. Programme offers EcoCash customers unprecedented value; set to reward both customers and merchants for ‘living the Ecocash way’ EcoCash, Cassava Smartech’s fintech business, has launched a real-time rewards programme on a digital wallet that will earn customers up to 15 percent of value transacted. A first on a mobile money service, the EcoCash Rewards…
By the time the next planting season starts, farmers will be able to find a tractor within minutes, anywhere in Zimbabwe. This is part of an ambitious plan by Vaya, a division of Cassava SmartTech, to expand the range of services available on its mobility and logistics App. According to Cassava Smartech Zimbabwe CEO Mr…
By Tendai Guvamombe Few days ago Zimbabwe joined community of nations in ratifying the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, a move which came at the back of mass production of nuclear warheads by giant powers threatening world disorder, a fiasco which could eventually turn into a global crisis. Science in its unique form is sobering…
Mobile Network operator NetOne lit up the social scenes with its Valentine’s Day campaign that culminated in a dinner for some of its lucky customers. February being the month of love gave NetOne an opportunity to extend love to its valued subscribers through a twelve-day social media campaign dubbed #YourOneYourOnly. The campaign had different themes for…
By Byron Mutingwende The Forum for African Women Educationalists – Zimbabwe Chapter (FAWEZI) is working to promote the uptake and performance of girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). “As an organisation that has been working in schools in Zimbabwe since 1998, FAWEZI has been implementing various projects to promote girls education….
Econet has launched a ground-breaking, rural electrification programme worth millions of dollars under the name Ugesi Energy, that is set to help transform rural enterprises and create employment. Ugesi is the second Econet energy business following the successful launch two years ago of Distributed Power Africa (DPA), the group’s commercial solar business with a focus…
NetOne has sent on forced leave its top two executives who are Sibusiso Ndlovu, the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) as well as its Chief Operating Officer (COO) Brian Mutandiro. “One of the two executives was force-marched off the building while resisting the suspension and suspected to be concealing evidence. The two executives will be on indefinite…
These biometric solutions enable the police force to better solve crimes through the electronic collection, storage and processing of fingerprints, palm prints and facial captures Gemalto (www.Gemalto.com), the world leader in digital security, is supplying its Cogent Automated Biometric Identification System (CABIS) (https://bit.ly/2SmrB2t) and LiveScan (https://bit.ly/2I7sM0Z) technology to the Ugandan Police. These biometric solutions enable the police force to…
Kenneth Makate has sued his former funders, Raining Men Trade, for fraud and is fighting the company’s claim to a share of his settlement with Vodacom. Raining Men Trade was reportedly placed into business rescue this year after not receiving payment from Makate. The company helped bankroll Makate’s court case against Vodacom which sought compensation…
Development spending efforts should target improved food safety for African consumers, who need greater information and awareness to be able to demand higher standards, finds the Global Food Safety Partnership. More than half of donor funded food safety initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa are focused on overseas markets, with less than half on domestic consumers, a new report…
By Byron Mutingwende One of Cassava Smartech’s insurance arms, Moovah, has entered into a partnership with ZIMPOST to enhance convenience for their customers countrywide. Speaking during the unveiling of the partnership in Harare on 31 January 2019, Mr. George Nyashanu, the Managing Director of Econet Insurance and Life, said the move was in line with…
The African Energy Chamber (EnergyChamber.org) has entered into a technical assistance cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Petroleum of the Republic of South Sudan to strengthen the country’s capacity to manage its hydrocarbons sector and wealth. South Sudan has over the past year demonstrated a commitment to peace, which gives the country an opportunity to…
Econet has chosen the City of Bulawayo as the centre of its renewable energy business in Zimbabwe. Econet Energy CEO, Mr Norman Moyo said at the direction of the group Chairman, Mr Strive Masiyiwa, the company is setting up Bulawayo to try and stimulate employment opportunities in Zimbabwe’s second largest city. The Econet Energy business…
The potential for new technology to support African smallholders receives insufficient attention, says director of the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) The huge promise of technology to help improve productivity, profitability and sustainability for African smallholders should be higher on the international agenda, the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture heard. Michael…
Businessman Strive Masiyiwa has so far founded four different businesses that are valued at more than $13 billion. Commenting on his Facebook page, the Econet founder said four of his business ventures had become what are known as Unicorns: -Econet Wireless Zimbabwe $3,2bn -Cassava Zimbabwe $3,8bn -Liquid Telecom $2,5bn, -And Airtel Nigeria, which he started…
