Zimbabwe’s RBZ Farm Mechanisation Scheme and its Contribution to the Public Debt Burden

By Zimcodd Over the last two decades, Zimbabwe has experienced several unprecedented socioeconomic and political shocks and stresses. Consistent shortages of food, pharmaceuticals, fuel, run-away year-on-year inflation rate of 737.26% (June 2020), a 95% unemployment rate, and poverty are some of the indicators of Zimbabwe’s current macroeconomic crisis. With an estimated domestic debt burden of…

Read More

Harnessing the power of needs assessments in African countries

By Charles Dhewa Needs assessments are some of the most under-rated and under-utilized resources in African countries.  Development agencies that often start some work in communities with a baseline study often do so for purposes of getting donor money as opposed to fully informing and guiding their interventions. In some cases, the baseline study is…

Read More

Victory: ZPCS ordered to stop ill-treatment in prison

By Kumbirai Mafunda A Zimbabwean court on Friday 14 August 2020 ordered Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) to stop the persecution of freelance journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and Transform Zimbabwe political party leader Jacob Ngarivhume and allow them access to basic rights while in detention at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison. Through their lawyers Beatrice Mtetwa,…

Read More

MSF welcomes WHO revision in TB guidelines

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has welcomed the revision made by WHO to its tuberculosis (TB) guidelines, allowing for safe use of a treatment regimen including both bedaquiline and delamanid for patients suffering from drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), while urging a faster uptake in India for patients with extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB). The drugs bedaquiline and delamanid…

Read More

Energy provision: An engineer will resolve crisis in Zimbabwe

By Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi Following the energy challenges that Zimbabwe has been going through, there were expectations that the next Minister of Energy was going to be a leading engineer and definitely not an accountant Cde Soba Zhemu who followed the lawyer Cde Fortune Chasi. The true definition of an Engineer is a creative…

Read More

Community Information Centres to address misinformation in the fight against COVID-19

Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services has said COVID-19 has exposed how misinformation poses one of the greatest security threats of our time. The Minister made the remarks while officially opening the Maphisa Community Information Centre in Matebeleland South Province today. He alluded to the COVID-19 media briefing on 6…

Read More

Awakening the entrepreneurial spirit of every young African is key to the continent’s future

The webinar, themed Investing in Africa’s Future: Youth Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship, invited a range of private and public sector representatives to discuss the challenges young African entrepreneurs face The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) joined a number of development leaders in calling for greater support of youth entrepreneurship during a virtual event organized by the Tony…

Read More

Fascinating Examples Of How Blockchain Is Used In Insurance, Banking And Travel

By Bernard Marr Blockchain technology promises to revolutionize many aspects of how we do business and if you believe the blockchain hype (of which there is plenty), may even be as disruptive as the internet was before it. Despite this, practical, real-world examples of blockchain technology can be a little thin on the ground –…

Read More

Standard Chartered and Airtel Africa form a partnership to drive financial inclusion across Africa

Standard Chartered and Airtel Africa will work together to co-create new, innovative products aimed at enhancing the accessibility of financial services Standard Chartered Bank (www.SC.com) and Airtel Africa have today announced a strategic collaboration to drive financial inclusion across key markets in Africa by providing customers with increased access to mobile financial services. Through the…

Read More

Journalists petition President Mnangagwa, regional and international bodies to restore media freedom and security

Various media lobby groups in Zimbabwe have today petitioned President Mnangagwa, the police, local, regional and international organisations as well as media representative bodies where they registered their concern on the deteriorating freedom and security for the media in the country. Below, Spiked Online Media reproduces the petition: Attention: Zimbabwe President, His Excellency Emmerson Mnangagwa…

Read More

Tourism: COVID-19 responses must not undermine solidarity and confidence

Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General, World Tourism Organization This goes hand-in-hand with a responsibility to preserve the spirit of international solidarity that has characterized our response to this shared crisis, a response that has included international institutions, the civil society at large and individual citizens. Again and again, the pandemic puts us to the test and…

Read More

Nosizwe Nokwe-Macamo Joins the African Energy Chamber’s Advisory Board

South African businesswoman, engineer, and natural gas expert Nosizwe Nokwe-Macamo has joined the African Energy Chamber’s (www.EnergyChamber.org) Advisory Board for 2020 and 2021. Nosizwe will be advising and supporting the work of the Chamber within its Natural Gas and Local Content committees. Nosizwe was one of South Africa’s first woman petrochemical engineers, and has built…

Read More

Understanding the Nerumedzo Heritage Site in Bikita

By Nimrod Ushe Nerumedzo is a national monument popularly known for a swarm of stink bugs (Harurwa) which throng annually to that place between the month of April and August. During that time, citizens of Bikita District, pour libation of traditional beer in petition and sacrifices to please the ancestors/vadzimu/amadhlozi for their precious gift of…

