Sub-Saharan Africa will be the world’s slowest growing region in 2021: IMF

In the April 2021 International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s Regional Economic Outlook for Sub Saharan Africa titled Navigating a Long Pandemic, it is reported that the region will be the slowest growing this year. In the Executive summary of the report, it’s noted that Sub-Saharan Africa is still contending with unprecedented health and economic crisis. In…

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Turkish Diyanet Foundation donates food hampers, boreholes to Zimbabwean communities

During this month of Ramadan, Turkey, through the Turkish Diyanet Foundation is donating food hampers and highly-mechanized, state-of-the-art boreholes to the needy people in various communities in Zimbabwe.   During the official opening of one of the more than 30 boreholes donated around the country from February 2021 to date in the Chihwiti area of…

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China smartphone shipments recovering from Covid

By Joseph Waring Smartphone shipments in China during Q1 doubled year-on-year, with 5G models accounting for a greater portion of the total, government figures showed. The China Academy of Information and Communications (CAICT) reported total shipments grew to 101. 5 percent to 96.2 million units, of which 71.3 percent were 5G compatible compared with 29.5…

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Documentary film screening for rural communities bridging the digital divide

By Habakkuk Trust Habakkuk Trust has since incorporated digital media advocacy as a tool for reaching out to remote communities with limited access to mobile networks. The media technology has enabled the screening of documentary films on natural resource benefit and access to justice for women in traditional courts in Bubi, Gwanda, Bulilima, and Nkayi…

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Drivers, conductors bear brunt of COVID-19-induced ban on kombis: ZUDAC

Mr. Fradreck Maguramhinga, the President of the Zimbabwe Union of Drivers and Conductors (ZUDAC) has bemoaned the hardships being endured by drivers and conductors of commuter omnibuses owing to their ban by the government as a temporary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19. ZUDAC is the trade union for truck, bus, kombi, and taxi…

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Public warned to stay vigilant as fraudsters target Ecocash

The public has been urged to stay vigilant against fraudsters who are wreaking havoc by targeting the most popular and efficient mobile money transfer platform, Ecocash. “EcoCash is aware of reports of fraud, where unsuspecting EcoCash customers have lost money to criminals using false identities after they harvest customers’ mobile phone numbers from social media…

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African Energy Developments Demand Sustained Investment with new projects on the continent

A recent uptick in the direct investment activities in Africa’s energy sector sheds light on the role of sustained investor interest in catalyzing socio-economic growth In the past twelve months, the African energy sector has seen several encouraging developments – in the form of both Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and strategic partnerships – that have…

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CCG supports the newly launched Rapid Response Facility: Financing Clean Energy

In preparation for COP26, the Energy Transition Council (ETC) has launched the Rapid Response Facility, an international and UK-funded initiative of £10million for 2021–2022 to support the transition away from fossil fuels towards clean energy. #CCG is a supporting partner. The RRF will assist developing countries with strategic planning, capacity building, and technical expertise to…

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Advancing harmonised travel protocols and financing tourism survival

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has again convened its Global Tourism Crisis Committee to lead the sector in harmonizing travel and health protocols and securing vital financing for businesses struggling to survive a historic crisis. The ninth meeting of the Crisis Committee advanced solutions to the biggest challenges standing in the way of international travel returning….

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Helping communities to benefit from their information and knowledge

By Charles Dhewa Marginalized communities and farmers always find it difficult to access relevant and reliable information. Their capacity to objectively assess that information is also inadequate. The situation is worse during the marketing season when information overload increases especially from different buyers competing to portray themselves as offering the best deal for unsuspecting farmers….

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Ecobank Transnational Incorporated appoints Akin Dada as Group Executive, Corporate & Investment Banking

He joined Ecobank in 2017 as the Executive Director for Corporate Bank in Nigeria, and prior to his new appointment was Group Head, Corporate Banking for the Ecobank Group Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), the parent company of the Ecobank Group (www.Ecobank.com), has announced the appointment of Akin Dada as Group Executive, Corporate and Investment Bank….

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Let’s address the menace of land barons in Harare South: Tongai Mnangagwa

Honourable Tongai Mnangagwa, the Member of the National Assembly for Harare South has said it is incumbent on stakeholders to join forces in addressing the menace of land barons in the constituency. Hon Mnangagwa made the remarks on his meet-the-people meeting at the Mbudzi complex in Harare on Friday. “The Harare South Constituency is one…

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NetOne commissions 61st base station in Matebeleland North

This Saturday the 10th of April 2021, Vice President General Retired Dr. Constantino Chiwenga commissioned Nachulwe Base Station in Binga, in a development that shows the government’s commitment to avail telecommunications infrastructure to all communities across the country. Located near Siansundu center 60 km from Binga center along Binga/Kamativi road, the base station will serve…

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CSOs speak out against terrorism and the reluctance by SADC to address Mozambican crisis

The Southern African People’s Solidarity Network (SAPSN) and the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) are among civil society organisations that are speaking out against terrorism in Mozambique and the reluctance by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders to take robust action to address the conflict. This follows the Extraordinary SADC Peoples Summit of representatives…

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Capital Markets Evaluator, Akribos says Econet Wireless (EWZ)'s Shares Are Currently Undervalued

Econet warns perpetrators of identity theft defrauding customers

Following isolated complaints from some of Econet customers, of their mobile lines being purportedly ‘hacked’, the mobile telephony company has assured its valued customers that its systems are safe and secure, and have not been hacked. Mr. Fungai Mandiveyi, the Econet Group Media and Corporate Communications Executive said Econet investigations have however revealed cases of…

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Retailers cry foul over the order to pay VAT on rice backdated to 2017

