Proposed changes to US Global Gag Rule threaten wider harm

Seipati Moloi (Media Liaison Co-ordinator, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Estimates put the number of unsafe abortions each year at over 25 million—97% of them in developing countries—leading to at least 22,800 deaths and millions of serious complications. The United States policy known as the Global Gag Rule has had a devastating impact on women’s access…

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Avenues for energizing commitment in African agricultural transformation

By Charles Dhewa Failure to implement agricultural policies by many African countries stems from processes through which such policies are developed. When different stakeholders do not adequately participate in the process of developing a national agricultural policy, their commitment in terms of technical and financial support is often very weak. Those leading processes of developing…

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The OPEC Fund approves US$20m for SMEs in East Africa

The bank is expanding its resource mobilization activities to meet the growing financing needs of SMEs he OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) (www.OPECFund.org) has signed a US$20 million term loan in favor of East African Development Bank (EADB). EADB will use the loan to support small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) and infrastructure…

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African Risk Capacity Limited, Pula to Deliver Best-in-Class Agric Index Insurance

The African Risk Capacity Limited (ARC Ltd), the commercial subsidiary of African Risk Capacity Group (ARC Group), has announced a partnership agreement with Pula to deliver best-in-class agriculture index insurance products to protect African farmers from climatic risks. Every farming season, African farmers are exposed to a wide range of climate risks including drought, excessive rainfall, pests…

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COVID-19: ECOZI clarifies expectations on the re-opening of schools

The Education Coalition of Zimbabwe (ECOZI) applauded the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education on the Phased Reopening of Schools and called for the protection of learners against the COVID-9 pandemic during the writing of ZIMSEC Examinations. “We commend the government’s bold stance on the reopening of schools on the 28th of September 2020 and…

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Slow pace of search, rescue and recovery efforts for trapped Task Mine artisanal miners disturbing

By Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) notes with concern the slow and poorly coordinated search, rescue or recovery efforts of five artisanal miners trapped underground at Task Mine in Chegutu. This disaster follows several others in the last two years that claimed lives of those trying to eke a living…

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COVID-19: UNFPA, partners solicit for access to contraceptives for women and girls

In the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic and on World Contraception Day, the UN’s reproductive health and rights agency – the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and partners have called for greater efforts to ensure access to contraceptives for women and girls of reproductive age. This is towards “Zero unmet Need for Contraception” even…

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Fastjet resumes flight services in Zimbabwe

As Zimbabwe relaxed the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and opened up flights and other tourism services, Fastjet has resumed its domestic flights in Zimbabwe. This reporter witnessed a remarkable improvement in security at the Robert Mugabe and the Joshua Nkomo International Airports in as far as COVID-19 preventive measures are concerned. Mr. Felix Nyangani, the Head…

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Afreximbank recognized for its role in promoting intra-African trade

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has been awarded the 2020 Africa-America Institute (AAI) ‘International Institution of Excellence Award’, during the Institute’s 36th Awards Virtual Awards Gala. Becoming the first organization to receive the award in the history of the institute since its establishment in 1953, Afreximbank was honored this award for its commitment to the creation and implementation of…

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ICT bridging the digital divide in coping with COVID-19

As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, bridging the digital divide for the 3.6 billion people who remain off-line worldwide is being made possible through information communication technology, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services has said. Dr. Muswere made the remarks at the official opening of the Sadza Community…

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US government committed to improving Zimbabwe’s health sector

By Anyway Yotamu The United States of America through USAID has announced that it is fully committed to improving the country’s health sector which is on its knees. The challenges in the health sector are due to shortages of much-needed equipment in hospitals and the deteriorating economic hardships precipitated by the outbreak of the COVID-19…

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ZPBA, Agritex driving Pfumvudza/Intwasa program

The Zimbabwe Plant Breeders Association (ZPBA) and Agritex are promoting the “Good Quality Climate Smart Seeds and Blitz Soil Conditioning under the famous Pfumvudza/Intwasa Demonstration” program being spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture. On 17 September 2020, the Zimbabwe Plant Breeders Association (ZPBA) and AGRITEX hosted a field demonstration event in Ward 4, Mhondoro District….

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City of Harare, Pokugara Properties up for perjury

By Anyway Yotamu Embattled Harare Town Clerk Hosiah  Chisango, representing the City of Harare has been jointly arraigned before the Magistrates Court together with Michael John Van Blerk representing Pokugara Properties (PVT) LTD facing fresh criminal charges of perjury. According to the summons, the two are to appear in court on the 28th of September…

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First anniversary: Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator program entrenching financial independence

One year ago (24 September 2019), there was a commitment to educating and empowering ten million women entrepreneurs over the next ten years through the Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator (WEA). The WEA began to lay the groundwork for a systemic transformation to break down the barriers keeping women from achieving financial independence and contributing to a…

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Rugby Africa Concludes Biggest Solidarity Campaign in its History

COVID-19 relief campaign supported 31 member unions through a dedicated solidarity fund In June Rugby Africa (http://www.RugbyAfrique.com) announced the immediate release of EUR 170,000.00 from a solidarity fund for its member unions. The Rugby Africa Executive Committee had initiated the relief campaign given the current health crisis and the immediate impact it had on the…

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Fitch affirms Afreximbank’s BBB-credit rating

Credit ratings agency highlights strong solvency and liquidity, bolstered by ongoing and expected capital increases The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) announces that Fitch Ratings has affirmed the Bank’s long-term Issuer Default Ratings (IDR) at ‘BBB-‘ with a stable outlook. The agency also affirmed the Bank’s Short-Term IDR at ‘F3’ and senior unsecured debt at ‘BBB-‘. Fitch highlighted…

