Sanitary and phytosanitary systems in Africa still far from what is desired, emphasises biennial CAADP report

None of the 49 member states that have submitted their respective reports on their sanitary and phytosanitary (SF) systems are on track to reach the 100 percent target, according to the biennial report of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).   However, the document points out that 15 of these countries, representing thirty-one percent…

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Unpacking the theme of the 2024 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

Theme: Cultivating Prosperity: Growing Business, Innovating for Change, Nurturing our Future     Cultivating Prosperity: In agriculture, cultivating prosperity means creating conditions that support the economic growth and success of farmers and agricultural businesses. It involves providing farmers with access to resources, knowledge, and technology to increase productivity, improve market access, and enhance profitability. This…

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Nyasha Nhau articulates benefits of the Commonwealth Disability Inclusion Action Plan

The African Union Disability Council (ADC) Ambassador, Nyasha Nhau on Tuesday attended a Commonwealth Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) steering committee meeting where he is mandated with the task of engaging all the 19 Commonwealth countries in Africa, mobilizing them to support the adoption of the DIAP at the Commonwealth Heads Of Governments Meeting (CHOGM)…

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Dr T. Muzamhindo hands over his book to Professor Charity Manyeruke, Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Rwanda

Muzamhindo Takes Growth Transformative Strategy to Rwanda

Writes Alfred Mazungunye In the vibrant landscape of Zimbabwe’s economic development, one figure stands tall in the pursuit of national progress: Dr. Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo, the dynamic CEO of the Zimbabwe Institute of Strategic Thinking (ZIST). His relentless commitment to promoting and advancing Zimbabwe’s interests is not just commendable; it is transformative. Dr. Muzamhindo has…

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Dr. Andrew Matibiri paints optimism for the 114th Edition of Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

Dr. Andrew Matibiri, the Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS), has revived optimism for the success of the 114th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show to be held from 26 to 31 August 2024 in Harare. Under his leadership, the show has continued to grow and evolve, showcasing the latest developments and…

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Professor Smelly Dube and Dr. Mncedisi Dube among Top 100 Influential Global Voices 2024 awardees

Group Chief Executive Officer of River Properties, Professor Smelly Dube and the Chairman of the conglomerate Dr. Mncedisi Dube have been honoured and granted accolades to join the outstanding personalities for this year’s top 100 Influential Global Voices 2024. The development comes barely six months after the United Kingdom-based global institution, El-Roi London University, selected…

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Innovative farming solutions reduce human-wildlife conflict in the Southeast Lowveld

The Thematic Committee on Climate Change visited local farmers in Southeast Lowveld yesterday to explore an innovative solution to the pressing issue of human-wildlife conflict.   The farmers have devised a method using chilies to create smoke blocks, which are used to safely and effectively scare away elephants. This practice significantly reduces the risk of…

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Africa’s Food Systems Forum 2024 attracts over 5,000 stakeholders globally

Own Correspondent Africa’s Food Systems Forum 2024 is set to convene over 5,000 stakeholders from across Africa and internationally. The Annual summit to be hosted in Kigali, Rwanda aims to accelerate food systems transformation with youth and women at the helm a key focus. World leaders, innovators, academia, development agencies, farmers’ organizations, and the private…

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SADC Delegates Laud Technological Marvel at Dinson Iron and Steel Company Plant

Delegates from various Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries and local officials toured the Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) in Mvuma last week, marking the conclusion of the 44th SADC Industrialization Week.   The visit showcased Africa’s largest steel plant which recently started producing steel billets at its plant and highlighted technological and innovative…

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Karoi Pool Association fights drugs abuse

Writes Nhau Mangirazi KAROI – The Karoi Pool Association (KPA) is making strides in fighting criminal vices affecting communities including drugs and substance abuse. They have managed to lure players including the youth so that they remain occupied during weekdays and weekends when competitions are being played in Karoi farming town and Hurungwe district. KPA…

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Breastfeeding mothers need family and community support in the face the current El-nino induced drought

