Climate change straining food production: IFAD President

People in rural areas who largely depend on agriculture for their livelihoods are grappling a changing climate and unpredictable weather that are putting an additional strain on food production and increasing food prices, the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Gilbert F. Houngbo has said. He made the remarks at a press conference attended by…

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Questions that must be answered before poor countries import or export food

By Charles Dhewa In the absence of evidence-based agricultural policy formulation and implementation, most developing countries always rush to import food without sufficiently understanding their national contexts. During gluts, farmers in areas where fruits are produced in abundance do not benefit from selling nationally compared to when there are shortages.  On the other hand, when…

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Africa Economic Conference 2018 focusses on Africa Visa Openness and integration

The annual Africa Economic Conference is the continent’s leading forum fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange in the search for solutions to the development challenges of Africa For millions of ordinary travellers, inter-African travel is still too often a nightmare. Be it border hassles, lack of road or air routes linking key cities, or the frustrations…

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Conserve natural habitats and wildlife: Hubert Boulet

Hubert Boulet is the Programme Coordinator of the Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme at Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) HQ in Rome, which is working in 13 pilot countries, including Zimbabwe. The SWM Programme is a major seven-year African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) initiative, implemented by FAO, that seeks to reduce hunting…

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APO Group Appoints Former Orange Africa and Middle East Senior Executive as CEO

APO Group (www.apo-opa.com), the leading media relations consultancy and press release distribution service in Africa and the Middle East, today announced the appointment of Lionel Reina as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Founder and 100% owner of APO Group, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, 43, will become Chairman. His focus will be on delivering high-level counsel for APO Group…

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Africa50, EFI announce the U.S. launch of Report on Natural Gas in Africa

Africa50, in partnership with Energy Futures Initiative (EFI) has announced the U.S. launch of the gas reportInvesting in Natural Gas for Africans: Doing Good and Doing Well during a ceremony held on 29 November 2018 at the Atlantic Council Headquarters. In June 2018, Africa50 commissioned a report from EFI to analyze the opportunities and benefits of natural gas…

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IFAD and Zimbabwe to affirm partnership and commitment to reducing rural poverty

In his first visit to Zimbabwe since taking office as President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Gilbert F. Houngbo will meet President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and other government officials to discuss investments to improve food and nutrition security, provide employment opportunities for rural youth, and reduce poverty.   The visit will take…

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Intra-African Trade Fair Exhibitor Registrations Pass 1000

Exhibitor registrations for the inaugural Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2018) taking place in Cairo in December has reached 1,054, surpassing the target of 1,000 exhibitors set by the organisers, the African-Export Import Bank (Afreximbank) announced today in Cairo. The trade fair, which is being organised by Afreximbank in collaboration with the African Union Commission and…

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2019 Budget: A Call for Internal Consistency, Realism and Reasonableness of Expenditure

By Byron Mutingwende   Celebrated economist, Dr. Gift Mugano, the Registrar at Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University and Director at Africa Economic Development Strategies has called for austerity in practice as outlined in the 2019 National Budget.   Dr. Mugano made the call at Parliament’s post-budget conference held at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare on…

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All set for inaugural Data Science Zimbabwe Conference

By Byron Mutingwende   All roads lead to the inaugural Data Science Zimbabwe Conference to be held in Harare on the 13th and 17th of December 2018.   The conference seeks to showcase the value of data science skills and data science opportunities through industry case studies presented by local and international speakers.   According…

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Afreximbank Unaudited Financial Statements Show Strong Financial and Operational Performance

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has released its unaudited financial statements for the nine months ended 30 September 2018, showing strong financial and operational performance, with gross income of $546.6 million (a 14.3 per cent increase from the same period last year) and net income of $172.4 million (a growth of 11.9 per cent from…

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Stanley and Livingstone’s new look unveiled

The Stanley and Livingstone Boutique Hotel was officially relaunched yesterday after undergoing 12 months of refurbishment. Located 15 minutes from the majestic Victoria Falls, it becomes the first Luxury Boutique Hotel in the tourist town. The privately owned Stanley and Livingstone Boutique Hotel emerges as an elegant hide-out for families, couples or individuals who are…

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ZTA defers Carnival 2018 edition

The much-anticipated Harare International Carnival that is run by the  Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has once again been deferred. “The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority would like to advise all partners, stakeholders, the media and the general populace that after wide consultations it has been decided to defer the hosting of the Harare International Carnival. “The much…

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Communication and advocacy, data and information management critical for RVAA success

By Byron Mutingwende   The success of the Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis (VAA) efforts in the SADC region depends on strengthening communication and advocacy and data and information management systems.   This emerged at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis (RVAA) workshop in Johannesburg from 19 to 21 November 2018….

