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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EOS Data Analytics Obtains US Patent For Web-Based Algorithm Generating Crop Productivity Maps

The algorithm is implemented in EOSDA Crop Monitoring by EOS Data Analytics. It is designed to automatically process earth observation imagery data and provide agricultural analytics in a web interface. EOS Data Analytics, a global provider of AI-powered satellite imagery analytics founded by Dr. Max Polyakov, has obtained a United States patent for an algorithm built…

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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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Jacob Mutisi

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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Feminist Knowledge hub Zivo/Ulwazi addresses gender digital divide in Zimbabwe

The creation of the Zivo-Ulwazi Knowledge Hub is a timely intervention that will empower women and girls through accessing Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) thereby contributing to addressing the gender digital divide in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Women’s Resource Centre and Network and UN Women officially launched the Zivo-Ulwazi Feminist Knowledge Hub today, Thursday 8 June…

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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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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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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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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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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…

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Zimbabwe’s digital space: Minister Muswere appraises Commonwealth Telecommunications Organizations

Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services, during a Ministerial Alliance for Digital Nations meeting for the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organizations, gave an overview of strides being made by Zimbabwe in its quest to enhance the digital economy. Below, Spiked Online Media shares a synopsis of the current status…

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Zimbabwe to host the 6th Transform Africa Summit at the Victoria Falls

The Transform Africa Summit is the leading African tech and digital event organised by Smart Africa which gathers over 5000 delegates from more than 100 countries   Zimbabwe will be hosting the 6th Transform Africa Summit (TAS) (https://TransformAfricaSummit.org) from the 26th to the 28th of April 2023 at Victoria Falls. Zimbabwe was selected against bids…

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CUT’s 5th International Conference roars into life

By Elvis Dumba Chinhoyi – All is set for the Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) 5th International Conference coinciding with the tertiary institution”s 20th anniversary. The Conference themed “Innovation, Industrialization, Growth and Sustainable Development” is running from 13 March 2023 to 17 March 2023. The conference brings together regional and international academia to the Mashonaland…

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ICTs usher convenience in life: Minister Muswere

Dr. Jenfan Muswere has underscored the fact that information communication technology has a positive transformational power in people’s lives. Dr. Muswere, who is the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, made the remarks at the official launch of Tshazi Secondary School, Stanmore Primary School, Garanyemba Secondary School, Ntepe Secondary School, Selonga Secondary…

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NetOne, ZETDC rollout of smart meters ignites digital innovation and transformation

A partnership between the leading mobile telephony company, Netone, and power utility Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETC) has seen the rollout of smart meters across the country in the quest to entrench digital innovation and transformation. In his address during the rollout of the programme at the NetOne High-Value Customer Centre in Harare…

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ICT sector a forerunner for attaining Vision 2030

The information communication technology (ICT) sector is the critical cog for the digital economy that is stated as one of the fourteen national priorities underpinning the government’s strategy for the period 2021 – 2025, as the country thrives to become an Upper-Middle Income society by 2030. These were the sentiments of Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the…

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African scientists trained in cutting-edge technology to adapt agriculture to climate change

Climate change is making it harder to grow enough nutritious food, but a unique programme is training African scientists in harnessing cutting-edge breeding tools to adapt agriculture to new threats. The African Plant Breeding Academy, a programme for top plant breeders to upgrade their skills in advanced crop breeding, is training 11 doctorate-level scientists from…

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Computer labs for Bulawayo Province spur growth of ICTs sector

In the quest to provide an enabling environment for the growth of the ICTs sector, the government has deployed computer laboratories for schools in the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province. This came to the fore when Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services presided over the official launch of Schools’ ICT labs in…

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Large-scale HIV vaccine efficacy study stopped

AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) reports that the Mosaico study, a large-scale HIV vaccine efficacy study also known as HVTN 706/HPX3002, was stopped early for non-efficacy. The study took place in several countries in North and South America and Europe to test the safety and efficacy of the adenovirus26-based vaccine regimen among 3,900 cis-gender men…

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