Positive prospects for 2025 tobacco selling season

There are positive prospects for the 2025 tobacco selling season following a bumper harvest projected to surpass 300 million kilogrammes attributed to good rainfall.   Appearing before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development on Tuesday, the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) chairperson Patrick Devenish was happy with the…

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Goat farming takes centre stage in Zimbabwe’s agricultural growth

A local agricultural organisation, Mash Goats, hosted a day-long goat farming training session aimed at empowering communities with agricultural entrepreneurial skills. Speaking to journalists at the training session in Harare, the initiative’s founder, Tatenda Mashozhera, stated that equipping people with knowledge of goat farming is crucial for bridging the unemployment gap. “Empowering communities with agricultural…

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Agriculture sector experts refine techniques for fifth biennial review report

NAIROBI, KENYA – A continental training of trainer’s seminar for agriculture development programme experts is taking place in Nairobi to prepare experts from regional economic communities to support the biennial review mechanism in data collection, to ensure that data continues to be of high quality.   This event centred on efforts to critically analyse the…

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Educated but excluded: unlocking digital opportunities for Africa’s women in STEM

Aida Diarra, Senior Vice President and Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at Visa discusses the gender gap in African tech ahead of International Women’s Day   Despite driving the world’s most powerful industries, Big Tech remains a closed boys club, dominated by a handful of American males whose combined net worth exceeds $1 trillion. This lack of diversity…

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Stanbic Bank, EIB Global €20 million credit line empowers SMEs and women entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe

The EIB Global facility will support businesses owned by women, run by women, employing or serving women, in line with the 2X Challenge. The credit line will offer longer-term loans tailored to the needs of small businesses. It will help to grow the economy and create decent jobs by boosting private-sector investment. The EIB loan…

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Harare Sustainable Cities Initiative: Implementing partners receive waste IEC materials

On 3 March 2025, the UN-Habitat under the Harare Sustainable Cities Initiative (HSCI) funded by the Swedish Embassy in Zimbabwe, handed over sustainable waste management Information, Education, and Communication Materials to the implementing partners under the Initiative. The IEC materials were developed in collaboration with the UN-Habitat Waste Wise Cities Team and implementing partners.  …

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Dr. Muzamhindo’s Book Launch Promises to Transform African Governance

Writes Alfred Mazungunye  On March 20, 2025, a momentous convergence of intellect and influence will unfold as Dr. Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo unveils his highly anticipated book, “Breaking the Cycle of African Politics: Governance, Economic Development, and Stability in the 21st Century.” This literary endeavor promises to be a transformative exploration of the intricate tapestry of…

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Zimbabwe mainstreaming national development plans with Agenda 2063

Zimbabwe strives to ensure mainstreaming its national development plans with Agenda 2063, Mr. Willard Manungo, the Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office ​of the President and Cabinet has said.   He made the remarks during the Agenda 2063 Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (2024-2033): Knowledge; Data and Technical Expertise Needs Scoping Exercise at the AUDA-NEPAD workshop…

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SADC develops a coordination framework to accelerate AfCFTA implementation

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat is going beyond the development of a strategy by developing a coordination framework to accelerate the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).   Speaking at the SADC-AfCFTA workshop in Harare today, a representative from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry said the African Continental Free…

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Engineer Edzai Kachirekwa bags the Innovation in Energy Sector Award

Engineer Dr. Edzai Kachirekwa has once again stamped authority as an industry leader after winning Emerging Brands Africa’s Innovation in Energy Sector Award.   The Emerging Brands in Africa Awards is an initiative designed to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements of diverse brands in Africa that are showcasing significant growth across various sectors. The…

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Harnessing knowledge expedites attainment of Agenda 2063

Harnessing of knowledge, data, and expertise is important within the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) (2024–2033) implementation phase to accelerate the attainment of Agenda 2063.   This came to the fore during the Agenda 2063 Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan: Knowledge, Data and Technical Expertise Needs Scoping Exercise that kicked off today 3 March 2025, and…

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Funding for Research, Development and Innovation for an industrialised Africa: Are we on the right track or it’s just a pipe-dream?

