Headlines

Poverty eradication: AFDB President urges bold, innovative and practical solutions

Climate change, global financial shocks, and growing food insecurity are threatening Africa, the world’s fastest-growing continent, and hampering the achievement of global development goals. To tackle these challenges and speed up the continent’s efforts to achieve these goals, the president of the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina on Thursday called for bold reforms…

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Africa’s post-Malabo agriculture programme a rethink of the continent’s priorities: Ambassador Josefa Sacko

Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) 26/10/24 – African Union Commissioner Josefa Correia Sacko reiterated in Addis Ababa the need to maintain the strengths of the continent’s comprehensive agricultural development programme to respond to economic shocks, emerging climate change issues, conflicts and plant and animal diseases.   Josefa Sacko, who was speaking at the Ministerial follow-up to the…

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Fastjet Zimbabwe achieves prestigious IOSA registration

HARARE, ZIMBABWE | Fastjet Zimbabwe, the award-winning airline, is pleased to announce that it has successfully achieved the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registration. This registration acknowledges fastjet’s conformance and adherence to the highest operational and safety standards in the aviation industry.   Administered by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the IOSA…

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CCARDESA advances knowledge management practices promoting agricultural resilience and food security

The Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) is coordinating research and development programs for the region by embracing knowledge manansagement practices in pursuit of agricultural resilience and food security. This emerged at the CCARDESA’s Ukama Ustawi Learning Alliance Policy Dialogue Knowledge Management and Agricultural Policy meeting underway in Johannesburg,…

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UNDP, Global Fund-Donated Solar Systems to Strengthen Zimbabwe’s Healthcare Infrastructure

In a significant step toward bolstering Zimbabwe’s healthcare system and promoting sustainable energy solutions, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) yesterday officially handed over a state-of-the-art 450 kW solar system to the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) and the National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm). Additionally, 1,044 solar systems have been installed across health facilities…

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Merjury Nyarumwe unveils uplifting Gospel album

Writes Chimeno Azriel   Last Saturday, Kadoma City’s gospel music scene witnessed a momentous occasion with the launch of Kadoma-based Mejury Nyarumwe’s debut album ‘Ngavavongwe’. The event, filled with soul-stirring performances and heartfelt testimonies, left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who attended, cementing the talented singer’s position as a leading voice in…

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Jacob Ngarivhume set free after 82-day detention

Writes Kumbirai Mafunda   The High Court has ended the 82-day detention of Jacob Ngarivhume, the leader of the opposition Transform Zimbabwe political party, by setting him free from prison on bail.   High Court Judge Justice Emilia Muchawa on Wednesday 23 October 2024 ordered that Ngarivhume should be released from prison on bail after he petitioned the…

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UN at 79: Bridging Legacy and Innovation for a Sustainable Future

Writes Sirak Gebrehiwot Seventy-nine years ago, the United Nations was founded in the aftermath of World War II, a bold response to the catastrophic fallout of global conflict. Established with the aspirational goal of promoting international peace, security, and cooperation, the UN has long stood as a cornerstone of multilateral diplomacy, championing human rights, humanitarian…

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Food safety agency to strengthen coordination and harmonisation capacity on the continent

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 24 October 2024 – The African Food Safety Agency will be created to ensure responsibility for strengthening the capacity, governance, coordination, and harmonisation of food safety systems in Africa, Dr. Amare Ayalew, Programme Manager of the AU Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa, said in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.   Amare Ayalew made…

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Workshop demonstrates importance of transboundary water cooperation

A High-Level Segment of the 10th Meeting of Parties (MoP10) to the Water Convention in Ljubljana, Slovenia has demonstrated the importance of transboundary water cooperation.   Key dignitaries who attended the meeting include Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Hon. Vangelis Peter Haritatos;  H.E. Mr. Robert Golob, Prime Minister of…

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AU reviews Africa agriculture programme strategy

An extraordinary session of the African Union’s specialised technical committee got underway on 23 October 2024 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to review the strategy and action plan for the continent’s comprehensive agricultural development programme for the next 10 years.   For three days, experts in the agricultural sector will review and approve the Kampala Declaration,…

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Zimbabwe Youth Council, TRM partner to address young people’s plight in rural areas

Writes Marlvin Ngiza  The Zimbabwe Youth Council (ZYC) and Teen Rescue Mission (TRM) have entered a partnership to strengthen interventions in rural areas through economic empowerment programmes, health education and vocational training, a move which has been described as a roadmap to alleviate poverty, youth crimes, drug abuse and teen pregnancy among others. Speaking after…

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MISA calls for solidarity of editors against violations committed against journalists in Mozambique

Writes Charles Mangwiro Maputo (Mozambique) – The National Governing Council of MISA-Mozambique has strongly condemned  the attack against journalists which occurred last Monday, perpetrated by the Mozambican Police Force (PRM), during the strike called by  the opposition party PODEMOS, in protest against the murder of its members Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe. Riot police in…