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Zimnat marathon raises $7 000 for Cebisani Ndlovu’s surgery

Zimnat’s first charity marathon, which was held at Barclays Sports Club in Harare on November 10, managed to raise almost the whole amount originally quoted for 30-year-old Bulawayo resident Cebisani Ndlovu’s spinal cord surgery. When Mr Ndlovu approached Zimnat for assistance, the amount needed at that time for the surgery at Mater Dei Hospital in…

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Kwese

Kwese iFlix named Best Innovation in Digital Entertainment at Africacom

Kwesé iflix, Africa’s game-changing digital entertainment platform, took centre stage at AfricaCom – the largest telecoms, media, and technology event in Africa – this year winning Best Innovation in Digital Entertainment. The award was presented by Balancing Act CEO Russell Southward. The awards honoured pioneering service providers and operators who are leading digital inclusion, connectivity…

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“Building a new Zimbabwe”, AfDB report to spark the country’s economic development

The African Development Bank (AfDB) (www.AfDB.org) has launched a flagship economic report on Zimbabwe, titled: “Building a new Zimbabwe: Targeted policies for growth and job creation” which aims to support renewal and transformation of the country. Prepared by the Bank Group’s Economic Governance and Knowledge Management Vice-Presidency, the report was presented in a plenary meeting…

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SUNRAP provides credible evidence on tackling nutrition challenges

By Byron Mutingwende   The Scaling Up Nutrition Research and Academic Platform (SUNRAP) seeks to provide credible evidence by undertaking quality research, and strengthen the technical capacity of stakeholders (through appropriate training), to deliver a cohesive multi-sectoral action that improves food and nutrition security outcomes.   This emerged at the combined Scaling Up Nutrition networks…

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The Japanese Market Responds Positively To Destination Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s continued reengagement efforts with the international community have seen some positive waves within the tourism business circles. Japan’s top travel agents have responded positively to the call made by the of Environment, Tourism & Hospitality Industry Minister, Hon Prisca Mupfumira to visit Zimbabwe. The visit is a follow up to Zimbabwe’s participation at the…

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ILO-led Zimbabwe Working Initiative promotes social dialogue for economic development

By Byron Mutingwende   The multi-stakeholder social dialogue underpinning the Zimbabwe Report on the Enabling Environment for Sustainable Enterprises (EESE) that is being spearheaded by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is set to stimulate economic growth.   In his remarks at the launch of the Zimbabwe Report on EESE, Senator Lovemore Matuke, the Deputy Minister…

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Embracing ICTs critical for economic development

By Michael Mashiri Information Communication Technology (ICT) plays a crucial role in all sectors of the economy and helps in the accomplishment of the three pillars of sustainable development goals, the Representative for Southern Africa, International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has said. Speaking at the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) yesterday at a programme with the…

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Climate change not a limiting factor: ZPHCA Grassroots Women

By Byron Mutingwende   Grassroots Women under the auspices of the Zimbabwe Parents of Handicapped Children Association (ZPHCA) have vowed to ensure food security beyond the adverse effects of climate change.   “Grassroots Women from Harare and Mashonaland East Provinces are implementing strategies to ensure food security and nutrition in spite of the adverse effects…

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Community Involvement Needed in Cultural Tourism’s Digital Transformation, says UNWTO Seminar

The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)’s International Seminar on Harnessing Cultural Tourism through Innovation and Technology and 40th Affiliate Members Plenary Session concluded with a renewed call for community participation in development of cultural tourism using cutting-edge technologies (12-14 November 2018, Hamedan, Islamic Republic of Iran). Cultural and heritage attractions are key to tourism development in…

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Decent Jobs for Youth on youth entrepreneurship in Africa

With youth unemployment in sub-Saharan Africa reaching over 11 million and a further 69% of young people identifying as the ‘working poor’, key public and private sector stakeholders have outlined a plan to tackle the challenges faced by youth in the region through fostering pro-employment growth. The proposal to be discussed at the Forum taking…

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Stabilise prices as a matter of urgency: TBCZ urges government

BY Miriam Zvomuya The Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe (TBCZ) has urged the government to stabilise prices so that business in travel and tourism remain functional. This emerged at a media briefing in Harare. Tich Hwingiwiri, thePresident of TBCZ described the past two months as a turbulent time for the economy. ”We have been affected…

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Econet’s Vaya vs Taxi, Vaya Wins!!!

By Tapiwa Matthew Mutisi Those of you’ve who’ve never used Vaya might be wondering why I am reviewing a taxi service on this website. But once you try Vaya, you’ll understand. Cassava On Demand Services, a division of Cassava Smartech Zimbabwe – shortly to be listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) following its unbundling from Econet Wireless…

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Ecobank, IFRC partnership to strengthen local communities in Africa

Ecobank (www.Ecobank.com) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) (www.IFRC.org) have signed an agreement to work closely together to empower local communities to cope with disasters more efficiently. “Many innocent lives continue to be lost in Africa simply as a result of insufficient investment in disaster preparedness. Many of the…

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Zimbabwe intensifying its brand marketing in various source markets

Zimbabwe is seriously looking at intensifying its brand marketing in various source markets in line with its marketing strategy coined “Vision 2025 National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy.”   This was said by Priscah Mupfumira, the Minister of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry at the reception for stakeholders at the World Travel Market held in…

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Reducing the gap between formal and informal economies

By Charles Dhewa   Narrowing the gap between formal and informal economies remains a big challenge for many African countries. Instead of increasing interdependence between the two economies, in countries like Zimbabwe, the gap between the two economies seems to be widening.   As if that is not enough, academia, politics and financial institutions remain…

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