Artisanal miners ravage the environment in Banket

Writes Elvis Dumba  Banket – Concerned residents of Banket have raised alarm over the devastating impact of artisanal mining on the environment, with authorities accused of turning a blind eye to the destruction. Artisanal mining has become a significant threat to Zimbabwe’s environment, with many miners operating outside ecological rules, leaving hazardous pits and toxic…

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Old Mutual Zimbabwe launches Renewable Energy Fund to drive sustainable development

Old Mutual Zimbabwe has launched the Old Mutual Renewable Energy Fund, a private equity fund dedicated to fostering renewable energy investments in the country.   The fund is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission with Old Mutual, the Government of Zimbabwe, and various UN agencies as its key initial investors.   The Old Mutual…

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Integrate digital literacy in education: PAP Speakers of Parliaments

The 12th Annual Conference of Speakers of African National and Regional Parliaments, which brings together heads of legislative organs from across the continent, kicked off at the precincts of the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand, South Africa, amidst calls for Africa to integrate digital literacy in its education curricula and implement effective policies that enhance the…

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Renewable Energy Fund ensures sustainable and prosperous future for Zimbabwe

His Excellency Mr. Edward Kallon, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator has said the launch of the Renewable Energy Fund was a significant milestone for Zimbabwe’s journey toward a sustainable and prosperous future.   He made the remarks at the launch of the Renewable Energy Fund on 20 September 2024 at the Old Mutual…

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Just Transition: Resolving Climate Debt Critical for Sustainable Development in Southern Africa

Byron Adonis Mutingwende   As Southern Africa faces escalating climate challenges, the urgency for enhanced climate finance in 2024 has never been more critical. With increasing temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and extreme weather events, the region is at a pivotal moment where proactive measures can shape its future.   Southern Africa is uniquely vulnerable to climate…

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Abandon harmful cultural, religious practices to curb HIV: Traditional leaders

Writes Admore Mbonda  Traditional leaders in Mashonaland Central are playing a leading role in fighting new HIV infections by urging their subjects to quit harmful traditional and religious practices. With eight administrative districts, Mashonaland Central has an estimated 110,000 people living with HIV, 70% of them being children. Chief Bushu, born Gracious Mukanwa, of Shamva…

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EcoCash launches loyalty programme for customers

EcoCash has launched a customer loyalty campaign called “EcoCash Gives You More” in which the leading mobile financial services platform in Zimbabwe positions itself to enhance customer engagement and boost the value it offers to its users. The loyalty campaign, which kicked off last Friday (September 13, 2024) will run until November 17, 2024. It…

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Zimbabwe to harness benefits of IAEA Scientific Forum in promoting food security

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr. Anxious Masuka has said lessons from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Scientific Forum 2024, themed ‘Atoms4Food: Better Agriculture for a Better Life’, should be harnessed to promote food and nutrition security in the country. He revealed that in a panel discussion of a…

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A New Chapter Begins: Zimbabweans head to Dr. Muzamhindo’s Vision 2030 Manual launch

Writes Alfred Mazungunye   In the realm of strategic thinking and visionary leadership, there are rare moments that stand out as transformative milestones, shaping the course of a nation’s destiny. In the next few days, mark one such momentous occasion as Dr. Tinashe Muzamhindo unveils his magnum opus, the much-anticipated book titled “Vision 2030 Manual.”…

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Industries fuelling climate crisis draining public funds in the Global South: ActionAid report

Climate-wrecking fossil fuel and industrial agriculture sectors are squeezing climate-hit countries for over US$600 billion in public subsidies every year. ActionAid’s groundbreaking new report on the corporate capture of public finance finds that climate-destructive sectors are benefiting from subsidies amounting to an average of US$677 billion in the Global South every year, money that could…

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68th IAEA Conference: Minister Masuka shares insights on improving food security

Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, shared opportunities and insights that stakeholders could utilize to improve food security.   He was speaking during the 68th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Scientific Forum being held under the theme “Atoms4Food: Better Agriculture for a Better Life”, running from 17…