Read More

Cassava Fintech International and Liquid Telecom Group partner to launch Sasai Wi-Fi Finder

…Service to accelerate digital and financial inclusion in Africa Cassava Fintech International (CFI) and the Liquid Telecom Group (LTG) have announced the launch of Sasai Wi-Fi Finder, a potential game-changer in driving digital and financial inclusion in Africa. The service, which will be offered across the continent, was announced today, and is set to be…

Read More

All set for 12 August 2020 Entrepreneurship Conversation

… Entrepreneurship is pivotal to the sustainability of all economies Be part of the Transformational Mindset Institute’s transformative Entrepreneurship Conversations tomorrow 12 August 2020 as they host international speaker practitioners. The United Kingdom-based Award-Winning Entrepreneur Efe Ohwofasa, the founder & CEO of Focus Guru will be one of the speakers. Efe has trained extensively in…

Read More

These 3 Business Functions Could Be Transformed By VR

By Bernard Marr Is virtual reality (VR) finally going mainstream? The availability of affordable, consumer-friendly VR headsets like Oculus Go would certainly suggest so. But what I find really encouraging is the increasing use of VR outside the realms of gaming and entertainment. All types of businesses are enthusiastically embracing VR. For me, seeing businesses…

Read More

Kudzanai Vere and colleagues tackle international business strategies

By Lovemore Chazingwa Leading motivational and transformational coach, Kudzanai Vere has attracted global attention with his weekly Entrepreneurship Conversations hosted over social media platform Zoom, where he engages gurus on the international business arena. The Conversations are co-hosted by the founder and chief executive officer of TEK Entrepreneurship and lecturer at Synergy University, (UAE), Oluwatosin…

Read More

ITC, World Bank publishes new report on addressing non-tariff measures in Pakistan

A new report published by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the World Bank Group reveals that more than half of Pakistani exporters struggle with domestic and foreign regulatory barriers. Trade regulations in areas such as testing, certification and licensing are challenging for 60% of Pakistan’s agricultural exporters. This is largely because most countries have…

Read More

The rising prominence of communication, thanks to COVID19

By Charles Dhewa In much of the world including developing countries, COVID19 has repositioned communication as the key driver in project implementation. Before the pandemic, many organizations were reluctant to increase the communication budget. Working from home and restrictions in the movement have seen ICT channels and tools moving to the centre of most communication…

Read More

Masiyiwa calls for local community leadership in stemming the spread of COVID-19

African Union (AU) Special Envoy for COVID-19 and businessman Strive Masiyiwa has called on community leaders – including chiefs, religious leaders, councillors and members of Parliament – to lead in arresting the spread of COVID-19 at the local level. Masiyiwa writes: A dear friend called me the other day quite distressed because his brother’s wife…

Read More

Why the AfCFTA Could Be the Game-Changer for the Continent’s Economies

By Own Correspondent Most economists see structural transformation as one of the main routes to Africa’s sustainable development. What it means is changing the share of agriculture, manufacturing, and services in an economy. It is a central aim of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.  With this aim in mind, economists and policymakers need to know…

Read More

How African farmers are dealing with bad news brought by COVID-19

By Charles Dhewa From the Masaai livestock owners in Kenya failing to access veterinary products to farmers in Lupane district of Zimbabwe failing to access usual markets due to lockdowns, COVID19 has resulted in uniform collective grief among food producers across Africa. To the extent dealing with droughts, locusts, fall army worm and other shocks…

Read More

Old Mutual Zimbabwe Donates PPE Worth over 250 000 Rand to St Anne’s Hospital

Yesterday, Old Mutual Zimbabwe and its local subsidiaries, including Cabs Zimbabwe, handed over a consignment of personal protective equipment worth 250 000 Rand to St. Anne’s Hospital. The donation is part of Old Mutual’s pledge to contribute towards the fight against COVID-19 in Zimbabwe. The consignment donated included 34 200 gloves, 16 000 masks, 5…

Read More

Climate change impacts tourism: Minister Ndlovu

Climate change impacts on the tourism sector and vice-versa hence the need for sustainable management of the natural phenomenon as well so as to create opportunities for the sector, Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu has said. The Minister of Environment, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu speaking at the Tourism and Hospitality Sector Indaba in Victoria…

Read More

ZiCHIRe BC engages adolescent boys on SRHR through Brotha2Brotha initiative

The Zimbabwe Community Health Intervention Research (ZiCHIRe) trained Harare mentors for the Brotha2Brotha (B2B) programme. This is a sport-oriented initiative that seeks to mentor boys into responsible young men. There is a gap in terms of addressing boys and young men’s needs. Adolescent girls and young women and key populations needs were given priority by…

