, research and development improve smallholder farmers’ agricultural production and productivity

The provision of extension services tied to research and development will improve the capacity of smallholder farmers to increase agricultural production and productivity.   This came to the fore yesterday during a side meeting of extension base actors held at the Lemigo Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda at the African Food Systems Forum running from the…

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Africa Vegetable Biodiversity Rescue Plan launched at Food Systems Forum

In the continent’s journey towards transforming agrifood systems through preserving and conserving vegetable biodiversity and sustainable use, the Africa Vegetable Biodiversity Rescue Plan (AVBRP), was launched today during the first day of the Africa Food Systems Forum under the session ‘Harnessing our Vegetable Heritage.   In his keynote address during the launch, Dr Clement Adjorlolo,…

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AGRA offers transformative entrepreneurship initiatives for women and youth in agrifood systems

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) is spearheading transformative investment in rural women and youth entrepreneurship in agrifood systems.   Addressing participants during a side event of the ongoing Africa Food Systems Forum that kicked off today 2 September 2024 and will run until 6 September 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda held under…

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Women and youth play key role in accelerating food systems transformation

Accelerating food systems transformation, particularly in a changing climate within a digital era, requires careful consideration of the needs, priorities, and capabilities of a diversity of men and women to contribute and benefit from agrifood systems.   These were the remarks of Deogratius Magero, the Youth Engagement Manager at the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience…

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Cimas Health Group Showcases Mobile Clinic at Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

The country’s largest private medical aid society, and health and wellness service provider, Cimas Health Group continues to embrace innovative models to improve ways of service delivery in the health sector.   In a groundbreaking development, Cimas recently acquired a mobile clinic, a customised motor vehicle that will be staffed by a combination of health…

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Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum to foster social justice and sustainable economic development

The Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe, Honorable Advocate Jacob F.N Mudenda arrived in Bali, Indonesia on 30th August 2024, where is attending the Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Summit running from 31st August – 2nd September at the Grand Hyatt Hotel meant to foster social justice and sustainable economic development.   Speaker Mudenda is accompanied by the…

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Desperate firewood poachers ravage Zimbabwe’s forests

Clayton Masekesa With furtive glances over his shoulder, Samson Muchibo (not his real name), the firewood poacher, creeps through the Burma Valley forest in Mutare South constituency, his worn axe slung over his shoulder. He knows the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Environmental Management Agency (EMA), and Zimbabwe Forestry Commission authorities are on the lookout for him,…

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SADC driving economic transformation despite threat of natural disasters: Prof Charity Manyeruke

Her Excellency Charity Manyeruke, Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe to the Republic of Rwanda and Chairperson of the Heads of Diplomatic Missions Group (HDMG) of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has said the regional economic group is driving sustainable development despite the threats of natural disasters negatively impacting human and food security.  …

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Zimbabwe unveils opportunities to invest in mineral processing

Writes Hillary Munedzi   The government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has unveiled opportunities for investors to invest in value addition and beneficiation of minerals through restricting the export of all ores and under-processed minerals. Through the Base Minerals Export Control (Unbeneficiated Base Mineral Ores) Order, 2023, contained in Statutory…

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NetOne showcases Telemedicine at Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

Leading telecommunications giant, NetOne, showcased its recently launched service as it unveiled its cutting-edge Telemedicine product at the prestigious Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.   To fully execute the innovative offering which is the brainchild of the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Auxilia Mnangangwa, NetOne in partnership with ZimSmart, represents this significant step forward…

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ZAS: National Tested Seeds gears up for the 2024/2025 season

As the 2024/2025 agricultural season approaches, National Tested Seeds is poised to support farmers with a wide portfolio of high-quality seeds for both field crops and vegetables. This is also complimented by the company’s wealth of expert agronomic and agri-business management services.   Speaking to this publication at the Zimbabwe Agriculture Society (ZAS), the Head…

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Farmers Embrace Old Mutual’s “On the Money” Program at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

As the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show runs under the theme “Cultivating Prosperity. Growing Business. Innovation for Change. Nurturing our Future,” a critical component of this year’s event is the financial literacy training session hosted by Old Mutual.   Agriculture is the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP, exports, and employment. However, financial…

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Adoption of new farming technologies increasing agricultural production and productivity

The Agricultural Excellence Indaba presided over by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga on the fourth day of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show in Harare on Thursday 29 August 2024 emphasised the critical role that new farming technologies play in increasing agricultural production and productivity.   In her presentation during the Indaba, held under the theme “Research and…

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Kutsaga, Econet win double awards each at 2024 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

The Tobacco Research Board trading as Kutsaga continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in agricultural innovation and sustainability, achieving double recognition at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) 2024 while challenging giants like Econet Wireless Zimbabwe.   In a notable achievement, Kutsaga was named the Second Runner Up Overall Best Exhibiting Stand at ZAS2024,…

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Chronic diseases require comprehensive management strategies beyond medical treatments

Chronic diseases present significant challenges to individual well-being, necessitating comprehensive management strategies that extend beyond medical treatments.   This was said by Ms. Elsie Whacha, a licensed Clinical Social Worker at Island Hospice and Healthcare who has over five years of social work experience in her presentation at the Pain Symposium organised by the Zimbabwe…

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Cottco Ramps Up Efforts to Empower Farmers Amidst Calls for Better Pricing

As the 2024/25 summer cropping season draws near, anticipation and activity in Zimbabwe’s cotton sector are reaching a fever pitch.   Speaking to the media on Monday, the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco) Chief Executive Officer, Rockie Mutenha, said that the company was leading the charge, embarking on a comprehensive farmer registration and assessment campaign,…

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Tisitano, the Local App for Buying and Selling exhibits at ZAS 2024

