ActionAid report: High food and fuel prices affect world’s marginalised communities

The cost of food, fuel, and fertiliser in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities is continuing to escalate to crisis levels since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with families spending up to ten times what they paid almost 16 months ago, according to new analysis from international humanitarian organisation ActionAid. A survey of more than…

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Meeting explores interplay between SDGs and Agenda 2063

There is inter-relatedness and connectivity between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Agenda 2063, the Government of Zimbabwe SDGs and Agenda 2063 Committee meeting in Harare today has heard.   In her presentation on institutional structure and implementation synergies between SDGs and Agenda 2063, Sylocious Chaturuka, the Deputy Director – SDGs and Agenda 2063…

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African seed system experts seek to validate their strategic report

A validation seminar of the progress report and methodology of the study on farmer-managed seed systems on the continent is taking place beginning today in Lusaka ( Zambia ), aimed at actions and policies modelled on best practices in this sector.   Experts in the field are discussing the execution of the mission according to…

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Thousands of Pfumvudza/Intwasa farmers receive Crop Insurance Pay-out from AFC Holdings

AFC Holdings, partnered with a consortium of insurance companies and the Government of Zimbabwe to run a pilot project on Area Yield Index Insurance for farmers who received Pfumvudza inputs in the 2021/2022 Season in Rushinga and Mwenezi districts. The project was monitored and evaluated through the assistance of PULA, a technical advisor on Area…

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Agriculture: To what extent can a few beneficiaries transform a whole community?

Writes Charles Dhewa   Due to limited resources, among other reasons, development interventions often work with a few targeted beneficiaries hoping that new knowledge or practices can trickle down to the entire community. For instance, in a community of more than 1000 households, an intervention can support 50 households to do sustainable agriculture. Some interventions…

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Siemens Mechatronics Certification Centre Embraces 4th Industrial Revolution

By Byron Mutingwende in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia   The Siemens Mechatronics Certification Centre in Kenya has embraced the 4th Industrial Revolution, Prof Jean Bosco has said. Prof Bosco made the remarks during the on going Africa Industrialisation Week happening at the African Union Headquarters, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia that is running under the theme, “Positioning…

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Growth of domestic and international aviation spurs tourism arrivals

The growth of both domestic and international aviation spurs tourism arrivals, Ms. Tarirai Musonza, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry has said. She made the remarks in her welcome address at Sanganai/Hlanganani 2023 Tourism Expo session on the Aviation Development Forum side event in Bulawayo today. “Allow us to applaud…

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Engineer Edzai Kachirekwa bags the Innovation in Energy Sector Award

Engineer Dr. Edzai Kachirekwa has once again stamped authority as an industry leader after winning Emerging Brands Africa’s Innovation in Energy Sector Award.   The Emerging Brands in Africa Awards is an initiative designed to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements of diverse brands in Africa that are showcasing significant growth across various sectors. The…

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ITC and AUC sign agreement to empower small businesses to unlock intra-African trade

The African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to mark the next chapter of an ongoing partnership. Together, the organizations will foster inclusive trade in Africa by incorporating small enterprises into the regional economy, and promote the…

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EcoCash signs up more banks, pushes for total integrated mobile financial services

By Byron Mutingwende Popular mobile money service, EcoCash, has integrated with MBCA Bank Limited, bringing to 11 the number of banks directly integrated with the mobile financial transacting system.   A company spokesman yesterday confirmed the integration, saying the development was set to offer EcoCash and MBCA customers more convenience, choice and flexibility.   “We…

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Denmark commits millions to vulnerable farmers through IFAD’s climate adaptation fund

In the wake of COP26, which featured a strong call for increased finance to help the world’s poorest countries adapt to the impacts of climate change, Denmark, on 10 December 2021 announced a contribution of DKK 190 million (about US$29 million) to the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to assist small-scale farmers to…

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New Board Chairpersons Appointed for Forestry Commission and Zimparks

By Joyce Mukucha The Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry has appointed new board chairpersons for Forestry Commission and Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority (Zimparks). The Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu has announced the appointment of Mrs Veronica Gundu Jakarasi as the Forestry Commission Board Chairperson…

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Only 7 African countries commercially grow genetically engineered crops

Here’s a blueprint to unlock the continent’s enormous farm and food potential The African continent has been home to genetically modified (GM) crops for more than 26 years, beginning in 1996 when insect-resistant GM maize was commercialized in South Africa. Since then, several GM crops have been developed on the continent, including cotton, cowpea, soybean,…

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Zimbabwe Agri-tech Strategy to mainstream ICTs into agriculture

The government is working on mainstreaming information communication technologies (ICTs) into agriculture and to achieve this, it has developed the Zimbabwe Agri-Tech Strategy to leverage innovations to improve efficiency, increase effectiveness, reduce costs and enhance the competitiveness of the sector. In his remarks delivered on behalf of the minister, Hon Vangelis Haritatos, the Deputy Minister…

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ZIMCODD launches #TakeAction Campaign and Citizen App

Following the strengths of the #HowFar campaign (2021) which asked duty-bearers key accountability questions, the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) is launching the next phase, the #TakeAction campaign & the CitizenApp. The Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt & Development (ZIMCODD) is a socio-economic justice coalition established in February 2000 to facilitate citizens` involvement in…

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Stellenbosch University, Unitaid sign US$18.9 million grant for treatment of drug-resistant TB

South Africa’s Stellenbosch University and Unitaid sign US$ 18.9 million grant agreement to develop child-friendly treatments and preventive therapy against multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) Stellenbosch University and Unitaid have signed a US$ 18.9 million grant agreement to develop child-friendly treatments and preventive therapy for treating multidrug-resistant TB in children. The agreement was announced today at the 50th…

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NetOne, First Lady bankroll Maria Theresa ZimSmart Community E-Commerce and E-Health Centre

The people of Chiweshe in Mashonaland Central Province witnessed the opening of the Maria Theresa ZimSmart Community E-Commerce and E-Health Center, inaugurated by Her Excellency Dr. A. Mnangagwa, with financial support from leading government-owned mobile telephony giant, NetOne. “This center offers a ray of hope for the community, symbolizing a transformative leap towards digital inclusion….