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IAEA Scientific Forum 2024: How nuclear technology can help tackle global food insecurity

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Scientific Forum 2024, themed Atoms4Food: Better Agriculture for a Better Life, opened alongside the 68th IAEA General Conference, focusing on how nuclear technology can help tackle global food insecurity. With an audience of over 260 participants, including high-level speakers and ministers from various countries, the opening session was filled…

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Residents have to be widely consulted on prepaid water meters: HRT

THE Harare Residents’ Trust (HRT) has said it has been closely following the debate on the possible introduction of prepaid water meters in Harare. The local authorities, with the backing of some international financial institutions, have been warming up to the idea, but they have not done enough to ensure the consistent provision of safe,…

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Netone unveils OneBusiness package

NetOne has introduced an innovative communication solution designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses of all sizes—the OneBusiness Package. This comprehensive package offers a range of powerful features that not only enhance connectivity but also streamline business operations. From OnNet minutes and OffNet voice calls to international call minutes and a dedicated WhatsApp bundle,…

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Zimbabwe’s Climate Challenge: A Catalyst for Economic Reinvention

Writes Dr Ayodele Odusola, UNDP Zimbabwe Resident Representative   Zimbabwe stands at a pivotal moment in its development journey, facing the dual challenge of climate change and economic transformation. The recent Zimbabwe Economic Development Conference (ZEDCON) in Victoria Falls underscored the urgency of addressing these intertwined issues, highlighting both the vulnerabilities we face and the…

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The Climate Adaptation Water Energy Programme: Empowering Communities for a Sustainable Future

By: Dr. Ayodele Odusola, UNDP Resident Representative, Zimbabwe Dr. Solomon Mutambara, Project Manager Climate Adaptation, Water and Energy Programme, United Nations Development Programme Zimbabwe The Climate Adaptation Water Energy Programme (CAWEP) stands as a testament to the power of strategic intervention and community-driven development in building resilience in the face of climate change. Funded by…

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2024 Zimbabwe Economic Development Conference focuses on building resilience to climate change

In pursuit of realizing the nation’s 2030 vision to become an upper-middle-income society, the 2024 Zimbabwe Economic Development Conference in the resort city of Victoria Falls is focusing on building resilience to climate change.   The Conference is running under the theme ‘Building Resilience and Driving Economic Transformation under Climate Change’ from 14-18 September 2024…

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World Leaders Must Re-boot Global Cooperation for Today and Tomorrow

Writes António Guterres, UN Secretary-General   Final negotiations are underway in New York for this month’s Summit of the Future, where Heads of State will agree on reforms to the building blocks of global cooperation.   The United Nations has convened this unique Summit because of a stark fact: global problems are moving faster than…

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PAP MPs demand involvement in election of next Chairperson of the Africa Union Commission

Members of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) have demanded greater involvement of the Continental Legislative body in the processes leading to the election of the next Chairperson of the Africa Union Commission (AUC).   Leading the charge, Senator Danson Mungatana, leader of the Kenyan delegation to the Pan-African Parliament, stressed the need for the contestants vying…

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Kutsaga Clinches additional Double Awards in One Day!

  The Tobacco Research Board, trading as Kutsaga, continues its remarkable streak of achievements, having secured two additional prestigious awards on Saturday, 13 September 2024.   The Board’s Public Relations and Communications Officer, Mr. Tatenda Mugabe, won the highly coveted Silver Award for Best Public Relations Practitioner of 2024 at the Exceptional Marketing Awards, hosted…

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ROF upscales suicide prevention in the country

Writes Marlvin Ngiza  Suicide has become a major public health challenge, with more than 700,000 deaths each year globally, a situation which has aroused governments, individuals and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to embark on several investments and awareness initiatives towards suppressing the threat. These worrisome statistics have seen nations around the globe through the World Health…

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Econet gives away brand new residential houses in Christmas promotion