Read More

Germany to Ramp Up Investment in African Energy

An exclusive webinar explored the market dynamics set to shape post-COVID-19 German-African business relations “Germany-Africa Economic Relations: Making Deals Post COVID-19” highlighted opportunities for German businesses in Africa’s power production, clean energy, and digitalization and technology sectors; An opening keynote was given by H.E. Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons of the…

Read More

UNFPA releases over $2.5 million for GBV and SRHR services during the COVID19 pandemic

…Prevention and response to Gender Based Violence for women and girls at risk to be prioritised Harare, 7 August 2020 – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has released over $2.5 million to support the Government of Zimbabwe and various implementing partners to continue providing quality sexual reproductive health and Gender-Based Violence services during the…

Read More

President Mnangagwa launches National Tourism Recovery Plan, reopens Vic Falls Rainforest

By Anyway Yotamu in Victoria Falls President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday launched the National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy and reopened the Victoria Falls rainforest after 109 days of closure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking in Victoria Falls yesterday President Mnangagwa said, “The tourism growth strategy is anchored on vision 2030 and tourism sector…

Read More

Communities exercise self-governance in the face of Covid-19

By Habakkuk Trust Rural communities in Matabeleland have taken it upon themselves to curb the increase in imported cases arising from illegal returnees. The issue of border jumpers making an illegal entry into the country without undergoing screening and testing has been a cause of concern in recent weeks. Habakkuk Trust Community Advocacy Action Teams…

Read More

ZNOART clarifies issues affecting residents to Minister Oliver Chidau

The Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trusts (ZNOART) has written a letter to Senator Oliver Chidau, the Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province outlining its mandate and the challenges facing residents, particularly in Harare and Bulawayo. Below, Spiked Online Media reproduces the ZNOART letter to Minister Chidau: Hon O Chidhau Minister of…

Read More

TelOne connects Zambia and Zimbabwe through the fibre optic link project

The Makuti-Chirundu Fibre Optic Link project is part of TelOne’s network modernisation drive meant to connect Zimbabwe to Zambia and beyond. This was revealed by Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of ICTs, Postal and Courier Services yesterday while presiding at the official commissioning of the Makuti – Chirundu Fibre Optic Link, a project which was…

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

Afreximbank Wins Two EMEA Best Structured Finance Awards

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has been recognized by EMEA Finance’s 12th African Banking Awards for two transactions processed under its Intra-African Trade Initiative. Afreximbank was recognized for its leading role in the $737 million bundle of guarantee facilities granted to Elsewedy Electric Group and The Arab Contractors for the construction of the Rufiji Dam and Hydropower…

Read More

EIB and Afreximbank direct EUR 300m of support to African COVID response

4th  August 2020:- ·         Accelerated EIB financing under Team Europe initiative ·         Over 25% of funds dedicated to women in business and climate action ·         Pan-African rapid response to alleviate COVID-19 impact and support climate action ·         Scheme to support trade and ensure medical supplies continue The European Investment Bank (EIB), the lending arm of the European Union, and the…

Read More

Sasai launches new ‘Moments’ video-sharing and the social networking feature

: Sasai has launched Sasai Moments, a new social media networking and short video sharing capability. Sasai Moments will allow the App’s users to experience, capture, post and share videos, audio notes, pictures and user location tags, among other features. This will be driven mostly by user-generated content along the same lines as TikTok. The…

Read More

“A Breach of Religious Liberty”: International Community Reacts to Chairman Lee’s Arrest

At 1:20 am on August 1, Chairman Man Hee Lee, the founder of Heavenly Culture World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) and leader of religious movement Shincheonji was arrested amid investigations pinning the blame for South Korea’s COVID-19 outbreak on his church. This came after holding a 10-hour arrest warrant hearing regarding five Shincheonji officials…

Read More

Programme Announced as Registration opens for the 2020 Durban FilmMart Virtual Edition

…Brave New Cinema Durban, South Africa: The Durban FilmMart Institute (DMI) has announced the programme for the 11th Durban FilmMart (DFM) Virtual Edition, which takes place from 4 to 13 September this year.  “Using the theme Brave New Cinema, we are bringing together leading and emerging African film professionals in an online space, to benchmark…

Read More

TelOne’s Digital Impact Learning platform transcends geographical boundaries in providing education

With the launch of TelOne’s Digital Impact Learning platform today, businesses and education can now reach out to wider audiences without the limitations of geographical boundaries. TelOne’s Digital Impact Learning platform encompasses learning using online platforms. In his keynote address during the launch, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of ICTs, Postal, and Courier Services said…

Read More

Vaccine trials start and end with the community

By Githinji Gitahi, Lolem Ngong, George Kimathi It starts and ends with the communities. Communities will drive the success or failure of the COVID-19 vaccine trials and immunization uptake. Scientists, policymakers, and public health experts must start involving communities now as discussions and plans progress toward finding a vaccine — not after the scientific breakthrough but before. In recent decades,…

Read More