ZTA defers Carnival 2018 edition

The much-anticipated Harare International Carnival that is run by the  Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has once again been deferred. “The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority would like to advise all partners, stakeholders, the media and the general populace that after wide consultations it has been decided to defer the hosting of the Harare International Carnival. “The much…

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Create tourism and environment synergies: Mupfumira

Combining tourism and environment under one roof requires the creation of synergies to ensure a shared vision, and a team that will be united for the success of the new ministry of environment, tourism and hospitality industry. Speaking at her Ministry’s Strategic Plan in Mutare under the theme, “Towards a Prosperous and Empowered Upper Middle Income…

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Unlocking Africa’s Earth Observation Potential

The 1st Forum of the GMES and Africa (www.au.int/en/GMESAfrica) kicked off in the Gabonese capital, Libreville. More than 400 delegates from Africa, Europe and other parts of the world have gathered to discuss new and innovative Earth Observation technologies supporting Africa’s socio-economic development. Organised jointly by the African Union Commission and the government of Gabon, the…

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Communication and advocacy, data and information management critical for RVAA success

By Byron Mutingwende   The success of the Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis (VAA) efforts in the SADC region depends on strengthening communication and advocacy and data and information management systems.   This emerged at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis (RVAA) workshop in Johannesburg from 19 to 21 November 2018….

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Zimnat marathon raises $7 000 for Cebisani Ndlovu’s surgery

Zimnat’s first charity marathon, which was held at Barclays Sports Club in Harare on November 10, managed to raise almost the whole amount originally quoted for 30-year-old Bulawayo resident Cebisani Ndlovu’s spinal cord surgery. When Mr Ndlovu approached Zimnat for assistance, the amount needed at that time for the surgery at Mater Dei Hospital in…

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How the knowledge economy is inspiring new roles and responsibilities

Developing countries that remain stuck in colonial governance structures and forms of business are sleeping-walking into all kinds of crises. Some of the colonial forms of business still being practiced in most African countries include sole trader (traditional enterprises), companies, cooperatives and partnerships which function through mutual agreement to pool resources and skills together for…

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Government, PEPFAR partnership providing important HIV and AIDS interventions

By Byron Mutingwende   The United States (US) President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief  (PEPFAR) has been partnering the Government of Zimbabwe in providing critical HIV and AIDS interventions.   Obadiah Moyo, the Minister of Health and Child Care revealed this during PEPFAR’s 15th anniversary celebrations held at Batanai Gardens in Harare on 16 November…

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ZHRC Reports on Politically Partisan Distribution of State Aid During Elections

By Veritas The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has released a series of reports about politically partisan distribution of food and other State aid before and after polling in the 30th July election.  The ZHRC received numerous complaints over the manner in which food aid and agricultural inputs from the State were being distributed, and…

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SUNRAP provides credible evidence on tackling nutrition challenges

By Byron Mutingwende   The Scaling Up Nutrition Research and Academic Platform (SUNRAP) seeks to provide credible evidence by undertaking quality research, and strengthen the technical capacity of stakeholders (through appropriate training), to deliver a cohesive multi-sectoral action that improves food and nutrition security outcomes.   This emerged at the combined Scaling Up Nutrition networks…

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The Japanese Market Responds Positively To Destination Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s continued reengagement efforts with the international community have seen some positive waves within the tourism business circles. Japan’s top travel agents have responded positively to the call made by the of Environment, Tourism & Hospitality Industry Minister, Hon Prisca Mupfumira to visit Zimbabwe. The visit is a follow up to Zimbabwe’s participation at the…

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Youths compel government and other stakeholders to address their concerns

By Byron Mutingwende   The youths have come up with issues of high priority code named Key Asks that they want the government and other stakeholders to address as a matter of urgency.   This emerged at a breakfast meeting organised by the Youth Empowerment and Transformation Trust (YETT) that held in Harare on 15…

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ILO-led Zimbabwe Working Initiative promotes social dialogue for economic development

