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…
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…
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…
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 –…
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…
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…
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…
Kenya’s government opened a local smartphone assembly plant in collaboration with a group of operators including Safaricom, launching a pair of affordable 4G handsets to boost uptake of the network technology in the country. Safaricom stated the smartphones will be available nationwide with a price tag starting at KES7,499 ($50) and it plans to launch…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Writes Lovemore Chazingwa Leading telecoms concern, NetOne, is working on improving network connectivity, quashing reports in some sections of the media suggesting that it suffered a backlash from customers over a 10 gig data gift package it rolled out recently. The company was taken aback by the inaccuracies of those reports, insisting that the package…
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…
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…
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…
MOMBASA, KENYA – There are vast opportunities for women and girls in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects, Prof Alsácia Atanásio of Mozambique has said. The scientist revealed this in an interview on the sidelines of the ongoing genome editing strategic workshop in Mombasa, Kenya, that is organised by the African Union Development…
MOMBASA, KENYA – Scientists attending the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) strategic meeting on gene editing in Mombasa, Kenya have called for muti-stakeholder collaboration to ensure the success of the biotechnology meant to ensure food and nutrition security in Africa. In her presentation, Dr. Florence Wambugu, the Chief Executive Officer of Africa Harvest, said gene…
MOMBASA, KENYA – Stakeholders gathered in Mombasa, Kenya for a workshop on genome editing that is being spearheaded by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), are celebrating one of their own, Professor Charles Adetunji, who has attained the prestigious number 1 position among the top 500 prolific authors in Nigeria, a distinction he has maintained…
MOMBASA, KENYA – With the potential that biotechnology possesses in developing crops and animals that are more resilient to climate change and risks of diseases, the adoption of genome editing sets the stage for Africa to harness new and emerging technologies to ensure food and nutrition security on the continent. These were the sentiments of…
MOMBASA, KENYA – The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) is convening a meeting towards leveraging collaborative alliances for the enhanced uptake of genome editing to drive Agricultural Innovation in Africa. Addressing a gathering of experts today, who will moderate and facilitate the meeting that runs from the 16th to the 20th of October 2023 in…
Writes Lovemore Chazingwa Telecommunication service provider, NetOne, invests in showcasing the manner it deals with customers to satisfy stakeholder expectations in terms of a sound, seamless service delivery. The ICT utility participated in a National Customer Service Week Exhibition at Harare Gardens that was organized and coordinated by the Contact Centre Association of Zimbabwe (CCAZ)….
A Kenyan court on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit challenging a government decision to allow the importation and cultivation of genetically modified crops to help combat its food crisis. In October last year, the government lifted a decade-old ban on GM crops in response to dwindling food security following the worst drought to ravage the Horn…
A team of researchers have embarked on a new study in which they will develop a digital tool to help farmers conduct forecasts to enable them to make informed decisions on when to plant and make other decisions on the farm. The researchers who are led by scientists at the Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC)…
Writes Reginald Tapfumaneyi Zimbabwean youth-led project, Green Energy Accelerator (GEA) by Youth and Economic Capital Fund in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), together with the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, has been selected as one of the top 30 Global innovations for Renewable Energy to compete at the Global Youth4Climate Conference…
Renowned entrepreneur and farmer, Dr. Divine Ndhlukula has said Nyatsime College is on the right track towards the implementation of Education 5.0. She made the remarks in her address today during the Nyatsime College speech and prize-giving ceremony when the educational institution was acknowledging, celebrating, and showcasing the success of its students in academic and…
The government of Zimbabwe has been commended for its commitment to upholding the right to access information during the International Day for Universal Access to Information held on Thursday, 28 September 2023 In his remarks during the commemoration, Hon Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services hailed President Mnangagwa for creating…
By Lloyd Rabaya As the Green Stars traditional dance group was dishing out their transcendent performance of the Mbakumba dance, the unmitigated crowd’s cheerful plaudits with the golden dust going straight to the skies marked the permanent return of a lost hope. Since time immemorial in Zimbabwe, different occasions called for different dances, which vary…
