The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Secretariat and the United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) have signed a Joint Statement and Action Plan on ensuring continuity of learning in the context of COVID-19. In a Joint Statement, signed by the Executive Secretary of SADC, Her Excellence Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax and the Regional…
Climate change and development expert Richard Munang speaks about agriculture, Africa and coronavirus pandemic. Africa’s youthful population is considered its biggest asset. Is the continent fully utilising this asset? Studies on wealth indicate that a skilled person is 15 times more productive than natural resources. Africa needs to change its mindset and prioritise efforts that selflessly…
OnePlus highlighted a distribution deal with Verizon as a key win for the 8-series, a freshly-unveiled 5G smartphone range which will spearhead a previously-outlined goal to boost its presence in the next-generation technology. During a launch event for the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro, Pete Lau, OnePlus co-founder and CEO, called the arrangement “one of the most…
By Bernard Marr Criminals don’t mind if they kick us when we’re down. And that’s precisely what we’ve seen them do as COVID-19 has altered the way we work and live. Organisations of all sizes, security levels, and missions have been forced to allow employees to work from home to keep business operating on some…
By Stefan Nalletamby As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a devastating impact globally, the African continent, while less affected, is preparing to undergo its own severe social and economic crisis. As of April 7, over 10,000 cases have been reported across 52 countries in Africa (less than 1% of cases globally). Yet despite the slow onset, Africa’s…
Cassava HealthTech has launched the Maisha Medik digital health platform that will be accessible through a mobile application (App) that is set to enhance Zimbabwe’s healthcare delivery sector. Cassava HealthTech, a subsidiary of Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed fintech and digital services giant Cassava Smartech Zimbabwe, operates Maisha Health, MARS and Steward Health. The Maisha Medik digital…
Immediate or emergency medical care is often a result of high doses of illicit substances. Newbies or even experienced users, for that matter, make mistakes of taking heroic or moderate doses of recreational drugs like mushrooms and LSD/Acid. That’s why it is imperative to understand the concept of Micro dosing, as it helps in keeping…
By George Manyaya Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) have changed the face of communication worldwide. The fast-changing pace of digital transformation has brought about access to a highly diversified range of technologies and services. Globally, the fixed and mobile telecommunications sector has been growing exponentially over the years, leading scholars to argue that we now live…
Zimbabwe telecoms giant, philanthropist, and businessman Strive Masiyiwa has injected lifeblood into the fight against coronavirus by donating 45 Ventilator Intensive care units for use in combating the pandemic. The donation will come through the HigherLife Foundation that has been instrumental in bailing Zimbabwe’s educational and health sectors over the years. Below, Spiked Online Media…
Pathogenic fungi pose a huge and growing threat to global food security. Currently, we protect our crops against fungal disease by spraying them with anti-fungal chemistries, also known as fungicides. However, the growing threat of microbial resistance against these chemistries requires continuous development of new fungicides. A consortium of researchers from the University of Exeter,…
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has urged stakeholders to utilise existing technologies to combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). The call by POTRAZ Director-General, Dr. Gift Machengete follows the pronouncement of the 21-day lockdown directive to begin on Monday 30 March 2020 announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Considering the essential nature…
By Yanitsa Boyadzhieva The World Health Organisation (WHO) conceded technology played an important role in tackling Covid-19 (coronavirus), but emphasised privacy and security regulations must not be circumvented when gathering key information as part of the efforts. At a press conference dedicated to the pandemic held on 25 March, Michael Ryan, executive director of the…
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) advised its stakeholders that following the ban on all public gatherings and the social distance measures being broadly implemented owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional Director General’s Annual and Quarterly Sector Performance Press Conferences could not be held until further notice. Accordingly, the Authority presented…
Satellite navigation is at the heart of ride-hailing services across the world and Vaya Africa, an on-demand mobile and web application that focuses on moving goods and people from one point to another in Zimbabwe so as to broaden its reach by launching a new navigation system in addition to the traditional Google maps. Since…
