Sunny Yi Feng Tiles pledges environmental compliance

Following an outcry from the community about flouting of rules, the management of tile manufacturer, Sunny Yi Feng in Norton, has pledged environmental compliance. Briefing Environment Minister, Hon. Mangaliso Ndlovu who was accompanied by Minister of State for Mashonaland West Province Mrs. Mary Mliswa Chikoka at a tour organised on the behest of Norton legislator,…

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International Trade Centre launches a groundbreaking tool to track policies for women in trade

The International Trade Centre yesterday announced the launch of SheTrades Outlook, a digital tool that allows governments and others to track progress on gender equality in trade, and progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 to empower all women and girls. SheTrades Outlook provides quantitative and qualitative data using 83 indicators across six policy areas. It contains more…

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Dealing with touts and Malayitshas in facilitating trade at Beitbridge Border Post in Zimbabwe

By Juliet Matare (Customs & Excise and Trade Facilitation Expert) INTRODUCTION The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) plays a major role in trade facilitation at the several ports of entry in the country. This paper focuses on challenges faced at Zimbabwe’s largest and busiest border post in Southern Africa, the Beitbridge Border, as it tries to…

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The knowledge brokering role of transporters in African food systems

By Charles Dhew Beyond transporting commodities from production zones to markets, transporters have a much more important knowledge brokering role in African food systems. Transporters are unique informants who get information from diverse actors and sources such as farmers, traders, other transporters, fuel dealers, equipment manufacturers and others. They also convey information from the market…

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ZNOART piles pressure on City of Harare to end graft

By Anyway Yotamu The Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trusts (ZNOART) is piling pressure on the Harare City Council to end corruption and improve service delivery. In a statement to this publication, ZNOART  National Chairperson Mr. Shalvar Chikomba said, “City Council officials and councillors have a major problem on their hands. The truth…

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Johnson & Johnson TB drug price reduced

MSF has pushed J&J for years to lower the price of its lifesaving TB drug bedaquiline The international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) welcomes Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) announcement today to reduce the price of its tuberculosis (TB) drug bedaquiline to $1.50 per day. Governments must now urgently scale up the use…

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Vultures circle over Redwing mine: Mines ministry

STAFF WRITER VULTURES are circling over mining conglomerate Metallon gold’s Penhalonga mine – Redwing, and the company needs to be vigilant to fend off invasions, a senior government official has said. Ministry of Mines and Mining Development official Innocent Murapa told a peace conference held by Green Governance in Mutare recently that the mine was…

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Illegal artisanal miners giving intelligence to Mashurugwi

STAFF WRITER Illegal artisanal miner infestation in Penhalonga is compromising the security of small-scale miners’ operations as they are passing on the intelligence of the movement of rich gold ore movement to armed criminal gangs now popularly known as Mashurugwi. Manicaland Miners’ Association (MMA) secretary-general Lovemore Kasha told a Green governance Penhalonga peace dialogue meeting…

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Strive Masiyiwa Buys Back Mascom Botswana For USD$300 Million

Masiyiwa salutes frontline healthcare workers in the Diaspora & in Africa

Econet founder and Africa Union Special Envoy for COVID-19, philanthropist and businessman Strive Masiyiwa, has paid a stirring tribute to African frontline health professionals working in the Diaspora, as well as all healthcare workers serving on the African continent. Writing on his popular Facebook blog, the businessman expresses his gratitude to the health professionals for…

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African ministers, social partners join ILO high-level summit on COVID-19 and the World of Work

The pandemic has devastated the world of work, causing massive human suffering and exposing the extreme vulnerability of millions of workers and enterprises on the continent More than 50 African ministers of labour or employment, along with representatives of workers’ and employers’ organizations and international organizations joined the International Labour Organization (www.ILO.org) Regional Office for…

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Action Alert from Adolescent Girls and Young Women with support from ATHENA network

Across the world, the public health emergency posed by COVID-19 continues to impact and unfold in multiple and intersecting ways in our communities. A crisis has the power to make the invisible visible. When it comes to adolescent girls and young women and COVID19, this is certain because while COVID19 is a public health crisis,…

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Ethiopia: African Development Fund approves $165 million grant for national COVID-19 emergency response

The grant, awarded from the country’s ADF-15 Performance-Based Allocation, will help bolster Ethiopia’s COVID-19 National Emergency Response Plan (NERP The Board of Directors of the African Development Fund (ADF) on 3 July approved a grant of $165.08 million to support Ethiopia’s response to the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including helping to…

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Zimbabwe’s debt overhang: Is it a lack of legislation or lack of political will?

