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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Tisitano, the Local App for Buying and Selling exhibits at ZAS 2024

Spiked Online Media caught up with Tisitano, the local application for buying and selling that is exhibiting at the 2024 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.   Below, Spiked Online Media reproduces an interview with Sibongile Harvey, the Tisitano Country Representative for Zimbabwe:   Tisitano is an app that helps you buy and sell things in your local…

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Industry experts gather in Nairobi for workshop on strengthening Kenyan Food Safety

The Food and Agriculture Export Alliance (FAEA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Tuesday kicked off a three-day workshop aimed at strengthening the capacity of Food Business Operators (FBOs) in Kenya to address food safety risks.   This comes ahead of the implementation of the Food and Feed Safety Control Coordination Bill…

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Econet wins top honours at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, the country’s leading telecommunications and technology company, on Tuesday won both the Best Overall Stand and Best ICT Exhibitor awards at the 2024 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS). The accolades are a recognition of the cutting-edge technology Econet is providing to multiple sectors of the economy, including the key agricultural sector. This year…

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Nasser Fellowship Alumni Wins Membership in the African Union’s Youth Business Council

The African Youth Business Council (AfYBC), affiliated with the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, announced the selection of Engineer Mohamed Osama, an Alumni of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership and the Technical and Technological Support Officer for the Global Solidarity Network, as a founding member representing the North Africa region on the…

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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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NetOne Showcases Smart Agriculture Solutions at Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

Writes Tongai Mwenje   NetOne, one of Zimbabwe’s leading mobile network providers, is showcasing its cutting-edge products and services at the ongoing Zimbabwe Agricultural Show. Among the innovations on display is the “Connect a Greenhouse” initiative, a flagship project under the company’s Smart Agriculture program. The Connect a Greenhouse initiative leverages modern technologies to empower…

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ZAS 2024: President Nyusi hails resilience of agriculture amidst El-Nino-induced drought

His Excellency Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, the President of the Republic of Mozambique has hailed the resilience of Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector amidst the El-Nino-induced drought.   President Nyusi made the remarks today while officially opening the 114th Edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show. The event was graced by His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the President…

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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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Africa emerges as a major market for Russian grain

Russian grain exports reached a record high of 72 million tons in the fiscal year that ended June 2024. This is according to information the Russian Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut disclosed. The minister also revealed that Africa became a significant destination for Russia’s grain exports.   During an interview with Sputnik, Arkady Zlochevsky, President of the…

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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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OneMoney Revolutionises DStv Payments: Seamless Entertainment at Your Fingertips

In a significant stride towards enhancing customer convenience, NetOne’s OneMoney platform has expanded its suite of digital payment solutions to include DStv subscription payments. This innovative feature, accessible through the simple dial of *554#, reaffirms NetOne’s commitment to providing cutting-edge, customer-centric solutions that seamlessly integrate into the daily lives of Zimbabweans.   The integration of…

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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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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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Africa’s Path to a Just Energy Transition: The Call for Transparent and Fair Trade Practices

Writes Baboloki Semele In a pivotal discussion on Africa’s role in the global energy transition, Antonio Pedro, Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), underscored the critical need for transparent and fair-trade practices to ensure a just energy transition across the continent. Speaking at an African Consultative Webinar on Critical…

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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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Respected ICT professionals and senior government officials to speak at TICON Africa

Speakers at the upcoming Technology Information Confederation Africa (TICON Africa) Conference 2024 include respected names in the ICT industry as well as senior officials from member countries. TICON Africa will be held at the Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa between 25 and 27 September alongside the Marketing Society of Kenya’s symposium. The two events will bring…

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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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