SAf-CNGO Appoints Lebogang Kenneth Mabotho as Acting Executive Director, Paving the Way for Strategic Leadership

The Southern African Council of Non-Governmental Organizations (SAf-CNGO), also known as the SADC Council of NGOs, has officially announced the appointment of Mr. Lebogang Kenneth Mabotho as the Acting Executive Director. In this role, Mr. Mabotho will provide critical oversight and direction to the organization, working closely with the secretariat and its staff to ensure…

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2024 Africa Food Systems Forum: Youth in agribusiness Ainembazi Rodgers shares inspiring story

During the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, Spiked Online Media caught up with Ainembazi Rodgers – a male Ugandan Entrepreneur, Youth Mentor, and Agribusiness Practioner, a business incubator at expert level 1 from African Agribusiness Incubators Network.   Rodgers holds a bachelor’s degree of science in planning and community development from Mbarara…

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Fanuel Songwe appointed to the Research Ethics Advisory Committee of the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium

Dr. Fanuel Songwe, a Researcher and Lecturer in the Department of Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology of the Midlands State University from Zimbabwe has been appointed to the Research Ethics Advisory Committee of the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium.   The Africa Genetic Biocontrol Consortium (the Consortium) was established as an agreement among member organizations committed to…

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2024 AFSF: Prof Lindiwe Sibanda emphasises importance of healthy soils, improved diets

Prof Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR) System Board Chairperson has said that the institution’s vision for adopted crops and soils for Africa is to build resilient agrifood systems by leveraging opportunity crops and building healthy soils to enhance agricultural resilience to climate change and improve diets.   She was…

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African ministers of agriculture urged to promote sound agri-food systems

Dr. Agnes Kalibata, the President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has urged ministers responsible for agriculture on the African continent to drive real change in the food systems in the face of climate challenges.   She raised the issue during a ministerial roundtable held on 4 September 2024 at the…

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2024 Africa Food Systems Forum sets out roadmap for improving agricultural production and productivity

The 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum has emerged as a mechanism for the implementation of various initiatives and a tool for action in pursuit of achieving improved agricultural production and productivity and attaining food and nutrition security on the continent.   This was revealed by Dr. Agnes Kalibata, the President of the Alliance for a…

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Better nutrition is a story that can change a lifetime: GAIN Executive Director

Dr. Lawrence Haddad, the Executive Director of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) has said nutrition is a story that can change a lifetime.   Speaking on the progress of food systems in Africa during the launch of the Africa Agriculture Status Report (AASR), Dr. Haddad said stakeholders on the continent have lots of…

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Investing in women in agribusiness transforms Africa’s food systems

Investing in gender-sensitive policies and regulatory frameworks that encourage investment in women agripreneurs is central to the future of agrifood systems in Africa. This was revealed by Nana Amoah, AGRA’s Director of Gender, Youth, and Inclusiveness during the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, Rwanda on Thursday 5 September 2024 during a deal room knowledge…

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Visa-Free travel and improved connectivity crucial for unlocking Africa’s tourism potential

The 7th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum, held on Wednesday in Gaborone, Botswana highlighted the urgent need to remove visa restrictions, reduce airfares, and enhance connectivity to unleash Africa’s vast tourism potential.   Stakeholders emphasised that these strategies, which aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), were crucial to boosting intra-Africa travel and fostering…

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Science-based V30 Accelerator model wins Zimbabwe the Africa Food Prize

Tinotenda Mhiko, the Chief Executive Officer of the Agriculture and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) has said the implementation of the revolutionary agricultural science-based  Vision 2030 (V30) accelerator model has won him the prestigious 2024 Africa Food Prize.   He was addressing journalists at a press conference at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) in Rwanda yesterday…

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ARDA CEO Tinotenda Mhiko wins the coveted Africa Food Prize