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Innovating against COVID-19: Two Zimbabweans feature in UNDP Africa’s special online magazine

On the 22nd of September 2020, the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa, released a special edition of an online magazine showcasing how 50 young Africans are resourcefully helping fight the COVID19 Pandemic. The magazine – dubbed Africa Innovates, is timely as the world grapples with a response and recovery to a global pandemic. Africa Innovates…

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ZCTU mobilizes international support for the workers of Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has mobilized international support for the workers of Zimbabwe who continue to bear the brunt of a free-falling economy, neoliberal policies, and a battered local currency. In its solidarity message today, the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) said it appreciates the support of trade unions from across the…

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UN Secretary-General Outlines Development Measures For Landlocked Developing Countries

United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres has noted that landlocked developing countries face a myriad of challenges but emphasised that there is a ray of hope for overcoming them through a raft of measures he proposed through his office and UN partners worldwide. Below, Spiked Online Media shares the UN Secretary-General’s remarks at a meeting…

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Mike Bloomberg to deliver keynote address at Summit on Tobacco Control in May 2021

Mike Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and Bloomberg LP, three-term Mayor of New York City, has been announced as a keynote speaker at the inaugural Leadership Summit on Tobacco Control, to be held virtually from May 6-7 2021. Bloomberg will be joined at the event by heads of state and national and subnational governments, prominent global…

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Afreximbank appoints new Director of Syndications and Agency

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced the appointment of Mr. Constantin von Moltke as Director of Syndications and Agency. Prior to this appointment, Mr. von Moltke had been serving as the Head of Syndicated Loans at Afreximbank, having joined in 2016. He has more than 20 years’ experience in structured finance, including over 15…

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Policy gaps give rise to a mining dispute in Matobo

By Habakkuk Trust The gaps within the legislative framework governing the natural resources sector particularly gold mining have given rise to conflicts in mineral-rich areas.  Recently in Domboshava village in Matobo Ward 17, a mining dispute erupted after a group of miners reportedly invaded a protected area to prospect for gold. The miners were in…

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Meet some of the intriguing characters on Legacy – M-Net’s first telenovela

Legacy is here! Time to get familiar with some of the intriguing characters played by iconic actors M-Net’s long been home to all the best local content available on the African continent, including movies, dramas, and series, and now the channel is treating viewers to a daily dose of on-screen drama. As the very first telenovela…

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Sha Sha, Ti Gonzi, Poptain and Jah Master to Headline Shoko Festival

As Shoko Festival’s week-long digital offering kicks off the festival’s team have announced their second batch of headline acts.  This year, Zimbabwe’s longest-running urban festival will run from 21 to 27 September 2020 where all sessions and performances will be screened live onto Shoko Festival’s Facebook page and their website. This year’s iteration, dubbed “The…

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Environmental issues must be taken seriously to achieve vision 2030: Stakeholders

By Anyway Yotamu Zimbabwe is a low-income country whose economy and livelihoods depend hugely on natural resources with an ambition to leapfrog it to a middle-income economy by 2030. The backbone sectors namely mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism rely heavily on forest, land, and water resources for inputs to the production of goods and services….

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Review of the Book “Becoming A Person of Impact: The Six-Pack Approach”

Book Review By Lovemore Chazingwa Author: Kudzanai Vere Title: Becoming A Person of Impact: The Six-Pack Approach Publisher: Transformational Mindset Institute ISBN: 9781779250957 Published: April 2020 Category: Transformative The publication is a piece pregnant with ingredients of a modern mind transcending spaces that were previously reserved for the elite and privileged. The title Becoming A…

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Top detectives nabbed over diamonds racket

Own Correspondent TWO senior police detectives have been arrested over a US$3000 diamonds smuggling racket. Joseph Mlambo, 36, an assistant inspector was arrested for possession of the precious stones and resisting arrest, and his superior Felix Machaka, 44, was nabbed for releasing him after his initial arrest by their juniors. They have since appeared at…

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Mauritania: African Development Bank extends $2.1 million for Disaster Risk Financing

The Bank is extending the funding under its Africa Disaster Risk Financing (ADRIFI) program to enable the country to take out a drought risk index-based insurance policy The African Development Bank’s (www.AfDB.org) Board on Wednesday approved a grant of $2.1 million to boost the country’s resilience against climate-related shocks and food insecurity. The funds, sourced…

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Power Giants company donates to Mufakose community

By Sowell Chikwari (Lifestyle Reporter) SCORES of touts, rank marshals, and vulnerable members of the Mufakose community last Friday received food hampers as well as essential Covid-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) to mitigate the effects of the lethal virus, courtesy of regional power utility firm, Power Giants Private Limited. Titled “Power Giants Mahwindi Covid-19 Relief…

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Assault of journalists and students roundly condemned

The attack of journalists and the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) President, Takudzwa Ngadziore by suspected state security agents while addressing the media near Impala Car Rental on September 18, 2020, has been roundly condemned. The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) said it was appalled by the continued crackdown on dissent by the Zimbabwean government….

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The Power of Embracing A Positive Mental Attitude

By Timothy Mutizwa (Motivational Speaker and Leadership Coach) Life sometimes hits your face with hard rocks, swallowing all the hopes for your tomorrow. You get frustrated, discouraged, and depressed yet solving nothing but here is the tried and working formula for all these torrential problems – Positive Mental Attitudes. Exploring into my story, I would…

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Mauritius: AfDB approves emergency relief to boost clean-up of marine oil spill

Funding, to be sourced from the Special Relief Fund, will complement ongoing activities by the government of Mauritius, development partners, and other actors The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) on Wednesday approved a $500,000 emergency assistance grant to support internationalrecovery efforts after a significant oil spill earlier this year off the coast…

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