Germany helps African countries maintain drought insurance in view of COVID-19

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the German government assumes premium payments of around EUR 19 million for the drought insurance offered by the African Risk Capacity (ARC). This will reliably protect up to 20 million poor and vulnerable people in Africa against drought in the coming agricultural season and mitigate the risk of a…

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Prospectors urge Ministry of Mines to put their house in order

The Zimbabwe Prospectors Association (Z.P.A) is urging the Ministry of Mines to improve its systems of operations across all mining provinces. The association argues that there are a lot of problems that require serious attention if the mining industry is to improve in production, efficiency, and effectiveness. “The pertinent issues range from delays in the…

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Facebook launches “My Digital World” to meet Digital Literacy Needs across Sub-Saharan Africa

My Digital World is a consolidation of all Facebook digital literacy programs including Safe Online with Facebook, Ilizwe Lam, and eZibo and will be offered virtually this year Yesterday, Facebook (www.facebook.com) announced the launch of “My Digital World” a programme designed to equip the youth and general public across Sub-Saharan Africa with digital skills needed…

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Communities seek fine reprieve on livestock

Communities surrounding Matobo National Park are seeking a reprieve on fines paid when their livestock encroach into the Park boundary. This plea comes after the Parks authorities unilaterally increased fines from ZWL6 per day for each beast that encroaches into the National Park to ZWL50 which is beyond the reach of many villagers whose livelihoods were dependent…

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DRC: COVID-19 continues to spread, with potentially deadly secondary impacts

Since Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) declared its first case of COVID-19 on March 10, the coronavirus has gradually spread across the country. Congolese authorities are working to reduce the spread of disease, especially in the capital, Kinshasa, with some 13 million residents. The government implemented preventive measures, including movement restrictions, a partial lockdown of…

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Masiyiwa and his global partners donate 1 000 ventilators

Strive Masiyiwa has announced the arrival of 45 full ICU ventilators in Zimbabwe which the businessman ordered a couple of months back. The billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist, who is the African Union’s Special Envoy to Coordinate the Africa Private Sector Initiative for the Procurement of Personal Protective Equipment and other Essential Supplies, also announced that…

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Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters

Can shoes spread the COVID-19 virus? The likelihood of COVID-19 being spread on shoes and infecting individuals is very low. As a precautionary measure, particularly in homes where infants and small children crawl or play on floors, consider leaving your shoes at the entrance of your home. This will help prevent contact with dirt or…

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COVID-19 stalling the update of NDCs

The Paris Agreement effectively came into force in 2020, replacing the Kyoto Protocol which has lapsed. Now the COVID-19 is dampening the prospects of countries to update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and implement their commitments to reduce and limit greenhouse gas emissions. Zimbabwe has communicated an NDC that seeks to reduce by 33 percent…

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Setting the tone for National Convergence in Zimbabwe

By Dr. Tapiwa Mashakada Zimbabwean Opposition must unite and become more effective in order to influence national affairs and shape the direction of nation-building. Zanu PF alone cannot lead Zimbabwe and transform it into a democratic and prosperous country. Forty years of Zanu rule bears testimony to this fact of incapacity and cluelessness.  Opposition Ruling…

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Mounting costs, soaring inflation threaten the telecommunications industry

Rising costs as a result of high inflation and a depreciating local currency are threatening the viability of telecommunication companies (telcos) as margins continue to be squeezed, putting the entire industry at risk. This is according to the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) in its sector performance report for the first quarter…

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Prof. Benedict Oramah Re-appointed as Afreximbank President

Shareholders of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have voted and re-appointed Prof. Benedict Oramah as President of the Pan-African multilateral financial institution for a second 5-year term. The decision was announced today in Cairo following Afreximbank’s 27th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders which was held by circulation of resolutions due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation. In an acceptance statement…

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African Development Bank COVID-19 response: moving from commitment to action

The African Development Bank (https://www.AfDB.org) has responded swiftly to the needs of its member countries during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Bank’s operations have continued to run smoothly since the first cases appeared in early March, despite the wide range of lockdowns and measures imposed by governments to flatten the curve. The COVID-19 pandemic is…

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COVID 19: Lockdown versus children’s rights in Zimbabwe.

