Danai Gurura joins 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023

Leading Zimbabwean-American actress and playwright, Danai Gurira was yesterday featured in New African magazine’s annual listing of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023. The list celebrates the achievements and contributions of Africans from various fields and sectors, who have made a positive impact on the continent and the world. The list features a diverse…

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A New Bean Product Development and Scaling in East Africa

In the heart of Kigali, Rwanda, Govindaraj, a Senior Scientist in Crop Development at HarvestPlus, and Telesphore Ndabamenye, the Director General of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), found themselves engaged in a crucial conversation. The purpose of the meeting was to deliberate on the future of bean farming and scaling in…

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Pioneer Biochar Project Set Up in Rushinga

Writes Tafadzwa Muranganwa An innovative carbon credit initiative involving the production of biochar has been established in Rushinga, Zimbabwe, marking a strategic entry into the carbon trading markets. This pioneering artisanal biochar project is a collaborative effort between HempConnect, a local carbon removal company, and the Organic Farming Academy (OFA), focusing on utilizing baobab shells…

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South Africa, Singapore celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations

Deputy President Mashatile delivers a public lecture on the 30 years of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Singapore titled “Celebrating a journey of mutual respect, strategic partnership, and cooperation”,  at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in the National University of Singapore. The Deputy President’s visit to the country is aimed at…

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Training provides regulatory frameworks for application of Genome Editing

The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPA) is holding training to create awareness among in-country regulators drafting and implementing policies and regulations critical for shaping communication and advocacy narratives on genome editing. In a speech on behalf of Mr. Willard Munango, the Deputy Chief Secretary for the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mrs. Anna Tinarwo,…

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Closing the digital gap: DFA donates to Village of Hope Children’s Home

The Village of Hope Children’s Home received a generous donation from DFA Zimbabwe as the latter plays its part in closing the digital gap in the country. In his speech at the unveiling of the donation to Village of Hope Children’s Home, Mr. Simon Chimutsotso, the Chief Executive Officer of DFA Zimbabwe said his company’s…

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AUDA-NEPAD collaborates with NABDA to strengthen capacity in Genome Editing and Biotechnology

Writes Toyin Omozuwa (Press Secretary to the DG/CEO NABDA) Vice-Chancellors, Chief Executives, Deans of Faculties of Agriculture and sciences, academic and research leaders in selected institutions, as well as policymakers, regulators, and senior researchers, gathered on 7 December 2023, at the Abuja Continental Hotel for a Two-Day Workshop on Strengthening Institutionalised Capacity in Genome Editing…

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NetOne Network Upgrade: commitment to delivering top-tier services to customers

NetOne Cellular Pvt Ltd has demonstrated steadfast commitment to delivering top-tier services to customers in Zimbabwe and beyond by upgrading its network. “Upheld by our core values of Accountability, Agility, Innovation, Integrity, and Excellence, we continuously strive to address everyday challenges faced by our customers with innovative solutions. In line with this dedication, we are…

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AI-Powered Solutions for Agriculture in Africa

In this rapidly modernizing World, the slow blending of technology with AI Development is painting a new reality that is quite unimaginable. Apart from this collaboration, AI is catching up with agriculture too much and taking it to the next level. Regions like Africa, where agriculture is the cornerstone, face the scope of development. In…

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Clean energy critical for adapting and mitigating against climate change

The Government of Zimbabwe has put in place Policy frameworks which have created a conducive environment for clean energy infrastructure to be put in place in response especially to clean energy and adapting and mitigating against climate change. Tariro Chipepera, the Director for Community Development in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium…

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Kenya Develops Innovative Hermetic Bags to Revolutionize Grain Storage

The Kenyan government has been working in partnership with private sectors to develop new technologies to ensure that farmer’s harvest were well preserved during storage to avert losses. Hermetic Storage Technology Bags are able to preserve stored grains while restricting the existence of cereal pests by depleting oxygen levels. The air-tight bags prevent air or…

