Tongaat Hulett’s Hippo Valley to Build Power Plants

Tongaat Hulett is set to build its power-generating sites, in response to the ongoing El Niño-induced drought. This development is expected to bolster the company’s resilience in the face of severe electricity supply deficits.   In an exclusive interview with this publication, Patience Chuma, Head of Public Relations at Tongaat Hulett confirmed the initiative, emphasizing…

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Africa’s agricultural transformation: address remaining challenges, adapt to a changing world

The post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) agenda is premised on the need to tackle persistent challenges, unfinished business in achieving the Malabo declaration targets, adapting to the changing global context, aligning with Agenda 2063, and leveraging new opportunities for agricultural transformation and inclusive growth.   This has been the overarching theme at the…

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Post Malabo Validation: CAADP Non-state actors note progress, proffer recommendations

Non-state actors (NSAs) under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP)  have hailed the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035) for putting in place mechanisms to advance Africa’s Agri-Food Systems while proffering inclusive recommendations for a holistic approach.   This came to the fore during the 3-day Validation Workshop of the Ten-Year CAADP Strategy and…

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Africa needs resilient agriculture for addressing a global food crises

Ambassador Josefa Sacko, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Development at the African Union Commission (AUC) has called for robust interventions to support AU member states in building a resilient agricultural sector amid global food crises.   She made the remarks today during the 3-day Validation Workshop of the Ten-Year CAADP…

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Commissioner Josefa Sacko defends robust seed systems for the African continent

The Continent must create robust seed systems because they form the basis of agriculture, and determine productivity, resilience and food sustainability, argued African Union Commissioner Josefa Correia Sacko today in Addis Ababa.   Ambassador Josefa Sacko is the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment at the African Union…

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The Tale of Two Meetings: Post Malabo and My Food is African

Writes Dr. Million Belay   I arrived at the Lukenya Getaway around midnight, exhausted, angry, and famished. My journey from Lusaka had been mentally exhausting, after a frustrating meeting on the Post-Malabo process. Lukenya Getaway, located on the outskirts of Nairobi in the Machakos region, is known for its outdoor activities and wildlife, a stark…

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SADC initiates development of its Regional Climate Resilient Water Investment Programme

Ahead of the Summit of Heads of States of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on 17 August in Harare, Zimbabwe, the SADC secretariat initiated a regional initiative to bolster climate resilience and water security in the region through the SADC Regional Climate Resilient Water Investment Programme (SADC -AIP).   The programme is in collaboration…

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President Mnangagwa assumes SADC Chairmanship, promises sustainable development

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has assumed the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), promising a raft of measures to ensure sustainable development in the regional economic community.   In his keynote address, the president of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community, His Excellency, Dr E. D. Mnangagwa at…

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Africa’s Path to a Just Energy Transition: The Call for Transparent and Fair Trade Practices

Writes Baboloki Semele In a pivotal discussion on Africa’s role in the global energy transition, Antonio Pedro, Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), underscored the critical need for transparent and fair-trade practices to ensure a just energy transition across the continent. Speaking at an African Consultative Webinar on Critical…

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SADC RISDP – Civil society says progress made, more to do

Civil society organisations have this week praised the steady progress made towards implementation of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030 (RISDP) while noting that in some areas there remains more to be done. The final communique from the event can be found here.   The comments came after two days of discussion, planning,…

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Youthful Sizolwenkosi Mazolo in value addition of fruits and vegetables

Sizolwenkosi Mazolo, Founder and Owner of Homegrown Pvt Ltd is a pioneering entrepreneur dedicated to revolutionizing the way people produce, consume, and preserve food. With a passion for sustainable agriculture and reducing food waste, Sizolwenkosi established Homegrown to specialize in the value addition of fruits and vegetables through innovative freezing, canning, and drying techniques. Homegrown’s…

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SADC Youth shine in agribusiness and innovation for sustainable agriculture

Youth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are implementing initiatives through innovations in agribusiness to promote sustainable agriculture on the African continent.   Guided by the Malabo Declaration regarding the development of African youth, the African Union has developed several policies and frameworks including the African Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment (APAYE) 2019-…