By Anyway Yotamu In an effort to combat the spread of coronavirus, mobile telephony operators heeded the government’s call by coming up together towards promoting e-health by donating equipment in Harare on Monday the 23rd of March 2020. The equipment, which is meant to operationalise the national emergency response centre include computers, servers, mobile handsets,…
Prominent traditional healer, Sekuru Banda has said it is critical to rope in indigenous knowledge systems in the fight against coronavirus. The cultural guru’s comments come in the wake of myths from different schools of thought concerning the pandemic. He was speaking at a conference on indigenous knowledge management held in Harare yesterday to…
By Joyce Mukucha The Boost Fellowship, Action 24, and SNV with the support of international development partners, UNICEF Zimbabwe and the Swedish Development International Agency have been implementing the green innovations aimed at presenting unique opportunities for youths to address the adverse challenges of climate change. The youth-focused projects are being implemented throughout the country…
By Bernard Marr Since the first report of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China, it has spread to at least 100 other countries. As China initiated its response to the virus, it leaned on its strong technology sector and specifically artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and technology to track and fight the pandemic while tech leaders, including Alibaba,…
ZTE showcased its latest next-generation smartphone, the Axon 11 5G, as it looks to the technology to mount pressure on rivals and advance previously-announced plans to launch ten such models this year. In a statement, ZTE revealed the Axon 11 5G will be available to buy in China on 23 March. The vendor highlighted “video…
Agriculture 4.0, the next agricultural revolution will need to look at the demand side and the value chain/supply side of the food-scarcity equation, using technology not simply for the sake of innovation, but to improve and address the real needs of consumers and re-engineer the value chain. The world is expected to grow by 33%…
Pixel is now a key standard for a smartphone. According to many tech columnists, smartphones are stepping into a high-pixel era in 2020s. Some smartphone manufacturers have announced to launch their new product with this super-high definition camera, as proceeded by many global smartphone brands that also target to buy into this new trend. It…
By Anyway Yotamu and Tafadzwa Kufah Government is working hard in the utilisation of Information, Communication Technologies (ICTs) to ensure the attainment of Vision 2030. Speaking to journalists after touring Mazowe Earth Station on Monday 9th of March 2020, Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Jenfan Muswere said the ministry’s vision was to…
To enjoy paddling at sea, you need to either carry your kayak or rent one at the beach. Since most kayaking destinations lack the kayak hiring facilities, you need to buy yours. Anytime you want to paddle, carry your kayak to the ocean and enjoy your day. The only challenge you will encounter is…
SASAI, the all-in-one mobile app from Cassava Fintech International (CFI), which has pay, chat and explore features, has introduced over 50 African languages and a total of over 80 languages across the globe on the app, which has so far been downloaded in 178 countries. The language feature, called SASAITranslate, includes Shona and Ndebele, and…
As prevalent debates concerning the implementation of carbon neutral sources continue to make headlines, also increasingly rife, is the energy industry’s endeavour to explore a broader array of renewable energy sources including biomass. Great strides have been made in Africa’s development in biomass. Interestingly, Africa has the highest portion of bioenergy, at 45% of the total energy mix,…
By NJ Ayuk Pressure is building to phase out fossil fuels in Africa to fight climate change. Organizations ranging from the World Bank to the European Investment Bank (EIB) have dropped support for African fossil fuel production in hopes of encouraging a transition from oil, gas and coal to sustainable energy sources like wind and…
Energy experts discuss the importance of gas for Africa’s current and future energy needs;GE’s innovative gas power generation portfolio is providing faster, more reliable, more cost-effective and more environmentally friendly power for baseload, emergency or clean energy transition needs; Gas will be critical for creating industry, manufacturing and attracting investment capital. With recent major gas…
The International Energy Agency (IEA) (https://www.IEA.org/) hired Maximilian Jarrett as its first Africa Programme Manager to help expand the Agency’s reach and coordinate its work as it deepens its engagement across the continent. Mr Jarrett brings 30 years of experience in the fields of international economic affairs, media production and strategic communications. He most recently served…
Liquid Telecom has begun extending its services to Juba South Sudan, telecoms guru Strive Masiyiwa has revealed. South Sudan was one of only two countries in Africa with no link to the rest of the world, through Undersea Fibre link. “We built a 200km link from Uganda’s border. It was tough because of mines and…
