Period Poverty: A Major Barrier to Education for Girls in Rural Zimbabwe

By Edward Major Kuyipa and Shamiso Mupeto-Yadyo   Zimbabwe is a country where the fight for gender equality is at war with systemic and endemic societal barriers, including traditional and faith-based taboos and widespread ignorance about sexual reproductive health and rights, despite concerted efforts by the Government of Zimbabwe and its partners including non-governmental organisations….

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U.S. Withdrawal from WHO: A Setback for Health Security and a Safer World

Writes Dr Githinji Gitahi (Group CEO, Amref Health Africa)   President Donald Trump, on his first day in office, signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO)—a move that undermines decades of global health and health security gains and leaves the U.S., Africa, and the world more vulnerable to…

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UNESCO dedicates International Education Day 2025 to Artificial Intelligence

The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, has decided to dedicate International Education Day 2025 (Friday 24 January) to the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence. She is calling on UNESCO’s Member States to invest in training both teachers and students on the responsible use of this technology within the field of education.   “AI offers…

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Kassirie Community Gains First Time Access to Reliable Electricity

Freetown, Sierra Leone – On 20 January 2025, the Government of Sierra Leone together with its development partners including Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) commissioned the Kassirie Mini-Grid project to supply reliable electricity to previously underserved communities.   This solar-powered mini-grid project in Kassirie is the third such project by the Universal Energy Facility, multi-donor…

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Heritage-based curriculum an enhancement of CALA: Ministry of Education

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) has said the heritage-based curriculum enhances the continuous assessment learning activities (CALA) to sharpen the competencies of learners. “The difference between the competence-based curriculum, which included the continuous assessment learning activities, which you call the CALA, and the heritage-based curriculum is that the heritage-based curriculum is an…

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Zvimba East MP Donates Over 400 Eye Spectacles to Elderly Residents

Writes Anyway Yotamu   In a gesture aimed at improving vision and quality of life, Zvimba East legislator, Kudakwashe Mananzva, recently donated over 400 pairs of eye spectacles to elderly residents in his constituency. Each pair, valued at $200, represents a contribution to addressing the often-overlooked vision challenges faced by older citizens in the area….

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Decolonizing urban planning through African values and indigenous markets

Writes Charles Dhewa   Decades after independence from colonial masters, most African countries continue to perpetuate colonial urban planning approaches that were designed to exclude and marginalize the majority of poor Africans and their markets from urban areas. For instance, why should it be acceptable for urban dwellers to keep cats, dogs, and horses but…

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SAf-CNGO concerned by rising tension in Mozambique

The Southern African Council of Non-Governmental Organizations (SAf-CNGO), formerly known as the SADC Council of NGOs (SADC-CNGO), representing civil society organizations from across all SADC member states, has expressed deep concern over the rising tensions and violence in Mozambique following the October 9th, 2024 elections.   In a statement, SAF-CNGO said it has noted with…

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PAP a cornerstone for peace and development: Minister Murwira

The Pran African Parliament is a cornerstone for peace and development since it plays an important role in preventing conflicts by crafting laws that govern international relations, including issues of illegal sanctioning, Professor Amon Murwira, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, has said.   He revealed that during a courtesy visit to the…

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Schools opening: Ministry of education equipped to respond to cholera and other outbreaks

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has said it is prepared to respond to all forms of disease outbreaks including cholera, COVID-19, and typhoid among others. Taungana Ndoro, the Communications Director of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education revealed this yesterday to journalists who had inquired about the ministry’s preparedness in responding to…

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TRM’s “Back to school support initiative” benefits 80 Chitungwiza learners

Writes Marlvin Ngiza  The back-to-school support programme which was recently launched by a youth-led movement, Teen Rescue Mission (TRM) on Saturday benefited 80 underprivileged learners who received a stationery package comprising exercise books, covers, and school fees vouchers. The initiative came a few days before the Zimbabwe school calendar resumes for the 2025 first-term learning…

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AGRA’s intervention positively transforms African agriculture

KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)’s involvement and intervention in agriculture have translated into positive, tangible impacts on the African continent. Speaking to Spiked Online Media during the just-ended African Union Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) that ran from the 9th to the 11th…

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AU CAADP Extraordinary Summit signals commitment to transform agriculture: President Mnangagwa

Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has said the Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government on the Post Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) agenda in Kampala, Uganda signifies a commitment to transforming the African agricultural sector.   In a statement read on his behalf by Dr. Anxious Masuka,…

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Climate change, inadequate funding among obstacles in implementing CAADP: AGRA

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) said despite some progress in addressing food insecurity, Africa still faces several challenges and obstacles to the successful implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) including climate change and inadequate funding of the agricultural sector.   This came to the fore during an interactive…

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Policy and institutional support necessary for success of Post-Malabo Agenda: FANRPAN

KAMPALA, UGANDA – Stakeholders have been urged to embrace policy and institutional support measures to ensure the successful implementation of the post-Malabo agenda for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system.   These were the sentiments of Dr. Tshilidzi Madzivhandila, the Chief Executive Officer of the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) …