By ZIMCODD Zimbabwe’s macroeconomic challenges are primarily rooted in the huge debt burden. The country has been in debt distress since 2000 when it first defaulted on its external debt obligations. Zimbabwe is one of the African countries in debt distress together with other countries including Mozambique, Sudan, and Somalia. Zimbabwe’s public debt is at…

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Caribbean countries get access to Africa Medical Supplies Platform for procurement of COVID-19 supplies

Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have been given access to the Africa Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP), a procurement system for supplies and equipment in the fight against COVID-19.  The AMSP unlocks immediate access to an African and global base of vetted manufacturers and procurement strategic partners.  It enables African Union Member States to…

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Econet launches the first low-cost KaiOS-enabled 3G phone in Zimbabwe

3G phone comes bundled with 3-month free data Econet Wireless has partnered with KaiOS Technologies, a leading maker of mobile operating systems for feature smart phones, to  launch the ‘Atom 3G’ phone – the country’s first 3G smart feature phone, that is set to help millions of Zimbabweans to access the Internet and become digitally…

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Multilateral development banks and the World Trade Organization (WTO) supporting trade finance during the COVID-19 crisis

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, multilateral development banks have stepped up trade finance programs to support essential imports and key exports The COVID-19 pandemic has provoked the deepest economic downturn of our lifetimes. In addition to the ongoing shocks to supply and demand, international trade has been affected by a reduction in the…

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Government’s project implementation under the 100-day cycle programme well on course

The government says its project implementation under the 100-day cycle programme is expected to move the country forward as it aspires to attain Vision 2030 for the benefit of the citizens. For that reason, a senior government official said it is a collective responsibility to ensure the best use of available resources for the betterment…

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‘We are ready to step up, involve us more’ – African youth tells the PAP

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) held its first virtual public lecture on 30 June 2020 under the theme: “The Role of the African Youth in Achieving the Mandate of the PAP”. Young Africans who took part in the engagement with members of the continental Parliament signaled the youths’ readiness to participate in the building of the…

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African Sun’s Troutbeck Inn reopens

By Anyway Yotamu African Sun Hotels and Resorts has announced the reopening of its Troutbeck Resort in Nyanga the Eastern Highlands after three months’ closure. The Group Marketing, Public Relations, and Innovation Manager, Ms. Karen Dhliwayo said in a statement to the media Tuesday, from the 1st July 2020 Troutbeck Resort in Nyang reopens after…

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Econet responds to Cyclone Idai emergency with $5 million

Masiyiwa donates 120 000 Test Kits and border laboratories to Zimbabwe

UK-based Econet founder and philanthropist Strive Masiyiwa, who also serves as AU Special Envoy for COVID-19, has donated 120 000 Test Kits to Zimbabwe, along with Mobile Test Laboratories to be used at the country’s border posts. The donation of Test Kits also includes 50 000 of the highly accurate PCR type Test,  used by…

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MultiChoice Group Joins the UN as Official African Media Supporter for Global COVID-19 Campaign

The MultiChoice Group is proud to announce its latest initiative in the fight against COVID-19.  The group has supported a number of initiatives in the fight against the spread of the pandemic which continues to wreak havoc across the globe, and it is being acutely felt across Africa. Early in the spread of the pandemic…

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Shortlist announced for the World Trade Promotion Organization Awards 2020

The International Trade Centre (ITC) yesterday announced that 18 national trade promotion organizations have been shortlisted for the 2020 World Trade Promotion Organization (WTPO) Awards. The shortlisted organizations are competing in three categories: ·       Best use of a partnership – Colombia, Egypt, Sweden, the United Republic of Tanzania, the Netherlands, Viet Nam, Zimbabwe; ·       Best use of information…

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10 Wonderful Examples Of Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) For Good

By Bernard Marr One of the many benefits of using artificial intelligence (AI) is to help us view societal problems from a different perspective. While there’s been much hubbub about how AI might be misused, we must not overlook the many ways AI can be used for good. Our global issues are complex, and AI provides us…

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COVID-19: Debt and investment transparency for better outcomes

By DAVID MALPASS Since the COVID-19 outbreak, developing economies have suffered unprecedented capital outflows. To reverse these outflows and make debt and investment more productive, it is critical to embrace strong principles of debt and investment transparency. Such transparency involves many difficult steps, but today we’re taking an important one: we are disclosing new information on the…

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Government and private sector to construct 200 000 affordable houses countrywide

By Anyway Yotamu The government, in partnership with the private sector, has started the development of 2 200 stands on KockMallock estate in Norton, with roads now being tarred and sewer pipes laid, while the foundations of the first batch of three-bedroomed houses are under construction. The government has plans to construct all the 200…

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Masiyiwa in COVID-19 Home-Based care initiative: gives US$50 monthly support to help victims

Invites victims to step forward and get assistance for 3 months Worried that there are people suffering at home from COVID-19 that have not come forward, Strive Masiyiwa, through his Higher Life Foundation (HLF), called upon them to come forward on their own and report their status so that they can get assistance worth US$50…

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To what extent does the market inform production decisions?

