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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Denim and White Fever: Doek and Slay Takes Over Harare

On August 25, the Alex Sports Club will be transformed into a vibrant hub of style, sophistication, and sisterhood as Doek and Slay presents its highly anticipated event. This year’s theme is ‘Denim and White’, and ladies are encouraged to showcase their best denim ensembles paired with crisp white accents. The organizers said they are…

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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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CGIAR on the Post-Malabo Agricultural Transformation Agenda: A Conversation with Dr. Namukolo Covic

Dr Namukolo Covic is the Director General’s Representative to Ethiopia for the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), CGIAR Ethiopia Country Convenor, and CGIAR Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.   Below she discusses how CGIAR can support countries following the African Union Heads of States Summit’s endorsement of the post-Malabo roadmap that outlines a framework…

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Ambassador Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko Emerges the Winner of the Africa Green Ambassador Award 2024

The Interconnections for Making Africa Great Empowered and Sustainable (IMAGES) Initiative, http://imagesinitiatives.org has awarded the 2024 Africa Green Ambassador Award to Her Excellency, Ambassador Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko.   Ambassador Sacko is an Angolan, leading African Agronomist and Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Development, African Union Commission.   Before her re-election…

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CAYACC playing a key role in ensuring youth engagement in CAADP processes

The Consortium of African Youth in Agriculture and Climate Change (CAYACC) has played a significant role in promoting youth engagement in the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).   Spiked Online Media had an interview with Mwaka Namukonda, the  Executive Coordinator of CAYACC  in Lusaka, Zambia during the ongoing Validation Workshop for Technical Working Groups…

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Climate change, demographic shifts among factors influencing Post-Malabo CAADP implementation

The implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) framework across the continent is impacted by agri-food systems and various megatrends including demographic shifts and climate change, Mrs. Estherine Fotabong, the Director of Agriculture, Food Security and Environmental Sustainability of the African Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), has said.   She made the remarks in the…

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Success of Post-Malabo process demands accelerated implementation of policies and programs

Yvonne S. Mpundu, Zambia’s Permanent Secretary (administration) in the Ministry of Agriculture has said the success of the Post-Malabo process requires the accelerated implementation of policies and programs.   She made the address in her keynote address during the official opening of a validation workshop for the Most-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Agenda…

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Validation Workshop for Post Malabo Technical Working Groups opens in Lusaka, Zambia

A validation workshop bringing together members and key stakeholders of the Post Malabo Technical Working Groups (TWGs) convened/co-convened by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and other partners kicks off today 25 July 2024 and will run until 30 July 2024 and is meant to review, revise, refine, and finalize the draft reports to be…

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UN and partners collaboration on El Nino Drought interventions show promising results

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Zimbabwe, Mr. Edward Kallon, undertook a comprehensive two-day field visit from 23 to 24 July 2024 to Buhera District, Manicaland Province. The purpose of the visit was to oversee the execution of anticipatory action interventions funded by the UN Central Emergency Response Fund to address the impact of…

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Language Legacy Expo to honour culture and heritage through literary and visual arts

Consultus Publishing Services (CPS), in partnership with LitFest Harare, is launching the Language Legacy Expo on Saturday, July 27h at CPS Head Office in Eastlea, Harare.   The launch heralds the beginning of a 10-week expo organized by Consultus Publishing Services (CPS) to honour culture and heritage through literary and visual arts. This expo aims…

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Hosting of UN Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa a boost for Zimbabwe Tourism

Writes Cleopas Huruva Mukungunugwa Zimbabwe continues to get international recognition with the country geared to host the United Nations Tourism Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa on 26 to 28 July 2024, at the Elephant Hills Hotel in Victoria. The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi on 16 July 2024, informed the…

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Chinese researchers find new gene enhancing wheat yields in saline soil

Chinese researchers have decoded a novel salt-tolerance gene in wheat, resulting in yield increases of 5 percent to 9 percent in experimental varieties grown in saline-alkali soils. The study findings have been published in the journal Nature Genetics. Wang Meng, corresponding author of the study, from the Institute of Soil Science (ISS), Chinese Academy of…

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Seize the spotlight: Exhibit at Africa’s Premier Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa 2024!

The leading industry event, the Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa, proudly sponsored by Standard Bank, is returning to Johannesburg for its fourth edition at the Sandton Convention Centre from 12 to 14 September 2024. As Africa’s only dedicated event for the organic and natural products industry, this expo is the ultimate platform for traders…

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How FoodForward SA’s digital tech tackles climate challenges and enhances food access in South Africa

FoodForward SA The same food system that is feeding our population is also destroying our fragile planet. Food loss and waste is the third largest emitter of greenhouse gasses, accounting for around 10% of all global greenhouse gas emissions. The environmental and climate impacts of our food system are severe and becoming increasingly apparent. In…

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Morocco champions food security at UN forum, highlighting Africa’s potential

Held under the theme “SDGs in action: Shaping the Africa we want,” the event emphasized partnerships for tackling poverty, food sovereignty, and climate change.   The initiative, co-organized by Morocco’s UN mission and the OCP Group, a leading phosphate producer, brought together key figures. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and Moroccan Ambassador Omar Hilale delivered…