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Evidence-based policies and strategies drive sustainable food systems transformation: President Kikwete

KAMPALA, UGANDA – Evidence-based policies and strategies are essential to drive sustainable food systems transformation, without which stakeholders would not be able to successfully implement the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and deliver the African transformation, HE Jakaya Kikwete, the former President of Tanzania has said.   He made the remarks in his keynote…

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Multi-stakeholder collaboration critical in advancing African agriculture: Dr Anxious Masuka

KAMPALA, UGANDA – Zimbabwe’s Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Hon. Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka has said multi-stakeholder collaboration is the best way of developing Africa’s agricultural advancement.   He was speaking during a side event of the African Union Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Programme ((CAADP) in Kampala, Uganda…

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Championing Africa’s Agricultural Future: From Commitment to Action

Writes Dr. Antony Chapoto   I am representing ANAPRI at the AU Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action, taking place in Kampala, Uganda, from January 9 to 11, 2024. Our network is dedicated to supporting the AU and member states by providing essential data and evidence to guide…

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African indigenous markets are not just about food but healing at four levels

Writes Charles Dhewa   Besides sustaining the vital connection between urban and rural areas, African mass markets are now driving a vibrant cultural revitalization based on indigenous worldviews and traditions long suppressed by colonization. Where the colonial notion separated seed from food and created siloes through disciplines like seed breeding and agronomy, indigenous world views…

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Residents to blame for Harare’s failure to be a World-Class City

Writes Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi   Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, once held the promise of becoming a world-class city by 2025, a vibrant hub of culture, commerce, and community. However, this dream seems to have faltered, not merely due to external factors, but largely because the residents themselves have not actively fought for it….

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Dr Fakunle John Aremu releases book “Discover The Business Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence”

Dr Fakunle John Aremu has released the book “Discover The Business Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence: A Simplified Guide to Proven AI Strategies, Business Models, and Real-world Applications” which is set to transform the way people embrace artificial intelligence for their benefit. The book is perfect for entrepreneurs, professionals, and academics. It demystifies the integration of…

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PAP Southern Caucus Calls for Unity and Dialogue in Mozambique

The  Pan African Parliament Southern Caucus has expressed deep concern over the unfolding crisis in Mozambique, urging calm and collective resolve to navigate the trying times. In a statement, the chairperson of the Southern Caucus, Duduzile Zuma Sambudla, condemned the violence and called for inclusive, transparent mediation to guide the nation towards reconciliation, peace, and…

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AU, SADC demand peaceful resolution of post-election violence in Mozambique

The African Union Commission (AUC) and the Southern African Union Commission are calling for a peaceful resolution of the escalating post-election violence in Mozambique. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, announced yesterday that they are continuing to closely monitor the developments in Mozambique following the General Elections held on 9 October…

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AfDB funds EUR 28 million solar power plants in Chad

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved funding worth EUR 28 million to build solar power plants in Gassi and Lamadji, Chad. This is part of the Bank’s Desert to Power program to increase energy access across Africa.   The funding includes EUR 20 million in direct support, combining…

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AfDB approves Madagascar’s US$9 million Preservation of Biodiversity in National Parks Project

The Board of Directors of the African Development Fund (https://apo-opa.co/4iITWIP) – the African Development Bank Group’s (www.AfDB.org) concessional financing window – approved a donation of $9.42 million to Madagascar to implement climate resilience through the Preservation of Biodiversity in National Parks Project. The grant, agreed upon on 18 December 2024 in Abidjan, comes from the…

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UAE Distributes 1,000 Food Baskets to Support Over 5,500 Sudanese Refugees in Chad

The United Arab Emirates has distributed 1,000 food baskets to Sudanese refugees in Chad who are facing dire conditions due to the ongoing crisis in Sudan. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s commitment to addressing the priorities of affected Sudanese communities and ensuring effective aid delivery to those in urgent need. The distributed food baskets…

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Unity Day 2024: Celebrating National Cohesion and Condemning Secessionist Agendas

Writes Linda Masarira   As we commemorate Unity Day on December 22, we, the Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD), take this opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices and commitments made by our forebearers to unify Zimbabwe. Unity Day serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of solidarity, mutual respect, and collaboration in shaping…

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African Climate Activists Challenge Total Energies’ Legacy On Its 100 Years Anniversary

As French oil giant TotalEnergies marks its 100th anniversary, African climate activists have issued a scathing critique of the company’s legacy through a satirical campaign titled TotalEnergies: 100 Years of Pollution.   The satirical video TotalEnergies: 100 Years of Pollution exposes the gap between TotalEnergies’ claims of corporate social responsibility and the devastating reality of…

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A Beacon of Hope Amidst Adversity: The Story of Tariro Children’s Home

In the spirit of giving, Kutsaga staff extended their corporate social responsibility by heeding a heartfelt call for help from Tariro Children’s Home. Nestled in the heart of Kadoma, Tariro Children’s Home has been a beacon of hope for orphaned and vulnerable children since its establishment in 2006. On 19 December 2024, a Kutsaga delegation…

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Stakeholders geared for African Union Extraordinary Summit on CAADP in Uganda

Stakeholders are geared for the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit to mark the adoption of a new 10-year Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan: 2026-2035, as well as the Kampala CAADP Declaration to be held in Uganda from 9 to 11 January 2025.   In her remarks for the African Union…

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Addressing violence against women in politics creates an inclusive and equitable political landscape

The National Study on Violence Against Women in Politics has shown that addressing the vice is a step forward in stakeholders’ collective efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable political landscape. This emerged today during the launch of the National Study on Violence Against Women in Politics at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare….

