Africa urged to accelerate climate action and ensure a just transition

Writes Baboloki Semele Nairobi, Kenya: 07 September 2023: The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Acting Executive Secretary, Antonio Pedro has challenged African leaders to accelerate climate action through effective strategies to ensure a just transition. Mr. Pedro said this in his closing remarks during the three-day 11th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa…

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Africa missed opportunity to turn tables on climate crisis: ActionAid

Africa has lost an opportunity to call out climate injustice and stop fossil fuel pollution, says ActionAid International as the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi ended. As governments, multilateral organisations, private sector players, and civil society from across Africa end their meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, for the 2023 Africa Climate Week and the summit, ActionAid…

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COMESA Climate Change Programme holds GEF-CBIT Project Steering Committee for ETF

The COMESA Climate Change Programme held its inaugural Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting for the Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded Capacity Building Initiative for enhanced Transparency (COMESA-CBIT) Project that is supporting 4 COMESA Member States (Eritrea, Comoros, Seychelles and Zambia) capacity for enhanced transparency in climate change Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) as defined in…

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New maps show EACOP fossil fuel mega-project has a far larger footprint than previously estimated

East African Civil Society Organizations challenge the proposed project at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi this week NAIROBI (September 5, 2023) — As the Africa Climate Summit concludes tomorrow, plans for the largest new oil infrastructure projects on the continent continue unabated, despite alarms from civil society, global observers, and investors alike. The East Africa…

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Africa Climate Summit: “Africa’s Green Minerals Strategy” a catalyst for industrialisation

Nairobi, Kenya — September 5, 2023 — The African Minerals Development Center (AMDC), in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Open Society Foundation, has successfully concluded a high-level dialogue session at the Africa Climate Summit 2023. This significant event, held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya, brought together…

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Scale up private capital aligned to SDGs, Paris Agreement: French minister Chrysoula Zacharopoulou

French minister Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, in her address to the media at the Africa Climate Week, emphasised the need to scale up private capital aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement. She said there is a need to maintain the strong political momentum for climate action and global financial system reform….

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Africa Climate Week commences, Charting a Fresh Course for Climate Action

Writes Baboloki Semele 06 August 2023, Nairobi, Kenya: The urgency of climate change is undeniable, and the stakes have never been higher. Against this backdrop, Africa Climate Week 2023 emerged as a critical platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action. Held in Nairobi, Kenya, from the 4th to the 8th of September 2023, the Africa Climate…

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Artificial intelligence can now estimate rice yields, according to new study

With the rise in global demand for staple crop products projected to substantially increase by 2050 due to population growth, rising per capita income, and the growing use of biofuels, it is necessary to adopt sustainable agricultural intensification practices in existing croplands to meet this demand. However, estimation processes currently employed in the global South…

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Climate-smart agriculture: How satellite technology can help

Following July 2023, confirmed as Earth’s hottest month on record, UNCTAD and its partners are ramping up efforts to help developing countries use satellite technology to make farming more climate resilient. With extreme weather events becoming more intense and frequent, agricultural adaptation to climate change is key to minimizing crop loss and fighting global hunger. Driven…

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Partnerships leading to greater access to nutritious food and affordable diets

The Coalition on Sustainable Productivity Growth for Food Security and Resource Conservation (SPG Coalition) brings together researchers, non-governmental organizations, and private sector partners to advance a world with greater access to nutritious food and affordable diets. The Coalition recognizes that increasing the productivity of natural resources through climate adaptation and mitigation is instrumental to reaching…

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Correcting the underrated value of studying African mass food markets

Writes Charles Dhewa It is not enough for research conducted in African countries on food systems to end up in academic journals. In most cases there is often no clarity on who benefits from such research and intended uses of the findings. Unless African governments study mass food markets intentionally, policymakers will continue finding it…

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Malawi’s communication strategy, modules for Africa on genome editing workshop roars to life

The workshop on validation of Malawi’s National Communication Strategy on Genome Editing and Genome Editing Modules for Africa has roared to life in the Southern African Country. The African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) is holding the Expert Group Meeting in Malawi to review genome editing (GEd) training modules that were developed by African scientists, regulators…

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South Africa must tackle crude legacy of environmental racism and toxic exposure: UN expert

South Africa must redouble its efforts to tackle the crude legacy of pre-1994 environmental racism, including the abhorrent practice of intentionally situating landfills and polluting industries along racial lines and in low-income and migrant communities, a UN expert said today. “To this day, the legacy of pervasive air, water, and chemical pollution disproportionately impacts marginalised…

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UN Zimbabwe embraces youth theme on a sustainable world