Community Working Group on Health (CWGH)   As the world celebrates World Breastfeeding Week, the Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) would like to urge families and communities to offer maximum support to breastfeeding mothers around the country, particularly in the context of the current drought that has led to serious food shortages.   Running…

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Muzorewa Urges the Government to Utilise SADC Summits for Re-engagement

In a recent statement read on his behalf by his Vice President, Pekezela Nyathi, the President of the United African National Council (UANC), Rev. Gwinyai Muzorewa, emphasized the critical importance of Zimbabwe leveraging the upcoming SADC Summit as a pivotal opportunity for re-engagement with other nations and for revitalizing its economy. “Hosting the SADC Summit…

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Afreximbank supports Angolan partners to drive industrialisation and boost food security

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank or “The Bank”) (www.Afreximbank.com) and Amufert SA announced that they have signed terms for a USD 1.4 Billion facility to support the establishment of a fertilizer plant in Angola.  Afreximbank is arranging the required debt funding in its capacity as Mandated Lead Arranger and is also supporting the equity raise as…

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Bridging the price gap in Zim’s tobacco industry: A necessity for equitable growth

Writes Innocent Mujeri   It is imperative to confront the glaring price disparities that have long plagued the tobacco industry in Zimbabwe. These disparities, particularly between auction and contract prices, have consistently disadvantaged small-scale farmers. Addressing these issues is not merely about fairness; it is about ensuring the sustainability and prosperity of the entire sector….

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Africa Smart Cities Congress to steer the trajectory of urban development on the continent

The Africa Smart Cities Congress (ASCC) slated for the 17th to the 19th of October 2024 at the Conference Hall of Bingu International Conference Center (BICC), Lilongwe, Malawi transcends the realm of a mere congress since it stands as a transformative juggernaut, steering the trajectory of urban development in Africa.   In an interview with…

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Structured Industrialisation Policies: Paving the Way Towards Vision 2030

Writes Dr. Tinashe Muzamhindo The recently concluded Southern African Development Community (SADC) Industrialization Week (SIW) marked a significant milestone in the region’s journey towards economic transformation. This annual event celebrated with vigor and enthusiasm, brought together stakeholders to discuss strategies for fostering intra-African trade, developing cross-border value chains, and identifying investment opportunities through public-private partnerships….

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TRM youth, Chitungwiza Municipality in joint clean up campaign

Writes Marlvin Ngiza  In response to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s declaration for a Clean-Up Campaign every first Friday of every month, youth affiliated with Teen Rescue Mission (TRM) in partnership with the Chitungwiza Municipality yesterday participated in the noble cause. The clean-up exercise covered areas which include St Mary’s Police to Unit O main Chitungwiza Road….

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Kadoma City Mayor Ruzario emphasises importance of stakeholder collaboration

Writes Thomas Faranando On the sidelines of a strategic meeting with stakeholders at a local hotel on Friday, Kadoma City Mayor, Nigel Ruzario highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts in driving the city’s development. He stressed that stakeholder engagement is crucial for the growth and progress of Kadoma, the only city in Mashonaland West province…

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Women urged to embrace agro-ecology to fight patriarchy

Writes Lloyd Rabaya  Women have been urged to embrace agroecology for empowerment to fight against the patriarchal nature in the Southern African region. This came out this week at the inaugural Regional Agroecology Conference which ended yesterday in Harare. Speaking at the conference, Dr. Jo Abbort, deputy ambassador of the United Kingdom Embassy said despite…

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Cleaning the environment has become a part of NetOne’s DNA

NetOne, the leading telecom company, today took a significant step towards environmental stewardship by actively participating in the National Clean-up Day in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT and Ministry of Mines and many other stakeholders. This joint initiative aimed to tackle environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices within the community. By aligning efforts with…

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Zimbabwe leads in implementation of Malabo Declaration for Youth Empowerment initiatives

