Zimbabwe Corporates Launch Cyclone Idai ‘Reboot Fund’

Zimbabwe Corporates Launch Cyclone Idai ‘Reboot Fund’

Top Zimbabwean private companies  yesterday announced the launch of an initiative called Reboot  Fund, aimed at raising at least RTGS$100 million (about US$35 million) to assist in the rebuilding and reconstruction in areas that were  devastated by Cyclone Idai three weeks ago. The tropical cyclone, which originated from Mozambique and passed  through Zimbabwe, left a…

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All Set For ZAA UK 9th Anniversary

All Set For ZAA UK 9th Anniversary

The Zimbabwe Achievers Awards UK (ZAA UK) have released the much anticipated list of nominees for the 9th Anniversary ZAA UK event set for Saturday 25 May 2019 in London at The Millennium Gloucester Hotel, London, 4-18 Harrington Gardens, Kensington, London SW7 4LH. The list features nominees from the fields of academics, business, sport, entertainment…

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EU supports UNICEF to provide WASH in Cyclone Idai affected areas

EU supports UNICEF to provide WASH in Cyclone Idai affected areas

Following the devastation in Zimbabwe caused by Cyclone Idai, the European Union has contributed €250,000 (US$ 281,035) to UNICEF to provide vital water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) supplies to vulnerable children and families in flood-affected districts. The cyclone affected some 270,000 people (half of them children) in the districts of Chimanimani and Chipinge, in Manicaland Province, creating…

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Millionaire Sekuru Banda partners Boxer Mosquito’s Academy

Millionaire Sekuru Banda partners Boxer Mosquito’s Academy

By Byron Mutingwende Cognisant of the drug abuse problem rampant among street children, millionaire Sekuru Banda has entered into a partnership with boxing legend Mosquito Alphonso Zvenyika. The partnership seeks to keep the young people busy through learning boxing so that they would find an occupation and leave the streets in which drug abuse is…

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EU encourages reforms and re-engagement in Zimbabwe

EU encourages reforms and re-engagement in Zimbabwe

The European Union’s Managing Director for Africa, Mr Koen Vervaeke, has encouraged Zimbabwe to continue on the path of reform and engagement in order to enhance not only relations between Brussels and Harare, but also the livelihoods of Zimbabweans. Speaking after an intense working visit in Zimbabwe’s capital over the weekend, Mr Vervaeke said: “Based…

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EU supports citizen participation in development processes

EU supports citizen participation in development processes

The European Union in Zimbabwe has launched a new call for proposals aimed at strengthening Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to meaningfully contribute to governance and development processes in Zimbabwe In total, the EU is providing EUR 5 million (approximately USD 5.5 million) for projects that enhance the capacity of civil society organisations to constructively participate…

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Cyclone Idai, Zimbabwe: The first six days of MSF response

Cyclone Idai, Zimbabwe: The first six days of MSF response

Marthe Frieden is the medical team leader in MSF’s emergency response to the destruction caused by tropical Cyclone Idai, which hit Zimbabwe’s mountainous Manicaland province on the night of 15 March, causing flooding and deadly landslides, particularly in Chimanimani District. Before Idai hit, Martha was working on an MSF pilot project for managing diabetes and…

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EcoCash Sets Aside RTGS$5 Million for Small Businesses

EcoCash Sets Aside RTGS$5 Million for Small Businesses

EcoCash, has set aside RTGS$5 million for small businesses in the country’s cyclone-hit areas. The funding is meant to help rebuild the economy in areas such as Manicaland and Masvingo. In a statement, Econet said the initiative named ‘Project ReBoot Livelihoods (PRL),’ is a brainchild of the company’s founder Mr Strive Masiyiwa.  It will see…

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How can developing countries build financial systems for environment?

How can developing countries build financial systems for environment?