By Anyway Yotamu As Zimbabwe enters the third month under lockdown, which was announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on the 27th of March 2020 it’s an undisputed fact that COVID-19 has disrupted people’s daily routines, often with negative consequences, while the impact of this pandemic has largely taken adult lenses, there is need to pay…

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Alive Albinism Initiative Commemorates International Albinism Awareness Day

By Joyce Mukucha As Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Albinism Awareness Day, Alive Albinism Initiative has commended different stakeholders for extending unwavering support to people with albinism. The organisation seeks to see a world where people with albinism rise and compete in the race of life, empowering them so…

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The informal sector to reopen: President Mnangagwa

By Anyway Yotamu President Emmerson Mnangagwa has moved to reopen the country’s informal market after over two months closure as part of his government’s attempts to prevent the spread of coronavirus. In his address at State House on Friday 12th of June 2020, President Mnangagwa also reopened churches but maintained the number of congregants at…

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Stinking municipal corruption suffocating residents

By Anyway Yotamu Local authorities have been accused of robbing residents in broad daylight by hiking service fees without delivering basic amenities in spite of paying parking fees, water bills, and tollgate fees among others, a residents lobby group said. Addressing a press conference in Harare, the  Chairman of Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and…

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MSF caring for the world’s most vulnerable amid a pandemic

COVID-19 has affected millions all over the world. Like many other organisations responding to the pandemic, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is faced with challenges—from the global shortage of PPEs to lack of transportation. Despite these obstacles, MSF finds ways to care for the most vulnerable: children, refugees, people living with HIV, high-risk groups, and more….

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Nine arrested over Penhalonga underground gold heist

Staff Writer Nine men have been arrested over a Penhalonga underground gold ore heist.  Innocent Chinonzwa, 39, Lovemore Chinonzwa, 37, Maxwell Masamvu, 39, Bright Mabonore, 40, John Mbeu, 42, Wiskes Kovhiwa, 32, Marlon Maringa, 28, Wellington Moyo, 35, and Terrence Mukodza, 34, were not asked to plead when they were arraigned before a Mutare magistrate…

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President Mnangagwa declares the 15th of June National Day of prayer

By Anyway Yotamu President  Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the 15th of June 2020 as the Presidential National Day of Prayer and Fasting. Addressing journalists at Statehouse in Harare, President Mnangagwa emphasized the need to continue abiding by the COVID-19 regulations while at the same time resorting to prayer and fasting so as to conquer the…

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ZHRC insight on the education sector’s preparedness to re-open schools during COVID-19

By Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission Introduction and background The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) is mandated to monitor the observance of human rights and freedoms by Section 243 (1) (c) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No.20) Act 2013. According to the Principles relating to the Status of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) (Paris Principles,…

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COVID-19: ECOZI feels learners with disabilities are disenfranchised

The Education Coalition of Zimbabwe (ECOZI) said it appreciates the initiatives being taken by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MOPSE) in ensuring continuous learning during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the steps being taken towards re-opening of schools but feels learners with disabilities are being left behind.   The coalition applauded the…

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Judicial Service Commission marks 10th anniversary

By Anyway Yotamu Judicial Service Commission (JCS) yesterday celebrated 10 years of existence, since formation as well as the Open day under the theme “Transparency and accountability.” Addressing journalists in Harare to mark the day, Head of Corporate Communication Affairs in the Judicial Service Commission, Ms. Rumbidzai Takawira said the Open Day is a reflection of…

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COVID-19: The Decline of Global Remittances Puts Rural Families at Risk

By Pedro de Vasconcelos The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the loss of millions of jobs in the developed and developing world. Migrant workers are among the most directly affected. They work in economic sectors adversely impacted by the economic slowdown such as construction, the hospitality industry, tourism, food, agribusinesses, transport…

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POTRAZ Director-General Gift Machengete Trial Postponed To Next Week

The ICT sector is dependent on economic performance: POTRAZ

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (POTRAZ) has said the performance of the sector continues to be dependent on the economic environment. In his statement on the sector performance report for the first quarter of 2020, Dr. Gift Machengete, the POTRAZ Director-General said the economic environment impacts the sector through service demand and consumption levels,…

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World leaders make historic commitments to providing equal access to vaccines for all