Tinotenda Mhiko, the Chief Executive Officer of the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) has won the coveted US$100,000 Africa Food Prize that celebrates Africans who are taking control of the continent’s agriculture agenda.   The prize puts a spotlight on bold initiatives and technical innovations that can be replicated across the continent to create…

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Africa Food Systems Forum: Seed Sector Performance Index (SSPI) disseminated

The 2023 Seed Sector Performance Index (SSPI) Status Report for Africa was disseminated at the African Food Systems Forum’s 2024 Summit on 2 September in Kigali, Rwanda. The SSPI is a new, single score-based measurement tool that provides “a bird’s eye view” of the health of national seed systems across the continent. The SSPI was…

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Digital Agriculture Providing New Frontiers in Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa

Writes George Marechera (AGRA – Head of Digital Systems and Solutions for Agriculture)   New technologies and digitalisation are transforming agriculture and offering new opportunities for transformative agriculture development in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Digital agriculture is a new and emerging field that has the potential to help address the productivity, sustainability, resilience, market, and trade…

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Zimbabwe demonstrates innovative food system policy through the 1-hectare irrigation model

Zimbabwe demonstrated a scalable innovative food system policy through its 1-hectare irrigation model during a plenary session on the official opening yesterday of the Africa Food Systems Forum running from 2 to 6 September 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda.   Addressing participants during a room discussion on scalable innovative food systems policies and the financing needed…

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AUC’s Ambassador Sacko calls for increased investments in agricultural research and development

H.E. Amb. Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment of the African Union Commission has called for increased investments in agricultural research and development.   She was speaking through the Director of her Department, Dr. Godfrey Bahiigwa, during the official opening of the Africa Food Systems Forum that is running…

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Sustainable African food systems accelerate attainment of SDGs

Building productive, nutritious, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable African food systems accelerates the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.   This was revealed today by Hon Ildephonse Musafiri, Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources during the official opening of the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum) 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda.   He…

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Renewable energy, food security, and digital economy topical at Second Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum

In her keynote address during the official opening of the Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum in Bali, Indonesia on 1 September 2024, Her Excellency, Dr. Puan Maharani, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia, said there is a need for strategic cooperation between Indonesia and Africa in the arena of renewable energy, food…

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Extension services, research and development improve smallholder farmers’ agricultural production and productivity

The provision of extension services tied to research and development will improve the capacity of smallholder farmers to increase agricultural production and productivity.   This came to the fore yesterday during a side meeting of extension base actors held at the Lemigo Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda at the African Food Systems Forum running from the…

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Africa Vegetable Biodiversity Rescue Plan launched at Food Systems Forum

In the continent’s journey towards transforming agrifood systems through preserving and conserving vegetable biodiversity and sustainable use, the Africa Vegetable Biodiversity Rescue Plan (AVBRP), was launched today during the first day of the Africa Food Systems Forum under the session ‘Harnessing our Vegetable Heritage.   In his keynote address during the launch, Dr Clement Adjorlolo,…

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AGRA offers transformative entrepreneurship initiatives for women and youth in agrifood systems

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) is spearheading transformative investment in rural women and youth entrepreneurship in agrifood systems.   Addressing participants during a side event of the ongoing Africa Food Systems Forum that kicked off today 2 September 2024 and will run until 6 September 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda held under…

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Women and youth play key role in accelerating food systems transformation

Accelerating food systems transformation, particularly in a changing climate within a digital era, requires careful consideration of the needs, priorities, and capabilities of a diversity of men and women to contribute and benefit from agrifood systems.   These were the remarks of Deogratius Magero, the Youth Engagement Manager at the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience…

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Cimas Health Group Showcases Mobile Clinic at Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

The country’s largest private medical aid society, and health and wellness service provider, Cimas Health Group continues to embrace innovative models to improve ways of service delivery in the health sector.   In a groundbreaking development, Cimas recently acquired a mobile clinic, a customised motor vehicle that will be staffed by a combination of health…

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Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum to foster social justice and sustainable economic development

The Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe, Honorable Advocate Jacob F.N Mudenda arrived in Bali, Indonesia on 30th August 2024, where is attending the Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Summit running from 31st August – 2nd September at the Grand Hyatt Hotel meant to foster social justice and sustainable economic development.   Speaker Mudenda is accompanied by the…

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Desperate firewood poachers ravage Zimbabwe’s forests

Clayton Masekesa With furtive glances over his shoulder, Samson Muchibo (not his real name), the firewood poacher, creeps through the Burma Valley forest in Mutare South constituency, his worn axe slung over his shoulder. He knows the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Environmental Management Agency (EMA), and Zimbabwe Forestry Commission authorities are on the lookout for him,…

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SADC driving economic transformation despite threat of natural disasters: Prof Charity Manyeruke

Her Excellency Charity Manyeruke, Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe to the Republic of Rwanda and Chairperson of the Heads of Diplomatic Missions Group (HDMG) of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has said the regional economic group is driving sustainable development despite the threats of natural disasters negatively impacting human and food security.  …

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Zimbabwe unveils opportunities to invest in mineral processing

Writes Hillary Munedzi   The government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has unveiled opportunities for investors to invest in value addition and beneficiation of minerals through restricting the export of all ores and under-processed minerals. Through the Base Minerals Export Control (Unbeneficiated Base Mineral Ores) Order, 2023, contained in Statutory…

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NetOne showcases Telemedicine at Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

Leading telecommunications giant, NetOne, showcased its recently launched service as it unveiled its cutting-edge Telemedicine product at the prestigious Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.   To fully execute the innovative offering which is the brainchild of the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Auxilia Mnangangwa, NetOne in partnership with ZimSmart, represents this significant step forward…

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ZAS: National Tested Seeds gears up for the 2024/2025 season

As the 2024/2025 agricultural season approaches, National Tested Seeds is poised to support farmers with a wide portfolio of high-quality seeds for both field crops and vegetables. This is also complimented by the company’s wealth of expert agronomic and agri-business management services.   Speaking to this publication at the Zimbabwe Agriculture Society (ZAS), the Head…

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Farmers Embrace Old Mutual’s “On the Money” Program at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

As the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show runs under the theme “Cultivating Prosperity. Growing Business. Innovation for Change. Nurturing our Future,” a critical component of this year’s event is the financial literacy training session hosted by Old Mutual.   Agriculture is the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP, exports, and employment. However, financial…

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Adoption of new farming technologies increasing agricultural production and productivity

The Agricultural Excellence Indaba presided over by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga on the fourth day of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show in Harare on Thursday 29 August 2024 emphasised the critical role that new farming technologies play in increasing agricultural production and productivity.   In her presentation during the Indaba, held under the theme “Research and…

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Kutsaga, Econet win double awards each at 2024 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

The Tobacco Research Board trading as Kutsaga continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in agricultural innovation and sustainability, achieving double recognition at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) 2024 while challenging giants like Econet Wireless Zimbabwe.   In a notable achievement, Kutsaga was named the Second Runner Up Overall Best Exhibiting Stand at ZAS2024,…

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Cottco Ramps Up Efforts to Empower Farmers Amidst Calls for Better Pricing

As the 2024/25 summer cropping season draws near, anticipation and activity in Zimbabwe’s cotton sector are reaching a fever pitch.   Speaking to the media on Monday, the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco) Chief Executive Officer, Rockie Mutenha, said that the company was leading the charge, embarking on a comprehensive farmer registration and assessment campaign,…

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Tisitano, the Local App for Buying and Selling exhibits at ZAS 2024

Spiked Online Media caught up with Tisitano, the local application for buying and selling that is exhibiting at the 2024 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.   Below, Spiked Online Media reproduces an interview with Sibongile Harvey, the Tisitano Country Representative for Zimbabwe:   Tisitano is an app that helps you buy and sell things in your local…

