Science and Technology
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NetOne’s Crackdown on Unauthorised Airtime Dealers: Protecting Consumers and Curbing Exorbitant Prices
Mobile network operators play a vital role in providing communication services to millions of people worldwide. In Zimbabwe, NetOne stands as one of the leading telecommunications providers, catering to a significant portion of the population. However, a concerning issue has emerged in recent times, with unauthorized airtime dealers selling NetOne airtime and SIM cards at…
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Presidential solar scheme on the cards
Staff Writer In yet another innovation for the Second Republic, a new Presidential Solar Scheme is being rolled out in Glein View Harare, and is expected to go across the country’s 10 provinces by an independent power producer which says it will rent rooftops of homes to install solar panels to generate power to be…
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NetOne distances itself from inflated Zimbabwe dollar, USD rate for airtime
NetOne, the leading government-owned mobile telephone company has dismissed a post by journalist Hopewell Chin’ono alleging that it is now using a rate of Z$40,000 to US$1 for airtime sales. In his post on X, formerly Twitter, Chin’ono argues that Zimbabwe is in hyperinflation and has the highest inflation rate in the world. “Hyperinflation is…
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‘Opportunity Crops’ Could Boost Nutrition across Africa
Agriculturist Cary Fowler is best known as the former executive director of the Global Crop Diversity Trust and co-founder of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which houses more than 1.2 million seed samples covering every crop variety imaginable on an island in the Norwegian Arctic. Now he’s engaged in an ambitious new plan to use the genes…
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NetOne Pvt Ltd Boasts Extensive Network Coverage, Empowering Rural Connectivity
In this digital age, where connectivity is key, NetOne Pvt Ltd has emerged as a powerhouse in the Zimbabwean telecommunications industry. With an expansive network coverage that extends to even the most remote areas, NetOne is bridging the digital divide and empowering marginalized communities across the country. The company’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Learnmore Musunda,…
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50 women, youth entrepreneurs sponsored to train in e-commerce
Writes Hopewell Chibvongodze Harare, March 21, 2024 – A local online company has offered scholarships to 50 women and youth entrepreneurs to train in e-commerce. “This program aims to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the digital economy. Additionally, upon completion of the training program, Tofara Online is committed to…
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Zimbabwe seeks to double internet penetration
Writes Hopewell Chibvongodze Harare, March 21, 2024 – Zimbabwe seeks to improve internet connectivity by doubling penetration from the current 70 percent to make e-commerce thrive, Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister, Tatenda Mavetera has said. Mavetera made the remarks on Wednesday in Harare during the Zimbabwe e-trade preparedness assessment national multi-stakeholder consultations…
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MEO and iBASIS Expand Global Partnership in Voice and Mobile Services
iBASIS, the leading provider of communications solutions for operators and digital players worldwide, and MEO, the leading Portuguese telecommunications operator through its Altice Wholesale Solutions business, have renewed their outsourcing agreement as preferred partners for international Voice and Mobile services. The strategic partnership has also been expanded to include international outbound SMS and 5G mobile…
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Gene editing: Time for SA to embrace plant breeding innovations
Plant breeding innovations have significant benefits to offer South Africa. Innovative breeding technologies can help to protect and grow our agriculture and retail sectors, which will also lead to further job creation and economic revenue. These technological advances in plant breeding can also provide enhanced food security at a time when economic and geopolitical realities have…
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Scientists at LUANAR say genetically-modified maize has shown resistance to fall armyworm
Scientists at Lilongwe University of Agriculture (LUANAR) say trials have shown that Genetically Modified (GMO) maize seeds are resistant to insects, particularly fall armyworms which affect maize yields in Malawi. The trials for the GMO maize are being done at LUANAR’S Bunda Campus and according to scientists, leaves for maize plants that have transgenes are…
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Ensure electric fence is effective during load-shedding, Safeguard warns
With crime on the increase, leading security firm Safeguard Security has urged those with properties protected by an electric fence to ensure the fence is effective, especially now that load shedding has resumed. It has urged those contemplating installing or replacing an electric fence to ensure it provides the best possible protection and is installed…
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Global Renaissance Investments to host Annual Technology Conference and Exhibition in May
Global Renaissance Investments is set to hold its Annual Technology Conference and Exhibition on May 16, 2024, at the prestigious Rainbow Towers Hotel. The event will convene under the theme “Acceleration of Economic Growth via Technology,” showcasing the pivotal role of technology in driving sustainable economic advancement. “We are excited to bring together industry leaders,…
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Operational expenses push mobile data costs in Zimbabwe
Headline tariffs by the Postal and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) are competitive in the region. The headline tariffs represent the maximum tariffs permitted by governments or national regulators. In the diagram below, Zimbabwe is shown to be considerably the least expensive after Botswana and on par with Malawi. However one may wonder why…
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Sensibo Unveils 2023 Climate Impact Report Demonstrating Smart HVAC’s Environmental Influence
Writes Mira Marcus Sensibo, the leading Climate Tech company combining smart ACs with a more sustainable world, has released its 2023 Climate Impact report. The report outlines the remarkable achievements of Smart HVAC technology in 2023, where Sensibo successfully mitigated 111,011 gross tons of CO2-eq – equivalent to eliminating over 22,000 gasoline-powered vehicles from the roads…
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Mother of three remains positive after four cancer operations
The 40-year-old mother of three who on Tuesday was one of the first three patients ever to be operated on in Zimbabwe using uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has had a long battle with cancer. She is the first person in Zimbabwe to have this operation using uniportal VATS, a technique developed by Spanish Professor…
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Renewable energy pivotal to the achievement of SDGs
Renewable energy is pivotal to the United Nations’ efforts in Zimbabwe, serving as a cornerstone for sustainable development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mr. Edward Kallon, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator has said. He made the remarks at the Renewable Energy Conference and Expo in Victoria Falls today. “Renewable energy…
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Rwanda Finally Passes Law On GMO – What Next?