On 12 August 2023, the United Nations System in Zimbabwe joined the world and Zimbabwe in commemorating International Youth Day. It affirmed this year’s theme “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World.” The theme was chosen in recognition of the critical role that young people play in addressing global environmental challenges. In essence, green…

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Avenues for cultivating the business face of agro-ecology in the Global South

Writes Charles Dhewa Facing the limitations of industrial agriculture, many governments and global organizations are beginning to embrace agroecology and other alternative ways of producing food. Being the application of ecological concepts and principles in farming, agroecology considers the relationships between all the plant, animal, and human elements in a system. There is some emerging…

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NetOne demonstrates environmental stewardship in clean up exercise

As a pacesetter in demonstrating the importance of a clean and safe environment for all, and as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR), leading mobile telephony company, NetOne, yesterday embarked on a nationwide clean-up campaign with its leaders tidying up Harare’s environs. The clean-up exercise was done in observance of the first Friday of…

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Africa has potential to achieve food security and sustainable development

Writes Wellington Madumira Youth Dialogue around food systems, climate change, and actions towards zero hunger in the face of a crisis on food insecurity; A Side event during the 12th Africa Green Waste and Energy Expo 2023 Africa, with its rich and diverse natural resources, has the potential to be a global powerhouse in agriculture…

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BUPUSACOM for shared watercourse promotes sustainable development

The Buzi, Pungwe, and Save Watercourses Commission (BUPUSACOM) was launched in Beira, Mozambique, on 19 July 2023, following the signing of the BUPUSA Water Courses Commission Establishment Agreement in Harare, Zimbabwe on 17 May 2023. The tri-basin institution will have oversight on the planning, development, and management of the water resources within the Buzi, Pungwe,…

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World Ranger Day: Adventurer Holly Budge sheds light into experiences of rangers

Holly Budge I’m no stranger to nail-biting adventures, having summited Everest and being the first woman to skydive Everest, but patrolling with female rangers across Africa has been a whole different beast. These women are bold, changing the game and paving the way for women to stand alongside men at the forefront of conservation, but…

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Recently Inaugurated Zimbabwe Carbon Association Seeks to Contribute to Climate Mitigation and Adaption

The recently inaugurated Zimbabwe Carbon Association, representing many of the major investments in carbon project development in the country, welcomes the Government of Zimbabwe’s effort to bring transparency and accountability to carbon trading in the country and position Zimbabwe as a credible, attractive destination for green financing. The Zimbabwe Carbon Credit Framework, which the Government…

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AfDB, UNEP partner to implement Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in Africa

The African Development Bank and UNEP will partner to establish an Expert Group on Biodiversity Finance, which will provide African countries with knowledge and technical assistance The African Development Bank (http://www.AfDB.org) is joining forces with the United Nations Environment Programme to advance the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in Africa (KMGBF). The framework…

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Origin Digital’s Predictive Analytics Fosters Financial Inclusion, Greater Productivity to Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa

South Africa’s largest agricultural lender, ABSA, says new technology has huge potential to unlock capital for smallholder farmers and SMEs who have previously had limited access to finance Pioneering ag-tech company Origin Digital is poised to help lenders revolutionise the agricultural credit landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa and drive growth in the sector. Providing credit to the smallholder…

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Campaigners call for global carbon tax to fund worldwide Universal Basic Income scheme

A new report by global justice organisation Equal Right and economists at independent think tank Autonomy has proposed a new global ‘cap and share’ system that taxes carbon at source and redistributes the proceeds worldwide through a Universal Basic Income scheme. The system aims to simultaneously halt further fossil fuel-induced climate change, redistribute resources in…

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Hakwata Village Pioneers Single Largest Biogas Undertaking in Zimbabwe

In an ambitious endeavour to bring clean cooking energy to rural communities, the largest initiative of biogas in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa has commenced in Hakwata village, Chipinge District, on the edges of Zimbabwe’s border with Mozambique. A total of 150 biogas digesters will be installed, benefiting 90 households in Hakwata, 30 in Gororo, Masvingo…

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Water Changemaker Innovation Awards 2023 launched

The Water Changemaker Innovation Awards 2023 have officially been launched during the kick-off of the largest gathering on water in Asia, the International Asian Water Week in South Korea. The Water Changemaker Awards is a global initiative that recognizes high-level commitment and leadership for climate-resilient water investments and showcases investment-ready climate-resilient innovations with the greatest…

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Tourism minister drives engagement and re-engagement for sustainable development

Under the Second Republic, Zimbabwe’s foreign policy is premised on the engagement and re-engagement drive, and it has stood out as a key pillar of National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). On the 5th of July 2023, the World Food Programme Representative to Zimbabwe Ms Francesca Erdelmann and the Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe His Excellency Satoshi…

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Power Up: energy campaign to boost sustainable growth, prepare for climate dangers

A new campaign is calling for government action to widen access to clean, affordable energy – unlocking sustainable growth, and preparing Kenya for climate risk such as extreme weather. The Kenyan branch of Power Up – a global campaign unlocking investment in energy access – launched in Nairobi on July 5, presenting nine policy recommendations for national government….

