AUDA-NEPAD spearheading genome editing to optimise agricultural production

The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) through its Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology, and Innovation is running the Genome Editing (GEd) project meant to foster a broader understanding of modern biotechnology focusing on GEd among different stakeholder groups through communication and advocacy for enhanced uptake of the tool to optimize agriculture in Africa. This…

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Anti drug abuse intensified at grassroots levels

By Marlvin Ngiza Miracle Helping Hand Foundation in partnership with parents and church leaders has launched an anti-drug abuse campaign, which sought to address the situation at a grassroots level through having interactive dialogues with youth, particularly in hotspot areas. The official launch was characterized by the official erection of billboards and face-to-face youth interactive…

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Kenya readies 1M home-grown smartphones

By Hana Anandira Kenya reportedly pushed ahead with a plan to roll out 1 million units of locally-assembled smartphones, under a broader aim to make devices more accessible and accelerate digital inclusion. Local news outlet Business Daily Africa reported ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo said the country has started producing low-cost smartphones, which will retail for $40…

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Resilience, unity hold Africa together: President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has reiterated the fact that unity and resilience hold the continent together and are a platform for resurgence and sustainable development. He made the remarks in celebration of Africa Day held at the Maropeng known as the Cradle of Humankind, a place where some of the earliest human ancestors…

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Zambia and Zimbabwe commit to Mana Pools protection

By Elvis Dumba Harare – Zambia and Zimbabwe have committed to strengthening cooperation that will improve protection for the environment and natural resources. The two countries signed a memorandum of agreement on the Lower Zambezi Mana Pools (LOZAMAP) Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA). The signing ceremony was held in Harare a day after the continent celebrated…

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Tanzania the Gateway to East Africa’s Critical Minerals Investment Opportunity

At the official press launch for the Tanzania Mining & Investment Forum 2023 (www.TanzaniaMiningInvestmentForum.com) held today in Dar Es Salaam, Honourable Dr. Doto Mashaka Biteko, Minister of Minerals highlighted the unparalleled opportunities Tanzania has to offer in its mining sector. “It is with a great honour and deep sense of gratitude I welcome you to this meeting. As I stand…

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ITC and AUC sign agreement to empower small businesses to unlock intra-African trade

The African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to mark the next chapter of an ongoing partnership. Together, the organizations will foster inclusive trade in Africa by incorporating small enterprises into the regional economy, and promote the…

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Youth drive trade on the continent: Pan African Parliament

For the acceleration and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative, Youth must be trained and capacitated. This came to light when the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) Caucus on Youth, Chairperson Hon. Dali Laila addressed delegates on the 2nd day of a Workshop held on the African Union Theme for 2023, “Accelerating the African Continental Free Trade Area…

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Rural Development Agency hailed for water provision in Zvimba North

By Elvis Dumba Zvimba – Residents in Zvimba North Constituency have hailed the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency for ensuring the communities have easy access to safe and clean water. Whilst some parts of Zvimba District are being ravaged by Cholera, people in Zvimba North Constituency have welcomed efforts by their local legislator, Marian Chombo, who…

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Food systems are broader than value chains – thanks to African mass markets

By Charles Dhewa While there is a tendency for policymakers to conflate food systems with value chains, mass food markets reveal how food systems are broader than value chains. That distinction is very important in clarifying and creating pathways for decolonizing food systems. Putting African mass food markets at the center of food systems demonstrates…

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PAP critical for accelerated AfCFTA implementation: Chief Charumbira

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has a pivotal role to play in overseeing the implementation of commitments related to the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) by the Member States through their national Parliaments. This is according to the President of the PAP, H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira while delivering his opening remarks at a Workshop…

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Impart leadership skills to young people: Shamwari Yemwanasikana

By Marlvin Ngiza Leadership skills were described as a necessity in young people’s circles as they were believed to be a powerful tool that would help them in decision-making processes, undertake the responsibility, and address challenges in their lives at both individual and professional levels. A young girl’s movement Shamwari YeMwanasikana through their leadership pillar…

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Electrical engineering company Power Giants unveils new hub in Eswatini

