Women and youth play key role in accelerating food systems transformation

Accelerating food systems transformation, particularly in a changing climate within a digital era, requires careful consideration of the needs, priorities, and capabilities of a diversity of men and women to contribute and benefit from agrifood systems.   These were the remarks of Deogratius Magero, the Youth Engagement Manager at the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience…

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Cimas Health Group Showcases Mobile Clinic at Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

The country’s largest private medical aid society, and health and wellness service provider, Cimas Health Group continues to embrace innovative models to improve ways of service delivery in the health sector.   In a groundbreaking development, Cimas recently acquired a mobile clinic, a customised motor vehicle that will be staffed by a combination of health…

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Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum to foster social justice and sustainable economic development

The Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe, Honorable Advocate Jacob F.N Mudenda arrived in Bali, Indonesia on 30th August 2024, where is attending the Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Summit running from 31st August – 2nd September at the Grand Hyatt Hotel meant to foster social justice and sustainable economic development.   Speaker Mudenda is accompanied by the…

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Desperate firewood poachers ravage Zimbabwe’s forests

Clayton Masekesa With furtive glances over his shoulder, Samson Muchibo (not his real name), the firewood poacher, creeps through the Burma Valley forest in Mutare South constituency, his worn axe slung over his shoulder. He knows the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Environmental Management Agency (EMA), and Zimbabwe Forestry Commission authorities are on the lookout for him,…

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SADC driving economic transformation despite threat of natural disasters: Prof Charity Manyeruke

Her Excellency Charity Manyeruke, Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe to the Republic of Rwanda and Chairperson of the Heads of Diplomatic Missions Group (HDMG) of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has said the regional economic group is driving sustainable development despite the threats of natural disasters negatively impacting human and food security.  …

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NetOne showcases Telemedicine at Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

Leading telecommunications giant, NetOne, showcased its recently launched service as it unveiled its cutting-edge Telemedicine product at the prestigious Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.   To fully execute the innovative offering which is the brainchild of the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Auxilia Mnangangwa, NetOne in partnership with ZimSmart, represents this significant step forward…

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Chronic diseases require comprehensive management strategies beyond medical treatments

Chronic diseases present significant challenges to individual well-being, necessitating comprehensive management strategies that extend beyond medical treatments.   This was said by Ms. Elsie Whacha, a licensed Clinical Social Worker at Island Hospice and Healthcare who has over five years of social work experience in her presentation at the Pain Symposium organised by the Zimbabwe…

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Cottco Ramps Up Efforts to Empower Farmers Amidst Calls for Better Pricing

As the 2024/25 summer cropping season draws near, anticipation and activity in Zimbabwe’s cotton sector are reaching a fever pitch.   Speaking to the media on Monday, the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco) Chief Executive Officer, Rockie Mutenha, said that the company was leading the charge, embarking on a comprehensive farmer registration and assessment campaign,…

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NetOne one of the star attractions at ZAS 2024

Leading Mobile Network Operator in Zimbabwe, NetOne made a remarkable impression at the Zimbabwe Agriculture Show through its captivating technology displays showcasing the latest advancements in robotics, smart farming, and smart home solutions.   Drawing attention from attendees and industry experts alike, NetOne’s innovative exhibits not only wowed the audience but also shed light on…

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Hurungwe East MP Chenjerai Kangausaru launches anti-drugs campaign through sports

Writes Nhau Mangirazi   Hurungwe East Member of Parliament Chenjerai Kangausaru launched anti anti-drug campaign through a sports gala at Tengwe Country Club recently.   The three-day sports extravaganza saw 13 soccer teams and seven netball teams battling it out from the constituency’s seven wards. The competition was held under the Dan and Erita Maendaenda…

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Myths and misconceptions are barriers to contraceptive use among adolescents

Liapeng Raliengoane   LESOTHO, Thaba Tseka – Leaning against the hospital wall, a heavily pregnant Lineo* (not her real name) emotionally recounts how a myth about contraceptives deceived her.   The Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey (2014 LDHS) states that the contraceptive prevalence rate is 60% in Lesotho.   Lineo* is one of the many…

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Community applauds menstrual health dialogue

Liapeng Raliengoane LESOTHO, Quthing – Following the dialogue on menstrual health held by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA Lesotho) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health Lesotho in Mphaki Tšitsong, to capacitate the community on menstrual health and hygiene, the community applauded the discussion.   This community dialogue went under the theme “Addressing negative…

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Aubrey Julius Taulo’s innovation helping Malawi respond to plastic waste

Mr. Aubrey Julius Taulo on the 1st of July 2024 showcased his innovation which uncovered the hidden treasure that is within the Luffa plant. He discovered that luffa can replace polythene tubes due to its strong fibers and eco-friendly qualities it possesses. According to the innovation, it has also shown that luffa is one of…

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Women hail appointment of Justice Kekere-Ekun as Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria

