The OPEC Fund approves US$20m for SMEs in East Africa

The bank is expanding its resource mobilization activities to meet the growing financing needs of SMEs he OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) (www.OPECFund.org) has signed a US$20 million term loan in favor of East African Development Bank (EADB). EADB will use the loan to support small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) and infrastructure…

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African Risk Capacity Limited, Pula to Deliver Best-in-Class Agric Index Insurance

The African Risk Capacity Limited (ARC Ltd), the commercial subsidiary of African Risk Capacity Group (ARC Group), has announced a partnership agreement with Pula to deliver best-in-class agriculture index insurance products to protect African farmers from climatic risks. Every farming season, African farmers are exposed to a wide range of climate risks including drought, excessive rainfall, pests…

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COVID-19: ECOZI clarifies expectations on the re-opening of schools

The Education Coalition of Zimbabwe (ECOZI) applauded the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education on the Phased Reopening of Schools and called for the protection of learners against the COVID-9 pandemic during the writing of ZIMSEC Examinations. “We commend the government’s bold stance on the reopening of schools on the 28th of September 2020 and…

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Slow pace of search, rescue and recovery efforts for trapped Task Mine artisanal miners disturbing

By Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) notes with concern the slow and poorly coordinated search, rescue or recovery efforts of five artisanal miners trapped underground at Task Mine in Chegutu. This disaster follows several others in the last two years that claimed lives of those trying to eke a living…

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COVID-19: UNFPA, partners solicit for access to contraceptives for women and girls

In the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic and on World Contraception Day, the UN’s reproductive health and rights agency – the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and partners have called for greater efforts to ensure access to contraceptives for women and girls of reproductive age. This is towards “Zero unmet Need for Contraception” even…

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Fastjet resumes flight services in Zimbabwe

As Zimbabwe relaxed the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and opened up flights and other tourism services, Fastjet has resumed its domestic flights in Zimbabwe. This reporter witnessed a remarkable improvement in security at the Robert Mugabe and the Joshua Nkomo International Airports in as far as COVID-19 preventive measures are concerned. Mr. Felix Nyangani, the Head…

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Afreximbank recognized for its role in promoting intra-African trade

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has been awarded the 2020 Africa-America Institute (AAI) ‘International Institution of Excellence Award’, during the Institute’s 36th Awards Virtual Awards Gala. Becoming the first organization to receive the award in the history of the institute since its establishment in 1953, Afreximbank was honored this award for its commitment to the creation and implementation of…

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ICT bridging the digital divide in coping with COVID-19

As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, bridging the digital divide for the 3.6 billion people who remain off-line worldwide is being made possible through information communication technology, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services has said. Dr. Muswere made the remarks at the official opening of the Sadza Community…

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US government committed to improving Zimbabwe’s health sector

By Anyway Yotamu The United States of America through USAID has announced that it is fully committed to improving the country’s health sector which is on its knees. The challenges in the health sector are due to shortages of much-needed equipment in hospitals and the deteriorating economic hardships precipitated by the outbreak of the COVID-19…

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ZPBA, Agritex driving Pfumvudza/Intwasa program

The Zimbabwe Plant Breeders Association (ZPBA) and Agritex are promoting the “Good Quality Climate Smart Seeds and Blitz Soil Conditioning under the famous Pfumvudza/Intwasa Demonstration” program being spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture. On 17 September 2020, the Zimbabwe Plant Breeders Association (ZPBA) and AGRITEX hosted a field demonstration event in Ward 4, Mhondoro District….

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City of Harare, Pokugara Properties up for perjury

By Anyway Yotamu Embattled Harare Town Clerk Hosiah  Chisango, representing the City of Harare has been jointly arraigned before the Magistrates Court together with Michael John Van Blerk representing Pokugara Properties (PVT) LTD facing fresh criminal charges of perjury. According to the summons, the two are to appear in court on the 28th of September…

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First anniversary: Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator program entrenching financial independence

One year ago (24 September 2019), there was a commitment to educating and empowering ten million women entrepreneurs over the next ten years through the Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator (WEA). The WEA began to lay the groundwork for a systemic transformation to break down the barriers keeping women from achieving financial independence and contributing to a…

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Rugby Africa Concludes Biggest Solidarity Campaign in its History

