Opportunities in agri-business: Exploiting The Strive Masiyiwa Model

The Founder and Executive Chairman of the Econet Group, Strive Masiyiwa, noted via Facebook that his friend, Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), used to tell him that “Agriculture is not a development activity, but an industry.” That is not far from the truth because the importance of agriculture in Nigeria cannot be…

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Econet unveils community solar programme in rural Matabeleland

Econet has launched a ground-breaking, rural electrification programme worth millions of dollars under the name Ugesi Energy, that is set to help transform rural enterprises and create employment. Ugesi is the second Econet energy business following the successful launch two years ago of Distributed Power Africa (DPA), the group’s commercial solar business with a focus…

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Embracing SDGs, ISO Standards useful in dealing with developmental challenges

By Byron Mutingwende   Embracing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) Standards is useful in dealing with developmental challenges such as climate change, a development expert has said.   In his remarks at the SDGs and Standards Conference held at Cresta Lodge in Harare on 12 February 2019, Tawanda Muzamwese,…

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ARDA Seeds (Private) Limited Calls for Small Grains Production Support

By Amon Mwashaireni (ARDA Seeds CEO)   The season 2018/2019 is proving to be a drought one in most areas across the country. This has been attributed to the El Nino phenomenon which was rightfully predicted by the Meteorological Services Department. Rightly so, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Rural Resettlement and Climate, encouraged increased production…

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Parly to Summon Wetlands Invaders

By Tendai Guvamombe The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environment and Tourism chaired by Hon Concilia Chinanzvavana has promised to exercise its legislative powers in the quest to protect wetlands from further invasion. Hon Chinanzvavana revealed this yesterday during parliamentarians wetlands tour at various places of Harare along with Harare Wetlands Trust and Zimbabwe Lawyers for…

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Zimbabwe attends the World Government Summit

The Minister of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Priscah Mupfumira is leading an eight member delegation attending the World Government Summit in Dubai. The World Government Summit is a global platform dedicated to shaping the future of governments worldwide. Each year, the Summit sets the agenda for the next generation of governments, focusing on how…

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The Strive and Tsitsi Masiyiwa Family Foundation Avails $60m for Cholera Fight

The Strive and Tsitsi Masiyiwa Family Foundation and has availed $60 million towards the cholera response in Zimbabwe. Cholera claimed more than 70 lives last year. The commitment from the Econet founders comes on the back of an initial $10 million investment by Econet Wireless Zimbabwe at the onset of the cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe…

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Delta Corporation Unveils Scholarship Scheme

Delta Corporation has unveiled a two-year bursary programme for a bright, but underprivileged pupil who has passed his/her 2018 Ordinary Level examinations and qualifies for Advanced Level in Masvingo Province. The bursary will cater for the pupil at either a Government or mission school and will cover tuition, uniforms, text books and pocket money. In…

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The importance of closing knowledge gaps in African agriculture

By Charles Dhewa Efforts to modernise African agriculture continue to focus on the supply-side at the expense of the demand side. In addition to infrastructure-driven agribusiness models, there is an unfortunate belief that agricultural extension is the only important form of knowledge in transforming the agriculture industry. Instead of embracing a holistic approach that identifies…

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Gemalto Automated Biometric Identification System, LiveScan technology enhances crime fight: Ugandan police

These biometric solutions enable the police force to better solve crimes through the electronic collection, storage and processing of fingerprints, palm prints and facial captures Gemalto (www.Gemalto.com), the world leader in digital security, is supplying its Cogent Automated Biometric Identification System (CABIS) (https://bit.ly/2SmrB2t) and LiveScan (https://bit.ly/2I7sM0Z) technology to the Ugandan Police. These biometric solutions enable the police force to…

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Most teachers’ unions suspend strike as ARTUZ digs in

A majority of teachers’ unions suspended the educators’ strike following negotiations with the government to improve their working conditions, allowances and salaries but the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union (ARTUZ) said calling off the job action was unfortunate. The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) and the Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) took turns to submit issues…

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Bethel Catering Services (T&U Enterprises) the heart of good food

By Byron Mutingwende   T&U Enterprises T/A Bethel Catering Services in partnership with Young Africa Skills Centre Zimbabwe is the heart of good food for all occasions and functions.   Apart from delivering mouth-watering, fresh and healthy food, the facility also offers excellent training for everyone with interest in cooking quality food.   Mrs. Unotida…

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Isheanesu Investments leading clothing manufactures in Zimbabwe

