Headlines

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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Africa Skills Week: Skills supply needs to match demand

Accra, Ghana, 16 October 2024: Africa’s population is growing rapidly, and so is the quantity of education it receives – but the quality of its education is lagging. And the skills Africans learn do not always match the skills needed on the continent. These were central messages coming out of panel discussions at the inaugural Africa…

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Hekhani Seeds a game-changer in Zimbabwe’s agricultural seed sector

Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector is set for a positive transformation following the advent of Hekhani Seeds, an innovative seed company dedicated to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability for underutilized crops.   Hekhani Seeds represents a significant advancement in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. By championing agricultural entrepreneurship among women and focusing on sustainable practices, this collaboration has the…

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Engagement and re-engagement drive: Speaker Mudenda meets his Belarus and Iranian counterparts

In the spirit of engagement and re-engagement and in line with the Second Republic’s and the Presidential mantra that “Zimbabwe is a friend to all and enemy to none”, Hon. Advocate Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda, Speaker of Parliament interfaced with the Iranian Parliamentary delegation led by His Excellency, Dr. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the…

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African Union Launches the “Make Africa Digital” campaign supported by Google in Zimbabwe

The African Union Office of the Special Envoy On Youth has partnered with Zimtrade to launch the “Make Africa Digital” campaign in Zimbabwe. A two-day digital training session kicked off in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, at the Rainbow Towers during the Zimtrade Annual Exporters Conference. The Make Africa Digital Campaign is an initiative led by…

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‘The intersection of TVET and STEM’ holds the key to training the workers of tomorrow

Accra, Ghana, 15 October 2024: Investing in STEM skills alongside technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is key to ensuring that Africa leapfrogs inequality to equip the global workforce of the future, the inaugural Africa Skills Week (ASW) heard. At the conference’s official opening in Accra, Ghanaian Minister for Education the Hon. Dr Yaw…

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Rural women contribute to food systems, agriculture

Women are the backbone of the agricultural sector in Africa and play a crucial role in the continent’s agri-food system, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment Josefa Correia Sacko said in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.   Speaking on International Rural Women’s Day, celebrated on 15 October, Josefa Sacko said that women…

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Research provides cutting-edge technologies for enhanced productivity, improved livelihoods

The groundbreaking discoveries made by researchers across diverse fields have led to the development of cutting-edge technologies that enhance productivity, improve livelihoods, and pave the way for a more sustainable future, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.   He made the remarks while officially opening the 2-day 13th Zimbabwe International Research Symposium organised by the Research…

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Africa Skills Week: The mindset around TVET ‘has to change’

Accra, Ghana, 14 October 2024: For Africa to realise its immense potential – and address the anticipated doubling of its youth workforce to 1.6 billion people by 2050 – technical and vocational education and training (TVET) must be championed, delegates to the first-ever Africa Skills Week (ASW) conference heard today.   ASW takes place in…

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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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149th IPU Assembly tackles developmental issues

Several developmental issues were under the spotlight at the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland where various dignitaries including Advocate Jacob F.N. Mudenda, the Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe, shared perspectives on driving the global legislative agenda.   On the morning of 12 October 2024, Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Advocate J.F.N. Mudenda, and…

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ZNAN rallies participation in Global Week for Action on Non-communicable Diseases

Jacob Ngwenya, the Director of the Zimbabwe NCDs Action Network (ZNAN) is calling on stakeholders to participate in the Global Week for Action on Non-communicable Diseases.   “The Zimbabwe NCDs Action Network is joining the NCD Alliance and the rest of the NCD movement worldwide in commemorating the Global Week for Action on NCDs scheduled…

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Dates for the Fourth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament announced

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the legislative arm of the African Union, ha announced that the Fourth Ordinary Session of its Sixth Parliament and related activities will take place from 28 October to 15 November 2024. This final Session of the year will be held under the African Union Theme for 2024: “Educate an African Fit for…

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CAN calls on ministers to ensure COP29 delivers on ambitious Climate Finance Goal

Ahead of a High Level Ministerial Dialogue on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance and the Pre-COP meeting in Baku this week, Climate Action Network (CAN) is sending a clear and unequivocal message from more than 130 civil society organisations: failure to deliver an ambitious climate finance outcome at COP29 is not acceptable.   The…

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New land policy to curb multiple farm ownership and corrupt allocations: Minister Ziyambi

Writes Elvis Dumba Chinhoyi – The newly proclaimed land tenure policy will help to correct anomalies in the farming land distribution, a ZANU (PF) Politburo and Cabinet Minister has said. The government recently announced an indefinite moratorium on the issuance of any new 99-year leases, offer letters, and permits for agricultural land. Under the new…

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ZERA to tighten screws on solar energy products

Writes Elvis Dumba  Chinhoyi – The Zimbabwe Energy Regulating Authority (ZERA) has come up with plans to regulate the green energy sector through proposed Energy (Solar Products and Installation) Regulations that will ensure quality and safe solar energy production in the country in line with its rural electrification drive. The energy regulator is currently conducting…

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