The Women Community In Africa (WCA) heartily congratulated His Lordship, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere- Ekun on her swearing-in as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), the second woman to hold this office in that country. Global President of WCA, Dr. Adetoun Dally in a statement said, “Agreeably, women are making their impact felt in…

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Parliamentarians urged to formulate laws supporting CAADP strategy implementation

Hon Kasauta Saiti Michelo, a Member of the National Assembly for Bweengwa Constituency in Zambia who is also the Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Lands, and Natural Resources, has urged African legislators to formulate laws that support the implementation of the Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).   He was speaking at the just-ended post-Malabo…

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Non-state actors comprising women and youth key in driving African Agriculture

Transforming Africa’s agri-food systems under the Post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) initiative embraces the involvement of the Non-State Actors representing diverse groups across Southern Africa (SADC), East Africa, West Africa (ECOWAS), including farmer associations, youth, women farmers, civil society organizations (CSO), international NGOs, community-based organizations (CBO), national and regional networks, faith-based groups, the…

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Africa readies for food sovereignty in next Kampala Declaration

The next Kampala Declaration which will drive the post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) agenda has promised to focus on food sovereignty as a key aspect of the continent’s agricultural transformation.   Speaking to Spiked Online Media on the sidelines of the post-Malabo Validation Workshop of the Ten-Year Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035) for…

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Tongaat Hulett’s Hippo Valley to Build Power Plants

Tongaat Hulett is set to build its power-generating sites, in response to the ongoing El Niño-induced drought. This development is expected to bolster the company’s resilience in the face of severe electricity supply deficits.   In an exclusive interview with this publication, Patience Chuma, Head of Public Relations at Tongaat Hulett confirmed the initiative, emphasizing…

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Africa’s agricultural transformation: address remaining challenges, adapt to a changing world

The post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) agenda is premised on the need to tackle persistent challenges, unfinished business in achieving the Malabo declaration targets, adapting to the changing global context, aligning with Agenda 2063, and leveraging new opportunities for agricultural transformation and inclusive growth.   This has been the overarching theme at the…

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Post Malabo Validation: CAADP Non-state actors note progress, proffer recommendations

Non-state actors (NSAs) under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP)  have hailed the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035) for putting in place mechanisms to advance Africa’s Agri-Food Systems while proffering inclusive recommendations for a holistic approach.   This came to the fore during the 3-day Validation Workshop of the Ten-Year CAADP Strategy and…

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Parliamentarians behind transformation of SADC PF into a fully-fledged SADC Parliament

Yesterday, the Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe, Hon Jacob F. N. Mudenda, led a high-level delegation in a strategic lobbying effort to secure Botswana’s support for the Transformation of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) into a fully-fledged SADC Parliament under Article 9(1) of the SADC Treaty.   At his invitation, the delegation paid…

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Africa needs resilient agriculture for addressing a global food crises

Ambassador Josefa Sacko, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Development at the African Union Commission (AUC) has called for robust interventions to support AU member states in building a resilient agricultural sector amid global food crises.   She made the remarks today during the 3-day Validation Workshop of the Ten-Year CAADP…

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Zimbabwe, China relations foster youth empowerment

Writes Marlvin Ngiza  Zimbabwe and the People’s Republic of China’s relations continue to bear fruits as the two nations continue to expedite programmes that are meant to promote youth employment and economic empowerment towards curtailing drug and substance abuse among young people. This has been attested by several initiatives that the Chinese Embassy, through working…

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Commissioner Josefa Sacko defends robust seed systems for the African continent

The Continent must create robust seed systems because they form the basis of agriculture, and determine productivity, resilience and food sustainability, argued African Union Commissioner Josefa Correia Sacko today in Addis Ababa.   Ambassador Josefa Sacko is the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment at the African Union…

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UN’s Edward Kallon rallies environmental stewardship at First Ladies High Level Advocacy Event

His Excellency, Mr. Edward Kallon, the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator for Zimbabwe has rallied African First Ladies to spearhead environmental stewardship for the greater good of society.   Addressing delegates at the First Ladies Advocacy Event on Climate Change and the Environment on the sidelines of the 44th Southern African Development Community (SADC) IN…

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SADC Chairmanship: NetOne, Global Renaissance, and war veterans congratulate President Mnangagwa

Congratulatory messages were pouring in for His Excellency, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe who assumed the Chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community, at the 44th Ordinary SADC Summit in Harare on 17 August 2024.   NetOne, Zimbabwe’s government-owned mobile telephony giant, led the pack in heaping praises on…

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The Tale of Two Meetings: Post Malabo and My Food is African

Writes Dr. Million Belay   I arrived at the Lukenya Getaway around midnight, exhausted, angry, and famished. My journey from Lusaka had been mentally exhausting, after a frustrating meeting on the Post-Malabo process. Lukenya Getaway, located on the outskirts of Nairobi in the Machakos region, is known for its outdoor activities and wildlife, a stark…