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has brought early Christmas cheer to eight winners of the company’s 2023 Christmas promotion, with each lucky customer receiving a brand-new residential house fully equipped with a home solar system and Econet Smart Home security.   The grand prize giveaway ceremony, held at Penrose Estate in Nyabira, about 30km north-west of Harare…

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Murare Car Rental drives tourism at Sanganai Hlanganani World Travel Expo 2024

Murare Car Rental is one of the exhibitors at the annual Sanganai Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in Bulawayo from 12 to 14 September 2024. The award-winning Zimbabwean mobility market leader is exhibiting its wide mobility offerings in Hall 04 at stand 105.   Zimbabwean tourism continues to grow with international and domestic visitors expressing the…

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AU defends climate-resilient agricultural practices

OWN CORRESPONDENT Cuiabá (Brazil) – African Union Commissioner Josefa Correia Sacko today defended the need for climate-resilient agricultural practices, climate information services, and agricultural insurance programmes to support farmers in Chapada dos Guimarães in central Brazil, 62 km from the city of Cuiabá, capital of the state of Mato Grosso.   Speaking at the G-20…

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Summit of the Future to build peaceful, just and inclusive societies

The Summit of the Future will enhance cooperation on critical challenges build peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, and ensure the lasting protection of the planet and its natural resources.   These were sentiments captured in the keynote address by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Dr. Frederick M. Shava, at the stakeholder…

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Global Fight to End Fossil Fuels: Protest actions across the world kick off

Today, Friday 13 September 2024, climate activists are mobilising across the globe in more than 150 events, spanning over 50 countries on all continents, calling on their governments to urgently implement a fast, fair, and funded phase-out of fossil fuels to prevent further climate catastrophe.   Wellington Madumira, the coordinator of Climate Action Network Zimbabwe…

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2024 Africa Food Systems Forum: Financing needed to boost agriculture

Hon Richard Tusabe, the Minister of State in Charge of the National Treasury for Rwanda has said there is a need to finance the agriculture sector on the African continent to ensure food and nutrition security.   He was speaking during a side event for parliamentarians that was moderated by Dr. Fatimata Lovetta Sesay, the…

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Republic of Korea contributes US$1 million to WFP’s drought response in Zimbabwe

The Word Food Programme (WFP) today welcomed a contribution of US$1 million from the Republic of Korea to meet the nutrition needs of 22,000 people adversely impacted by the El Niño-induced drought, which has exacerbated food insecurity across Zimbabwe. An estimated 5.9 million people living in rural Zimbabwe and 1.7 million in urban areas are…

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SAf-CNGO Appoints Lebogang Kenneth Mabotho as Acting Executive Director, Paving the Way for Strategic Leadership

The Southern African Council of Non-Governmental Organizations (SAf-CNGO), also known as the SADC Council of NGOs, has officially announced the appointment of Mr. Lebogang Kenneth Mabotho as the Acting Executive Director. In this role, Mr. Mabotho will provide critical oversight and direction to the organization, working closely with the secretariat and its staff to ensure…

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Zimbabwe Agriculture Resilience Symposium Highlights Urgent Need for Action Amidst Drought Challenges

In a significant gathering at the Rainbow Towers in Harare yesterday, the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development for Zimbabwe, Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka, delivered a powerful address at the Zimbabwe Agriculture Resilience Symposium and Drought Action Committee (DAC) feedback report meeting. The event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, representatives…

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2024 Africa Food Systems Forum: Youth in agribusiness Ainembazi Rodgers shares inspiring story

During the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, Spiked Online Media caught up with Ainembazi Rodgers – a male Ugandan Entrepreneur, Youth Mentor, and Agribusiness Practioner, a business incubator at expert level 1 from African Agribusiness Incubators Network.   Rodgers holds a bachelor’s degree of science in planning and community development from Mbarara…

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Fanuel Songwe appointed to the Research Ethics Advisory Committee of the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium

Dr. Fanuel Songwe, a Researcher and Lecturer in the Department of Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology of the Midlands State University from Zimbabwe has been appointed to the Research Ethics Advisory Committee of the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium.   The Africa Genetic Biocontrol Consortium (the Consortium) was established as an agreement among member organizations committed to…

