Jacob Mutisi

Zimbabwe needs an Independent Complaints Commission now

Writes Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi   The recent bribery scandal involving two police officers in Mabvuku, Harare, has once again highlighted the urgent need for reform within Zimbabwe’s law enforcement agencies. This incident is emblematic of a broader pattern of misconduct that has plagued the police and military, raising serious concerns about accountability and public…

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FAO workshop focuses on supporting agri-food system transformation in Southern Africa

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Subregional Office for Southern Africa convened a Multidisciplinary Team meeting to discuss and agree on how FAO can better support agrifood system transformation in Southern African countries.   The meeting was held today 11 November 2024 at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare, Zimbabwe.  …

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COP29: A test of wealthy countries’ commitment to securing a liveable planet

OWN CORRESPONDENT As COP29 opens in Baku, Azerbaijan, tomorrow, ActionAid International’s Global Lead on Climate Justice, Teresa Anderson, says: “Frontline countries who have done almost nothing to cause the problem are being pushed deeper into debt by the climate crisis. Yet they are the ones getting stuck with an escalating climate bill as they bear…

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Rural women take the lead in Zimbabwe’s food sovereignty

Writes Lloyd Rabaya With the sharp voices of the Zvamahande Primary School pupils cutting through the air echoing the food sovereignty message with their poems, the farmers from various provinces who were gathered at Shashe Agroecology School celebrating the International Day of Rural Women, which was preceded by International Food Sovereignty  Day, lauded and ululated…

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The role of baseline studies in anchoring local solutions and resilience

Writes Charles Dhewa   In addition to unearthing community resilience and coping mechanisms, baseline studies can be good at identifying relevant partners and local expertise. A lot of market infrastructure in many African countries has remained unused because construction has not been adequately informed by baseline studies. The absence of baseline data also leads to…

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COP16 Biodiversity Summit: Delayed crucial agreements may hamper Global Biodiversity Framework implementation

Dr. Christian K. Tiambo, Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) – International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)   Progress at COP16   The “People’s COP”, COP16 summit concluded on the 2nd of November in Cali, in the Valle del Pacífico Event Center, the second largest and most modern event space in Colombia and the…

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Addressing emerging and legacy diseases: Africa needs locally manufactured vaccines

Writes Sakhile Khaweka   Prioritizing local vaccine manufacturing, distribution, and rollout remains crucial to addressing some of the challenges that are faced by the African continent’s health systems. Making sure that vulnerable communities have access to life-saving health innovations is not only going to ensure that millions of people live longer but will also yield…

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Conference spotlights strategies to eliminate hunger by 2025

A high-level political forum on global action against hunger is underway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with stakeholders seeking to achieve this goal, importantly in Africa where a large proportion of the population is food insecure annually and increasingly goes hungry.   These were the sentiments for His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe,…

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PARM Stories Challenge: Winners speak at 20th CAADP PP, 15th ADFNS

The winners of the Platform for Agricultural Risk Management (PARM) Stories Challenge were sponsored by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to attend the commemoration of the 15th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS), the 20th edition of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Partnership Platform (PP) and the associated Malabo…

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United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework aligns with NDS1

The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) aimed at achieving economic growth and stability, food and nutrition security, structural transformation, and value chains among many common priorities. These were the sentiments of Mr. Spencer Dube, the Acting Chief Director of Political Affairs in the Ministry of…

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NetOne, Salutem Launch Dollar-a-Month Medical Cover

NetOne, Zimbabwe’s state-owned mobile network operator, has partnered with Salutem International Medical Fund to launch an innovative healthcare product aimed at increasing access to primary healthcare services across the country. The Salutem One Health product, accessible through NetOne’s mobile money platform OneMoney, offers essential medical coverage for just US$1 per month. Speaking at the launch…

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Religious Freedom Violation and Intolerance Spark International Controversy