The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) is crying foul over a recent letter in which Finance and Economic Development Minister Prof Mthuli Ncube insisted that retailers should pay Value Added Tax (VAT) on rice for periods backdated to 2017 on packages of 25kg or less. In the letter, Prof Ncube said Treasury could not accede…

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AFD, The GovLab, and Expertise France Announce Awardees for #Data4COVID19 Africa Challenge

On April 6, 2021, l’Agence française de développement (AFD), Expertise France, and The GovLab announced the awardees of the #Data4COVID19 Africa Challenge, following a call for innovative proposals that ran from December 15, 2020, through February 5, 2021. The challenge seeks to address the social, economic, and health challenges resulting from COVID-19 in Africa through…

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Gloomy Post-COVID-19 Sino-US Relations in Forecast: World Economic Forum

By Tatenda Mujeyi President Barrack Obama’s efforts for a pro-Sino-US mutuality were eased by Trump’s diplomatic trajectory, characteristic of allegations that arguably climaxed as Huawei 5G allegations, trade bans, and the COVID outbreak conspiracies. The COVID-19 outbreak has heightened the frustrations between the two nations with the American giant arguably accusing the Asian superpower of…

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Forests promote a green economy for sustainable development

Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu, the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry has underscored the important role that forests play in promoting a green economy to foster sustainable development. He made the remarks today on the graduation ceremony at the Forestry Industry Training Centre following the successful completion of Forestry training by 35 men and…

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Jobs for Africa’s youth: look to local food systems, not civil service, says OECD Development Centre report

Young Africans’ career aspirations have little in common with current and projected labour demand in the region, which complicates their transition from school to work, according to Youth Aspirations and the Reality of Jobs in Africa. Evidence from ten countries – Benin, Republic of Congo, Egypt, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda & Zambia- shows that…

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African presidents and global leaders support bold action on climate change adaptation for Africa

Africa now faces the dual onslaught of climate change – currently estimated at between $7 billion and $15 billion each year – and Covid-19, which has claimed 114,000 lives In a historic and united show of solidarity for a continent that contributes only 5% to global emissions, more than 30 heads of state and global…

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ARDA, Agritex join hands in driving urban, climate-smart agriculture

The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) Seeds has collaborated with the Agricultural Technical and Extension Services (Agritex) to drive the uptake of urban and climate-smart agriculture. This came to the fore during a Maize Field Day meeting held at the Harare South Retreat at a plot owned by Mrs. Shamiso Marumisa that was presided…

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Insurgency in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado a threat to regional stability: Crisis Coalition   

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition has noted with concern the continued insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region in Northern Mozambique and says the conflict is a threat to regional stability. The coalition is worried about the continued loss of lives, displacements and the humanitarian situation unfolding in the Cabo Delgado region and reiterated its stance…

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IOM scales up plans to address the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 on the over 200 000 returning migrants

Since the onset of the COVID-19 in March 2020, approximately 200 000 migrants have returned to Zimbabwe. These migrants have returned to the very communities which led them to look for a better life elsewhere and have no livelihood opportunities to sustain their return and overall socio-economic stability. In response, IOM Zimbabwe is scaling up…

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Eight2Five Virtual Speed Mentoring Initiative Launched!

The Eight2Five Innovation Hub launched its first edition of the Virtual Speed Mentoring initiative on 26 March 2021, marking the first step in supporting young entrepreneurs with much-needed guidance from experts with knowledge, experience, and connections in the business community. Eight2Five is an Innovation Hub powered by Old Mutual, which partners with entrepreneurs to achieve…

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Decolonizing African Food Systems Has Never Been So Urgent

By Charles Dhewa African countries have remained stuck in colonial food systems and structures where grain silos, abattoirs, processing centres, and other important food handling facilities are located in cities. By now, silos and processing facilities should have been established at the community level, close to production zones. Why should maize leave rural areas to…

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Facebook, WHO launch campaign against COVID-19 misinformation

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Facebook (www.Facebook.com) has been working to connect people to accurate information and reduce misinformation on its platforms. Last month it announced the biggest worldwide campaign (https://bit.ly/3cGJamf) to promote authoritative information about Covid-19 vaccines – working to remove false vaccine claims, reduce the distribution of inaccurate health information, and inform people about…

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The Future Of Healthcare Design – Outside The Point Of Care

By Bertalan Meskó, MD, PhD When talking about the future of healthcare, we also have to talk about the future designs of the institutions providing medical services. However, with digital health technologies that democratise access to care, the point of care will not be limited to healthcare institutions. It will rather be split into two;…

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Zimbabwe National Educators Union rejects government’s salary increment offer

The Zimbabwe National Educators Union (ZINEU) has flatly rejected the much-anticipated government’s 25% salary increase offer this month and another 45% in July. Below, Spiked Online Media reproduces the ZINEU statement: This offer was flatly rejected with the contempt it deserved. Lessons drawn from these talks: The government’s sincerity in the past and present talks…

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Leaders’ Dialogue on Africa COVID-19 Climate Emergency on the cards

The African Development Bank and the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) will bring together African heads of state and government for a virtual Leaders’ Dialogue on the Africa Covid-Climate Emergency on Tuesday 6 April 2021.   The African Development Bank and GCA are combining their expertise, resources and networks to develop and implement a bold new Africa…

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Zimbabwe succeeded in bending AIDS epidemic trajectory: Global AIDS Monitoring Report

The Global AIDS Monitoring Report has shown that Zimbabwe has dramatically succeeded in bending the trajectory of the AIDS epidemic, and achieved all the three 90s fast-track targets. This was revealed yesterday by Dr. Bernard Madzima, the Chief Executive Officer of the National AIDS Council (NAC) at a meeting held at the NAC headquarters to…

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