Zimbabwe has emerged as a trailblazer in the implementation of the Malabo Declaration, a landmark agreement that prioritizes youth employment and empowerment through the agricultural sector. The Malabo Declaration, adopted by the African Union in 2014, calls for African countries to prioritize agricultural development and create opportunities for young people in this vital industry. At…

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IACO adopts coffee as a strategic commodity under the AU Agenda 2063

A press conference was held on Thursday, August 1st, 2024, at the Eilly International Hotel in Addis Ababa to officially announce the outcome of the G25 Kampala Declaration. This declaration, unanimously adopted by the AU Heads of State, “includes coffee as a strategic commodity in the AU Agenda 2063 and the inclusion of the Inter-African…

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Pan-African Parliament Commits to Advancing Women’s and Girls’ Rights and Empowerment

In line with its resolve to represent the voices of the people towards achieving the Africa we want, the Pan-African Parliament has embarked on a series of consultations that highlight the challenges African women have overcome and continue to face, while also celebrating their achievements and resilience. On the occasion of Pan African Women’s Day,…

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Lifeline for 300 Families: Bindamombe Irrigation Scheme Revitalised

Writes Pylaia Chembe, UNDP Zimbabwe Communications Assistant In Ward 18, Chivi district, Masvingo Province, a newly revitalized irrigation scheme is poised to transform the food security narrative of 300 families in its community. The 34-ha Bindamombe Irrigation Scheme has been climate-proofed through a partnership between the Green Climate Fund, the Government of Zimbabwe, and the…

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Agribusiness: Entrepreneurship, education, and innovative skills address unemployment in Africa

There is a need to develop the capacity to innovate, recognize, and create opportunities by encouraging African universities to transition from the first and second university missions of teaching and doing basic/fundamental research to the third mission of contributing to economic development by applying research findings in business practices in pursuit of creating employment opportunities…

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Youth in agribusiness embrace AfCFTA’s potential in boosting trade

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a transformative opportunity for the continent, particularly in the agricultural sector. The Consortium of African Youth in Agriculture and Climate Change (CAYACC), and with the support of its esteemed partners—AUC, AUDA-NEPAD, AGRA, USAID POLICY LINK, FAO, WFP, GRZ, and GIZ— are keenly aware of the potential that…

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Zimbabwe takes significant steps to prioritise youth empowerment in agribusiness

 The Government of Zimbabwe has taken significant steps to prioritise youth empowerment and mainstream youth in national development, particularly through the uptake of agribusiness initiatives for young people. This was said by Nickros Kajengo, the Chief Programmes Coordinator, Agricultural Youth Desk, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, who is also the Head…

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Involving young people in agribusiness spurs the African Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment

To give substance to the commitments made under the Malabo Declaration regarding the development of African youth, the African Union has developed several policies and frameworks including the African Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment (APAYE) 2019- 2024 – an instrument to galvanize youth development stakeholders. These sentiments were expressed by Mukulia Kennedy, the Principal…

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Sanyati District launches a zero waste movement

Writes Chimeno Azriel To reduce consumption and waste generation, last Monday Sanyati District launched the Zero Waste Movement Chapter so that it minimizes waste and promotes sustainable living practices.   The Zero Waste Movement Sanyati chapter was launched by Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Marian Chomb.   The Movement…

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Plant health risk management crucial for Africa’s economy: Commissioner Josefa Sacko

The management of risks related to plant health is crucial for Africa’s economy and remains a pressing and urgent challenge, AU Commissioner Josefa Correia Sacko said today in Addis Ababa.   The diplomat made these remarks while speaking at the launch of the phytosanitary strategy for Africa (2022-2036), which addresses the adoption and promotion of…

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MIASA joins Critical Minerals Africa as SADC partners

Public and private sector entities across Southern Africa’s mining sector are intensifying cooperation to enhance the critical mineral value chain for economic growth. In July 2024, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Botswana signed an agreement (http://apo-opa.co/3LIS6Z6) to upgrade an existing railway line linking the three countries and to build a new line and a deep-water port in…

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How can African markets be modernised without losing flavour and identity?