By Byron Mutingwende   Isheanesu Investments is the leading company that trains cutting and designing technicians and manufactures a wide range of clothing products in Chitungwiza and the rest of Zimbabwe.   The company has grown big from a humble background. Isheanesu Investment (Private) Limited started with one machine operating from home at 9283 Unit…

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National Transport Drivers Association, Tehillar Network geared for success

By Byron Mutingwende   The National Transport Drivers Association (NTDA) in partnership with Tehillar Christian Network has taken bold steps to engage stakeholders countrywide in contributing to reduction of road carnage.   Road carnage remains the top cause of death and in pursuit of mitigating the problem and complementing government efforts, the two institutions convened…

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Steward Bank set to expand rural loans programme following boost of $100 million from Strive Masiyiwa

Steward Bank’s rural entrepreneurs initiative has been given a five-year grant of $100 million from the family foundation of Econet founder Strive Masiyiwa.   The money is intended to scale up an existing programme that has been going on for the last three years and has already seen Steward Bank disburse $3 million in rural…

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Major new Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme underway in Zimbabwe

The Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme is funded to the tune of €45 Million by the European Union through the 11th European Development Fund (EDF), and co-funded by the French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM). The SWM Programme is being implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the French Agricultural…

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Masiyiwas Put Their Money Where Their Mouth Is By Launching a $100m Rural Entrepreneurship Fund

Econet founder and executive chairman, Mr Strive Masiyiwa and his wife Tsitsi, have launched a $100m Challenge Fund to support rural entrepreneurs and other entrepreneurs focusing on rural areas in Zimbabwe as part of their extensive philanthropic work in Zimbabwe and across Africa. The fund is being financed from their personal resources and will be…

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African consumers need more investment in food safety, new report finds

Development spending efforts should target improved food safety for African consumers, who need greater information and awareness to be able to demand higher standards, finds the Global Food Safety Partnership. More than half of donor funded food safety initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa are focused on overseas markets, with less than half on domestic consumers, a new report…

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Legislators to Lobby for Wetlands Protection

By Tendai Guvamombe Legislators are a key tool to influence the formation of informed polices and realign laws in the quest to advance sustainable wetlands management for the greater good of Zimbabwe. This was revealed by Chairperson of Environment and Tourism Parliamentary Portfolio Committee, Honourable Concilia Chinanzvavana at a Breakfast Meeting on Wetlands attended by…

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Government tackling alcohol and substance use related health disorders

By Dr. Chido Rwafa, Deputy Director Mental Health Services, Ministry of Health and Child Care Alcohol and substance use disorders contribute significantly to disease burden worldwide, resulting in millions of preventable deaths. In Zimbabwe, Alcohol and substance related disorders are one of the top three diagnoses presenting to mental health services countrywide. These disorders are…

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Sekuru Kamwelo Banda to set up US$500 000 Drug Rehabilitation Centre

By Byron Mutingwende Popular traditional healer, Sekuru Kamwelo Banda has committed US$500 000 for the setting up of a drug rehabilitation centre that will serve Southern Africa.   Today’s youths have fallen into the habit of abusing drugs, a situation that is threatening the government from reaping the demographic dividend since they constitute more than…

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How climate change is inspiring intelligent experimentation at grassroots

By Charles Dhewa During times of socio-economic stability, farmers and entrepreneurs can afford to rely on one commodity or value chain.  Not when climate change is announcing itself in unpredictable ways. That is why experimentation is no longer a preserve for schools and universities. Farming areas and markets are becoming laboratories for intelligent experimentation among…

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Drivers reap benefits of partnership with Cassava-On-Demand’s ride service

Drivers of the popular Vaya Ride shuttle service are savouring the opportunity their partnership with Cassava-on-Demand’s ride hailing service has afforded them to generate income and earn a decent living. Several Vaya drivers this week gave different accounts of how the partnership had economically empowered them since the service was launched towards the end of…

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Not even death could stop Tuku from making history

By Philip Mataranyika On the south-western side of the capital city Harare, lies one of Zimbabwe’s oldest suburbs, Highfield, whose name was derived from Highfield Farm on which it stands. The sprawling high- density suburb which was established way back in 1935, is endowed with a rich history that stretches from arts, sport and politics…

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The environment impacts education: Good Care, David Mascott schools

By Byron Mutingwende   A clean, safe and inclusive environment is a critical ingredient for sound education, the leadership of the Good Care Pre-school and David Mascott Country School has said.   The two schools participated in a national monthly clean up campaign initiated by President Mnangagwa to be held every first Friday of every…

