Science and Technology
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Stage set for implementation of in-country genome editing initiatives in Africa
The stage has been set for the implementation of genome editing, a form of biotechnology meant to spearhead agricultural transformation on the African continent. This comes as experts gathered in Lilongwe, Malawi (from August 14 to 18, 2023), are finalising the review of the zero drafts of GEd training modules that were designed for different…
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Malawi’s communication strategy, modules for Africa on genome editing workshop roars to life
The workshop on validation of Malawi’s National Communication Strategy on Genome Editing and Genome Editing Modules for Africa has roared to life in the Southern African Country. The African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) is holding the Expert Group Meeting in Malawi to review genome editing (GEd) training modules that were developed by African scientists, regulators…
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Rooftop Promotions Pioneering Digitalisation of Local Scripts
Students, researchers, thespians, and scholars will soon be able to access old and new scripts of plays staged at Theatre in the Park online after Rooftop Promotions established a digital archive. The project which is funded by SANORD will make it easier to provide scripts and information regarding the playwrights and cast and the years…
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Ericsson sued for withholding Iraq report
Writes Kavit Majithia Ericsson shareholders sued the vendor seeking $175 million to $300 million in damages over an investigation into its business practices in Iraq, claiming certain actions taken by the company depressed its share price. A statement revealed a total of 37 shareholders had filed a claim against the vendor and more were expected…
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BUPUSACOM for shared watercourse promotes sustainable development
The Buzi, Pungwe, and Save Watercourses Commission (BUPUSACOM) was launched in Beira, Mozambique, on 19 July 2023, following the signing of the BUPUSA Water Courses Commission Establishment Agreement in Harare, Zimbabwe on 17 May 2023. The tri-basin institution will have oversight on the planning, development, and management of the water resources within the Buzi, Pungwe,…
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Technologies for preserving indigenous African food are long overdue
Writes Charles Dhewa For many decades, African countries have lagged behind in terms of developing technology for preserving indigenous food systems. What has worsened the situation is that the colonial system brought its own food and seed systems into Africa supported by appropriate technology for processing and preserving food. A lot of investments went into…
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Origin Digital’s Predictive Analytics Fosters Financial Inclusion, Greater Productivity to Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa
South Africa’s largest agricultural lender, ABSA, says new technology has huge potential to unlock capital for smallholder farmers and SMEs who have previously had limited access to finance Pioneering ag-tech company Origin Digital is poised to help lenders revolutionise the agricultural credit landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa and drive growth in the sector. Providing credit to the smallholder…
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Expedite transition to clean energy: Government urged
Sowell Chikwari (Business Reporter) There are growing calls for the government to expedite the transition to green energy as the country struggles to attain power sufficiency amid spiraling demand. The renewed calls for a speedy transition towards sustainable clean energy solutions are growing even louder as renewable energy has the potential to improve power supply…
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World Radio-communication Conference: Zimbabwe records positive progress
Zimbabwe has made significant strides in the area of wireless technologies, a preparatory meeting by the country ahead of the World Radiocommunication Conference has revealed. In his keynote address at the meeting in Harare today, Dr. Gift Machengete, the Director-General of the Postal and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), said despite the inhibiting circumstance…
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Consumer Protection critical for usage of communication services
Consumer Protection remains central for meaningful usage of communication services, Dr. Gift Machengete, the Director-General of the Postal and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has said. He made the remarks at the Communications Regulators’ Association of Southern Africa (CRASA)’s first Consumer Committee Meeting held at Cresta Lodge in Harare yesterday. “As CRASA, we remain…
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How revisiting the meaning of data can add value to African content
Writes Charles Dhewa The advent of digital solutions has brought confusion to the meaning of the word data. This continues to undermine indigenous knowledge systems and African intellectual heritage in several ways. Academics and researchers have always viewed data as a subset of information that can be collected and processed into diverse knowledge products such as…
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Hakwata Village Pioneers Single Largest Biogas Undertaking in Zimbabwe
In an ambitious endeavour to bring clean cooking energy to rural communities, the largest initiative of biogas in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa has commenced in Hakwata village, Chipinge District, on the edges of Zimbabwe’s border with Mozambique. A total of 150 biogas digesters will be installed, benefiting 90 households in Hakwata, 30 in Gororo, Masvingo…
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Power Up: energy campaign to boost sustainable growth, prepare for climate dangers
A new campaign is calling for government action to widen access to clean, affordable energy – unlocking sustainable growth, and preparing Kenya for climate risk such as extreme weather. The Kenyan branch of Power Up – a global campaign unlocking investment in energy access – launched in Nairobi on July 5, presenting nine policy recommendations for national government.…