In the course of working with African mass markets, eMKambo continues to notice several nuances that inform the production of different agricultural commodities, among other patterns. A recent study focused on figuring out the extent to which the market informs production decisions among African smallholder farmers. There are strong indications that most production decisions are supply-driven not…

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Vela welcomes High Court judgment setting aside the AG-BDO report

…Vows to fight smear campaign Former National Social Security Authority (NSSA) chairperson Robin Vela has pledged to continue to fight abuse of power, political expediency and overreach, and corruption after a landmark court judgment vindicated him. Hailing the damning High Court ruling which found that adverse findings and conclusions relating to him in an Auditor-General…

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It’s Not Sanctions, It’s Corruption and Lack of Reform

Op-ed by Ambassador Brian A. Nichols first published in the Newsday on October 24, 2019 Blessed with abundant mineral resources, rich farmlands, ideal weather, stunning national parks, and a well-educated, industrious people, Zimbabwe should be the economic powerhouse and the breadbasket of southern Africa, and even more popular as a tourist destination and business investment opportunity, as…

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Transparency International celebrates World Whistleblower Day

On Wednesday, Transparency International celebrated World Whistleblower Day. Edward Snowden, Chelsea Manning and Sergey Magnitsky are just the best-known of the many people who have risked everything to do the right thing and challenge the status quo against all odds. It’s rarely been clearer that calling out wrongdoing and exposing the truth can save lives. Dozens of cases of mismanagement…

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Digital finance systems foster macro-economic health globally: ZIMCODD

The Zimbabwe Coalition od Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) has underscored the fact that digital finance systems are playing an increasing role in macro-economic health globally. The statement came after the government had given a Press Release on the Suspension of Monetary Transactions on Mobile Based Money Platforms (One Money, MyCash, Ecocash, and Telecash) dated 26…

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AfDB approves 100.5 million euros budget support for COVID-19

The loan will support the central African nation’s Budget Support Programme in Response to the COVID-19 Crisis or PABURC, which aims to strengthen the health system The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (https://www.AfDB.org/) has approved a 100.5 million euros loan to the government of Gabon as budget support to mitigate against the…

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Saving lives is more important than re-opening schools: PTUZ

By Ronnie Chisamba The Mashonaland East chapter of the Progressive Teachers Union Of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has expressed concern over the government’s plans to re-open the country’s schools in the wake of a sharp increase in confirmed cases of COVID-19. Addressing parents during a consultative meeting at Mbuya Nehanda Hall in Marondera on Wednesday, Progressive Teachers…

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HLF steps up Testing in Zimbabwe with free testing for the poor

Businessman and Africa Union Special Envoy Strive Masiyiwa has announced free COVID-19 testing in Zimbabwe, along with ramped up testing for the broader population at cost, through his Higherlife Foundation (HLF) and Testing Alliance. The billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist wrote: #Free Testing in Zimbabwe! Starting today, any Zimbabwean who wants a COVID-19 test can get…

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Cassava Fintech International launches SASAI Health Status Report as it steps up fight against COVID-19

Healthtech platform set to offer handy solution to tackle epidemic Report to assist employers, businesses safely get employees back to work London – June 24, 2020: Cassava Fintech International (CFI), a subsidiary of the Econet Group, has launched the SASAI Health Status Report (SHSR), a secure blockchain technology-supported solution expected to digitize the testing process,…

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PAP called upon to promote continental policies in the context of COVID-19

African Union (AU) specialized institutions and committees have turned to the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) to advocate for the domestication of policies adopted at continental level and aimed at mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on key African socio-economic sectors. This includes civil aviation and labour migration around the continent. Members of the PAP Permanent…

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Masiyiwa ventilators now in the country, ready for distribution

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ventilator suites that were donated by businessman and Econet founder Strive Masiyiwa are now in the country ready to be deployed. Through his Higher Life Foundation Zimbabwe, working with some donor partners, Mr Masiyiwa acquired 45 ventilators suites to be distributed to Zimbabwe’s public hospitals. The ventilator suites were manufactured…

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COVID-19 Hub to support global scientific response launched

As the UN warns of an impending global food emergency, researchers in health, nutrition and agriculture have united to support COVID-19 response, recovery and resilience. Montpellier, FRANCE, June 23, 2020 – Leading researchers across health, nutrition and agriculture have launched a new COVID-19 hub to consolidate existing scientific evidence and support response, recovery and resilience…

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ZTA engages expert on service excellence

he Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and the tourism industry in partnership with the Global Leadership Summit (GLS) will  host a Service Excellence Training Webinar on Wednesday.   The ZTA Acting Chief Executive, Givemore Chidzidzi said the sector remains optimistic that it will bounce back post-COVID-19 through investing in human capital and service excellence as part…

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Assessing the COVID-19 impact on SMEs and preparing for a new normal

By ITC News • International Trade Centre’s 2020 SME Competitiveness Outlook reveals profound disruptions to global supply chains• Global loss of manufacturing export due to lockdowns in the three global supply-chain hubs – China, the EU, and the US – will amount to $126 billion in losses in 2020• Almost 55% of SMEs say pandemic…

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Providing disability-inclusive education is challenging but worth it.

By Manos Antoninis Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa get bad press for their progress in providing inclusive education. Just two in three children complete primary school on time, while the number of out-of-school children and youth is 97 million and growing. Less is said, however, about the range of tools many countries in the region are deploying…

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COVID-19 diagnostics—not at the expense of other diseases

Priya Venkatesan The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic shows no signs of abating, with WHO reporting 4·9 million cases and 322 000 deaths globally as of May 21, 2020. What also shows no sign of abating is the ferocious reactive response to the pandemic—academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and governments alike have turned almost their whole focus to COVID-19…

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