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Here’s Why These 5 African Countries Have So Far Shut Down The Internet in 2019

After it was confirmed that the Government of Zimbabwe ordered mobile network operators (MNOs) to shut down the internet and social media communication platforms, including WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook, which are widely used by Zimbabweans, the Zimbabwe’s High Court then ordered internet operators to restore service to people in the country after access had been shut…

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Peace, rule of law, human rights key to economic recovery: UN Zimbabwe

By Sirak Gebrehiwot (UN Zimbabwe Communications Specialist) The United Nations System in Zimbabwe works with Government, Development Partners, Civil Society Organisations and communities to advance democratic, social and economic governance for quality service delivery in health, education, water and sanitation, food and nutrition, gender equality, HIV and AIDS, poverty reduction and resilience building towards sustainable…

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TelOne, Temba Mliswa and Norton Council in massive cleanup campaign

TelOne, in partnership with the Norton Member of the National Assembly Temba Mliswa, local authority for the town and members of the community embarked on a massive cleanup campaign at Ngoni Shopping centre before planting trees at Knowe Primary School in Norton.   TelOne Acting Managing Director, Mr Joseph Machiva said the initiative was in…

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National clean up campaign: Ensuring a safe environment

By Tendai Guvamombe  The national cleanup campaign is anchored on ensuring a safe environment with the government planning to cascade the initiative to all provinces beginning with cities and towns. Riding on this wave, Harare Municipality aims to attain a world class city status by 2030. Since the Presidential Declaration of every Friday as National…

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Moovah, Zimpost partnership to enhance convenience for insurance customers

By Byron Mutingwende One of Cassava Smartech’s insurance arms, Moovah, has entered into a partnership with ZIMPOST to enhance convenience for their customers countrywide. Speaking during the unveiling of the partnership in Harare on 31 January 2019, Mr. George Nyashanu, the Managing Director of Econet Insurance and Life, said the move was in line with…

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State atrocities during shutdown: Women demand justice

By Tendai Guvamombe Justice for Women Zimbabwe (JWZ), Female Prisoners Support Trust and Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence has expressed concern and anguish over he gross human rights violations by the Zimbabwe government and state security agents during the recent shutdown protests. JWZ Director Coezett Chirinda revealed this at a press conference held…

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PAZ bemoans exorbitant long distance public transport fares

The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has bemoaned the fact that bus fares along highways and in rural areas remain very expensive despite government’s introduction of the urban mass transport system through the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) that has made daily commuting for cities and towns dwellers affordable. PAZ said travelling on highways is…

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Vaya Ride service gets positive customer feedback

Convenient, quick, safe and reliable Cassava-on-Demand’s Vaya Ride service has received a boost from customers that have hailed the popular ride service for its convenience, cost-effectiveness, safety and reliability. Barely three months after the online, Uber-like car ride service was launched in late October 2018, Vaya has quickly grown in popularity, especially with busy urban…

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Brazil dam collapse: ILO emphasises on occupational safety

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has reiterated the crucial importance of a functioning system to guarantee occupational safety and health for miners and protection for their communities following the collapse of a dam in Brazil. ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder, has issued a statement following the collapse of a dam in the town of Brumadinho, Brazil….

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Religious freedom promoted in the wake of World Interfaith Harmony Week

United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week is observed from the 1-7 February with the purpose of recognising that the moral imperatives of all religions, convictions and beliefs calls for peace, tolerance and mutual understanding. In the wake of encouraging all countries worldwide to support and spread the message of interfaith harmony, blatant violations of the…

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A legal analysis of Internet shutdown in Zimbabwe

By Veritas In this bulletin we shall examine the legality of the Internet shut-downs against the background of the Constitution, international law and the Interception of Communications Act. On the 15th January, the second day of a stay-away called by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, all Internet services across the country were switched off…

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Inclusive national dialogue solves political and socio-economic challenges: ZESN

The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) is calling for an inclusive national dialogue as a panacea to the country’s challenges across the political, social and economic fronts. ZESN made the call as it registered concerns over the recent violent protests characterised by looting, vandalism of property and infrastructure as well as the heavy handed response…

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Environmental Activist Accused of Haunting Businessman Over a Mansion

By Tendai Guvamombe An environmental activist Francis Nyamutsamba has come under fire for allegedly haunting Peg Makuchete over his double storey mansion and for allegedly delaying construction progress in Glen Lorne under the banner of a sub-catchment council. Information established by Spiked Online revealed that Peg Makuchete formerly bought the high class residential stand in…

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