Africa50 Infrastructure Acceleration Fund reaches first close with $222.5 million

Africa50 Group, the pan-African infrastructure investment platform has announced the successful first close of the Africa50 Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (Africa50 – IAF) on December 29th, 2023. securing $222.5 million in commitments. In an African first, Africa50-IAF secured participation from 16 African institutional investors, including sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, social security funds, insurance companies, banks…

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2024 revenue measures on route to market, value added tax and sugar content on beverages

Writes Prof Mthuli Ncube, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Introduction Treasury constituted a Technical Committee to receive input from Representative Members under the umbrella body of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries. The Committee undertook an impact analysis on the implementation of some of the measures introduced through the 2024 Budget, in particular…

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Ministry of Education promoting greening of schools

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is spearheading a school greening initiative as part of the climate education curriculum. This emerged today at the National Clean-Up Campaign exercise held at Warren Park High School where Hon. Torerayi Moyo, the Minister of Primary and Secondary School led the delegation. President Emmerson Mnangagwa launched the National…

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First Starlink sat-to-phone birds leave launchpad

Writes Chris Donkin SpaceX launched six Starlink satellites with the capability to provide mobile coverage directly to standard smartphones, a service the company asserts will improve global connectivity and help eliminate dead zones. In a series of posts on social media platform X the aerospace company revealed the birds, alongside several other satellites, were blasted…

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UNWTO paints bright prospects for tourism in 2024

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has reiterated the massive potential of the tourism sector’s social, cultural, and economic value and its unique contribution to the Sustainable Development Agenda. In a statement for 2024, UNWTO said a new year brings new opportunities for global tourism. “UNWTO has identified the priorities for the sector: investments,…

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US$1 billion building materials plant investment on the cards

By Lloyd Rabaya Chinese companies West International Holding (WIH) and Labenmon Investments are planning on jointly undertaking a US$1 billion project for constructing cement and building materials plant in Mashonaland West Province’s Magunje.  This came out today when the companies signed a cooperation agreement for the project before commencing the work in line with their…

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Danai Gurura joins 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023

Leading Zimbabwean-American actress and playwright, Danai Gurira was yesterday featured in New African magazine’s annual listing of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023. The list celebrates the achievements and contributions of Africans from various fields and sectors, who have made a positive impact on the continent and the world. The list features a diverse…

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Travelling to rural areas by bus can transform the mindsets of African leaders

Writes Charles Dhewa Travelling from capital cities to rural areas using public transport like long-distance buses could go a long way in inculcating servant leadership in African presidents and ministers. Such experiences would also lead to better people-oriented policies. Imagine the President of Zimbabwe boarding Zvishandwa Bus Service at Mbare Bus Terminus in Harare on…

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ZRP urges road safety following spike in hit-and-run accidents

Writes Elvis Dumba Chinhoyi – Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has expressed concern over the increase of pedestrians being run over by vehicles across the country. ZRP National Spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said the rise in hit-and-run accidents where pedestrians are being knocked over in places such as public transport pick-up points is worrisome….

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Kadoma City wins Best Urban Council award in Mashonaland West Province

Writes Chimeno Azriel Kadoma City Council recently won an award for the best Urban Council in Mashonaland West Province at a colourful ceremony last week, Mayor Nigel Rosario revealed during his Christmas message to the residents of the farming and mining town. The Kadoma City Council won the award for its contributions towards the Mashonaland…

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African Energy Chamber Applauds Congo and Nigeria’s Commitment to Global Oil Industry Growth

The Republic of Congo and Nigeria, Africa’s leading oil producers and members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), have affirmed their commitment to efforts by OPEC and OPEC+ and its member countries to stabilize the global oil market in 2024 and beyond. During the 36th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting held in…

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Anglican Church driving waste management practices

Writes Rebecca Munetsi Anglican Church congregants have been urged to practice good waste management practices such as sorting at home, church, businesses, and in their communities to safeguard and keep the environment clean. Speaking during a recent Partners in the Gospel Comprehensive Climate Change Knowledge and Climate Justice Campaign (PCC) Waste –Smart We Care Campaign,…

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REDAN contaminates fuel with water

By Lloyd Rabaya In a shocking incident, energy giant Redan yesterday contaminated unsuspecting clients’ cars with water, Spiked Online Media can exclusively reveal. According to an insider who requested anonymity, at least six cars were refueled with water yesterday evening after the heavy rains that hit the capital city. “Redan put water instead of petrol…

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2nd Food Safety Conference for Africa takes off in Accra

The African Continental Association for Protection (ACAFP) is organising its 2nd Food Safety Conference for Africa under the theme “Towards A Safer Food Supply for Africa”. The conference is taking place from December 12-14, 2023 at Erata Hotel, East Legon, Accra. This aligns with the sustainable and safe food production and supply initiatives in Africa. The…

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Pioneer Biochar Project Set Up in Rushinga

Writes Tafadzwa Muranganwa An innovative carbon credit initiative involving the production of biochar has been established in Rushinga, Zimbabwe, marking a strategic entry into the carbon trading markets. This pioneering artisanal biochar project is a collaborative effort between HempConnect, a local carbon removal company, and the Organic Farming Academy (OFA), focusing on utilizing baobab shells…

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Grain Industry Insights in Africa

The grain industry is a cornerstone of food security in Africa, serving as a staple for millions across the continent. With a burgeoning population and socioeconomic transformations, understanding the volume of grain production and consumption is pivotal for ensuring the resilience of food systems in Africa. The data obtained from IndexBox shows that the largest countries in…