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Irrigation enhances agricultural productivity and food security: Parliament, ZAS

Writes Thomas Faranando Following intermittent droughts in Southern Africa, the Parliament, and Zimbabwe Agricultural Society have reiterated the importance of investing in irrigation systems to boost food and nutrition security. On Friday, 9 August 2024, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development embarked on a fact-finding mission to large-scale irrigation…

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Zimbabwe Agricultural Show Conference to spotlight interplay between mining and agriculture

The 114th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show to be held from 26 to 31 August 2024 in Harare will be unique in that it has earmarked a conference during the showcase to highlight the interplay between mining and agriculture.   In an interview with Spiked Online Media ahead of the show, Mr. Tawonga Miriyoni,…

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Zimbabwe Agricultural Show a platform to showcase technological innovations for agricultural transformation

Technological innovations have transformed Zimbabwe’s agriculture, enhancing productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in pursuit of food and nutrition security. This was revealed by Dr. Andrew Matibiri, the Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS), who was speaking about the key role that technological innovations play in improving agriculture, ahead of the 114th edition of…

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AAIN leads international delegates exploring investment opportunities in Africa’s agribusiness

African Agribusiness Incubators Network (AAIN) Chief Executive Officer, Prof Alex Ariho, is leading a delegation including Steven Orchard, Danneil Lee, Nathenel Abital, Jeongwoo Kim, Junpill Beack, Mark Ford, and Dr. Anannia Admasu among others from EarthFix – Australia and ISU – Korea, that is visiting African countries to foster international collaborations, enhance sustainable development projects,…

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Sanitary and phytosanitary systems in Africa still far from what is desired, emphasises biennial CAADP report

None of the 49 member states that have submitted their respective reports on their sanitary and phytosanitary (SF) systems are on track to reach the 100 percent target, according to the biennial report of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).   However, the document points out that 15 of these countries, representing thirty-one percent…

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Unpacking the theme of the 2024 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

Theme: Cultivating Prosperity: Growing Business, Innovating for Change, Nurturing our Future     Cultivating Prosperity: In agriculture, cultivating prosperity means creating conditions that support the economic growth and success of farmers and agricultural businesses. It involves providing farmers with access to resources, knowledge, and technology to increase productivity, improve market access, and enhance profitability. This…

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Dr. Andrew Matibiri paints optimism for the 114th Edition of Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

Dr. Andrew Matibiri, the Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS), has revived optimism for the success of the 114th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show to be held from 26 to 31 August 2024 in Harare. Under his leadership, the show has continued to grow and evolve, showcasing the latest developments and…

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Innovative farming solutions reduce human-wildlife conflict in the Southeast Lowveld

The Thematic Committee on Climate Change visited local farmers in Southeast Lowveld yesterday to explore an innovative solution to the pressing issue of human-wildlife conflict.   The farmers have devised a method using chilies to create smoke blocks, which are used to safely and effectively scare away elephants. This practice significantly reduces the risk of…

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Africa’s Food Systems Forum 2024 attracts over 5,000 stakeholders globally

Own Correspondent Africa’s Food Systems Forum 2024 is set to convene over 5,000 stakeholders from across Africa and internationally. The Annual summit to be hosted in Kigali, Rwanda aims to accelerate food systems transformation with youth and women at the helm a key focus. World leaders, innovators, academia, development agencies, farmers’ organizations, and the private…

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Afreximbank supports Angolan partners to drive industrialisation and boost food security

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank or “The Bank”) (www.Afreximbank.com) and Amufert SA announced that they have signed terms for a USD 1.4 Billion facility to support the establishment of a fertilizer plant in Angola.  Afreximbank is arranging the required debt funding in its capacity as Mandated Lead Arranger and is also supporting the equity raise as…

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Bridging the price gap in Zim’s tobacco industry: A necessity for equitable growth

Writes Innocent Mujeri   It is imperative to confront the glaring price disparities that have long plagued the tobacco industry in Zimbabwe. These disparities, particularly between auction and contract prices, have consistently disadvantaged small-scale farmers. Addressing these issues is not merely about fairness; it is about ensuring the sustainability and prosperity of the entire sector….