Ecobank Group (https://www.Ecobank.com), the pan-African banking group, is inviting African fintech entrepreneurs to enter the 3rd edition of the Ecobank Fintech Challenge. The Fintech Challenge gives African start-ups the opportunity to promote their fintech solutions, and potentially partner with Ecobank to roll-out their solutions across Ecobank’s 33 markets in Africa as well as France. Ecobank…
Tatenda Mqetu The Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa (CYNESA) perceives Zimbabwe energy problems are due to the lack of the will to prioritise, invest and transparently administer the sector as currently the state relies on intensive models to generate grid electricity for both the industrial and household sector. Zimbabwe has 43% of…
Logan Cup champions Mountaineers and challengers Eagles will renew their rivalry when they clash in the four-day match scheduled to begin today at Harare Sports Club. Although only the fourth first-class match of the season for both teams – with neither side yet to taste defeat – the game is likely to prove a…
Distributed Power Africa (DPA) is partnering with leading global electricity supplier the EDF (Électricité De France) Group, to deploy hybrid energy solutions to Industrial and Commercial clients to increase energy security and improve industry productivity. DPA and EDF have developed a comprehensive solution for heavy users such as mines, manufacturing companies and other large…
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe today launched YoPlay Hunt – an Augmented Reality (AR) technology based mobile game that is says is set to revolutionize the way customers interface with brands. Econet, the largest mobile network operator in Zimbabwe, becomes the first operator in Africa to launch an AR game. To play the game, which…
Global Renaissance Investments have earmarked an international Infrastructure Summit and Expo involving South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe that will take place in the resort town of Victoria Falls from 4 to 7 March 2020 at the famous Kingdom Hotel. Addressing journalists at the five-star Meikles Hotel in Harare today, Mr. Ngoni Dzirutwe, the Chief Executive…
By Lovemore Chazingwa in Kadoma The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) has embarked on yet another sustainable drive to support innovators and innovation hubs among the country’s universities, to scale up the innovation drive, this publication has learnt. The inaugural Potraz Hackathon competition is currently underway at Kadoma Hotel and Conference Centre,…
The Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) has said it is regrettable that the Government of Zimbabwe has updated SI 25 of 2020 exempting Chinese telecommunications giant, Huawei Technologies from paying income tax. The old Statutory Instrument SI 227 of 2019 exempted Huawei from paying income tax since August 2014. This has now been…
Mr. Alois Tsiga, the Project Coordinator for the Fourth National Communications and First Biennial Update under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for Zimbabwe has said there are low hanging fruits for the country in complying with such requirements. Speaking to Spiked Online Media in Harare today, Mr. Tsiga revealed that national…
Cellulant Corporation (www.Cellulant.com) – the pan-African technology company – has empowered Africa’s agriculture sector with the hosting of its inaugural partners’ summit in Lagos, Nigeria and the assurance to leverage on technology to help block inefficiency and wastages in Africa’s Agric value chain courtesy of its improved payment and marketplace solutions, Tingg and Agrikore. Tingg,…
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) has approved an adjustment in data and SMS tariffs for mobile network operators in a long expected move analysts and market players believe will help forestall dim prospects in the telecoms sector. According to sources familiar with developments, the telecoms regulator approved a 25% tariff…
This follows the announcement of a partnership between Facebook and The South African Police Service (SAPS) to use the Facebook platform and community to help find missing children South Africa has become the first country in Africa to join to the Facebook Amber Alerts programme. This follows the announcement of a partnership between Facebook (facebook.com)…
The viability of mobile network operators (MNO) and their ability to provide efficient services is under threat as they continue to grapple with high operating costs amid static tariffs that were last reviewed in October last year. MNOs were last awarded a 95% tariff increase in October last year with Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority…
Canon’s remarkable ME20F-SH is a multi-purpose camera that can achieve ISO sensitivity of over 4,000,000 and employs an enhanced version of a 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor for Full HD video Canon Europe (https://www.Canon-Europe.com/), a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced that its parent company Canon Inc. will be recognised at the 71st Annual Technology…
By Joyce Mukucha and Byron Mutingwende Zimbabwe and Rwanda are working tirelessly on strengthening their business ties within the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Joint Permanent Commission of Co-operation. The bilateral relations will see the two countries co-operating in various areas that include ease of doing business, investment, mining,…
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