Rwanda, on February 21, published in its Official Gazette a law governing biosafety, which seeks to ensure that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are handled, transferred, and used safely in the country. According to the purpose of the law, it establishes an adequate level of protection in the field of the safe transfer and use of living…
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Hands-on technical capacity crucial for matching skills with industry needs
Engineer Malven Takaidza, the Head of the Mechanical and Production Engineering Division of the Harare Polytechnic has said the Zimbabwean human capital skills development for industrialisation requires a hands-on technical capacity of an individual towards the fulfillment of an assigned socio-economic assignment. He said this while giving an overview of the skills landscape in Zimbabwe…
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iBASIS, KPN ink new 3-year Voice and Mobile services deal
International services outsourcing includes Voice and Mobile Successful outsourcing model extended after six-year partnership Existing agreement strengthened for another three years Lexington, MA – iBASIS, the leading provider of communications solutions for operators and digital players worldwide, and KPN, the Netherlands’ leading telecom company, announced yesterday that they have renewed their outsourcing agreement for Voice and Mobile…
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OLDN Rebranding Zimbabwe through International Organization Development Conferences
The 5th Edition of the Organization Leadership and Development Network (OLDN) International Organization Development and Change and Doctoral Consortium will be held in Gaborone, Botswana on August 29-30, 2024. This follows the successful 4th Edition that was held in Harare, Zimbabwe last year. “OLDN conferences are a convening of national, regional, and international practitioners and…
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NetOne’s Digital Campaign Delights Customers with Smartphones on Valentine’s Day
In a celebration of love and digital engagement, NetOne, a leading telecommunications provider, recently wrapped up its heartwarming digital campaign, “#ValentinesIsInTheAir-Time.” From January 29 to February 12, 2024, NetOne customers actively participating in the company’s digital realm stood a chance to win coveted Samsung A22 smartphones. The prize-giving ceremony, held on February 14 at the…
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Whole-of-society approach to aid attainment of Vision 2030
A whole-of-society approach is critical in fostering sustainable socio-economic transformation, Dr. Justine Chinoperekwei, the Director of the Centre for Organisation Leadership and Development (COLDN) has said. The sentiments come as COLDN has partnered with the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development in designing and facilitating the National Stakeholder Consultation on Skills Audit and Development that…
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Meta Platforms adds Broadcom CEO to board
Writes Hana Anandira Meta Platforms named Broadcom president and CEO Hock Tan to its board, a move it stated adds silicon expertise to support a push around developing artificial general intelligence (AGI). The semiconductor giant is Meta Platforms’ key partner in building its own AI chips, as it allows clients to customise the technology according…
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Rwanda commits $2m to food security based on agricultural innovation
At a time when food security in Rwanda is under increasing threat from several phenomena, including climate change, the government is committed to supporting agricultural innovation through the $2 million Hanga Agritech Innovation Challenge Fund. In Rwanda, the government is banking on digital innovation to improve farming practices. The “Hanga Agritech Innovation Challenge Fund” initiative…
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Online harassment rates nearly double among dating app users: Incogni
Writes Emilia Dias In an era where online interactions increasingly shape our social lives, the occurrence of online harassment poses a significant threat to the safety and well-being of individuals, particularly those engaging in online dating. Incogni’s researchers have found that almost a fifth of internet users (19%) have experienced online harassment, while people currently…
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Human capital base a bedrock for economic prosperity, sustainable development
A sound human capital base is the bedrock for economic prosperity and sustainable development, corporations and captains of industry attending a stakeholders consultative meeting on the role and mandate of the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development have been told. Addressing workshop participants in Harare today, Prof Paul Mavima, the Minister of Skills Audit and…
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EcoSure rewards “Titambire Sethule” promotion winners with holiday packages
EcoSure, a micro-insurance brand under Econet Life, has rewarded lucky customers with holiday packages, following their participation in its “Titambire Sethule” promotion. The recent promotion, which ran between September and December 2023, was open to new and existing EcoSure customers who subscribed to the company’s USD Basic ($1), Standard ($2), or Premium ($5) plans, and…
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Technical, fundamental soft skills required for competitiveness: Prof Mavima
The country requires critical technical skills and other fundamental soft skills to be competitive, Prof Paul Mavima, the Minister of Skills Audit and Development has said. Prof Mavima made the revelation at a Stakeholders’ Consultation Workshop on the Mandate of the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development that got underway in Harare today. The workshop…