South Korean local government cancels international event with 30,000 participants from 78 countries, causing international damage   On October 29th, an administrative decision by a South Korean government agency sparked international controversy, raising concerns about religious freedom and causing substantial financial loss.   The “Religious Leaders Forum and Graduation Ceremony,” a joint initiative by two…

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Pan African Youth Forum: Empowering Youth Through Education for Climate Resilience

On November 2, 2024, at the Pan African Youth Forum in Oran, Algeria, the event titled “Empowering Youth through Education for Climate Resilience” brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including youth leaders, educators, and policymakers, to address the urgent need for climate education. This gathering underscored the pivotal role that young people can play…

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Biennial Review Reports: Member states off-target on achieving CAADP commitments

The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Progamme (CAADP) Biennial Review Reports have shown that countries have missed targets on enhancing investment finance in agriculture, ending hunger, halving poverty, boosting intra-African trade, enhancing resilience to climate variability, and promoting mutual accountability by 2025 as espoused in the commitments that support the Malabo Declaration. This was revealed by…

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50/50 Women on Boards Launches Inaugural African Chapter in Nairobi

On 15 October 2024, the 50/50 Women on Boards (WOB), the global nonprofit advocating for gender balance and diversity on corporate boards, is thrilled to announce the launch of its inaugural African chapter in Nairobi, Kenya. This marks a significant expansion of the organization’s mission to promote gender equality in corporate governance and leadership across…

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AUDA-NEPAD and PARM contributing to agricultural risk management in Africa

The Platform for Agricultural Risk Management (PARM) and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) shared knowledge of the approaches and opportunities for effective agricultural risk management (ARM) in Africa.   Speaking during a side event titled “Accelerating Investments for Inclusive and Holistic Agricultural Risk Management in Africa” on the sidelines of the commemoration of the…

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Africa needs to develop human capacities and innovative practices to achieve resilient agri-food systems

African Union Commissioner Josefa Correia Sacko reaffirmed in Harare, Zimbabwe, the need to develop human capacities and innovative practices to accelerate the implementation and expansion of successful models to achieve resilient agri-food systems in Africa.   Josefa Sacko, who was speaking at the commemoration of the fifteenth African Day for Food Security and Nutrition and…

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CAADP processes register tremendous progress in transforming agriculture

Since the birth of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) through the Maputo Declaration of 2003 followed by the Malabo Declaration of 2014, tremendous progress has been made by the member states in transforming agriculture despite facing various challenges including the effects of climate change, pandemics, geo-political conflicts, and global recession, a senior government…

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Agriculture: To what extent can a few beneficiaries transform a whole community?

Writes Charles Dhewa   Due to limited resources, among other reasons, development interventions often work with a few targeted beneficiaries hoping that new knowledge or practices can trickle down to the entire community. For instance, in a community of more than 1000 households, an intervention can support 50 households to do sustainable agriculture. Some interventions…

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20th CAADP PP and 15th ADFNS: Cultivating the Nexus of Nutrition, Agri-food Systems and Education for Africa’s Growth

Zimbabwe hosts the 20th Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme Partnership Platform (CAADP-PP) and Commemoration of the 15th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS) under the theme “Cultivating the Nexus of Nutrition, Agrifood Systems, and Education for Africa’s Growth.”   The meetings will run from the 29th of October to the 1st of November…

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SHEFS-SA catalyses the transformation of Southern African food systems

The Sustainable and Healthy Food Systems – Southern Africa (SHEFS-SA) consortium seeks to catalyse the transformation of Southern African food systems and communities towards systems and communities that are healthy and resilient to climate risks.   This emerged at a side event ahead of the Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC) 2024 running under the…

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Bishops Healing Nations Council bringing souls to Jesus Christ

Writes Panashe Gwesu   Bishops Healing Nations Council, a new chapter in spiritual leadership and community healing was officially launched in Harare yesterday.   Addressing a crowd of hundreds, the founding president, Bishop Philein T. Muzira, who took the procession, talked about the organization’s mission of uniting spiritual leaders from diverse callings bishops, overseers, prophets,…