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Power Giants driving mechanisation for increased farm productivity

As the 2020-2021 agricultural season kicks off, commercial farmers have been urged to capitalise on local initiatives for the installation and servicing of farm machinery and equipment to ensure the smooth flow of operations. Speaking at a media briefing after the unveiling of Power Giants Private Limited’s Mutare branch, the firm’s general manager – Manicaland Province…

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FAO integrates biodiversity into agriculture to ensure food security

By Hillary Munedzi The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has underscored the critical importance of mainstreaming biodiversity across agriculture sectors to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). There were calls to place emphasis on SDG 2 on Zero Hunger, SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production, SDG 13 on climate change,…

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How to make the digital revolution work for inclusive growth

Digitisation and the rise of the platform economy are changing the way firms do business. To thrive amidst these changes, small firms need strong business ecosystems. ITC’s SME Competitiveness Outlook 2018 explains how to make big data work for small firms, how to focus today on building skills for tomorrow and how to foster public trust in…

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Huawei Seeds for The Future Program entrenching youths’ ICT knowledge

The Huawei Seeds for the Future Program has been hailed as a formidable initiative that boosts solidarity, cooperation, and innovation between Zimbabwe and China through the provision of information communication technology among youths. The initiative is a cog in the Huawei Technologies’ Global Corporate Social Responsibility drive. “Starting out in 2008, the Seeds for the…

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Sound communication key in disaster management, climate change mitigation

By Nhau Mangirazi There is a need for sound communication as it remains key to climate change mitigation and disaster management on environmental issues affecting communities. According to National Environment Action Plan, (NEAP), the impacts of pending disasters can be significantly reduced if there are sound communication platforms. The 72-page document that is under scrutiny…

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World Heritage Futures Lab: Southern and Eastern Africa edition

By Atiyyah Khan Innovative ways of thinking around heritage interpretation and presentation were explored at the World Heritage Futures Lab hosted in January this year in Windhoek. Eager participants from Southern and Eastern Africa joined for a 3-day laboratory highlighting UNESCO heritage sites. Community members from each region were paired up in teams with creative…

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SDGs Expo showcases 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development implementation

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Exhibition affords diverse stakeholders an opportunity to showcase different initiatives being undertaken in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a senior government official has said. These were a part of remarks yesterday by the Secretary for Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare, Mr. Simon Masanga, who was represented by…

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AfDB partners with AGRA to sponsor the African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF)

AGRF online will convene the most senior decision-makers of governments in the same digital space as grassroots players along the agricultural value chain The African Development Bank (https://www.AfDB.org/en) returns as a top-tier partner of the African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) – Africa’s largest agriculture conference – to be held online for the first time from…

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Facebook, YouTube and Twitter Struggles to Remove New Zealand Mosque Shooting Videos

Facebook, YouTube and Twitter Struggles to Remove New Zealand Mosque Shooting Videos

The shooter in at least one of the two mosque attacks in New Zealand on Friday used social media to stream his deadly rampage live. Shortly after, tech giants scrambled to remove his accounts, but versions of the video remained on some sites hours after the shootings, which killed at least 49 people. Facebook, Twitter and Google’s YouTube all said they…

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Cyclone Idai: China invests $1,24 million in women’s health in affected districts

The Government of China and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) today handed over reproductive health medical equipment and medicines as part of the US$1,24 million support to the Government of Zimbabwe‘s Health Assistance Project for Women and Girls in Zimbabwe Affected by Tropical Cyclone Idai in Chimanimani and Chipinge districts. The objective of the…

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ARTUZ clears air on its member’s suspension

Writes Marlvin Ngiza The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has confirmed the suspension of its Masvingo provincial spokesperson with immediate effect. ARTUZ deputy secretary general, Munyaradzi Masiyiwa, said that the suspension was in line with the union’s code of conduct which does not condone contrary views to their ideology following allegations that Runesu…

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Questions around voters’ roll, polling centres and audit in Zimbabwe

By Farai Chirimumimba Once again, Zimbabwe is witnessing an intense period stemming from the availability of the voters’ roll that has been a subject of debate in recent weeks with different interpretations of section 21 (4) by several legal minds. Whether one supports President Emmerson Mnangagwa or his main rival Nelson Chamisa, one thing is…

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CZR Applauds Government for Invoking Tough Lockdown Measures

By Joyce Mukucha Making reference to the new measures announced by Hon VP and Minister of Health and Child Care Minister Dr.Constantino Chiwenga to combat the rise in Covid-19 positive cases, the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has applauded the government for stepping in by invoking tough measures to stop a looming catastrophe amid rising…

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Kadoma City Mayor Ruzario emphasises importance of stakeholder collaboration

Writes Thomas Faranando On the sidelines of a strategic meeting with stakeholders at a local hotel on Friday, Kadoma City Mayor, Nigel Ruzario highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts in driving the city’s development. He stressed that stakeholder engagement is crucial for the growth and progress of Kadoma, the only city in Mashonaland West province…

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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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