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K-State, USDA scientists awarded grant to battle invasive stored grain pests

Scientists from Kansas State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have launched a project to improve biosecurity against a pair of insects that have battered America’s food supply for decades.   K-State professor of entomology Tom Phillips said the university will lead a $799,976 project funded by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture…

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High Court trashes archaic demolition law, says it has outlived its usefulness

Writes Kumbirai Mafunda   The High Court has frowned upon the unlawful and pervasive practice of local authorities in demolishing residential properties across the country and criticised the impugned legislation, which they had abused for several years, to arbitrarily demolish houses and evict people, as having outlived its usefulness.   In a written judgment handed…

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Svalbard Global Seed Vault Receives Historic Deposit Bolstering Food Security Amid Crises

LONGYEARBYEN, SVALBARD — October 23, 2024 — The Svalbard Global Seed Vault received yesterday a deposit of more than 30,000 new seed samples from 23 depositors across 21 countries, including seven international genebanks. This marks the largest number of depositors since the Seed Vault received samples from a record-breaking 35 genebanks in 2020, underscoring the…

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Old Mutual Partners with The Eye Institute For Community Eye Care Initiative

In a ground-breaking initiative aimed at tackling critical health issues in Zimbabwe, Old Mutual has unveiled a pioneering partnership with the Eye Institute founded by Dr Ron Mhizha. This strategic collaboration is set to elevate eye care services for various community members, including pensioners. The inaugural pilot project launching in Manicaland marks a significant step…

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Empowering AGYW through Engaging Faith groups: Youth Aspire Development Trust’s SRHR Initiative in Chitungwiza

In Chitungwiza, the Youth Aspire Development Trust (YADT) has been a beacon of hope and empowerment for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). With technical support from Gender Links and funding from Amplify Change, YADT has made significant strides in enhancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) through strategic engagement with local churches. Engaging…

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Zimbabwe to host 20th CAADP-PP and Commemoration of the 15th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security

The African Union Commission (AUC) through its Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (DARBE), in collaboration with the Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHDS) and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), with support of technical institutions and development partners will commemorate the 15th Africa Day for Food and…

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Abolish IMF, World Bank if there’s no overhaul ahead of the institutions’ annual meetings: ActionAid

Colonial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have no place in the 21st century and unless they are overhauled, they should be abolished, ActionAid says ahead of their annual meetings in Washington DC this week. According to ActionAid, the IMF, and World Bank do not represent the needs of…

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Revolutionising African Publishing at the Business of Books Conference 2024

The Business of Books (BOB) Conference is set to return for its second edition on October 31, 2024, with a compelling theme: “Beyond the Margins: Homegrown Digital Publishing Solutions for African Authors.” This year’s event will take place in partnership with Akello Library, expanding on the insights gained from the inaugural conference in 2023.  …

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How One 17-Year-Old, Karim Naoum Built a Million-Dollar Real Estate Empire: His Advice For Young Entrepreneurs

Karim Naoum isn’t your typical 22-year-old. At just 17, while most of his peers were preparing for college, Karim was closing real estate deals and learning how to turn government-backed Section 8 housing into a wealth-building opportunity. Now, at 22, he owns over 500 properties, generating millions in revenue each year.   His rapid rise…

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52nd Session of the Committee on World Food Security: Address shocks and stresses affecting agriculture

Hon Vangelis P. Haritatos, the Deputy Minister for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, while addressing the 52nd Session of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on the sub-theme: ‘Strengthening Coordinated Policy Responses to the Food Crisis’, said the world’s agriculture…

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AUC developing African Convention on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls

Since gender-based violence poses a significant challenge, not just for Zimbabwe, but globally, the African Union (AU) is in the process of drafting a landmark Convention on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls (AUCEVAWG).   In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary for Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Dr. Mavis…

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Rwanda launches $9.9M genetically modified crops program to boost agriculture

Rwanda has initiated a program aimed at enhancing the production of cassava and potatoes by integrating genetically modified varieties that combat diseases, pests, and drought conditions. The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), in partnership with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), unveiled the country’s Agricultural Biotechnology Programme. This initiative, supported by a…

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ECHO hires specialist to lead East Africa Regional Impact Centre

ECHO, a Southwest Florida-based international nonprofit advocate for sustainable agriculture and food security, has hired a new director for its East Africa Regional Impact Center. Charei Munene, a leader in Agroecology/Ecological Organic Agriculture from Kenya, will succeed Erwin Kinsey in Tanzania.   “We’re excited to have someone of Charei’s experience as part of our leadership…

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Cimas Health Group commits to driving healthcare innovation

Cimas Health Group has launched Healthathon 2.0, a groundbreaking competition designed to foster innovation in the healthcare sector.   The event, which will bring together students, professionals, and innovators, aims to develop innovative solutions to tackle key challenges within the healthcare industry, furthering Cimas’ commitment to improving healthcare delivery through technology and collaboration.   Speaking…