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Poverty eradication: AFDB President urges bold, innovative and practical solutions

Climate change, global financial shocks, and growing food insecurity are threatening Africa, the world’s fastest-growing continent, and hampering the achievement of global development goals. To tackle these challenges and speed up the continent’s efforts to achieve these goals, the president of the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina on Thursday called for bold reforms…

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Africa’s post-Malabo agriculture programme a rethink of the continent’s priorities: Ambassador Josefa Sacko

Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) 26/10/24 – African Union Commissioner Josefa Correia Sacko reiterated in Addis Ababa the need to maintain the strengths of the continent’s comprehensive agricultural development programme to respond to economic shocks, emerging climate change issues, conflicts and plant and animal diseases.   Josefa Sacko, who was speaking at the Ministerial follow-up to the…

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UNDP, Global Fund-Donated Solar Systems to Strengthen Zimbabwe’s Healthcare Infrastructure

In a significant step toward bolstering Zimbabwe’s healthcare system and promoting sustainable energy solutions, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) yesterday officially handed over a state-of-the-art 450 kW solar system to the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) and the National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm). Additionally, 1,044 solar systems have been installed across health facilities…

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UN at 79: Bridging Legacy and Innovation for a Sustainable Future

Writes Sirak Gebrehiwot Seventy-nine years ago, the United Nations was founded in the aftermath of World War II, a bold response to the catastrophic fallout of global conflict. Established with the aspirational goal of promoting international peace, security, and cooperation, the UN has long stood as a cornerstone of multilateral diplomacy, championing human rights, humanitarian…

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Food safety agency to strengthen coordination and harmonisation capacity on the continent

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 24 October 2024 – The African Food Safety Agency will be created to ensure responsibility for strengthening the capacity, governance, coordination, and harmonisation of food safety systems in Africa, Dr. Amare Ayalew, Programme Manager of the AU Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa, said in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.   Amare Ayalew made…

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Workshop demonstrates importance of transboundary water cooperation

A High-Level Segment of the 10th Meeting of Parties (MoP10) to the Water Convention in Ljubljana, Slovenia has demonstrated the importance of transboundary water cooperation.   Key dignitaries who attended the meeting include Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Hon. Vangelis Peter Haritatos;  H.E. Mr. Robert Golob, Prime Minister of…

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Zimbabwe Youth Council, TRM partner to address young people’s plight in rural areas

Writes Marlvin Ngiza  The Zimbabwe Youth Council (ZYC) and Teen Rescue Mission (TRM) have entered a partnership to strengthen interventions in rural areas through economic empowerment programmes, health education and vocational training, a move which has been described as a roadmap to alleviate poverty, youth crimes, drug abuse and teen pregnancy among others. Speaking after…

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MISA calls for solidarity of editors against violations committed against journalists in Mozambique

Writes Charles Mangwiro Maputo (Mozambique) – The National Governing Council of MISA-Mozambique has strongly condemned  the attack against journalists which occurred last Monday, perpetrated by the Mozambican Police Force (PRM), during the strike called by  the opposition party PODEMOS, in protest against the murder of its members Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe. Riot police in…

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High Court trashes archaic demolition law, says it has outlived its usefulness

Writes Kumbirai Mafunda   The High Court has frowned upon the unlawful and pervasive practice of local authorities in demolishing residential properties across the country and criticised the impugned legislation, which they had abused for several years, to arbitrarily demolish houses and evict people, as having outlived its usefulness.   In a written judgment handed…

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Empowering AGYW through Engaging Faith groups: Youth Aspire Development Trust’s SRHR Initiative in Chitungwiza

In Chitungwiza, the Youth Aspire Development Trust (YADT) has been a beacon of hope and empowerment for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). With technical support from Gender Links and funding from Amplify Change, YADT has made significant strides in enhancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) through strategic engagement with local churches. Engaging…