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SADC initiates development of its Regional Climate Resilient Water Investment Programme

Ahead of the Summit of Heads of States of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on 17 August in Harare, Zimbabwe, the SADC secretariat initiated a regional initiative to bolster climate resilience and water security in the region through the SADC Regional Climate Resilient Water Investment Programme (SADC -AIP).   The programme is in collaboration…

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President Mnangagwa assumes SADC Chairmanship, promises sustainable development

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has assumed the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), promising a raft of measures to ensure sustainable development in the regional economic community.   In his keynote address, the president of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community, His Excellency, Dr E. D. Mnangagwa at…

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SADC Heads of State urged to fulfil commitments to rights of women

Southern African women’s rights defenders are calling on heads of state meeting in Zimbabwe on SADC Day, 17 August, to fulfil their commitments to the rights of women in all their diversity.   “Tomorrow marks the sixteenth anniversary of the adoption of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Gender and Development,” noted Emma…

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Identities Media’s ‘The List’ awards honour impactful change-makers in Zimbabwe and Africa

Identities Media, a pioneering female-owned media organization committed to amplifying the voices of women and youth, is proud to announce the launch of ‘The List’ Awards—a prestigious initiative designed to recognize and celebrate selfless distinguished citizens who are making impactful changes in their communities across various fields.   “Inspiring the spirit of ‘hunhu/ubuntu’, ‘The List…

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SARCAN urges SADC Heads of State to lobby wealthy nations to pay for climate debts

Sherpard Zvigadza, the Coordinator of the Southern Africa Region Climate Action Network (SARCAN) is urging the Southern African Community Development (SADC) Heads of State to demand wealthy and polluter nations to pay up their historic and climate debts.   He was speaking to Spiked Online Media on the sidelines of the 4th Regional Dialogue for…

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SADC RISDP – Civil society says progress made, more to do

Civil society organisations have this week praised the steady progress made towards implementation of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030 (RISDP) while noting that in some areas there remains more to be done. The final communique from the event can be found here.   The comments came after two days of discussion, planning,…

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Old Mutual’s O’mari launches home insurance solution

O’mari, the fintech subsidiary of Old Mutual Zimbabwe, has announced the launch of its new digital-first, low-cost home insurance product ‘O’mari HomeCare’, underwritten by Old Mutual Zimbabwe Insurance Company. This innovative offering is designed to provide affordable and accessible insurance for homeowners.   The new product leverages digital technology to streamline the application process and…

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NetOne’s CSR Initiative Empowers Chikomba District in the Fight Against Drug Abuse

NetOne’s impactful initiative in Chikomba District shines as a beacon of hope in the global fight against drug abuse. Through the donation of sports kits and collaboration with Dr. Tatenda Mavetera, the Minister of ICTPCS, this program is more than just a response to the pressing issue of substance misuse; it is a commitment to…

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SADC Non State Actors call for increased financing of the education sector

Non-state actors (NSAs) holding a dialogue on the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030 (RISDP) are calling for increased financing of the education sector.   Speaking in one of the sessions, Rachel Gondo from Kuyenda Collective said SADC Member states should strive to meet their commitments of spending 15-20% of…

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Protection of vulnerable groups ensures a climate just transition in SADC

Over and over, we have seen how the Southern African region, like many countries in the Global South, is paying the heavy price for historical emissions by the industrialized North. The manifestation of the climate crisis continues to impact food security and livelihoods, with young women in particular facing increasing and deepening protection risks such…

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Calls to transform SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) into a SADC Parliament gain momentum

A fireside chat was held to discuss the transformation of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) into a SADC Parliament. The session was moderated by Rachel Gondo from the Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM) and featured panelists including SADC desk officers from various national parliaments and representatives from civil society organizations. Several issues arose from the…

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Non-state actors champion domestication of SADC SRHR commitments

Non-state actors (NSAs) are routing for the amplification of youth voices for a healthy democratic future and championing youth-led social accountability monitoring for the domestication of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) commitments.   These were the recommendations by Lloyd Dembure, the Southern Africa HIV and AIDS Information Dissemination…

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Artificial Intelligence an important aspect of the future of work initiative

In realizing Agenda 2063 Aspiration 1 of a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development, it is important to address issues of youth unemployment factoring in Artificial Intelligence in the future of work initiative.   These were the sentiments of Emelda Vhiriri, the Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF) Country Director for Zimbabwe during…

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Accountable management of resources critical to meeting RISDP’s goals

Socially accountable management and use of available resources are critical to meeting the Southern African Development Community (SADC)’s Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030 (RISDP), a Non-state Actors (NSA) dialogue in Harare has heard.   This came to the fore today at the dialogue running in Harare from 14 to 15 August 2024 that is…

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