Business Reporter Power Giants Southern and East Africa, arguably Zimbabwe’s top electrical engineering company, has further expanded operations in the SADC region, establishing a new hub in Eswatini. Operating under the banner Power Giants Eswatini, the new branch has cemented the group’s growth trajectory following similar expansion projects across the entire region. By expanding its…

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Mozambique delegation impressed by Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector

By Elvis Dumba A delegation from Mozambique that was part of Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi’s three-day state visit to Zimbabwe said they have been impressed by the country’s agriculture sector and seek to strengthen areas of cooperation in the sector to allow their country to become food secure. The delegation visited Nyathi Imhenyu Farm in…

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AUDA-NEPAD, APET working on accelerating AfCFTA implementation with emerging technologies

The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and the AU High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET) are working on accelerating the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) implementation with emerging technologies. This emerged at the 8th Calestous Juma Executive Dialogue (CJED) that took place in Harare, Zimbabwe, from 17th – 19th May under the theme, “Harnessing…

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NetOne intensifies its distribution channels and SIM cards availability

NetOne Cellular (Private) Limited, the digital solutions network provider with an extensive network coverage across Zimbabwe is on the upsurge of bringing excellent customer service. Contrary to reports circulating that there is a shortage of SIM cards, our communication with NetOne has indicated a different position. NetOne SIM cards are readily available throughout its distribution…

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WFP supports government’s e-extension services

… as it donates tablets to extension workers By Tafadzwa Muranganwa Realising the immense benefits of digitizing extension services in Zimbabwe, the humanitarian agency, World Food Programme has donated high-end tablets to some government extension workers. Speaking at the official handover of the 635 tablets to the Agricultural Rural Development and Advisory Service (ARDAS) on…

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Addressing climate change critical for Africa’s development: President Ruto

The single most important priority commitment that will propel Africa to lasting security, sustainable stability and shared prosperity is an opportunity-oriented focus on climate action, said the President of the Republic of Kenya and Chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) H.E Dr. William Samoei Ruto President Ruto delivered…

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Workshop provides investment opportunities for women in agriculture and business

As the global world embraces the empowerment of women through the theme ‘Global Innovation’, Zimbabwe Women in Agribusiness in collaboration with the Ministry Of Women Affairs, Community DEVELOPMENT, and Small and Medium Enterprise and Zimbabwe National Chamber of Small to Medium Enterprise is today conducting a workshop under the theme: INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN IN…

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Beyond traditional surveys – the value of continuous listening to the market

By Charles Dhewa Periodic surveys like crop and livestock assessments have become a common feature in most African agriculture-driven economies. These surveys are often conducted during and after the planting season. While surveys like vulnerability assessments are important, in a changing climate characterized by mid-season droughts and disruptions in market supplies, periodic surveys should be…

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Pan-African Parliament Summit spotlights importance of Climate Policy and Equity

The Pan- African Parliamentarians from countries all over Africa and beyond are convening in Midrand, South Africa for the third Pan-African Parliamentarian Summit from 16 to 17 May 2023. The first day of the Summit called for expedited action in implementing the commitments made under United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the…

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Dr. Phillip Chiyangwa gets continental award

By Elvis Dumba  Harare – Focus Africa Series International, in collaboration with the African Tourism Board and Africa News Network (ANN) Services will confer Zimbabwe’s Dr Philip Chiyangwa with a Focus Africa Leading People Award, a special recognition given to people pioneering work in driving the economic empowerment of indigenous business people in Africa. The conferment…

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Zambuko Insurance Company offers comprehensive life assurance services

Death is an inevitable part of life, and during such difficult times, the last thing anyone wants to worry about is the financial burden associated with funeral expenses. Recognising the need for accessible and affordable funeral insurance, Zambuko Insurance Company has introduced a range of comprehensive packages that provide individuals and families with peace of…

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Capacitating Pan African Parliament top of my priorities: AU Chairperson

The President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union (AU), President Azali Assoumani has pledged support for the realisation of the mandate of the Pan-African Parliament, the legislative arm of the AU. He was speaking as a Guest of Honour at the opening of the Second Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament, which…

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PAP session to address international geopolitical crises: Mayara