By Charles Dhewa Not much research is needed to prove that financial systems in most developing countries do not work for the majority of people and for the environment. To the extent that financial systems are fundamentally urban ecosystems, more than 60% of the populations that live in rural areas are not part of mainstream…

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UN Refugee Agency airlifts relief support to survivors of Cyclone Idai

UN Refugee Agency airlifts relief support to survivors of Cyclone Idai

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) handed over to Government today some 80 MT relief items, including family tents, plastic tarpaulins, mosquito nets, sleeping mats, solar lamps and kitchen sets to support 10,000 Zimbabweans affected by cyclone Idai.  “The devastating cyclone has left people in dire need of humanitarian support,” said UNHCR Country…

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Here's What's Behind Chad's One Year Ban on Social Media

Here’s What’s Behind Chad’s One Year Ban on Social Media

It’s been one year since access to social media platforms and messaging apps, including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Viber, was blocked in Chad’s latest example of internet censorship. Initially, mobile operators attributed the problems to technical issues, but have since disclosed that the block was ordered by the government led by President Idriss Déby, according to observers. Leading…

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Cyclone Idai: Econet leading relief efforts from the front

Cyclone Idai: Econet leading relief efforts from the front

Following a trail of destruction left by the ravaging Cyclone Idai, many international and local organisations and governments are coming with relief and aid but mobile telephony giant, Econet, is leading from the front. Led by Econet Wireless Zimbabwe’s Chief of Staff who is part of Higher Life Foundation, Mr. Lovemore Nyatsine, the mobile telephony…

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Afreximbank Donates $1.5 Million to Support Tropical Cyclone Idai Relief Efforts

Afreximbank Donates $1.5 Million to Support Tropical Cyclone Idai Relief Efforts

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced the donation of $1.5 million to support the relief effort in aid of the victims of Tropical Cyclone Idai which devastated the southern African countries of Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi recently. Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Oramah said that the relief package was approved by the Bank’s Board of…

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EcoCash to help its agents in cyclone-hit areas to get back on their feet

EcoCash to help its agents in cyclone-hit areas to get back on their feet

EcoCash has set aside $5 million for small businesses in the Cyclone affected areas in Zimbabwe which include Manicaland and Masvingo as part of an initiative to help rebuild the economy of their areas.  The initiative, named ‘Project ReBoot Livelihoods (PRL)’ by Econet Wireless founder Mr Strive Masiyiwa, will see EcoCash, working with its sister…

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Kenyan Science Teacher Peter Tabichi Wins Global Prize

Kenyan Science Teacher Peter Tabichi Wins Global Prize

A science teacher from rural Kenya, who gives away most of his salary to support poorer pupils, has won a $1m prize (£760,000) for the world’s best teacher. Peter Tabichi, a member of the Franciscan religious order, won the 2019 Global Teacher Prize. Brother Peter has been praised for his achievements in a deprived school…

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New UNICEF Representative in Zimbabwe presents credentials

New UNICEF Representative in Zimbabwe presents credentials

Newly-appointed UNICEF Representative in Zimbabwe, Ms. Laylee Moshiri, on Tuesday, 26 March 2019 presented her credentials in Harare to Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Trade, Hon. Dr. Sibusiso Moyo. Ms. Moshiri will oversee the current five-year UNICEF Programme of Cooperation with the Government of Zimbabwe, 2016-2020. Welcoming Ms. Moshiri to Zimbabwe, the Minister said that…

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Econet denies reports that it's stopping cyclone relief efforts

Econet denies reports that it’s stopping cyclone relief efforts

Econet Wireless has not withdrawn its relief effort operations to victims of Cyclone Idai because of alleged political interferences, contrary to some reports.  In a statement, Econet said it was continuing with its relief work, and its teams had as of Tuesday March 26, 2019, carried out the highest number of missions in a single…

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Homeless 8-year-old Chess Champion Tanitoluwa Adewumi Gets a new home, scholarships and Movie Offers

Homeless 8-year-old Chess Champion Tanitoluwa Adewumi Gets a new home, scholarships and Movie Offers

Just a week ago, 8-year old Tanitoluwa Adewumi was living in a New York City homeless shelter. But a story in the New York Times about his success at the NY State Scholastic Chess Championship launched the boy to international prominence and prompted a GoFundMe campaign which has raised nearly $250,000 dollars. | Photo: “Just…