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EGPAF quality improvement project results in increased advanced HIV screening in Malawi

The Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric Foundation (EGPAF) quality improvement project is resulting in increased advanced HIV screening in Malawi in line with the vision of ending AIDS by 2030. Dr. Eddie Matiya, the EGPAF Project Manager for Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) in Malawi, in his poster presentation at the ongoing 2023 International Conference on AIDS and…

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Huawei, Sharp forge cross-licensing deal

Huawei concluded another global patent cross-licensing agreement, adding Japan-based Sharp to a growing list of long-term deals the Chinese company said aid competition and reduce device costs. In a statement, Huawei noted the deal covers cellular standard essential patents, including 4G and 5G, with the company’s head of IP Alan Fan adding: “We are delighted…

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Festive season prizes galore in “Pinda Manake ne NetOne” promotion

Giant mobile telephony company, NetOne Pvt Ltd’s “Pinda Manake ne NetOne” Christmas promotion demonstrates the institution’s commitment to spreading joy, transforming lives, and making a positive impact in marginalised communities. The “Pinda Manake ne NetOne” Christmas promotion brings to the fore NetOne’s eagerness to plough back some of the fruits of its enterprise back to…

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Innovative HIV Prevention: DVR Gains Momentum Across Africa

Innovative HIV Prevention Product for Women That Promotes Choice – Dapivirine Vaginal Ring (DVR) – Gains Momentum Across Africa; With Use Approved in 11 African Countries, Women Can Access the Ring Now in a Growing Number of Implementation and Pilot Studies Across 6 of the 11 Approved Countries ·       Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia,…

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Renewed partnership boosts skills needed to drive drug discovery, development in Africa

Nhau Mangirazi in Lusaka, Zambia  Africa has the potential to boost skills for drug development that fight diseases that are curable to reduce economic impact.  This follows a deal between the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) and the H3D Foundation that announced a new three-year phase of their partnership, aiming to boost…

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COMESA advocates for enhanced ICT integration to boost intra-Africa trade

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is seeking a downward review of mobile phone network roaming and interconnection charges in efforts to deepen regional integration, trade and growth of the ICT sector. To this effect, the COMESA Secretariat and the European Union (EU) have signed a Grant contribution agreement worth 8 million Euros for the Enhancement of…

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Nigerian researchers in AI breakthrough detecting TB

Catherine Murombedzi, a health science journalist, takes readers through a glimpse into future TB detection using Artificial Intelligence (AI). The recently ended Union World Lung Health Conference in France, (15 to 18 November 2023) brought together researchers, medical doctors, communities, and stakeholders to brainstorm on lung diseases. Challenges, success stories, and strategies were shared with…

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Seeds for the Future participants laud Huawei for the life-changing experience

By Lloyd Rabaya With technology improving on a daily basis, Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, Seeds for the Future program beneficiaries have lauded the company for the frontage they received while participating in the competitions. In Zimbabwe, there has been a gap between the school and the industry, but Huawei is on the drive to fill…

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Experience The Magic of Christmas: Win Big This Festive Season with OneMoney

Own Correspondent In a thrilling turn of events, OneMoney, the trailblazing provider of telecommunication services, is all set to transform your Christmas season into an enchanting wonderland. Prepare yourself for an extraordinary promotional event that will add a sprinkle of euphoria to your festivities, leaving you in awe of the joys that lie ahead. At…

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Power Giants directors scoop top gongs

Business Reporter In yet another validation for Zimbabwe’s trailblazing energy entity, Power Giants, its top directors scooped the much coveted prestigious accolades at the just-ended Annual National Iconic Entrepreneurs Awards and the Professional Excellence Awards (2023) held in the capital, Harare. Power Giants Transmission Director, Engineer Edzai Kachirekwa who is also the Afro Eurasia Energy…

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Researchers predict climate change-driven reduction in beneficial plant microbes