Speaker of Parliament Hon Advocate J.F.N Mudenda is in Montevideo, Uruguay, where he is attending the 2nd World Summit of the Committees of the Future 2023. Enroute to Montevideo, Speaker Mudenda was met by His Excellency Ambassador Meshack Kitchen in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the South American bloc specifically Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile,…
Healthcare systems should prepare proactively in cases of natural disasters, Dr. Katlego Mothudi, the Managing Director at the Board of Healthcare Funders of Southern Africa (BHF) has said. He made the remarks today during the second edition of the African Conference on Risk Reduction that is taking place from September 27 to 29, 2023, in…
By Lloyd Rabaya Tinayeshe Kariwo, a fourth-year student at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) studying Electrical and Electronics Engineering, said the gap between education and industry can only be bridged through continued engagement between the two. This came to light today when global telecommunications giant Huawei held a career expo at the University of Zimbabwe…
Hon Dr. Tatenda Mavetera, the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal, and Courier Services has hit the ground running to ensure Zimbabwe is up to speed with technological advancements. The maverick politician was entrusted to oversee the critical ministry in a Cabinet appointed by President Mnangagwa after the 23 August 2023 harmonised elections. Driven by…
The Government of Korea and the African Development Bank Group are intent on strengthening their partnership to support African countries in achieving food security in five years and boost the continent’s capability to produce its own vaccines and other pharmaceutical products. Speaking on Monday during a meeting with Korea’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural…
Online harassment is common and associated with various risk factors and negative outcomes, reports MedicineÒ Studies indicate that teenage cyberbullying is on the rise across the globe. Constant engagement with social media is exacerbating this condition further. A recent survey of teenagers from Romania identifies the associated risks and mitigation opportunities, thus paving the way…
Fisheries governance watchdog Accountability.Fish today released previously secret deliberations from an international fisheries decision-making body, publishing its first-ever RFMO Tracker detailing the outcomes of the recent IATTC (Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission) meeting in Victoria, Canada. Key decisions included a watering down of key proposals due to the interventions of China, Chinese Taipei, and Japan, and…
Writes Dr. Deckster Tony Savadye, CEO and Registrar of the National Biotechnology Authority of Zimbabwe Zimbabwe, like any other country in the world, has experienced climate change. The country has been experiencing frequent droughts, the emergence of new diseases and pests, and also increase in temperatures. The adverse effects of climate change have therefore affected…
Writes Lovemore Chazingwa Mobile telecoms player, NetOne, scooped the biggest prize in the overall best stand by a registered postal and telecommunications operator at the just-ended Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) 2023 annual event. The prize was among other winners which included the best overall exhibition, the best overall exhibition by an institution in the education,…
Writes Elvis Dumba Buhera – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called upon mining companies to upscale the setting up of the Mapinga Mine to Energy Park for the production of solar batteries and lithium products. President Mnangagwa made these remarks when he officially commissioned Sabi Star Lithium Plant in Buhera on Thursday. ” The mining sector…
Writes Lloyd Rabaya The largest seed-producing company in Zimbabwe, SeedCo, recently launched a farming app that will help farmers monitor their crops. Seedney, the application, has various tools that farmers can use to their advantage to get the maximum yields. Speaking to Spiked Online Media at the ongoing Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS), SeedCo Zimbabwe Head…
TelOne is exhibiting at the 2023 edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) that is running under the theme “Sustained Agricultural Growth through Connectivity Solutions”. In an interview with this publication, a TelOne spokesperson said the company is showcasing Broadband, TelTrack, Crop Monitoring, and TelOne Voice service. TelTrack is a vehicle-tracking product that is ideal…
The inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS) secretariat has launched the official Africa Climate Summit App ahead of the events from the 4th – 6th September this year. The app is designed to provide an immersive experience for attendees and the general public alike before, during, and after the summit. The App, available for download on…
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show this week got into full swing, with Econet Wireless Zimbabwe’s exhibition stand quickly grabbing the limelight with its eye-catching design and an array of products and innovative services on display. The leading telecommunications and technology company’s stand, located at the centre of the exhibition grounds, has a unique design that instantly…