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Diverse speaker line-up confirmed for CILTSA Regional Logistics and Transport Conference at Futuroad Expo

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport’s (CILT) branches in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia are proud to announce a diverse line-up of presenters who will speak at its upcoming Regional Logistics and Transport Conference, scheduled for 19 to 21 November 2024, at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. This landmark event, held…

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Masiyiwa hits ZACC, NSSA with lawsuit over opaque land deal

Writes Kumbirai Mafunda   A socio-economic justice campaigner has hauled the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the  National Social Security Authority (NSSA) to court, seeking an order compelling the country’s anti-corruption agency, to probe an opaque land acquisition transaction, done by the state-run pension fund more than twenty years ago.   Munashe Masiyiwa, a socio-economic justice…

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Zimbabwe’s Largest Livestock Semen Processing and Cryopreservation Centre Commissioned

Bulawayo, 19 October. 2024 – The Government of Zimbabwe, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), today, commissioned the largest livestock semen processing and cryopreservation centre in Zimbabwe at Matopos Research Institute.   The state-of-the-art gene bank equipment, valued at over $400,000, was commissioned by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and…

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Guruve District prepares for inaugural SME networking breakfast

Guruve District is set to launch its inaugural Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) networking breakfast on November 1 where key players from Zimbabwe’s SME development ecosystem will aim to cultivate a vibrant atmosphere for networking and growth. The event, which will be co-hosted by the Guruve Rural District Council (RDC) will also feature the Zimbabwe…

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149th IPU Assembly: Maximise benefits, militate against risks of new technologies

The curtain came down on the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and related Meetings held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 12th to 17th October 2024. Running under the overarching theme: ‘HARNESSING SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND INNOVATION (STI) FOR A MORE PEACEFUL AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE,” the 149th Assembly considered and deliberated on parliamentary action to maximize…

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2023 Elections Gender Observatory Report: Barriers hinder women’s pursuit of political office

The 2023 Elections Gender Observatory Report reinforces the fact that women continue to face significant barriers in their pursuit of political office.   These were part of the remarks by Tafadzwa Muvingi, the Head of Governance and Peace-building on behalf of the UNDP Resident Representative for Zimbabwe, Dr. Ayodele Odusola during the launch of the…

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Policy harmonisation, uptake of indigenous knowledge systems critical for seed sector success

African seed sector experts validated in Lusaka, Zambia the progress report and methodology of the study on seed systems managed by farmers on the continent to ensure correct practices.   Participants in the event held discussions to find a common denominator for the implementation of the mission following the agreed terms of reference, including various…

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How inclusive TVET projects are changing lives and closing gender skills gaps

Accra, Ghana, 17 October 2024: Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) holds the power to change the lives of Africa’s youth, women, persons with disabilities and displaced people – catalyzing economic growth and social equity. This was the main message that rang out on day four of Africa Skills Week (ASW) in Accra, Ghana….

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UN makes strides in implementing strategic health initiatives in Zimbabwe

Over the last decade, the United Nations has made significant strides in the health sector in Zimbabwe, supporting governments and stakeholders to implement strategic health initiatives.   This was revealed by Dr. Ayodele Odusola, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim, and UNDP Resident Representative at the launch of the Health Workforce Strategy and…

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Greening Kuwadzana Project hosts Tree Care Therapy for Mental Health program

On October 12th, the Greening Kuwadzana Project hosted its signature Tree Care Therapy for Mental Health program, a groundbreaking initiative that harnesses the therapeutic power of nurturing trees to promote mental well-being. This innovative program, held at least three times a year, brings together the Greening Kuwadzana Project and Ndinewe Foundation, a Harare-based mental health…

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Authorities swiftly act to save exam barred Mutorashanga O’ Level students

Writes Elvis Dumba Mutorashanga – A Swift response by education authorities in Zvimba saved nine pupils who were facing the dilemma of failing to sit for their final ordinary-level examination after they had been sent back home over school fees. Concerned residents of Mutorashanga sought the assistance of Mashonaland West Province Minister of State for…

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Strengthening Resilience Against Climate Shocks: Zimbabwe’s Path to Sustainable Economic Growth

Writes Sirak Gebrehiwot   16 October 2024, Harare – The Development Cooperation Policy Dialogue convened today at Manna Safari Lodge, uniting key government officials, Ambassadors, Heads of UN Agencies, International Development Cooperation leaders, and stakeholders to analyze Zimbabwe’s economic landscape and prepare for the upcoming 2025 national budget.   The Minister of Finance, Economic Development,…

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UEF launches #FinancingEnergyProsperity campaign showcasing the life-changing power of clean energy investments in Africa

SEforALL’s managed Universal Energy Facility launches a campaign that makes a case for building clean energy markets in Africa #FinancingEnergyProsperity Campaign will showcase the success of the UEF as an efficient mechanism to provide reliable, sustainable energy for all The UEF has so far issued USD 22 million in grants to clean energy companies, for…

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