COVID-19 relief campaign supported 31 member unions through a dedicated solidarity fund In June Rugby Africa (http://www.RugbyAfrique.com) announced the immediate release of EUR 170,000.00 from a solidarity fund for its member unions. The Rugby Africa Executive Committee had initiated the relief campaign given the current health crisis and the immediate impact it had on the…

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Fitch affirms Afreximbank’s BBB-credit rating

Credit ratings agency highlights strong solvency and liquidity, bolstered by ongoing and expected capital increases The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) announces that Fitch Ratings has affirmed the Bank’s long-term Issuer Default Ratings (IDR) at ‘BBB-‘ with a stable outlook. The agency also affirmed the Bank’s Short-Term IDR at ‘F3’ and senior unsecured debt at ‘BBB-‘. Fitch highlighted…

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Innovating against COVID-19: Two Zimbabweans feature in UNDP Africa’s special online magazine

On the 22nd of September 2020, the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa, released a special edition of an online magazine showcasing how 50 young Africans are resourcefully helping fight the COVID19 Pandemic. The magazine – dubbed Africa Innovates, is timely as the world grapples with a response and recovery to a global pandemic. Africa Innovates…

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ZCTU mobilizes international support for the workers of Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has mobilized international support for the workers of Zimbabwe who continue to bear the brunt of a free-falling economy, neoliberal policies, and a battered local currency. In its solidarity message today, the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) said it appreciates the support of trade unions from across the…

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UN Secretary-General Outlines Development Measures For Landlocked Developing Countries

United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres has noted that landlocked developing countries face a myriad of challenges but emphasised that there is a ray of hope for overcoming them through a raft of measures he proposed through his office and UN partners worldwide. Below, Spiked Online Media shares the UN Secretary-General’s remarks at a meeting…

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Mike Bloomberg to deliver keynote address at Summit on Tobacco Control in May 2021

Mike Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and Bloomberg LP, three-term Mayor of New York City, has been announced as a keynote speaker at the inaugural Leadership Summit on Tobacco Control, to be held virtually from May 6-7 2021. Bloomberg will be joined at the event by heads of state and national and subnational governments, prominent global…

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Afreximbank appoints new Director of Syndications and Agency

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced the appointment of Mr. Constantin von Moltke as Director of Syndications and Agency. Prior to this appointment, Mr. von Moltke had been serving as the Head of Syndicated Loans at Afreximbank, having joined in 2016. He has more than 20 years’ experience in structured finance, including over 15…

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Policy gaps give rise to a mining dispute in Matobo

By Habakkuk Trust The gaps within the legislative framework governing the natural resources sector particularly gold mining have given rise to conflicts in mineral-rich areas.  Recently in Domboshava village in Matobo Ward 17, a mining dispute erupted after a group of miners reportedly invaded a protected area to prospect for gold. The miners were in…

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Environmental issues must be taken seriously to achieve vision 2030: Stakeholders

By Anyway Yotamu Zimbabwe is a low-income country whose economy and livelihoods depend hugely on natural resources with an ambition to leapfrog it to a middle-income economy by 2030. The backbone sectors namely mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism rely heavily on forest, land, and water resources for inputs to the production of goods and services….

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Review of the Book “Becoming A Person of Impact: The Six-Pack Approach”

Book Review By Lovemore Chazingwa Author: Kudzanai Vere Title: Becoming A Person of Impact: The Six-Pack Approach Publisher: Transformational Mindset Institute ISBN: 9781779250957 Published: April 2020 Category: Transformative The publication is a piece pregnant with ingredients of a modern mind transcending spaces that were previously reserved for the elite and privileged. The title Becoming A…

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Mauritania: African Development Bank extends $2.1 million for Disaster Risk Financing

The Bank is extending the funding under its Africa Disaster Risk Financing (ADRIFI) program to enable the country to take out a drought risk index-based insurance policy The African Development Bank’s (www.AfDB.org) Board on Wednesday approved a grant of $2.1 million to boost the country’s resilience against climate-related shocks and food insecurity. The funds, sourced…

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Power Giants company donates to Mufakose community

By Sowell Chikwari (Lifestyle Reporter) SCORES of touts, rank marshals, and vulnerable members of the Mufakose community last Friday received food hampers as well as essential Covid-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) to mitigate the effects of the lethal virus, courtesy of regional power utility firm, Power Giants Private Limited. Titled “Power Giants Mahwindi Covid-19 Relief…

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The Power of Embracing A Positive Mental Attitude