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AUDA-NEPAD facilitates development of genome editing communication training curricula and modules
The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) has initiated the development of communication training curricula and modules to help address the current policy needs, gaps, and challenges of genome editing (GEd) on the continent. Officially opened in Maputo, Mozambique today, the workshop seeks to develop a core module on genome editing communication that can be adapted…
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Application of new technologies: Genome editing to boost agricultural production
As Zimbabwe is striving to become an upper middle-income economy by harnessing Science, Technology, and Innovation capacity, genome editing has been described as a key enabler in ensuring a boost in agriculture. This was revealed by Mr. Willard Manungo, the Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet during a workshop to review and validate…
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NetOne Fathers’ Day Digital Campaign: Winners honoured
The NetOne Fathers’ Day Digital Campaign lived up to its billing when the leading mobile telephony giant threw a lavish party for the winners at a popular entertainment joint in the capital city today. Addressing invited merrymakers on the auspicious event dubbed “Fathers’ Day Braai”, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, the NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer acknowledged…
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i3forum launches free Numbering Plan Community Platform
– After successful beta testing, innovative platform opened to industry – 10+ carriers and vendors have signed up as participating members i3forum, a leading industry association focused on driving global collaboration and innovation within the international communications sector, is proud to announce the launch of its Numbering Plan Community Platform. After completing successful user…
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Dairy value chain to benefit from Belarus mechanisation
Own Correspondent Zimbabwe’s agriculture dairy value chain is set to benefit from the Belarus mechanisation programme, after the Eurasian country pledged to diversify the programme. This came out when the visiting Belarus Deputy Prime Minister, Honourable Leonid Zayats toured two local firms that produce dairy and related products in Harare Wednesday. The visiting Belarusian delegation,…
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Apple potentially facing headset headache in China
Writes Chris Donkin Huawei registered the name Vision Pro with China’s trademark office in 2021, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported, raising questions about Apple’s ability to use the brand for its big-money headset in the market. Apple unveiled the Vision Pro AR headset last week alongside huge promotion at its annual developer conference. The device is set to…
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SEC should protect investors through Cyber Security and Data Protection Bill
Writes Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi Zimbabwe has a relatively well-developed digital economy with nine financial institutions listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE). With the introduction of the Cyber Security and the Data Protection Bill and the act that is now law. It is now the duty of the Zimbabwe Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) to…
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Kenya readies 1M home-grown smartphones
By Hana Anandira Kenya reportedly pushed ahead with a plan to roll out 1 million units of locally-assembled smartphones, under a broader aim to make devices more accessible and accelerate digital inclusion. Local news outlet Business Daily Africa reported ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo said the country has started producing low-cost smartphones, which will retail for $40…
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Electrical engineering company Power Giants unveils new hub in Eswatini
Business Reporter Power Giants Southern and East Africa, arguably Zimbabwe’s top electrical engineering company, has further expanded operations in the SADC region, establishing a new hub in Eswatini. Operating under the banner Power Giants Eswatini, the new branch has cemented the group’s growth trajectory following similar expansion projects across the entire region. By expanding its…
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NetOne intensifies its distribution channels and SIM cards availability
NetOne Cellular (Private) Limited, the digital solutions network provider with an extensive network coverage across Zimbabwe is on the upsurge of bringing excellent customer service. Contrary to reports circulating that there is a shortage of SIM cards, our communication with NetOne has indicated a different position. NetOne SIM cards are readily available throughout its distribution…
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NetOne goes green
Information communication technology concern NetOne has ventured into the automobile business with a climate-smart innovation as it brings onto the fray a green energy-powered vehicle. This latest innovation was on display at Zimbabwe International Trade Fair which pulled down the curtain late last month. The green energy vehicle uses electricity as a source of energy…
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WFP supports government’s e-extension services
… as it donates tablets to extension workers By Tafadzwa Muranganwa Realising the immense benefits of digitizing extension services in Zimbabwe, the humanitarian agency, World Food Programme has donated high-end tablets to some government extension workers. Speaking at the official handover of the 635 tablets to the Agricultural Rural Development and Advisory Service (ARDAS) on…
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Workshop provides investment opportunities for women in agriculture and business
As the global world embraces the empowerment of women through the theme ‘Global Innovation’, Zimbabwe Women in Agribusiness in collaboration with the Ministry Of Women Affairs, Community DEVELOPMENT, and Small and Medium Enterprise and Zimbabwe National Chamber of Small to Medium Enterprise is today conducting a workshop under the theme: INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN IN…
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Report: Gene-edited crop seed adoption to surge