By Lovemore Chazingwa The quest for bringing out Africa’s economic potential and sustainable growth through investment from abroad can be tapped as a result of properly protected Intellectual Property (IP), a regional workshop heard. In it’s opening remarks at the high level workshop held at Africa Regional Intellectual Property Rights Organisation headquarters December 5 last…
By Charles Dhewa Hundreds of mobile applications and technology platforms are launched in Africa almost every day, thanks to the promise of digital-fuelled progress. Unfortunately most of the platforms (including those owned by famous mobile network providers) are trotted onto the market prematurely before sufficient pre-testing. There is also confusion between a platform, a portal,…
Free Web Hosting, initially launched August 2018 in Zimbabwe, has extended its services to neighboring South Africa. Since its Zimbabwe debut, FWH has captured the attention of website developers, tech hubs, companies and the blogging community all across the nation. The platform enables individuals and/or companies to move their existing websites from paid hosting. In…
Liquid Telecom South Africa to provide wholesale open access roaming services to network operators starting early 2019 Liquid Telecom South Africa, part of the leading pan-African telecoms group Liquid Telecom, today announced that it will establish a multi-billion Rand 4G network in South Africa. From early 2019, wholesale roaming services will be made available across…
The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority is proud to have its subsidiary, ARDA Seeds, that is providing seeds as a critical input to ensure bumper harvests for all farmers countrywide. Speaking to Spiked Online Media, Jemitius Mukiwa, an ARDA marketing executive said ARDA SEEDS (Pvt) LTD is a registered private company wholly owned subsidiary of Agricultural…
Cassava SmarTech Zimbabwe made history on 18 December 2018 when it debuted in the market at a price of $1,50 per share, valuing the company at $3,8 billion. It immediately became Zimbabwe’s third most valuable company after Delta and Econet Wireless (its now telecoms only, sister company). By any measure this is easily the largest…
By Tendai Guvamombe In order to curb challenges ranging from economic turmoils to global warming effects, investing in the vibrant young blood will be a wisest solution, a Boost Fellowship meeting has revealed In Zimbabwe, the Boost Fellowship (BF) under the support of UNICEF is working towards a global youth initiative trending as Generation Unlimited…
The country registered a significant milestone in the Tourism Digital Space by launching the AccoLeisure Zimbabwe Travel Guide and the Zimbabwe Destination Video in Harare yesterday. In line with the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (STP), Priscah Mupfumira, the Minister of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry said the launch was in sync with one of the key…
By Owami Sithole KinderCare Zimbabwe launched Zimbabwe digital evolution learning workshop embracing quality education in the 21st digital era. Educational technology help teachers and students in that it provides benefits such as organization, efficiency, collaboration, communication, extra help and virtual experiences. Kinder Care Zimbabwe launched a digital education resource application called Smart-Kidz Club. In an interview…
EcoCash, Steward Bank partner to offer hassle-free small loans Bank unveils instant *236# bank-account opening service Cassava SmarTech’s fintech businesses EcoCash and Steward Bank have partnered to offer instant, nano loans to their combined customer base of more than 10 million customers. Announcing the launch of Kashagi/Inyuku nano loans in Harare today, Steward Bank also…
By Miriam Zvomuya and Tendai Guvamombe African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) in conjunction with the Japan Patent Office (JPO) and World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) today hosted a regional conference on Intellectual Property management in Universities and Research and Development Institutions in Africa in the Capital. Running under the theme, “Fostering Creativity and Innovation…
Zimnat has launched a customer service chatbot, an automated chat that responds to customer queries and provides answers to frequently asked questions. The chatbot has been aptly named Musa. She can help clients with customer service queries as well as redirect them to the online portal. Musa is available on the Zimnat website…
The innovation pipeline at Cassava SmarTech is now in overdrive as the company prepares to launch two more services this week. The technology and fintech company’s subsidiary Cassava On Demand will this week introduce Vaya Express, a new package delivery service that will be operated by young people on bicycles and motor bikes. A common…
Package empowers customers to create own unique voice, data, SMS & media bundles Econet Wireless has launched YoMix, a flexible value package that empowers customers to design customised bundles of voice, data, SMS, media, and other value-added services to suit their own needs. Customers will access the service via USSD, using a mobile App, or…
Cassava SmarTech has unveiled a foreign currency account (FCA) wallet on its EcoCash platform, the company’s popular mobile money subsidiary. The introduction of the FCA digital wallet, which will appear alongside its existing wallet as an option on the Ecocash menu, comes in the wake of the introduction of foreign currency or Nostro accounts by…