Bacteria that benefit plants are thought to be a critical contributor to crops and other ecosystems, but climate change may reduce their numbers, according to a new study by an international team of researchers. They published their findings in Nature Food. The collaboration, including Francisco Dini-Andreote, professor of plant science at Penn State, characterized the abundances…

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AMR poses threat to public health and sustainable food production

Anti-microbial resistance (AMR) poses an increasingly serious threat to public health and sustainable food production, necessitating an effective response involving all sectors of government and society, stakeholders attending the World AMR Awareness Week in Zimbabwe have said. Addressing delegates during the official opening ceremony of the 5th Continental World Antimicrobial Awareness Week for Africa in…

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Netone-sponsored fitness marathon promotes environmental protection, tourism development

Leading mobile telephony company, NetOne, has demonstrated its deep commitment to sustainability, and responsible governance by sponsoring a fitness marathon. Addressing journalists in the capital city yesterday, Mr. Learnmore Musunda, the company’s General Manager, speaking on behalf of Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Raphael Mushanawani, said NetOne recognizes the vital importance of achieving the goals…

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AGRA’s Extension Model Hits 11m Farmers With New Technologies

The Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has recounted the efforts it made towards implementing its mandate, saying it has reached over 11 million farmers in Nigeria. The Country Director of AGRA, Rufus Idris, disclosed this during the just concluded Africa–Wide Agricultural Extension Week (AAEW) in Abuja. Idris, while receiving an award for AGRA’s…

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Implementation of innovation, knowledge-led initiatives transforms economies: Dr Bayisa Bedada

Dr. Bayisa Bedada, the State Minister of the Ministry of Innovation and Technology of Ethiopia has encouraged African countries to accelerate economic transformation through knowledge-based and innovation-led initiatives. He made the remarks today at a stakeholder validation meeting of genome editing communication and advocacy training materials and curriculum underway in Addis Ababa from 15 to…

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Workshop validates genome editing communication training materials and curriculum

A three-day workshop kicked off in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia today to validate genome editing training materials and curriculum that will be used at the continental level to communicate new breeding tools and create awareness of the technology meant to optimize African agriculture. In his welcome remarks, Dr. Kassahun Tesfaye, the Director General of the Ethiopian…

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Care Zimbabwe and partners deploy automated weather station in Manicaland

In a collaborative endeavor to enhance disaster preparedness, CARE International in Zimbabwe and Caritas Zimbabwe, in partnership with the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) of Zimbabwe, have successfully deployed an automated weather station at Cloudland in Ward 33, situated within the Vumba area of Mutare District. This initiative which was spearheaded through the Strengthening Disaster Preparedness…

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Africa shifts towards genetic modification to boost food security

The designation of Ghana as the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) collaborating center for Africa, focusing on plant breeding and associated technologies for food and nutrition, is being seen as a pivotal moment in the application of genetic modification in Africa. In a recent press statement, the IAEA announced its collaboration with the Biotechnology and…

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2023 Ashden Awards – African climate solutions lead the way in clean energy, nature protection and farming

Africa was centre stage in the 2023 Ashden Awards with four of the five global South winners being African low carbon innovators and one receiving an Outstanding Achievement Award. Three more were from the UK.     Winners from Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, and Cameroon were celebrated for driving radical progress in tackling the biggest climate challenges –…

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Funding critical for driving genome editing, agricultural innovations

Funding strengthens institutional capacity and the uptake of genome editing through strategic partnerships, alliances, and linkages with the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) spearheading biotechnology in eight countries in Africa. Genome editing, with its immense potential to revolutionize various aspects of human life, holds an important place in the realm of scientific discoveries. The GE…

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Strategic partnerships, alliances with institutions of higher learning drive genome editing

There is a need for strategic partnerships, alliances, and linkages with institutions of higher learning and national research institutes for the successful implementation of genome editing tools that require strong institutional capacity, a senior government official has said. This was said today in Harare by Deputy Chief Secretary in The Office of the President and…