Adoption of gene-edited crop seeds is expected to increase significantly in the next 5 to 10 years, according to a Rabobank report, with adoption rates expected to surpass 50% during that period. “GE technology has the potential to solve issues across the food supply chain for all stakeholders,” said Chia-Kai-Kang, farm inputs analyst for Rababank.…
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Apple buoyed by iPhone results, but revenue slips
By Mike Robuck Apple posted an increase in iPhone revenue in fiscal Q2 2023 (the period to 1 April) despite a challenging macroeconomic environment and foreign exchange headwinds, with CEO Tim Cook (pictured) stating it set records for sales of smartphones and services. Cook stated Apple expanded a satellite-based SOS service on its iPhone 14…
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Tips for online security and safety in the age of digital remittances
Online money transfer has become an important part of everyday life in Zimbabwe and across the globe. Digital money transfer services not only support millions of businesses but also help keep families and friends connected in the country and across borders. An estimated 908,913 Zimbabweans live and work in the diaspora, according to the Zimbabwe…
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Sixth Transform Africa Summit: Science, technology and innovation critical for sustainable development
The modernisation and industrialisation of Africa urgently require the adoption of science, technology, and innovation, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said. He made the remarks yesterday while officially opening the Sixth Transform Africa Summit running from 26 to 28 April 2023 in Victoria Falls under the theme “Innovate, Connect, Transform” which he said provides an apt…
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Dr. Gift Machengete elected Vice President of the Council of African Regulators
In a show of confidence for his leadership acumen, Dr. Gift Machengete, the Director-General of the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (POTRAZ) was yesterday elected Vice President of the Council of African Regulators ahead of the Transform Africa Summit slated for 26-28 April 2023 in Victoria Falls. This was revealed by Smart Africa Chief Executive…
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A brave new world: How African businesses can confront and capitalise on digital disruption
By Vincent Maher, Group Executive: Head of Digital at MultiChoice Group Africa faces a reckoning when it comes to its relationship with digital technology. Challenges related to infrastructure rollout and the high cost of data mean it’s difficult for enterprises and institutions to adopt new solutions that can transform their activities and functions, as well as…
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Game over for Lenovo Legion smartphone range
By Chris Donkin Lenovo discontinued its gaming-focused Legion smartphone line, stating the move was part of a wider business transformation and gaming portfolio consolidation. In a statement to Mobile World Live, the electronics company reiterated its commitment to the broader gaming category, which it also uses the Legion brand in. “As a leader in gaming devices…
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6th Transform Africa Summit: Over 3000 delegates expected
Zimbabwe is geared to host the 6th Transform Africa Summit (TAS) from the 26th to the 28th of April 2023 at Victoria Falls. The Transform Africa Summit is the leading African tech and digital event organised by Smart Africa which gathers over 3000 delegates from more than 100 countries to engage in the digital transformation…
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TB testing: calls for increased access to people on treatment
The international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is calling on governments and donors to speed up access to new, shorter, safer, and more effective treatments for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), as well as the diagnostic tests needed to initiate treatment on these medicines. This is part of a “Call to Action” that…
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Vodafone rumoured to target 1,000 Italian job cuts
By Chris Donkin A trade union in Italy claimed Vodafone Group’s local unit plans to cut around 1,000 jobs, equating to almost 20 per cent of its workforce, with a proposal set to be presented to employee representatives on 13 March. If it transpires, the move would be the latest reduction in Vodafone’s headcount in…
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Global Fund in Partnership for Rapid Molecular Tests for TB
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (the Global Fund), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Stop TB Partnership announced a new collaboration today with Molbio Diagnostics that significantly reduces the price of the Truenat® MTB and MTB Plus tests, including a supply of MTB-RIF Dx tests for subsequent…
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Researchers seek climate-resilient rice as part of USDA grant
Scientists at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Rice Research and Extension Center seek to develop rice that is more resilient in the face of climate change and usable water depletion. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station scientists Nick Bateman, associate professor and extension entomologist, and Stan De Guzman, assistant professor and rice breeder, have…
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Genome editing promotes industrialisation, enhances crop resistance to pests and diseases
Genome editing is one of the new and emerging technologies that falls under the biotechnology umbrella, the application of which can potentially enhance the agricultural sector through improved crop resistance to pests and adverse environmental conditions, a senior government official has said. Professor Fanuel Tagwira, the Permant Secretary for the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary…
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Enhance education to increase participation of women and girls in science
By Nhau Mangirazi Sometime in March last year, a climate change advocacy group set foot in the rural outskirts of Tongogara Refugee Camp in Chipinge within Manicaland province. The refugee camp is situated about 420 km southeast of the capital Harare and was established in 1984. All for Climate Action, an organization that promotes action…