By Byron Mutingwende   The multi-stakeholder social dialogue underpinning the Zimbabwe Report on the Enabling Environment for Sustainable Enterprises (EESE) that is being spearheaded by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is set to stimulate economic growth.   In his remarks at the launch of the Zimbabwe Report on EESE, Senator Lovemore Matuke, the Deputy Minister…

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Embracing ICTs critical for economic development

By Michael Mashiri Information Communication Technology (ICT) plays a crucial role in all sectors of the economy and helps in the accomplishment of the three pillars of sustainable development goals, the Representative for Southern Africa, International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has said. Speaking at the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) yesterday at a programme with the…

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Climate change not a limiting factor: ZPHCA Grassroots Women

By Byron Mutingwende   Grassroots Women under the auspices of the Zimbabwe Parents of Handicapped Children Association (ZPHCA) have vowed to ensure food security beyond the adverse effects of climate change.   “Grassroots Women from Harare and Mashonaland East Provinces are implementing strategies to ensure food security and nutrition in spite of the adverse effects…

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Community Involvement Needed in Cultural Tourism’s Digital Transformation, says UNWTO Seminar

The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)’s International Seminar on Harnessing Cultural Tourism through Innovation and Technology and 40th Affiliate Members Plenary Session concluded with a renewed call for community participation in development of cultural tourism using cutting-edge technologies (12-14 November 2018, Hamedan, Islamic Republic of Iran). Cultural and heritage attractions are key to tourism development in…

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Decent Jobs for Youth on youth entrepreneurship in Africa

With youth unemployment in sub-Saharan Africa reaching over 11 million and a further 69% of young people identifying as the ‘working poor’, key public and private sector stakeholders have outlined a plan to tackle the challenges faced by youth in the region through fostering pro-employment growth. The proposal to be discussed at the Forum taking…

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Stabilise prices as a matter of urgency: TBCZ urges government

BY Miriam Zvomuya The Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe (TBCZ) has urged the government to stabilise prices so that business in travel and tourism remain functional. This emerged at a media briefing in Harare. Tich Hwingiwiri, thePresident of TBCZ described the past two months as a turbulent time for the economy. ”We have been affected…

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Econet’s Vaya vs Taxi, Vaya Wins!!!

By Tapiwa Matthew Mutisi Those of you’ve who’ve never used Vaya might be wondering why I am reviewing a taxi service on this website. But once you try Vaya, you’ll understand. Cassava On Demand Services, a division of Cassava Smartech Zimbabwe – shortly to be listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) following its unbundling from Econet Wireless…

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Ecobank, IFRC partnership to strengthen local communities in Africa

Ecobank (www.Ecobank.com) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) (www.IFRC.org) have signed an agreement to work closely together to empower local communities to cope with disasters more efficiently. “Many innocent lives continue to be lost in Africa simply as a result of insufficient investment in disaster preparedness. Many of the…

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Zimbabwe intensifying its brand marketing in various source markets

Zimbabwe is seriously looking at intensifying its brand marketing in various source markets in line with its marketing strategy coined “Vision 2025 National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy.”   This was said by Priscah Mupfumira, the Minister of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry at the reception for stakeholders at the World Travel Market held in…

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Reducing the gap between formal and informal economies

By Charles Dhewa   Narrowing the gap between formal and informal economies remains a big challenge for many African countries. Instead of increasing interdependence between the two economies, in countries like Zimbabwe, the gap between the two economies seems to be widening.   As if that is not enough, academia, politics and financial institutions remain…

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ZPHCA calls for inclusion of children with disabilities in all facets of life

By Byron Mutingwende   The Zimbabwe Parents of Handicapped Children Association (ZPHCA) has said it expects that concerns in development such as inclusivity and sensitivity in crucial social facets such as education, health, access and control of resources for children with disabilities will be heard and strengthened for sustainable development.     “In terms of…

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Let’s embrace technology to combat climate change: Econet