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Power Giants directors nominated for prestigious awards

Business Reporter Energy and power development firm, Power Giants, has received a feather in the cap after its top directors were nominated for prestigious accolades, an acknowledgement of the company’s top-notch operational standards. Power Giants Transmission Director, Engineer Edzai Kachirekwa was nominated for the Top Five Innovators of The Year 2023 Award while the Managing…

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Fusion developer hits world-first independently verified generation milestone

Fusion energy specialist, ENG8, has demonstrated an electrical energy output five times greater than the energy used in this ground-breaking, independent validation at Culham Innovation Centre in Oxfordshire, one of the top five leading fusion centres in the world, and home to the UK’s Atomic Energy Authority. During each of the three tests, lasting approximately…

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Huawei’s Seeds for the Future Program 2023 trains students cutting-edge technologies

Since 2015, Huawei Zimbabwe has been running the program “Seeds for the Future”, which annually offers exceptional young people from Zimbabwe the opportunity to receive training in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and 5G. In his address, H.E. Ambassador Zhou Ding at the official opening ceremony of Seeds for the Future Program…

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ICGEB offers course on biopesticides and biocontrol agents

The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) is offering a course on “Harmonising regulatory requirements for registration of biopesticides and biocontrol agents in Africa: From principles to practice” which will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 27 to 29 February 2024. The Scientific Organiser is Dr. Dennis Obonyo Ndolo from ICGEB…

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NetOne’s digital innovative packages enhance customer experience and satisfaction

NetOne, Zimbabwe’s leading provider of sustainable and inclusive digital solutions, is dedicated to continuously improving and enhancing its offerings for the benefit of its customers. In response to customer feedback and pain points, NetOne introduced social media USD bundles and made its Khuluma 24/7 offering available in USD denominations. With the new USD social media…

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Workshop looks into benefits and regulation of biopesticides

A workshop by various stakeholders in the agricultural value chain has brought to the fore the benefits and regulation architecture of biopesticides. The workshop is being held in Harare from 24 to 26 October 2023 under the auspices of the Southern Africa Biopesticides Project titled, Enhancing Trade Through Regulatory Harmonisation and Biopesticide Based Residue Mitigation…

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Biopesticides increase agricultural productivity and production

Increased agricultural productivity and production can be achieved through adaptation and use of new technologies such as biopesticides, a senior government official has said. This came to the fore today at a workshop on targeted interventions towards enhancing the registration and use of biopesticides in Zimbabwe that is running from 25 to 26 October 2023…

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Universal access to information a cornerstone of development: Minister Muswere

Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services has said universal access to information is the cornerstone of development. He made the remarks at the International Day for Universal Access to Information and World Postal Day commemorations at Chivi Growth Point yesterday. “It is crucial for us to realise that universal access…

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Zimbabwe to invest in multi-billion dollar biotechnology industries

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said his administration is investing in emerging industries such as the multi-billion dollar biotechnology industries as a way of expediting the achievement of an upper-middle income economy by 2030. He made the remarks while officially opening the Great Zimbabwe University Innovation Hub during the institution’s 17th Graduation Ceremony, held under the…

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China Approves “Dozens” of Genetically Modified Corn, Soybean Varieties

Bloomberg writer Hallie Gu reported that “China has approved dozens of genetically modified corn and soybean seed varieties for planting, in a breakthrough move that could eventually boost production and reduce dependence on foreign supplies. “The country is the world’s top importer of soybeans and corn “A national committee set up by the agriculture ministry has approved 37 GM corn seed and 14 soybean…

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Communication, commercialisation and innovation systems for genome editing intertwined

MOMBASA, KENYA – There is an interconnectedness of communication, commercialisation, and innovation systems related to genome editing, a multi-stakeholder strategic workshop on biotechnology in this coastal city of Kenya that is meant to improve African agriculture has revealed. Moderating a roundtable discussion on insights into genome editing/biotech communication and advocacy, Veronica Mwaba, the Director of…

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