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Ammara Brown: helping to enrich the lives of Zimbabweans in their hour of need

Ammara Brown: helping to enrich the lives of Zimbabweans in their hour of need

“In the near distance, Cyclone Idai is destroying lives, faster than we are saving them. Please take a moment tonight to collect blankets, clothes, food, water and toiletries. Please give whatever you can, even if it’s just a jersey.” This was the heartfelt plea local performing artist, Ammara Brown, put out this week in her…

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PAP to lobby for ratification of legal instruments: AU Commissioner

PAP to lobby for ratification of legal instruments: AU Commissioner

The African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security has appealed to the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) Legislators to encourage member states to sign, ratify and domesticate the instruments presented by the African Union. Commissioner Smail Chergui addressed the Permanent Committees of the fifth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament that took place in Midrand, South Africa. Putting emphasis on the…

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Masawara Group hands over relief packs for 500 families

Masawara Group hands over relief packs for 500 families

Companies in the Masawara Group on Friday (22 March) handed over relief packs to Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Sekai Nzenza and Deputy Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Jennifer Mhlanga to help those affected by Cyclone Idai. The Masawara Group is made up of the Zimnat Insurance Group, Cresta Group…

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AMF Donations: A Heartfelt Endless Support Towards Cyclone Idai Victims

AMF Donations: A Heartfelt Endless Support Towards Cyclone Idai Victims

By Tendai Guvamombe The Adam Molai Foundation a local private voluntary organisation registered with the ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare recently proved that life is meaningless without access to good health services when they roped in medical doctors and other related facilities aimed at assisting Cyclone Idai victims. President Mnangagwa declared last…

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When poor communities start asking searching questions

When poor communities start asking searching questions

By Charles Dhewa Although rural communities in Africa may not directly push-back donor support, murmurings of dissatisfaction with some development interventions are getting louder. Such concerns are being expressed when farmers meet in markets and farming areas. Some community leaders are mastering the courage to loudly reflect on how long they will continue relying on…

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People with Albinism strengthen their campaign for protection

People with Albinism strengthen their campaign for protection

People living with albinism have appealed to the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) legislators to protect them against wantonly attacks directed at their existence by the communities they live in. This endangered minority group pleaded with Permanent Committees on Justice & Human Rights; Youth, Gender & Persons with disabilities; & Immigration at a workshop on “Implementation of PAP 2018 Resolution…

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Rugby Community to assist towards Cyclone Idai relief

Rugby Community to assist towards Cyclone Idai relief

The Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) is joining the nation in charitable work to support victims of Cyclone Idai that largely affected the eastern province of Manicaland The Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) is joining the nation in charitable work to support victims of Cyclone Idai that largely affected the eastern province of Manicaland. Cyclone Idai which…

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COM2019 covers Policy, Trade and the Private Sector in the Digital Era

COM2019 covers Policy, Trade and the Private Sector in the Digital Era

The annual Economic Commission for Africa Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development – COM2019 (www.UNECA.org/CFM2019) – kicked off in Marrakesh on Wednesday, with emphasis on the importance of digitalisation in enhancing African economies as the continent celebrates the first anniversary of the highly hailed and historic signing of the Africa Continental…

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PESLawyers petition Parliament for wildlife trade transparency

PESLawyers petition Parliament for wildlife trade transparency

The People and Earth Solidarity Law Network (PESLawyers) with the support of environmental and wildlife organisations in Zimbabwe, petitioned Parliament of Zimbabwe on 21 March 2019 requesting that information and decisions concerning the export of Zimbabwean elephants, rhinos and other wildlife be made transparent and accessible to the public. The organisations supporting the petition include…

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Ecobank Academy, ICRC partnership boosts leadership capabilities

Ecobank Academy, ICRC partnership boosts leadership capabilities

Ecobank (www.Ecobank.com) is proud to announce that its prestigious Ecobank Academy will be training 150 senior leaders of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) from 45 African countries this week to strengthen their leadership skills with regard to helping the communities they serve. The IFRC is leveraging its partnership with…