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NetOne Embraces UN Tourism on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, Promoting Zimbabwean Cuisine

NetOne Pvt Ltd has announced its enthusiastic support for the inaugural UN Tourism on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, set to take place from July 26 to July 28 in Victoria Falls. The event, championed by the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, aims to celebrate Zimbabwean gastronomy and promote…

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ZIMSOFF partners Parliamentarians in driving agro-ecology to address GBV and drug abuse

In partnership with Parliamentarians, the Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmers Forum (ZIMSOFF) is fighting gender-based violence (GBV) and drug and substance abuse in communities by implementing various agroecology mechanisms. Speaking at a tour of their projects by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committees (PPC) on Lands at the National Policy Dialogue recently, a Gutu small livestock farmer, Daizy…

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Matetsi Victoria Falls among Travel + Leisure Readers’ 8 Favourite Hotels in Africa of 2024

By Heather Richardson From urban retreats to rural resorts, here are Travel + Leisure readers’ top picks for hotels in Africa in the “World’s Best Awards” survey of 2024. Be it the sparkling Atlantic or lush coffee plantations, Travel + Leisure readers love waking up to gorgeous scenery. Their top city hotels and resorts in Africa — across South Africa,…

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Shashe Community embraces agro-ecology for sustainable agriculture and food systems

Writes Lloyd Rabaya  Swish swoosh goes the pens as attendees take notes while Christopher Chinyoka, a young field officer guides them through Elizabeth Mpofu’s field in Shashe, Masvingo more than 40km from the Central Business District (CBD). Under the cloud cover, the birds in the trees welcome the Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmers Forum (ZIMSOFF) farmers…

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Kore Kore Cultural Village to host Mashonaland West Culture Month celebrations

Writes Chimeno Azriel The Kore Kore Cultural Village this year plays host to the Mashonaland West Culture Month celebrations set for the 12th of July 2024 in Makonde. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural diversity and the need to preserve cultural practices that embody the spirit of humanity (Ubuntu/Unhu). Situated…

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Irrigation Investment conference urges acceleration of agricultural sector climate-proofing

The Irrigation Investment Conference held in Harare recommended the uptake of actionable results to accelerate climate-proofing of the agricultural sector from the household to the national level. This was revealed by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Hon Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka at the Irrigation Investment Conference held at the Harare…

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FG unveils satellite-based crop watch system to boost food security

The National Space Research and Development Agency has launched Crop Watch, a satellite-based agricultural monitoring system, in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the Aerospace Information Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The launch event, held in Abuja on Tuesday, brought together international partners and stakeholders to address…

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Ending hunger: PAP unveils model law on food and nutrition security

African Parliamentarians must prioritize and intensify the fight against hunger to achieve the continent’s mission of Ending Hunger, said the Pan-African Parliament President, H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, while unveiling the “milestone” Model Law on Food and Nutrition Security in Africa in Midrand, South Africa. Adopted by the Pan-African Parliament Plenary on November 11, 2022, the purpose…

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The AfCFTA, Mastercard Foundation and TradeMark Africa Collaborate on a Four-Year Fisheries Program

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and TradeMark Africa, has announced a four-year fisheries program to be implemented across seven countries to enable over 240,000 work opportunities and boost trade in fish and fish products by about $100 million by 2028. The “Women and Youth Economic Empowerment…

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Maskiri endorses goat farming handbook

Pioneer rapper cum goat breeder, Alishias Musimbe a.k.a Maskiri, has endorsed a book that provides knowledge of goat farming on the African continent. Written by Maskiri’s business partner, Tatenda Mashozhera, who is co-director of Mash Goats, the book titled “Goat Farming In Africa” brings out well-researched information on goat farming including different breeds and their…

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Within the Afro-Arab Solidarity, the UAE allots 70% of its UN commitments to Sudan

The United Arab Emirates, one of the leading contributors of humanitarian assistance to Sudan and Africa, has allocated 70% of the USD 100 million it pledged in April at the “International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and Neighbouring Countries” to UN agencies and humanitarian organisations in support of efforts dedicated to alleviating the humanitarian crisis in…

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Making agro-ecology and its products more consumer-centric

Writes Charles Dhewa The fact that agroecology and other sustainable food production practices are gaining ground against industrial agriculture practices is no longer debatable. However, there is still a lot of work to make agroecology products more consumer-centric. That means proponents of agroecology and sustainable consumption have to re-invent creative ways of promoting agroecology products…

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No One Sleeps Hungry (NOSH) boosts annual aid distribution by 25%

Harare, Zimbabwe – The No One Sleeps Hungry (NOSH) organization, led by Medtech Holdings CEO, Mr. Afzal Motiwala, has significantly increased its annual aid distribution by 25%. This year, NOSH provided food assistance to over 40,000 families across Zimbabwe during the Eid al-Adha celebrations, also known as the “feast of sacrifice.” Reaching All Communities in…

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