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Africa Smart Cities Congress to steer the trajectory of urban development on the continent

The Africa Smart Cities Congress (ASCC) slated for the 17th to the 19th of October 2024 at the Conference Hall of Bingu International Conference Center (BICC), Lilongwe, Malawi transcends the realm of a mere congress since it stands as a transformative juggernaut, steering the trajectory of urban development in Africa.   In an interview with…

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Women urged to embrace agro-ecology to fight patriarchy

Writes Lloyd Rabaya  Women have been urged to embrace agroecology for empowerment to fight against the patriarchal nature in the Southern African region. This came out this week at the inaugural Regional Agroecology Conference which ended yesterday in Harare. Speaking at the conference, Dr. Jo Abbort, deputy ambassador of the United Kingdom Embassy said despite…

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Zimbabwe leads in implementation of Malabo Declaration for Youth Empowerment initiatives

Zimbabwe has emerged as a trailblazer in the implementation of the Malabo Declaration, a landmark agreement that prioritizes youth employment and empowerment through the agricultural sector. The Malabo Declaration, adopted by the African Union in 2014, calls for African countries to prioritize agricultural development and create opportunities for young people in this vital industry. At…

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IACO adopts coffee as a strategic commodity under the AU Agenda 2063

A press conference was held on Thursday, August 1st, 2024, at the Eilly International Hotel in Addis Ababa to officially announce the outcome of the G25 Kampala Declaration. This declaration, unanimously adopted by the AU Heads of State, “includes coffee as a strategic commodity in the AU Agenda 2063 and the inclusion of the Inter-African…

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Lifeline for 300 Families: Bindamombe Irrigation Scheme Revitalised

Writes Pylaia Chembe, UNDP Zimbabwe Communications Assistant In Ward 18, Chivi district, Masvingo Province, a newly revitalized irrigation scheme is poised to transform the food security narrative of 300 families in its community. The 34-ha Bindamombe Irrigation Scheme has been climate-proofed through a partnership between the Green Climate Fund, the Government of Zimbabwe, and the…

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Agribusiness: Entrepreneurship, education, and innovative skills address unemployment in Africa

There is a need to develop the capacity to innovate, recognize, and create opportunities by encouraging African universities to transition from the first and second university missions of teaching and doing basic/fundamental research to the third mission of contributing to economic development by applying research findings in business practices in pursuit of creating employment opportunities…

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Youth in agribusiness embrace AfCFTA’s potential in boosting trade

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a transformative opportunity for the continent, particularly in the agricultural sector. The Consortium of African Youth in Agriculture and Climate Change (CAYACC), and with the support of its esteemed partners—AUC, AUDA-NEPAD, AGRA, USAID POLICY LINK, FAO, WFP, GRZ, and GIZ— are keenly aware of the potential that…

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Zimbabwe takes significant steps to prioritise youth empowerment in agribusiness

 The Government of Zimbabwe has taken significant steps to prioritise youth empowerment and mainstream youth in national development, particularly through the uptake of agribusiness initiatives for young people. This was said by Nickros Kajengo, the Chief Programmes Coordinator, Agricultural Youth Desk, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, who is also the Head…

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Involving young people in agribusiness spurs the African Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment

To give substance to the commitments made under the Malabo Declaration regarding the development of African youth, the African Union has developed several policies and frameworks including the African Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment (APAYE) 2019- 2024 – an instrument to galvanize youth development stakeholders. These sentiments were expressed by Mukulia Kennedy, the Principal…

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Plant health risk management crucial for Africa’s economy: Commissioner Josefa Sacko

The management of risks related to plant health is crucial for Africa’s economy and remains a pressing and urgent challenge, AU Commissioner Josefa Correia Sacko said today in Addis Ababa.   The diplomat made these remarks while speaking at the launch of the phytosanitary strategy for Africa (2022-2036), which addresses the adoption and promotion of…

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How can African markets be modernised without losing flavour and identity?