Writes Prf Ereck Chakauya   There is no doubt that research and development (R&D) is a good feed to sustainable innovation and industrialisation. R&D fosters a culture of experimentation and learning and can create an ideal ecosystem for entrepreneurship and start-ups to thrive as well as address societal needs such as food, shelter, energy, health…

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AUDA-NEPAD urges PAP to embrace biotechnology for improved agricultural productivity

MIDRAND, SOUTH AFRICA – The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) has urged the Pan-African Parliament to embrace technology for improved agricultural productivity on the continent.   Speaking to parliamentarians during a committee meeting at the PAP headquarters in Midrand, South Africa today, the Head of the Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology, and Innovation at…

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Harare Central Province benefits from Presidential War Veterans Fund

In a demonstration that there is no turning back in empowering veterans of the liberation war that ushered Zimbabwe’s independence, Harare Central Province was a beneficiary of the Presidential War Veterans Fund yesterday.   Dr. Paul Tungwarara who is running the initiative on behalf of President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, said the beneficiaries of the Presidential…

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Yango urges Pan African Parliament to craft legislation to regulate ride-hailing services

MIDRAND, SOUTH AFRICA – Advocate Zanyiwe Asare, the Vice President of Yango Africa, has urged the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) to craft legislation that creates an enabling environment for ride-hailing services through balanced regulations in pursuit of promoting digital literacy and infrastructure development.   She made the remarks in her presentation yesterday before the PAP Sitting…

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Revolutionising Financial Inclusion: The Power of OneMoney

In today’s fast-paced digital world, financial inclusion is more than just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. As Zimbabwe continues to embrace digital financial solutions, OneMoney, the mobile financial services arm of NetOne, is proving to be a game-changer. With a robust distribution network backed by the strength of NetOne, OneMoney is setting new standards in financial…

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UNDP driving development as an integrator of the SDGs in Zimbabwe

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Zimbabwe plays an active role in driving development as an integrator of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).   This was revealed today by His Excellency Mr. Edward Kallon, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in his remarks at UNDP Zimbabwe Programme Board Meeting held at the Country Club, New…

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Protocol on Free Movement of People in Africa: PAP urged to promote ratification and implementation

MIDRAND, SOUTH AFRICA – Ms Rita Amukhobu, the Head of the Humanitarian Affairs Division at the African Union Commission (AUC) has urged the Pan African Parliament (PAP) to promote the ratification and implementation of the Protocol on Free Movement of People in Africa.   She made the remarks virtually today in her presentation during the…

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United for development: ACHPR, ACERWC and APRM in solidarity with Pan African Parliament

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) have expressed solidarity in working with the Pan African Parliament (PAP) to foster sustainable development on the continent.   In a solidarity message during the…

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Pan African Parliament swears in new members

MIDRAND, SOUTH AFRICA – The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) today swore in new members of the continental legislative body during the official opening of the Sitting of Permanent Committees and related meetings of the 6th Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament running under the African Union’s Theme of the Year 2025: “Justice for Africans and People of…

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Young people welcome Presidential Youth Fund

Young people have welcomed the proposed launch of the Presidential Youth Fund by His Excellency, President Dr ED Mnangagwa following the successful implementation of the Presidential War Veterans Fund, which has already made a significant impact on the lives of the country’s liberation heroes. The Presidential Youth Fund will be launched through Dr. Paul Tungwarara,…

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Pan African Parliament presides over orientation of new members

MIDRAND, SOUTH AFRICA – The Pan African parliament (PAP) has today presided over the orientation of new members at their headquarters in Midrand, South Africa ahead of the opening ceremony of the Sitting of Permanent Committees at the same venue tomorrow, 24 February 2025.   Around 30 parliamentarians, designated by their national legislatures to represent…

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Outgoing AU Commissioner honoured by AU-IBAR in Nairobi for her work on the continent

Addis Ababa – The outgoing African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, Josefa Correia Sacko, was honoured in Nairobi by the Inter-African Bureau of Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) for her work on the continent.   The farewell event, organised by the specialised technical office, came at a time when the Angolan…

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PAP to elect 4th Vice President, calls for more budget allocation

MIDRAND, SOUTH AFRICA – The Pan African Parliament (PAP) will next week elect a Fourth Vice President for the continental legislative body and has called on the African Union Commission to allocate more resources to ensure effective programming.   This was revealed by H.E Chief Fortune Charumbira, the President of the Pan African Parliament at…

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PAP Bureaus of Permanent Committees and Caucuses spotlight 6th Parliament Committee Sitting

MIDRAND, SOUTH AFRICA – The Pan African Parliament (PAP)’s Bureaus of Permanent Committees and Caucuses held a joint meeting today to share the business that will be transacted during the Sitting of Permanent Committees and related meetings of the 6th Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament under the African Union Theme of the Year for 2025:…

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EFTCorp delivers Africa’s first open-loop payment solution for Rubicon charging station

South Africa’s new energy vehicle (NEV) market is expanding rapidly, with sales reaching 7,746 units in 2024 – up 65.7% from the previous year. While NEVs still make up a small share of total vehicle sales, their adoption is accelerating, along with the necessary infrastructure. The country now has nearly 400 public charging stations, with further expansion…