By Miriam Zvomuya The Minister of Energy and Power Development Hon Minister Dr. Joram Gumbo is calling on households and industries to use solar thermal energy for heating to assist in saving and reducing the current power import bill. This emerged at a launch of the Solar Thermal Technology Roadmap and Implementation Plan for Zimbabwe…
By Byron Mutingwende All roads lead to the inaugural Data Science Zimbabwe Conference to be held in Harare on the 13th and 17th of December 2018. The conference seeks to showcase the value of data science skills and data science opportunities through industry case studies presented by local and international speakers. According…
Zimbabweans have taken to Vaya Lift – the Uber style ride hailing service offered by Cassava on Demand – “like a duck to water”, according to Cassava Group CEO Mr Darlington Mandivenga. Speaking from London where he is part of a road show to foreign investors, Mr Mandivenga said: “Vaya is going to be massive…
Media streaming service, Kwesé iflix, now has more than 5 million users in Zimbabwe and continues to grow rapidly, according to Econet Wireless Zimbabwe CEO Mr Douglas Mboweni, who says the platform had been a “runaway success” and was “the future” of the business. Mr Mboweni said the decision to suspend the satellite Pay…
Combining tourism and environment under one roof requires the creation of synergies to ensure a shared vision, and a team that will be united for the success of the new ministry of environment, tourism and hospitality industry. Speaking at her Ministry’s Strategic Plan in Mutare under the theme, “Towards a Prosperous and Empowered Upper Middle Income…
The 1st Forum of the GMES and Africa (www.au.int/en/GMESAfrica) kicked off in the Gabonese capital, Libreville. More than 400 delegates from Africa, Europe and other parts of the world have gathered to discuss new and innovative Earth Observation technologies supporting Africa’s socio-economic development. Organised jointly by the African Union Commission and the government of Gabon, the…
Kwesé iflix, Africa’s game-changing digital entertainment platform, took centre stage at AfricaCom – the largest telecoms, media, and technology event in Africa – this year winning Best Innovation in Digital Entertainment. The award was presented by Balancing Act CEO Russell Southward. The awards honoured pioneering service providers and operators who are leading digital inclusion, connectivity…
By Byron Mutingwende The Scaling Up Nutrition Research and Academic Platform (SUNRAP) seeks to provide credible evidence by undertaking quality research, and strengthen the technical capacity of stakeholders (through appropriate training), to deliver a cohesive multi-sectoral action that improves food and nutrition security outcomes. This emerged at the combined Scaling Up Nutrition networks…
By Byron Mutingwende The youths have come up with issues of high priority code named Key Asks that they want the government and other stakeholders to address as a matter of urgency. This emerged at a breakfast meeting organised by the Youth Empowerment and Transformation Trust (YETT) that held in Harare on 15…
By Michael Mashiri Information Communication Technology (ICT) plays a crucial role in all sectors of the economy and helps in the accomplishment of the three pillars of sustainable development goals, the Representative for Southern Africa, International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has said. Speaking at the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) yesterday at a programme with the…
By Byron Mutingwende Grassroots Women under the auspices of the Zimbabwe Parents of Handicapped Children Association (ZPHCA) have vowed to ensure food security beyond the adverse effects of climate change. “Grassroots Women from Harare and Mashonaland East Provinces are implementing strategies to ensure food security and nutrition in spite of the adverse effects…
The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)’s International Seminar on Harnessing Cultural Tourism through Innovation and Technology and 40th Affiliate Members Plenary Session concluded with a renewed call for community participation in development of cultural tourism using cutting-edge technologies (12-14 November 2018, Hamedan, Islamic Republic of Iran). Cultural and heritage attractions are key to tourism development in…
In the field of telephony as in many others, Africa has jumped a technological step by moving directly to mobile. The outlook of the smartphone market is still seeing exponential growth. It is estimated that at least 660 million Africans (against 336 million in 2016) will be equipped with a smartphone by 2020. This breakthrough…
By Tapiwa Matthew Mutisi Those of you’ve who’ve never used Vaya might be wondering why I am reviewing a taxi service on this website. But once you try Vaya, you’ll understand. Cassava On Demand Services, a division of Cassava Smartech Zimbabwe – shortly to be listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) following its unbundling from Econet Wireless…
By Byron Mutingwende Ms. Caroline Mozhendi, the Econet Head of Agribusiness has encouraged the use of technology to combat the effects of climate change by farmers in Zimbabwe. Ms. Mozhendi made the remarks during an event whereby Ecofarmer joined the Shamva Agricultural College in celebrating 34 students who graduated at the institution on Friday…