By Byron Mutingwende Ms. Caroline Mozhendi, the Econet Head of Agribusiness has encouraged the use of technology to combat the effects of climate change by farmers in Zimbabwe.   Ms. Mozhendi made the remarks during an event whereby Ecofarmer joined the Shamva Agricultural College in celebrating 34 students who graduated at the institution on Friday…

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Home Affairs Minister Cain Mathema offside: ZCTU

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) says it is disturbed by comments attributed to Home Affairs Minister Cain Mathema that any future anti-government demonstrations would be crashed. The minster is quoted in the government controlled The Herald newspaper of 7 November saying that Government has put in place security measures to deal with malcontents…

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Tiens Group seeks to increase investment in Zimbabwe

By Byron Mutingwende   Chinese healthcare giant, Tiens Group, seeks to invest more in Zimbabwe following President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call for opening up the country to the international community, the company’s chairman, Li Jinyuan has said. “I met President Mnangagwa and he revealed to me that he wants to open Zimbabwe for both local and…

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Contract farming improves family farmers’ access to markets, boosts incomes

By Byron Mutingwende and Miriam Zvomuya Contract farming has the potential to improve family farmers’ access to markets and boost their incomes while ensuring that agribusinesses have a stable supply of produce that meets their quality standards.  This emerged at the International Symposium on Contract Farming and other inclusive business models organised by the Food…

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Doors to invest in tourism open for all: Mupfumira

Zimbabwe is open for business – this was the strong message heard at the Invest Zimbabwe Forum held in London on Thursday. In her opening address, Hon. Priscah Mupfumira, Minister of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry reminded investors that Zimbabwe is now open for business, and highlighted that the country has been rated a top…

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Mayors selected in accordance to party procedures and processes: MDC

By Jacob Mafume (MDC National Spokesperson) The MDC takes this opportunity to put on record the process which the MDC followed in electing mayors in various municipalities across the country. 1. The party called for expression of interest from elected councillors in all the cities and towns. 2. Interested candidates submitted their profiles and CVs….

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Develop rural infrastructure: FICZ appeals to government

Gideon Madzikatidze recently in Datata, Rusape The Federation for Indigenous Churches in Zimbabwe (FICZ) has pleaded with the government to develop rural infrastructure to ease mobility.   Infrastructure challenges in rural ares affect church leaders on exchange programmes, traditional chiefs, students and expecting mothers, among others.   Speaking during the ordination ceremony of the founder…

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Econet in smart partnership with City of Harare to spruce up First Street

By Byron Mutingwende   In pursuit of coming up with a metropolitan that competes with world capitals in terms of infrastructure, architecture, service delivery and facilities, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe is partnering the City of Harare in a project to spruce up First Street.   In his speech during the launch of the project, Lovemore Nyatsine,…

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Investing in adolescents and young people critical for development

By Byron Mutingwende   Investing in adolescents and young people is a critical ingredient for attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a youth meeting held in Harare has revealed. The Youth Advocates Zimbabwe, National Aids Council and Ministry of Health and Child Care hosted the National High-Level Meeting to share best practices, innovations and skills…

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Respect women and girls’ SRH rights: Sekuru Banda

By Byron Mutingwende   Still basking in the glory of winning the coveted “Most Popular Religious Leader Award” by the Achievers Forum Zimbabwe, Sekuru Banda said society should respect and uphold women and girls sexual and reproductive health rights.   According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Zimbabwe, teenage pregnancy is one of the…

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We have not lost case against BAZ: Econet Media

Econet Media sets the record straight Kwesé parent company Econet Media (Mauritius) says reports that it has lost a court case against the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) are malicious, misinformed and misplaced.   Responding to reports in the Herald newspaper that the Supreme Court had ruled that “Econet Media (Mauritius) cannot distribute Kwese TV…

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WFP provides food assistance to over 430,000 Zimbabweans with support from USAID

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Zimbabwe has begun the implementation of its Lean Season Assistance programme for the 2018/19 season in October with a contribution (US$22 million) from the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which will support more than 430,000 food insecure people.   “This contribution…

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