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Government committed to integrating informal sector into the mainstream economy

The government says it is committed to fostering a more inclusive and competitive economic landscape and urgent need to integrate the informal sector into the mainstream economy. Public Service Labour and Social Welfare Deputy Minister, Mercy Dinha told delegates at the Business Environment Dialogue organised by the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) economic cluster, held in…

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Old Mutual, Apostolic Faith Mission in partnership to deliver financial literacy

Old Mutual Zimbabwe partnered with the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in Zimbabwe Church, Rufaro, Masvingo to teach financial literacy through its renowned On The Money programme. The programme, which attracted over 15000 women, was part of the church’s annual Widows and Single Mothers Conference. As Zimbabwe’s leading financial education brand, Old Mutual Zimbabwe has been…

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Transforming Africa’s Agrifood Systems: FAO’s Commitment to Sustainable Agricultural Growth

By Sibiri Sylvain Herve Ouedraogo, Programme Officer, FAO Regional Office for Africa (RAF)   The Regional Capacity development workshop in Zimbabwe   Agriculture is at the heart of Africa’s economy, providing livelihoods for nearly 60% of the population. However, inefficiencies in agrifood systems—ranging from poor infrastructure to climate vulnerability and weak market access—have limited the…

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Imagine if Justice and Reparations also consider STI funding?

Writes Prof Ereck Chakauya (SANBio Network Manager)   The African Union theme of 2025 of “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations” at an opportune time when Africa is trying to take its rightful position on negotiating on several issues including climate reparations, addressing land ownership imbalances, accounting for cultural artifacts that…

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FAO collaborates with African Union to enhance food and nutrition security

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the African Union (FAO), has pledged to continue to work with the African Union in promoting food and nutrition security on the African continent. Speaking to Spiked Online Media on the sidelines of the FAO Regional Office for Africa (RAF) Capacity Development Workshop running in Harare, Zimbabwe from 17…

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Africa requires US$15 billion annually for addressing climate change: Josefa Sacko

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA – At least 15 billion dollars a year up to 2030 is the amount the continent needs to increase its capacity to adapt to and mitigate climate change, outgoing African Union Commissioner Josefa Correia Sacko said.   The Ambassador, who made a name for herself during two terms in the Department of…

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FAO holds Africa regional capacity development workshop

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United United Nations (FAO) Regional Office for Africa (RAF) is holding a two-week long training workshop on administrative, finance, and operational matters in Harare. Speaking to Spiked Online Media ahead of the meeting today, Dr. Patrice Talla, the FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, said the training was…

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South Africa’s G20 Presidency for 2025: A Catalyst for Energy Investment in Africa

South Africa can leverage its G20 presidency to advocate for increased energy financing and facilitate greater coordination and investment in key African markets, presenting a unique opportunity to shape global economic and energy policies   CAPE TOWN, South Africa – In 2025, South Africa will hold the rotating presidency of the G20. Given its position…

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Dr Paul Tungwarara driving Vision 2030 through empowerment schemes for war veterans

Renowned church leader, Reverend Ngoni Motsi, has said the nation must rally behind initiatives being driven by Dr. Paul Tungwarara, the President’s Advisor, who is providing empowerment programmes for the veterans of the liberation struggle in pursuit of attaining Vision 2030.   Speaking to journalists in Harare today, Rev Motsi, reperesenting other church leaders, applauded…

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Outgoing AU Commissioner Josefa Sacko honoured with medal for outstanding work

Addis Ababa – 16 February 2025 – Angolan Josefa Correia Sacko, outgoing African Union Commissioner for the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, was honoured in Addis Ababa, with a medal of honour of merit, by the President of the Republic, Mohamed Oud Ghazouani.   Th honour came on the sidelines…

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Pan African Parliament congratulates new AUC Chairperson, Deputy

Chief Fortune Charumbira, the President of the Pan-African Parliament, has on his behalf and that of the Bureau, and the entire membership of the Pan-African Parliament,  conveyed hearty congratulations to His Excellency, Mohamed Ali Youssouf, the Government and people of the Republic of Djibouti, on his election as Chairperson and  Her Excellency, Ambassador Salma Malika…

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Securing Africa’s future: A call for fair finance, debt justice and reparations

As the geopolitics of our world change, bold, visionary African leadership is needed now more than ever. As African leaders convene for the African Union (AU) Summit, the ONE Campaign is calling for bold and decisive action to address Africa’s deepening fiscal crisis. Across the continent, governments are forced to choose between servicing debt and…

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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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