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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Africa’s agricultural transformation: address remaining challenges, adapt to a changing world

The post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) agenda is premised on the need to tackle persistent challenges, unfinished business in achieving the Malabo declaration targets, adapting to the changing global context, aligning with Agenda 2063, and leveraging new opportunities for agricultural transformation and inclusive growth.   This has been the overarching theme at the…

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Post Malabo Validation: CAADP Non-state actors note progress, proffer recommendations

Non-state actors (NSAs) under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP)  have hailed the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035) for putting in place mechanisms to advance Africa’s Agri-Food Systems while proffering inclusive recommendations for a holistic approach.   This came to the fore during the 3-day Validation Workshop of the Ten-Year CAADP Strategy and…

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Africa needs resilient agriculture for addressing a global food crises

Ambassador Josefa Sacko, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Development at the African Union Commission (AUC) has called for robust interventions to support AU member states in building a resilient agricultural sector amid global food crises.   She made the remarks today during the 3-day Validation Workshop of the Ten-Year CAADP…

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OneMoney Revolutionises DStv Payments: Seamless Entertainment at Your Fingertips

In a significant stride towards enhancing customer convenience, NetOne’s OneMoney platform has expanded its suite of digital payment solutions to include DStv subscription payments. This innovative feature, accessible through the simple dial of *554#, reaffirms NetOne’s commitment to providing cutting-edge, customer-centric solutions that seamlessly integrate into the daily lives of Zimbabweans.   The integration of…

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Zimbabwe, China relations foster youth empowerment

Writes Marlvin Ngiza  Zimbabwe and the People’s Republic of China’s relations continue to bear fruits as the two nations continue to expedite programmes that are meant to promote youth employment and economic empowerment towards curtailing drug and substance abuse among young people. This has been attested by several initiatives that the Chinese Embassy, through working…

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Commissioner Josefa Sacko defends robust seed systems for the African continent

The Continent must create robust seed systems because they form the basis of agriculture, and determine productivity, resilience and food sustainability, argued African Union Commissioner Josefa Correia Sacko today in Addis Ababa.   Ambassador Josefa Sacko is the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment at the African Union…

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UN’s Edward Kallon rallies environmental stewardship at First Ladies High Level Advocacy Event

His Excellency, Mr. Edward Kallon, the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator for Zimbabwe has rallied African First Ladies to spearhead environmental stewardship for the greater good of society.   Addressing delegates at the First Ladies Advocacy Event on Climate Change and the Environment on the sidelines of the 44th Southern African Development Community (SADC) IN…

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The Tale of Two Meetings: Post Malabo and My Food is African

Writes Dr. Million Belay   I arrived at the Lukenya Getaway around midnight, exhausted, angry, and famished. My journey from Lusaka had been mentally exhausting, after a frustrating meeting on the Post-Malabo process. Lukenya Getaway, located on the outskirts of Nairobi in the Machakos region, is known for its outdoor activities and wildlife, a stark…

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President Mnangagwa assumes SADC Chairmanship, promises sustainable development

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has assumed the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), promising a raft of measures to ensure sustainable development in the regional economic community.   In his keynote address, the president of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community, His Excellency, Dr E. D. Mnangagwa at…

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SARCAN urges SADC Heads of State to lobby wealthy nations to pay for climate debts

Sherpard Zvigadza, the Coordinator of the Southern Africa Region Climate Action Network (SARCAN) is urging the Southern African Community Development (SADC) Heads of State to demand wealthy and polluter nations to pay up their historic and climate debts.   He was speaking to Spiked Online Media on the sidelines of the 4th Regional Dialogue for…

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Africa’s Path to a Just Energy Transition: The Call for Transparent and Fair Trade Practices

Writes Baboloki Semele In a pivotal discussion on Africa’s role in the global energy transition, Antonio Pedro, Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), underscored the critical need for transparent and fair-trade practices to ensure a just energy transition across the continent. Speaking at an African Consultative Webinar on Critical…

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SADC RISDP – Civil society says progress made, more to do

Civil society organisations have this week praised the steady progress made towards implementation of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030 (RISDP) while noting that in some areas there remains more to be done. The final communique from the event can be found here.   The comments came after two days of discussion, planning,…

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Respected ICT professionals and senior government officials to speak at TICON Africa

Speakers at the upcoming Technology Information Confederation Africa (TICON Africa) Conference 2024 include respected names in the ICT industry as well as senior officials from member countries. TICON Africa will be held at the Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa between 25 and 27 September alongside the Marketing Society of Kenya’s symposium. The two events will bring…

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Old Mutual’s O’mari launches home insurance solution

O’mari, the fintech subsidiary of Old Mutual Zimbabwe, has announced the launch of its new digital-first, low-cost home insurance product ‘O’mari HomeCare’, underwritten by Old Mutual Zimbabwe Insurance Company. This innovative offering is designed to provide affordable and accessible insurance for homeowners.   The new product leverages digital technology to streamline the application process and…

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Protection of vulnerable groups ensures a climate just transition in SADC

Over and over, we have seen how the Southern African region, like many countries in the Global South, is paying the heavy price for historical emissions by the industrialized North. The manifestation of the climate crisis continues to impact food security and livelihoods, with young women in particular facing increasing and deepening protection risks such…

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Calls to transform SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) into a SADC Parliament gain momentum

A fireside chat was held to discuss the transformation of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) into a SADC Parliament. The session was moderated by Rachel Gondo from the Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM) and featured panelists including SADC desk officers from various national parliaments and representatives from civil society organizations. Several issues arose from the…

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