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UK-Based Zimbabwean Nurse Champions Diabetes Awareness on Social Media

In an era where social media has become a powerful tool for education and advocacy, Setfree Mafukidze, a Zimbabwean nurse based in the UK, is making a significant impact by using digital platforms to raise awareness about diabetes. With a growing following, Mafukidze has reached thousands of people in Zimbabwe and beyond, helping many receive…

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2024 AFSF: Prof Lindiwe Sibanda emphasises importance of healthy soils, improved diets

Prof Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR) System Board Chairperson has said that the institution’s vision for adopted crops and soils for Africa is to build resilient agrifood systems by leveraging opportunity crops and building healthy soils to enhance agricultural resilience to climate change and improve diets.   She was…

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African ministers of agriculture urged to promote sound agri-food systems

Dr. Agnes Kalibata, the President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has urged ministers responsible for agriculture on the African continent to drive real change in the food systems in the face of climate challenges.   She raised the issue during a ministerial roundtable held on 4 September 2024 at the…

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2024 Africa Food Systems Forum sets out roadmap for improving agricultural production and productivity

The 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum has emerged as a mechanism for the implementation of various initiatives and a tool for action in pursuit of achieving improved agricultural production and productivity and attaining food and nutrition security on the continent.   This was revealed by Dr. Agnes Kalibata, the President of the Alliance for a…

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Better nutrition is a story that can change a lifetime: GAIN Executive Director

Dr. Lawrence Haddad, the Executive Director of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) has said nutrition is a story that can change a lifetime.   Speaking on the progress of food systems in Africa during the launch of the Africa Agriculture Status Report (AASR), Dr. Haddad said stakeholders on the continent have lots of…

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Investing in women in agribusiness transforms Africa’s food systems

Investing in gender-sensitive policies and regulatory frameworks that encourage investment in women agripreneurs is central to the future of agrifood systems in Africa. This was revealed by Nana Amoah, AGRA’s Director of Gender, Youth, and Inclusiveness during the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, Rwanda on Thursday 5 September 2024 during a deal room knowledge…

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UNDP and Ministry of Health Celebrate Landmark Handover of NatPharm Warehouse in Masvingo

In a significant stride towards improving healthcare delivery in Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), today commissioned the newly completed NatPharm warehouse in Masvingo. The state-of-the-art facility, which was funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria (Global Fund), is expected…

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Visa-Free travel and improved connectivity crucial for unlocking Africa’s tourism potential

The 7th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum, held on Wednesday in Gaborone, Botswana highlighted the urgent need to remove visa restrictions, reduce airfares, and enhance connectivity to unleash Africa’s vast tourism potential.   Stakeholders emphasised that these strategies, which aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), were crucial to boosting intra-Africa travel and fostering…

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Science-based V30 Accelerator model wins Zimbabwe the Africa Food Prize

Tinotenda Mhiko, the Chief Executive Officer of the Agriculture and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) has said the implementation of the revolutionary agricultural science-based  Vision 2030 (V30) accelerator model has won him the prestigious 2024 Africa Food Prize.   He was addressing journalists at a press conference at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) in Rwanda yesterday…

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ARDA CEO Tinotenda Mhiko wins the coveted Africa Food Prize

Tinotenda Mhiko, the Chief Executive Officer of the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) has won the coveted US$100,000 Africa Food Prize that celebrates Africans who are taking control of the continent’s agriculture agenda.   The prize puts a spotlight on bold initiatives and technical innovations that can be replicated across the continent to create…

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Africa Food Systems Forum: Seed Sector Performance Index (SSPI) disseminated

The 2023 Seed Sector Performance Index (SSPI) Status Report for Africa was disseminated at the African Food Systems Forum’s 2024 Summit on 2 September in Kigali, Rwanda. The SSPI is a new, single score-based measurement tool that provides “a bird’s eye view” of the health of national seed systems across the continent. The SSPI was…

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