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53rd SADC PF Assembly focuses on modernising agriculture for food security, employment creation

The 53rd Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) Assembly has roared to life in Tanzania and will focus on the Theme “Modernising Agriculture to Address Food Insecurity and Youth Unemployment in the SADC Region: The Role of Parliaments” and is running from 2 to 8 July 2023. In his presentation at the meeting,…

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Urban Resilience Project gives Epworth a lifeline

Writes Tafadzwa Muranganwa The ravaging Covid-19 virus caught many countries off-guard and Zimbabwe is no exception. In this country, disaster risk management and preparedness were put to the test as thousands of people lost their jobs and incomes. Urban hunger and many other hazards rose, especially among peri-urban settlements like Epworth. To help in building…

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Infra for Africa Forum: Landmark Asset Recycling agreement between Togo and Africa50 signed

The Africa50 Infra for Africa Forum kicked off this morning in Lomé, Togo, with a landmark signing of an asset recycling agreement. Asset Recycling is an innovative initiative led by Africa50 for governments to monetize existing infrastructure assets through a concession to the private sector with funds received being reinvested in other priority projects. The…

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Government intensifies climate proof agriculture, targets 700 000 hectares for small grains production

Writes Elvis Dumba Banket – The government is strengthening efforts to climate-proof the agriculture sector from the effects of climate change through supporting initiatives towards increased production of small traditional grains. The government has set a target of 700 000 hectares for traditional small grains under the Presidential Climate Proof Agriculture Scheme locally known as…

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Wetlands conservation, sustainable use of biodiversity stimulate development

As a Party to the Ramsar Convention which seeks to ensure the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation as well as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Zimbabwe remains committed to ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity as well as fair and equitable sharing…

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WHO, multilateral development banks launch Climate Health Fund

Own Correspondent Paris, France – In a landmark development aimed at investing in and strengthening essential, climate, and crisis-resilient primary health care (PHC) services in the global south, three multilateral development banks have joined with WHO to launch a new Health Investment Platform. The Platform launched during the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact…

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Paris finance summit: world leaders urged to address debt and climate crises

World leaders attending a summit in Paris today must ensure that wealthier nations commit to comprehensive debt relief for lower-income nations, including the cancellation of loans and the scaling up of international assistance to vulnerable states, Amnesty International said today. Amnesty International is calling on the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact (PACT) to…

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Japan helps boost community resilience in Zimbabwe’s rural areas

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has rolled out resilience-building activities with the support of the Government of Japan to boost food security and improve the livelihoods of nearly 9,000 people in Chiredzi district, in southern Zimbabwe. The funding, a US$ 900,000 contribution coming at a critical time, will help WFP to provide food…

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Sanyati involves schools and communities in environmental management

Writes Chimeno Azriel Kadoma’s Sanyati District joined millions of people around the world to celebrate World Environmental Day.The District enfolded the theme “#Beat Plastic Pollution” to draw attention to this insistent environmental concern and how schools and Communities can improve the quality of the environment. The commemorations were held at Odyssey Hotel in Kadoma. Government…

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Plastic pollution: women urged to proffer solutions

Writes Elvis Dumba Chinhoyi – Women who constitute at least sixty percent of the country’s population have been challenged to take a leading role in offering solutions to plastic pollution. This was said by Tecla Mupandaguta, the Humanitarian Cluster Chairperson of Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe, Mashonalnd West during a belated Provincial World Environment Day commemorations…

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Mozambique and Zimbabwe collaborate on managing shared water resources

The governments of Mozambique and Zimbabwe have established a tri-basin institution to manage the Buzi, Pungwe, and Save River Basins’ water resources, which have, over the years, suffered from extreme climate effects such as floods, droughts, and cyclones. The Buzi, Pungwe, and Save (BUPUSA) Watercourse Commission culminated from the signing of the Save Water Sharing…

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Women urged to play a critical role in protecting the environment

Writes Clayton Masekesa Women in Zimbabwe have been urged to continuously play a critical role in sustaining a protected environment and promoting natural resource governance. This came out during the commemorations of the World Environment Day held in Mutare on Monday, organized by the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCOZ) and its partners, where various women…

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