Hon. Enaam Mayara, the President of the House of Councillors from the Kingdom of Morocco has said the Second Pan-African Parliament (PAP) ordinary session’ of its sixth Parliament is taking place in a special global context, mainly characterized by the continuing negative consequences of international geopolitical crises and the accelerating regional developments and events that…

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President Nyusi on a state visit to Zimbabwe

The President of the Republic of Mozambique, His Excellency Cde. Filipe J. Nyusi, is scheduled to conduct a State Visit to Harare, Zimbabwe from 17 to 19 May 2023. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade revealed that His Excellency Nyusi will lead a delegation comprising the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of…

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Egypt sets eyes on Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector

By Elvis Dumba Banket – President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s engagement and re-engagement efforts are bearing fruits with more countries lining up to invest in the country, including former hostile countries such as the United Kingdom (UK). This was revealed by ZANU PF Spokesperson and Politburo member Christopher Mutsvangwa during a ZANU PF Inter-district meeting for Zvimba…

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Zimbabwe, European Union deepen partnership and solidarity

The relationship between Zimbabwe and the European Union (EU) is solidifying as exemplified by the deepening solidarity and partnerships between the two entities. Addressing delegates at the belated celebration of the EU Day in Harare yesterday where he was the Guest of Honour, Ambassador Frederick Shava, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade said…

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Report: Gene-edited crop seed adoption to surge

Adoption of gene-edited crop seeds is expected to increase significantly in the next 5 to 10 years, according to a Rabobank report, with adoption rates expected to surpass 50% during that period. “GE technology has the potential to solve issues across the food supply chain for all stakeholders,” said Chia-Kai-Kang, farm inputs analyst for Rababank….

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European Union joins Zimbabwe’s culture month as it celebrates EU Day

By Elvis Dumba Harare – The European Union Delegation (EU) to Zimbabwe will join the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe for Culture Month through various cultural activities this month for the first time as they celebrate EU Day. “The EU Delegation is delighted to join efforts with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) in…

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MSF endorses USA’s Pharmaceutical Research Transparency Act

A new bill, the Pharmaceutical Research Transparency Act, was introduced yesterday in both the US House and Senate. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) endorses this bill as it would give people, governments, and treatment providers like MSF more leverage to negotiate fair drug prices. Currently, pharma doesn’t have to disclose how much they spend on R&D to bring new…

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Zimbabwe Agriculture Investment Forum interrogates investment opportunities in the sector

Zimbabwe is hosting an Agriculture Investment Forum under the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, which is forging stronger partnerships for increased investments to transform agro-food systems. In his remarks at the 3-day workshop that kicked off in Harare today, Dr. Anxious Masuka, the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development said the gathering held under the…

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Powertel launches Zero Re-connection Fee promotion as it steps up service delivery

Powertel Communications has launched a zero reconnection fee promotion targeted at retaining its clients who already have existing access network infrastructure on their premises. This follows notable efforts by the organisation in recent weeks, which focussed on improving service delivery through improved internet performance and improved service responsiveness. An excited Powertel customer in Avondale identified…

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Zimbabwe and Kenya deepen and strengthen cooperation

Longstanding fraternal relations continue to grow between Kenya and Zimbabwe, the first-ever Mid-Term Review (MTR) Meeting of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) between the two countries revealed. This emerged at the Mid-Term Review of the 3rd Session of the Kenya-Zimbabwe Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation that kicked off in Harare today and will…

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Old Mutual’s Eight2Five Innovation brings The Value Creation Challenge to ZITF’s Scholastica and Innovators Forum

Old Mutual Zimbabwe through the Eight2Five Innovation Hub impacted startups and entrepreneurship at this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair’s Scholastica and Innovators Forum program by bringing the hub’s flagship incubation program The Value Creation Challenge. Deadline for applications closed on Friday 28 April during the Z.I.T.F week having received over 500 applications from across Zimbabwe….

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Creating a level playing field for local food and Indigenous Knowledge Systems

Contrary to beliefs by most policymakers in African countries, in the history of mankind, no country has built an inclusive society using external food and foreign knowledge systems. That is why developing countries should make sure foreign forces do not accelerate the loss of local food and indigenous knowledge systems (IKS). Progressive actions in this…

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