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South Africa, Singapore celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations

Deputy President Mashatile delivers a public lecture on the 30 years of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Singapore titled “Celebrating a journey of mutual respect, strategic partnership, and cooperation”,  at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in the National University of Singapore. The Deputy President’s visit to the country is aimed at…

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Training provides regulatory frameworks for application of Genome Editing

The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPA) is holding training to create awareness among in-country regulators drafting and implementing policies and regulations critical for shaping communication and advocacy narratives on genome editing. In a speech on behalf of Mr. Willard Munango, the Deputy Chief Secretary for the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mrs. Anna Tinarwo,…

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African Parliamentary Union meeting tackles terrorism, economic challenges and trade

The 80th Session of the Executive Committee and the 45th Conference of Presidents of National Parliamentary Assemblies of African the Parliamentary Union (APU) take place from the 11th to the 15th of December 2023, in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) is focusing on combating insecurity and terrorism, factors of political instability and recession,  and the development of…

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Tourism: Mashonaland Central heralds ZimBho success story

Writes Ronnie Chisamba Bindura – The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), successfully launched the ZimBho domestic tourism campaign for Mashonaland Central Province last weekend. Dubbed ‘Holiday in Zimbabwe, Holiday at Home’, ZimBho is meant to spearhead and promote the growth of domestic tourism during the forthcoming festive season….

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Multilateral development banks publish first common principles for nature-positive finance

New principles will guide multilateral development banks’ support for countries and the private sector in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework; For the first time, multilateral development banks define common principles and the criteria for identifying and tracking nature-positive finance; Announcement follows COP26 Joint MDB Statement on Nature, People and Planet. The European Investment Bank…

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Government Urged to Address Rise in Mining Workplace Deaths

The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), Zimbabwe Diamond Allied Mine Workers Union (ZDAMWU), and the Anti-Corruption Trust of Southern Africa (ACTSA) are deeply concerned by the government’s lack of action in addressing the increasing number of employees dying and getting injured on duty and are urgently calling upon the Government of Zimbabwe and its…

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Closing the digital gap: DFA donates to Village of Hope Children’s Home

The Village of Hope Children’s Home received a generous donation from DFA Zimbabwe as the latter plays its part in closing the digital gap in the country. In his speech at the unveiling of the donation to Village of Hope Children’s Home, Mr. Simon Chimutsotso, the Chief Executive Officer of DFA Zimbabwe said his company’s…

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AUDA-NEPAD collaborates with NABDA to strengthen capacity in Genome Editing and Biotechnology

Writes Toyin Omozuwa (Press Secretary to the DG/CEO NABDA) Vice-Chancellors, Chief Executives, Deans of Faculties of Agriculture and sciences, academic and research leaders in selected institutions, as well as policymakers, regulators, and senior researchers, gathered on 7 December 2023, at the Abuja Continental Hotel for a Two-Day Workshop on Strengthening Institutionalised Capacity in Genome Editing…

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NetOne Network Upgrade: commitment to delivering top-tier services to customers

NetOne Cellular Pvt Ltd has demonstrated steadfast commitment to delivering top-tier services to customers in Zimbabwe and beyond by upgrading its network. “Upheld by our core values of Accountability, Agility, Innovation, Integrity, and Excellence, we continuously strive to address everyday challenges faced by our customers with innovative solutions. In line with this dedication, we are…

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AI-Powered Solutions for Agriculture in Africa

In this rapidly modernizing World, the slow blending of technology with AI Development is painting a new reality that is quite unimaginable. Apart from this collaboration, AI is catching up with agriculture too much and taking it to the next level. Regions like Africa, where agriculture is the cornerstone, face the scope of development. In…

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Clean energy critical for adapting and mitigating against climate change

The Government of Zimbabwe has put in place Policy frameworks which have created a conducive environment for clean energy infrastructure to be put in place in response especially to clean energy and adapting and mitigating against climate change. Tariro Chipepera, the Director for Community Development in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium…

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Kenya Develops Innovative Hermetic Bags to Revolutionize Grain Storage

The Kenyan government has been working in partnership with private sectors to develop new technologies to ensure that farmer’s harvest were well preserved during storage to avert losses. Hermetic Storage Technology Bags are able to preserve stored grains while restricting the existence of cereal pests by depleting oxygen levels. The air-tight bags prevent air or…

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ITC signs partnerships on climate finance, clean energy, coffee value chains, land restoration: COP28

(Dubai) – The UN small business agency, the International Trade Centre (ITC), is creating and strengthening partnerships at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, to ensure the perspectives of small businesses of developing countries are included in climate discussions. Small businesses make up 90% of all companies and two-thirds of jobs worldwide, yet…

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Global youth accelerator programme launched by UN small business, UN land restoration agencies: COP28

Dubai) – Green-minded young entrepreneurs are set to benefit from the launch of a global accelerator programme launched by the UN small business agency, the International Trade Centre (ITC), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the G20 Global Land Initiative, on the first-ever Trade Day of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai….

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SADC Parliamentary Forum urges socio-economic and regional integration

The 54th Plenary Assembly Session of the SADC Parliamentary Forum was hosted by the Parliament of Mauritius from 22nd to 27th November 2023 under the theme: “The Role of Parliaments in Promoting Coordination for Enhanced Disaster Risk Reduction and recovery planning in the SADC region.” The meeting ended on a high note on Saturday 26th…

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