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Industry experts gather in Nairobi for workshop on strengthening Kenyan Food Safety

The Food and Agriculture Export Alliance (FAEA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Tuesday kicked off a three-day workshop aimed at strengthening the capacity of Food Business Operators (FBOs) in Kenya to address food safety risks.   This comes ahead of the implementation of the Food and Feed Safety Control Coordination Bill…

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Econet wins top honours at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, the country’s leading telecommunications and technology company, on Tuesday won both the Best Overall Stand and Best ICT Exhibitor awards at the 2024 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS). The accolades are a recognition of the cutting-edge technology Econet is providing to multiple sectors of the economy, including the key agricultural sector. This year…

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Nasser Fellowship Alumni Wins Membership in the African Union’s Youth Business Council

The African Youth Business Council (AfYBC), affiliated with the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, announced the selection of Engineer Mohamed Osama, an Alumni of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership and the Technical and Technological Support Officer for the Global Solidarity Network, as a founding member representing the North Africa region on the…

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NetOne one of the star attractions at ZAS 2024

Leading Mobile Network Operator in Zimbabwe, NetOne made a remarkable impression at the Zimbabwe Agriculture Show through its captivating technology displays showcasing the latest advancements in robotics, smart farming, and smart home solutions.   Drawing attention from attendees and industry experts alike, NetOne’s innovative exhibits not only wowed the audience but also shed light on…

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NetOne Showcases Smart Agriculture Solutions at Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

Writes Tongai Mwenje   NetOne, one of Zimbabwe’s leading mobile network providers, is showcasing its cutting-edge products and services at the ongoing Zimbabwe Agricultural Show. Among the innovations on display is the “Connect a Greenhouse” initiative, a flagship project under the company’s Smart Agriculture program. The Connect a Greenhouse initiative leverages modern technologies to empower…

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ZAS 2024: President Nyusi hails resilience of agriculture amidst El-Nino-induced drought

His Excellency Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, the President of the Republic of Mozambique has hailed the resilience of Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector amidst the El-Nino-induced drought.   President Nyusi made the remarks today while officially opening the 114th Edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show. The event was graced by His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the President…

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Aubrey Julius Taulo’s innovation helping Malawi respond to plastic waste

Mr. Aubrey Julius Taulo on the 1st of July 2024 showcased his innovation which uncovered the hidden treasure that is within the Luffa plant. He discovered that luffa can replace polythene tubes due to its strong fibers and eco-friendly qualities it possesses. According to the innovation, it has also shown that luffa is one of…

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Africa emerges as a major market for Russian grain

Russian grain exports reached a record high of 72 million tons in the fiscal year that ended June 2024. This is according to information the Russian Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut disclosed. The minister also revealed that Africa became a significant destination for Russia’s grain exports.   During an interview with Sputnik, Arkady Zlochevsky, President of the…

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Parliamentarians urged to formulate laws supporting CAADP strategy implementation

Hon Kasauta Saiti Michelo, a Member of the National Assembly for Bweengwa Constituency in Zambia who is also the Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Lands, and Natural Resources, has urged African legislators to formulate laws that support the implementation of the Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).   He was speaking at the just-ended post-Malabo…

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Non-state actors comprising women and youth key in driving African Agriculture

Transforming Africa’s agri-food systems under the Post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) initiative embraces the involvement of the Non-State Actors representing diverse groups across Southern Africa (SADC), East Africa, West Africa (ECOWAS), including farmer associations, youth, women farmers, civil society organizations (CSO), international NGOs, community-based organizations (CBO), national and regional networks, faith-based groups, the…

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Africa readies for food sovereignty in next Kampala Declaration

The next Kampala Declaration which will drive the post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) agenda has promised to focus on food sovereignty as a key aspect of the continent’s agricultural transformation.   Speaking to Spiked Online Media on the sidelines of the post-Malabo Validation Workshop of the Ten-Year Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035) for…

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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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