By Timothy Mutizwa (Motivational Speaker and Leadership Coach) Life sometimes hits your face with hard rocks, swallowing all the hopes for your tomorrow. You get frustrated, discouraged, and depressed yet solving nothing but here is the tried and working formula for all these torrential problems – Positive Mental Attitudes. Exploring into my story, I would…

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Mauritius: AfDB approves emergency relief to boost clean-up of marine oil spill

Funding, to be sourced from the Special Relief Fund, will complement ongoing activities by the government of Mauritius, development partners, and other actors The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) on Wednesday approved a $500,000 emergency assistance grant to support internationalrecovery efforts after a significant oil spill earlier this year off the coast…

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Demanding a people-centred post-COVID-19 recovery plan

Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) This week’s instalment is on the clarion call for a people centred post-COVID-19 recovery plan. It is based on the speech by the Southern African People’s Solidarity Secretary General (SG), Janet Zhou that was delivered to the Society Talks: CSOs and outcomes from SADC People and Youth Summits…

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Natural products are older than writing and agriculture

By Wellington Zimbowa For a former primary school teacher turned into a beauty and skin wellness specialist, entrepreneur, and development practitioner, ‘nurturing’  is perhaps the core of Providence Moyo’s fate on mother earth! Looking back over the years, Providence doesn’t regret about the comfort of her previous job in Bulawayo to start a company, Divine…

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Zimbabwe: Nurses lay foundation for better chronic disease management

Angela Makamure (Press Officer, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Southern Africa) In Zimbabwe, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are estimated to account for 31% of total deaths, with diabetes, hypertension, and asthma as the main killers.  The country has been facing a number of challenges that have resulted in the deterioration of many facets of daily life, most…

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Illicit Gold Trade Thrives with Impunity in the Democratic Republic of Congo

New report exposes how known traders and exporters are circumventing legal channels and pocketing massive profits from smuggled artisanal DRC gold MPACT’s (https://IMPACTTransform.org/en/) newest report reveals how the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) illicit gold trade continues to thrive despite efforts to clean up the sector. Traders and exporters who are legally registered in the…

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African Energy Chamber Outlines Post-COVID-19 Energy Roadmap in New Book

The book will contain data, insight, analysis and interviews, and will assess risks, opportunities and what is ahead for the African energy sector The African Energy Chamber will launch the book “African Energy Road to Recovery: How the African energy industry can reshape itself for a post-COVID comeback” in December; The book will contain data,…

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Global Center on Adaptation sets up regional home at the African Development Bank

Hosted by the African Development Bank at its headquarters in the Ivorian commercial capital, Abidjan, GCA Africa will work with partners across the continent African leaders welcomed the opening of a regional office of the Global Center on Adaptation on Wednesday, voicing hopes it will spur the continent’s efforts to combat climate change. In speeches…

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200,000 Members of International Church Hold Virtual Prayer Service for Covid-19

After its initial outbreak with a cluster of pneumonia cases at seafood, poultry, and live wildlife market in Wuhan City, China, Covid-19 has spread rapidly across the globe. The virus has hammered economies worldwide and brought devastation to many. On 16 September Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a church with thousands of members in various countries,…

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BancABC launches City Hopper – A domestic remittance service

BancABC Zimbabwe, the local banking subsidiary of Pan African group, Atlas Mara has today launched the City Hopper Service, a smart local remittance service which allows customers to send foreign currency between cities throughout Zimbabwe instantly and safely .The service is available at all 18 BancABC branches countrywide and through the BancABC kiosks in Pick…

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ICTs promote growth and development within the constituencies: Dr. Jenfan Muswere

Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services has said improved access to ICTs, will not only promote growth and development within the constituencies but will also have spillover benefits on the overall growth and development of Zimbabwe. Dr. Muswere made the statement on the occasion of the Chatumbama Base…

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First Lady salutes mothers of children with disabilities

By Anyway Yotamu Mothers of children with disabilities in Harare Metropolitan Province shared their experiences of caring for them and how to handle the stigma from members of communities in which they live. This comes as Angel of Hope Foundation led by its Patron, First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, has partnered relevant organisations to seek ways…

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International tourist numbers drop by 65 percent during COVID-19 pandemic: UNWTO.

By Anyway Yotamu International tourist arrivals plunged 93% in June when compared to 2019 owing to the severe impact of coronavirus to the tourism sector, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has said. The latest data from UNWTO’s World Tourism Barometer shows that international tourist arrivals dropped by 65% in the first half of…

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