World leaders have pledged an additional US$ 8.8 billion for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, far exceeding the target of US$ 7.4 billion. The funding will help immunise 300 million more children in the world’s poorest countries against diseases like measles, polio and diphtheria by the end of 2025. It will also support health systems to…

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The power of clear role definition in African food systems

By Charles Dhewa COVID-19 has revealed the importance of understanding the roles of different actors in Africa’s food systems. When roles and responsibilities are unclear, smallholder farmers are exposed to conmen.  For instance, in Zimbabwe farmers are losing produce to unregistered buyers. The situation would be better if all buyers were registered and the trading…

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ZimTrade targets raising US$14 billion from regional and international markets

By Anyway Yotamu ZimTrade is working towards increasing export promotion activities in regional and international markets as a way of meeting the National Export Strategy (NES) target of US$14 billion by 2030. Speaking with this publication, ZimTrade Chief Executive Officer Mr. Allan Majuru said his organisation is at the core of implementing the National Export…

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African Risk Capacity Conference of Parties (CoP) Elects a New Director-General

The Conference of Parties (CoP) of the African Risk Capacity (ARC) has elected Mr. Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, of the Republic of Senegal as the new ARC Group Director-General, for a term of four (4) years. The election of Mr. Diong, which was ‘without objection’ from all the Members, was consistent with provisions of the Procedure for…

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Ecocash Online Self-service portal hailed for its convenience

Ecocash’s online self-service portal allows its agents, merchants, billers, bulk payers, and payroll channel partners to submit their applications online without the need to physically visit Econet shops or offices to be served. The self-service portal, which is open to existing and prospective channel partners, allows them to register on an online portal, submit their…

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Boost for Zimbabwe students, learners as Cassava Edutech launches Akello E-library

Cassava Edutech has launched the Akello E-library, an online library platform offering hundreds of school curriculum books that are set to strengthen Zimbabwe’s education sector by providing learners, students and teachers with easy access to a wide variety of Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) prescribed text books in schools. “We are introducing the Akello E-Library…

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Zimnat hosts online cocktail party for clients

Zimnat has found an innovative way to interact with and entertain its clients during the Covid‑19 lockdown, by holding online cocktail parties, which it has branded Gungano/Umhlangano Online Cocktail Parties. The first of these was held on Friday for Zimnat Life Assurance corporate customers. More will be held in the coming weeks. Invitations to attend…

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Autonomous Delivery Robots – Demand Is Skyrocketing During The COVID-19 Pandemic

By Bernard Marr One thing that the novel coronavirus COVID-19 did for all of us was to push us outside comfort zones and to adapt to new ways of working and living no matter how resistant we might be. From enabling telecommuting for workers who hadn’t done so prior to tackling video conferencing, we expanded…

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Completion of major roads projects remains a priority: Minister Matiza

By Anyway Yotamu The Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Joel Biggie Matiza has toured the Bulawayo-Nkayi and Bulawayo-Tsholotsho road rehabilitation projects, where he expressed the government’s commitment to complete all major road projects despite the COVID-19 setback. Minister Matiza said completion of all road projects remains a major priority in line with achieving vision…

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All the Things in Digital Health You’ve Missed During COVID-19

By Bertalan Meskó, MD, PhD Director of The Medical Futurist Institute (Keynote Speaker, Author & Futurist) It’s been enough for a bit, isn’t it? For three months now, there has been little space in the world for any other kind of news. That is, news without the word ‘coronavirus’. But there was innovation, there is excitement…

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2020 World Environment Day: Time For Nature

By Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) joins several countries around the globe in commemorating the World Environment Day. As a public interest environmental law organization seeking  to promote environmental justice, sustainable and equitable use of natural resources, democracy and good governance in the natural resources and environment sector we note…

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Virtual Launch of the Internet of Good Things (IoGT) welcomed

UNICEF, in partnership with Econet Wireless and ZiFM Stereo is launching The Internet of Good Things (IoGT) through a virtual live music show featuring Jah Prayzah, Gemma Griffiths, Tamy Moyo, Long John, Nutty O and Asaph. The event will be aired live on ZiFM Radio as well as streamed through ZiFM, UNICEF Zimbabwe and Econet Wireless Facebook…

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