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Zimbabwe has no sound leadership: Joseph Busha

Zimbabwe has no sound leadership: Joseph Busha

By Tendai Guvamombe Free Zim Congress political party leader Joseph Makamba Busha has said Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s government has failed dismally to act diligently and proffer solutions to myriad challenges due to leadership inadequacy. Addressing members of the media on 20 March 2019 in the Harare, Free Zim Congress leader took time to reflect on…

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UN Emergency Fund allocates $20 million to Cyclone Idai

UN humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock yesterday allocated US$20 million from the United Nations’ Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to ramp up the humanitarian response to Tropical Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. The bulk of the funding will kickstart the response in worst-hit Mozambique. The cyclone made landfall near Beira City, Sofala Province in…

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Cyclone Idai: At Least 300 People Feared Dead

At least 300 more people are feared dead in Chimanimani and Chipinge due to the devastating effects of Cyclone Idai that swept through the country over the weekend, leaving thousands homeless and property damaged. This came amid reports that most Cabinet ministers had been commandeered to join President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is already in Manicaland…

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African Development Bank (AfDB) Pledges $25bn Towards Climate Programme

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has pledged $25 billion funding towards financing climate change mitigation programmes in the continent for the period 2020- 2025. AfDB president, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, made the announcement in a communiqué by the regional bank last week at the close of the One Planet Summit, which took place in Nairobi, Kenya. …

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ZICT Chairmain Eng. Jacob Mutisi Emphasizes on The Need to Set up a National Emergency Response Team (NERT)

ZICT Chairmain Eng. Jacob Mutisi Emphasizes on The Need to Set up a National Emergency Response Team (NERT)

Today Spiked had an opportunity to meet the Zimbabwe Information and Communication Technologies (ZICT) Chairman Eng. Jacob Mutisi and he emphasizes that time has come for us not to continue blaming the Government and that we take a leading role.  Eng. Mutisi said during the Cholera outbreak one of the resolutions was the set up…

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Econet responds to Cyclone Idai emergency with $5 million

Econet responds to Cyclone Idai emergency with $5 million

Econet Zimbabwe group of companies have collectively contributed RTGS$5 million for the cyclone emergency efforts in Eastern Zimbabwe. The company has channeled the funds to Higherlife Foundation, which is now deeply embedded in efforts to respond to the crisis. Dr Kennedy Mubaiwa (MD), who heads the Foundation, said Higherlife was mobilising various types of support,…

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Cyclone Idai: Government urged to have sound development plans for towns

Cyclone Idai: Government urged to have sound development plans for towns

The Community Water Alliance has urged the government to take a leaf from Cyclone Idai that destroyed property and affected livelihoods to come up with development plans for cities and towns. “Community Water Alliance expresses condolences to families that have lost their beloved ones in the Eastern parts of Zimbabwe. We stand with victims of…

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Jacob Mutisi

Zimbabwe’s Payment Systems Hit By Forex Shortages

Zimbabwe’s payments ecosystem faces collapse as players in the sector are failing to pay licensed and maintenance fees to foreign service providers. In recent weeks, the banking systems, which heavily rely on telecoms infrastructure, have come under strain with services being constantly disrupted. Zimbabwe Information and Communication Technologies (ZICT) Chairman Jacob Mutisi said the country…

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Econet Wireless Zimbabwe Chief Operating Officer (COO) Fayaz King

Econet Nears $100K on donations from well-wishers and will match dollar-for-dollar on all contributions

Econet Wireless is almost near to reach $100K on donations from well-wishers and it pledges to match dollar-for-dollar on all contributions. Bravo!!! Will be updating this article as more donations pour in from well-wishers. A state of disaster was declared in Zimbabwe. Eighty-two people have so far been confirmed dead across the country, and a…

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What if policies are highly over-rated?

By Charles Dhewa Policy makers in developing countries are often blamed for lacking the vision to craft appropriate agricultural policies that can guarantee food security and better standards of living for their people. While  good policies are considered magic bullets, there is no sufficient proof that countries that have developed their economies have done so…

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