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52nd Session of the Committee on World Food Security: Address shocks and stresses affecting agriculture

Hon Vangelis P. Haritatos, the Deputy Minister for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, while addressing the 52nd Session of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on the sub-theme: ‘Strengthening Coordinated Policy Responses to the Food Crisis’, said the world’s agriculture…

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AUC developing African Convention on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls

Since gender-based violence poses a significant challenge, not just for Zimbabwe, but globally, the African Union (AU) is in the process of drafting a landmark Convention on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls (AUCEVAWG).   In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary for Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Dr. Mavis…

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ECHO hires specialist to lead East Africa Regional Impact Centre

ECHO, a Southwest Florida-based international nonprofit advocate for sustainable agriculture and food security, has hired a new director for its East Africa Regional Impact Center. Charei Munene, a leader in Agroecology/Ecological Organic Agriculture from Kenya, will succeed Erwin Kinsey in Tanzania.   “We’re excited to have someone of Charei’s experience as part of our leadership…

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Cimas Health Group commits to driving healthcare innovation

Cimas Health Group has launched Healthathon 2.0, a groundbreaking competition designed to foster innovation in the healthcare sector.   The event, which will bring together students, professionals, and innovators, aims to develop innovative solutions to tackle key challenges within the healthcare industry, furthering Cimas’ commitment to improving healthcare delivery through technology and collaboration.   Speaking…

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Diverse speaker line-up confirmed for CILTSA Regional Logistics and Transport Conference at Futuroad Expo

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport’s (CILT) branches in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia are proud to announce a diverse line-up of presenters who will speak at its upcoming Regional Logistics and Transport Conference, scheduled for 19 to 21 November 2024, at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. This landmark event, held…

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Guruve District prepares for inaugural SME networking breakfast

Guruve District is set to launch its inaugural Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) networking breakfast on November 1 where key players from Zimbabwe’s SME development ecosystem will aim to cultivate a vibrant atmosphere for networking and growth. The event, which will be co-hosted by the Guruve Rural District Council (RDC) will also feature the Zimbabwe…

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149th IPU Assembly: Maximise benefits, militate against risks of new technologies

The curtain came down on the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and related Meetings held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 12th to 17th October 2024. Running under the overarching theme: ‘HARNESSING SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND INNOVATION (STI) FOR A MORE PEACEFUL AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE,” the 149th Assembly considered and deliberated on parliamentary action to maximize…

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2023 Elections Gender Observatory Report: Barriers hinder women’s pursuit of political office

The 2023 Elections Gender Observatory Report reinforces the fact that women continue to face significant barriers in their pursuit of political office.   These were part of the remarks by Tafadzwa Muvingi, the Head of Governance and Peace-building on behalf of the UNDP Resident Representative for Zimbabwe, Dr. Ayodele Odusola during the launch of the…

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Policy harmonisation, uptake of indigenous knowledge systems critical for seed sector success

African seed sector experts validated in Lusaka, Zambia the progress report and methodology of the study on seed systems managed by farmers on the continent to ensure correct practices.   Participants in the event held discussions to find a common denominator for the implementation of the mission following the agreed terms of reference, including various…

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UN makes strides in implementing strategic health initiatives in Zimbabwe

Over the last decade, the United Nations has made significant strides in the health sector in Zimbabwe, supporting governments and stakeholders to implement strategic health initiatives.   This was revealed by Dr. Ayodele Odusola, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim, and UNDP Resident Representative at the launch of the Health Workforce Strategy and…

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Greening Kuwadzana Project hosts Tree Care Therapy for Mental Health program

On October 12th, the Greening Kuwadzana Project hosted its signature Tree Care Therapy for Mental Health program, a groundbreaking initiative that harnesses the therapeutic power of nurturing trees to promote mental well-being. This innovative program, held at least three times a year, brings together the Greening Kuwadzana Project and Ndinewe Foundation, a Harare-based mental health…

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