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The Social Impact of Large-Scale Construction Projects in Africa

Emerging lessons from rebuilding Mbare Retail Market in Harare, Zimbabwe   Writes Charles Dhewa   Introduction   Across Africa, it has become common practice for large-scale infrastructure projects to be decided and implemented by government departments, engineers, and architectural designers without fully involving social scientists. Such projects include road construction, dam construction, residential housing, and…

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Mozambican relief agency distributes 80 tons of food products to hunger victims

Writes Felicidade Banze MAPUTO (Mozambique) – Mozambique’s National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) has begun the distribution of more than eighty tons of food products to people affected by hunger in the country’s central province of Sofala where more than 13 000 people are facing acute hunger. INGD’s delegate in Sofala, Aristides…

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The Food Industry’s Role in Combating Gender-Based Violence: A Call to Action

Writes Zvikomborero Machinga   Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most pressing social issues of our time, affecting individuals and communities across all sectors. Defined as harmful acts directed at individuals based on gender, GBV encompasses physical, mental, sexual, and economic harm. Globally, 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence in their…

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NEAT plants trees, joins church in donating Christmas food hampers to the needy

National Environment Awareness Trust (NEAT) in partnership with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, donated food and new clothes to two orphanage homes as an early Christmas gift to the underprivileged members of the community.   The event, held on Saturday, was a celebration of community spirit and generosity led by the Church…

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UN partners with Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe to Launch Goromonzi Community Development Project

The United Nations (UN) has partnered with Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe to witness substantial investment and the inaugural launch of the Goromonzi Community Development Project and the Public Welfare Experience at Vhuta Primary School in Goromonzi.   In his closing remarks, Sirak Gebrehiwot, the UN Partnerships, and Development Finance Advisor delivered on behalf of His Excellency…

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Zimbabwe’s Report on 55th SADC-PF shows commitment to driving sustainable development

On 12th December 2024, the Zimbabwe delegation presented its Country Progress Report on the Resolutions from the 55th SADC Parliamentary Forum Plenary Assembly Session held in Luanda, Angola from 2nd to 7th July 2024. The report reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to the promotion of renewable energy, enhancement of policies towards women advancement, regional integration, climate resilience,…

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Epworth North MP calls for concerted efforts to preserve wetlands

Writes Edgar Gweshe The Member of Parliament for Epworth North, Zivai Mhetu, has expressed concern over the rampant destruction of wetlands for housing purposes in his constituency. In an interview, Mhetu said land barons were largely behind the invasion of wetlands in the area. If left unchecked, this unfortunate trend will adversely affect the water…

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Church Strategically Positioned to Address Gender-Based Violence: Minister Mutsvangwa

The Church holds a unique and powerful position that strategically positions it to be able to address the pervasive issues of Gender-Based Violence (GBV)  since its roles allow it to influence attitudes, challenge harmful norms, and provide support to those affected by violence, Hon. Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium…

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African Education Leaders Emphasise Holistic Approach to Learning at Continental Conference

The importance of school feeding programs and conducive learning environments took center stage during a key breakout session at the Continental Education Conference, which kickstarted on December 9, 2024, in Nouakchott, Mauritania, with experts highlighting the transformative potential of integrated approaches to education in Africa. Dr. Hameed Nuru, Director of the World Food Programme (WFP)…

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Launch of Beijing +30 National Consultations Marks Decades of Progress, Bold Commitments Towards Gender Equality in Zimbabwe

Writes Sirak Gebrehiwot 09 December 2024, Harare – In a drive for gender equality and women’s empowerment, Zimbabwe marked the commencement of the Beijing +30 national consultations, a significant step reflecting the nation’s commitment to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. With the active participation of over 200 delegates representing the Government, UN, Development…

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ZWLA urges Women’s Parliamentary Caucus to make Beijing Platform for Action a reality

The Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association (ZWLA) has urged the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus to make sure international commitments in the Beijing Platform for Action are made into reality.   Abigail Matsvayi, the ZWLA Executive Director, was training the members of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus when she revealed that Beijing is one of the international instruments that…

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UN, Parliament and other stakeholders take giant steps to address gender imbalance

Zimbabwe has made commendable progress toward advancing gender equality in alignment with the Beijing +30 commitments, especially through the collaboration of the government, the United Nations, and other stakeholders.   In her keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises, Hon. Senator Monica Mutsvangwa at the gender equality and women…

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