Spiked Online Media caught up with Tisitano, the local application for buying and selling that is exhibiting at the 2024 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.   Below, Spiked Online Media reproduces an interview with Sibongile Harvey, the Tisitano Country Representative for Zimbabwe:   Tisitano is an app that helps you buy and sell things in your local…

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Industry experts gather in Nairobi for workshop on strengthening Kenyan Food Safety

The Food and Agriculture Export Alliance (FAEA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Tuesday kicked off a three-day workshop aimed at strengthening the capacity of Food Business Operators (FBOs) in Kenya to address food safety risks.   This comes ahead of the implementation of the Food and Feed Safety Control Coordination Bill…

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Econet wins top honours at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, the country’s leading telecommunications and technology company, on Tuesday won both the Best Overall Stand and Best ICT Exhibitor awards at the 2024 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS). The accolades are a recognition of the cutting-edge technology Econet is providing to multiple sectors of the economy, including the key agricultural sector. This year…

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Nasser Fellowship Alumni Wins Membership in the African Union’s Youth Business Council

The African Youth Business Council (AfYBC), affiliated with the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, announced the selection of Engineer Mohamed Osama, an Alumni of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership and the Technical and Technological Support Officer for the Global Solidarity Network, as a founding member representing the North Africa region on the…

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NetOne one of the star attractions at ZAS 2024

Leading Mobile Network Operator in Zimbabwe, NetOne made a remarkable impression at the Zimbabwe Agriculture Show through its captivating technology displays showcasing the latest advancements in robotics, smart farming, and smart home solutions.   Drawing attention from attendees and industry experts alike, NetOne’s innovative exhibits not only wowed the audience but also shed light on…

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ZAS 2024: Kutsaga reaffirms excellence in sustainable conservation practices

The Tobacco Research Board (TRB) trading as Kutsaga has once again demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and innovation, emerging as the Best Organisation Exhibiting Sustainable Conservation Practices at the prestigious Zimbabwe Agricultural Show 2024. This accolade reaffirms Kutsaga’s expanded mandate in leading the way in sustainable agricultural practices, showcasing its dedication to environmental stewardship and…

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NetOne Showcases Smart Agriculture Solutions at Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

Writes Tongai Mwenje   NetOne, one of Zimbabwe’s leading mobile network providers, is showcasing its cutting-edge products and services at the ongoing Zimbabwe Agricultural Show. Among the innovations on display is the “Connect a Greenhouse” initiative, a flagship project under the company’s Smart Agriculture program. The Connect a Greenhouse initiative leverages modern technologies to empower…

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ZAS 2024: President Nyusi hails resilience of agriculture amidst El-Nino-induced drought

His Excellency Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, the President of the Republic of Mozambique has hailed the resilience of Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector amidst the El-Nino-induced drought.   President Nyusi made the remarks today while officially opening the 114th Edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show. The event was graced by His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the President…

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Hurungwe East MP Chenjerai Kangausaru launches anti-drugs campaign through sports

Writes Nhau Mangirazi   Hurungwe East Member of Parliament Chenjerai Kangausaru launched anti anti-drug campaign through a sports gala at Tengwe Country Club recently.   The three-day sports extravaganza saw 13 soccer teams and seven netball teams battling it out from the constituency’s seven wards. The competition was held under the Dan and Erita Maendaenda…

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Cultural Ambassador for Korea-Zimbabwe Hope Masike in Expert Training

Mbira maestro Hope Masike is in the South Korean capital, Seoul, where she is attending a cultural management and administration training programme under Korea’s Cultural Partnership Initiative (CPI). She joins some 44 other cultural colleagues from the African continent, Asia, Eastern Europe and South America who are receiving advanced training and exchanging experiences designed to…

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Bishop Nhiwatiwa to be deported for travelling on wrong visa to Nigeria

OWN CORRESPONDENT   The United Methodist Church (UMC)’s Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa, arrived in Nigeria on August 21, 2024, to meet with UMC members and facilitate the election of a new Nigerian Bishop who was initially detained in Yola, Adamawa State, and subsequently transferred to Abuja on allegations of intentions to promote same-sex marriage in that…

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Zimbabwe Olympic Team at 2024 Paris Games in solidarity with Palestine

Ambassador of the state of Palestine, Dr. Tamer Almassri appreciated Zimbabwe’s principled position of solidarity with the Palestinian people at the just-ended Olympic Games where athletes from the Southern African country did not participate in sporting events which involved interaction with Israeli athletes. Team Zimbabwe did not hold official bilateral interactions with the Israeli team….

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Myths and misconceptions are barriers to contraceptive use among adolescents

Liapeng Raliengoane   LESOTHO, Thaba Tseka – Leaning against the hospital wall, a heavily pregnant Lineo* (not her real name) emotionally recounts how a myth about contraceptives deceived her.   The Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey (2014 LDHS) states that the contraceptive prevalence rate is 60% in Lesotho.   Lineo* is one of the many…

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UMC’s Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa detained in Nigeria on accusations of promoting same-sex marriage

OWN CORRESPONDENT   The United Methodist Church (UMC)’s Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa, who arrived in Nigeria on August 21, 2024, to meet with UMC members and facilitate the election of a new Nigerian Bishop, was detained in Yola, Adamawa State, and subsequently transferred to Abuja on allegations of intentions to promote same-sex marriage in that country….

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Community applauds menstrual health dialogue

Liapeng Raliengoane LESOTHO, Quthing – Following the dialogue on menstrual health held by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA Lesotho) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health Lesotho in Mphaki Tšitsong, to capacitate the community on menstrual health and hygiene, the community applauded the discussion.   This community dialogue went under the theme “Addressing negative…

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