Writes Charles Dhewa   By pulling commodities from diverse production zones, African territorial mass markets have become genuine centres of excellence in food systems where a question about any food commodity receives answers from farmers, traders and consumers who interact in the same space. However, the pace at which these markets are growing calls for…

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Post Malabo Framework to shape Food Systems landscape in Africa

The Post Malabo Framework is going to shape the Food Systems landscape for Africa for the next 10 years, Mrs. Estherine Fotabong, the Director of Agriculture, Food Security and Environmental Sustainability of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) has said.   She said so in her concluding remarks for the Validation Workshop for the Post-Malabo…

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AUC, AGRA Host African Agribusiness Youth Strategy Dialogue

The African Union Commission (AUC), in collaboration with the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), will be hosting the Agribusiness Youth Strategy (AAYS) Regional Dialogues on Harmonization, Domestication, and Implementation for the Southern Africa Region in Lilongwe, Malawi from 1 to 2 August 2024.   Speaking to this publication ahead of the workshop in…

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SADC Conference reignites investment culture for economic development

The Investment Conference held today during the 7th SADC Industralisation Week reignites the spirit of investment to spur domestic and regional economic development.   This is the first-ever SADC Investment Conference, a prelude to the 44th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government which shall be running under the theme: “Promoting Innovation to…

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Sowing Seeds of Change: Pastors Turn to Horticulture to Empower Community

Writes Thomas Faranando In a bold move, two pastors in Kadoma have traded in their pulpits for plows, venturing into horticulture to empower their community and challenge the status quo. Their innovative approach has sparked admiration and inspired others to follow suit. Pastor Chinyemba of Great Commission Church and Overseer Pingama of Pentecostal Assembly of…

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CAADP embraces inclusivity and resilience in food systems

Africa’s food systems face multiple shocks and stressors hence the need to embrace resilience and inclusivity in implementing the Post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).   In his presentation representing the thematic working group on ‘Enhancing Resilience of Livelihoods and Agri-food Systems to Shocks’ during the ongoing CAADP Validation Workshop for Technical Working Groups…

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CGIAR on the Post-Malabo Agricultural Transformation Agenda: A Conversation with Dr. Namukolo Covic

Dr Namukolo Covic is the Director General’s Representative to Ethiopia for the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), CGIAR Ethiopia Country Convenor, and CGIAR Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.   Below she discusses how CGIAR can support countries following the African Union Heads of States Summit’s endorsement of the post-Malabo roadmap that outlines a framework…

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Ambassador Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko Emerges the Winner of the Africa Green Ambassador Award 2024

The Interconnections for Making Africa Great Empowered and Sustainable (IMAGES) Initiative, http://imagesinitiatives.org has awarded the 2024 Africa Green Ambassador Award to Her Excellency, Ambassador Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko.   Ambassador Sacko is an Angolan, leading African Agronomist and Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Development, African Union Commission.   Before her re-election…

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CAYACC playing a key role in ensuring youth engagement in CAADP processes

The Consortium of African Youth in Agriculture and Climate Change (CAYACC) has played a significant role in promoting youth engagement in the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).   Spiked Online Media had an interview with Mwaka Namukonda, the  Executive Coordinator of CAYACC  in Lusaka, Zambia during the ongoing Validation Workshop for Technical Working Groups…

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Climate change, demographic shifts among factors influencing Post-Malabo CAADP implementation

The implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) framework across the continent is impacted by agri-food systems and various megatrends including demographic shifts and climate change, Mrs. Estherine Fotabong, the Director of Agriculture, Food Security and Environmental Sustainability of the African Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), has said.   She made the remarks in the…

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Success of Post-Malabo process demands accelerated implementation of policies and programs

Yvonne S. Mpundu, Zambia’s Permanent Secretary (administration) in the Ministry of Agriculture has said the success of the Post-Malabo process requires the accelerated implementation of policies and programs.   She made the address in her keynote address during the official opening of a validation workshop for the Most-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Agenda…

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