Writes Charles Dhewa   By pulling commodities from diverse production zones, African territorial mass markets have become genuine centres of excellence in food systems where a question about any food commodity receives answers from farmers, traders and consumers who interact in the same space. However, the pace at which these markets are growing calls for…

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Post Malabo Framework to shape Food Systems landscape in Africa

The Post Malabo Framework is going to shape the Food Systems landscape for Africa for the next 10 years, Mrs. Estherine Fotabong, the Director of Agriculture, Food Security and Environmental Sustainability of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) has said.   She said so in her concluding remarks for the Validation Workshop for the Post-Malabo…

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AUC, AGRA Host African Agribusiness Youth Strategy Dialogue

The African Union Commission (AUC), in collaboration with the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), will be hosting the Agribusiness Youth Strategy (AAYS) Regional Dialogues on Harmonization, Domestication, and Implementation for the Southern Africa Region in Lilongwe, Malawi from 1 to 2 August 2024.   Speaking to this publication ahead of the workshop in…

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SADC Conference reignites investment culture for economic development

The Investment Conference held today during the 7th SADC Industralisation Week reignites the spirit of investment to spur domestic and regional economic development.   This is the first-ever SADC Investment Conference, a prelude to the 44th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government which shall be running under the theme: “Promoting Innovation to…

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Premier real estate investment conference set for August

Affordable finance, sustainability, and diversification will be among the key issues to be discussed at ZimReal 2024 on August 28th in Harare.   Zimbabwe’s premium real estate and property investment conference will bring together local and regional property developers, investors, public sector officials, and asset managers.   Leading real estate company, WestProp, is once again the…

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Shakhboot bin Nahyan participates in meeting on Sudan held in Djibout

DJIBOUTI, Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, participated in the Mediators Planning Retreat on Sudan, held in Djibouti, with the participation of 32 countries as well as regional and international organisations. During the meeting, participants discussed international initiatives and efforts aimed at establishing peace in Sudan and developing a collective vision. Sheikh…

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Government urged to stop giving tenders to incompetent companies

Writes Lloyd Rabaya  The government has been urged to consider blacklisting companies that fail to deliver on their agreed terms to protect the public interest and ensure uninterrupted service delivery. This came out this week when the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) hosted their analysis of the Officer of the Auditor Generals (OAG)…

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The Industrial Revolution in Morocco under the Reign of King Mohammed VI

Dr. Najib SOMOUE (Economist and Financial Analyst)   Since ascending to the throne, His Majesty King Mohammed VI has adeptly adapted the Kingdom’s economic strategies to fluctuations in international relations and the specifics of the national economy. The economic transition models initiated by the King have always been grounded in solid foundations, reflecting a deep…

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Sowing Seeds of Change: Pastors Turn to Horticulture to Empower Community

Writes Thomas Faranando In a bold move, two pastors in Kadoma have traded in their pulpits for plows, venturing into horticulture to empower their community and challenge the status quo. Their innovative approach has sparked admiration and inspired others to follow suit. Pastor Chinyemba of Great Commission Church and Overseer Pingama of Pentecostal Assembly of…

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UN Gastronomy Tourism for Africa: NetOne offers ubiquitous, uninterrupted mobile telephony services

Mobile telephony giant, Netone Pvt Ltd, ensured that delegates at the UN Gastronomy Tourism for Africa Conference in the resort city of Victoria Falls accessed ubiquitous, uninterrupted connectivity.   The company offered a diamond sponsorship package which demonstrated its commitment to supporting national initiatives by connecting thousands of delegates and promoting digital economy and cultural…

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CAADP embraces inclusivity and resilience in food systems

Africa’s food systems face multiple shocks and stressors hence the need to embrace resilience and inclusivity in implementing the Post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).   In his presentation representing the thematic working group on ‘Enhancing Resilience of Livelihoods and Agri-food Systems to Shocks’ during the ongoing CAADP Validation Workshop for Technical Working Groups…

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