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Transport Minister Felix Mhona impressed by progress at Mbudzi Traffic Interchange
Hon Felix Mhona, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development was impressed by the progress at Mbudzi Traffic Interchange in Harare. He made the remarks during a media tour of the US$88 million Mbudzi Interchange at the intersection of Simon Mazorodze Road, Chitungwiza Road, and High Glen Road in Harare. “I am happy that you…
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Establish Social Media Regulatory Board and Content Moderation Standards: ZANU (PF)’s Taurai Kundishaya
ZANU (PF)’s Youth League Deputy National Political Commissar, Taurai Kundishaya, in his personal capacity, has urged the Parliament of Zimbabwe to establish a Social Media Regulation Board and Content Moderation Standards. In a letter addressed to the Clerk of Parliament, Kandishaya submitted a comprehensive proposal for the establishment of a dedicated Social Media Regulatory Board,…
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Public confidence needed for adoption of biotechnologies like genome editing
ACCRA, GHANA – There is a need to create a science culture among the citizenry to boost public confidence in such emerging modern biotechnology sciences as genome editing, a workshop here has revealed. In his opening remarks at the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) In-country Training Workshop for Genome Editing Communicators today in Accra, Ghana…
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China smartphone market rebounds
Writes Joseph Waring China’s smartphone market staged a comeback in 2023, with shipments rising and 5G models accounting for 83 percent of the total, data from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) showed. Shipments increased 6.3 percent year-on-year to 289 million units, compared with a 22.6 percent decline in 2022. The government…
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Genome editing knowledge products solve agricultural, healthcare challenges
Product knowledge of genome editing provides transformative technology in the field of biotechnology, unlocking unprecedented possibilities for solving complex challenges in various sectors, ranging from agriculture and environmental conservation and healthcare. These were remarks by Mrs. Anna Tinarwo, the Chief Director of Devolution and Development Planning in the Office of the President and Cabinet, who…
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A look into the science of genome editing in Africa to optimise agriculture
Genome editing is one of the latest tools that has been developed by scientists to effect changes in organisms of agricultural, medical, and economic importance. The advent of genome editing has increased the available tools and the effectiveness of developing new productive and better-adapted organisms of economic importance. Genome Editing (GEd) involves the deliberate introduction…
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Reducing HVAC Emissions By Sensibo’s New AI Assistant: Powered By ChatG
OWN CORRESPONDENT Sensibo, the leading Climate Tech IoT company combining smart heating and cooling devices with a more sustainable world, announces the launch of an AI Assistant, powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, into Sensibo’s smart heating and cooling products. The AI Assistant understands complex requests from the users and reacts to their intentions. Instead of the…
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Science module on communicating genome editing under review
A science module on communicating genome editing – a powerful tool that holds immense potential in revolutionizing the field of biotechnology to optimize African agriculture, is under review in Harare this week. Addressing participants in his welcome remarks today, Dr. Leonard Madzingaidzo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre…
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Food Security: Experts Advocate Adoption Of Technology And Innovation
Experts and agricultural researchers have advocated the adoption of technologies and innovation to produce intensive agriculture and bridge the yield gap between Africa and other continents so as to ensure food security in the continent. The researchers, from different research groups including the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), WorldFish,…
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Canadian Immigration Tech founder to spearhead strategic engagements in Zimbabwe
Staff Writer Founder and CEO of pioneering immigration tech startup Shirah and edutech platform Studendly, Ms. Bukky Abaniwonda, is set to embark on a pivotal visit to Zimbabwe from January 14th -January 24th, 2024. Ms. Abaniwonda, a Canadian registered immigration consultant, has successfully facilitated over 2500 individuals and businesses through Shirah and Studendly, empowering them…
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TELA Maize to boost food security in Nigeria: NABDA Director-General
TELA Maize will lead to a substantial reduction in pesticide use, benefiting humans, livestock, and the environment
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First Starlink sat-to-phone birds leave launchpad
Writes Chris Donkin SpaceX launched six Starlink satellites with the capability to provide mobile coverage directly to standard smartphones, a service the company asserts will improve global connectivity and help eliminate dead zones. In a series of posts on social media platform X the aerospace company revealed the birds, alongside several other satellites, were blasted…
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Danai Gurura joins 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023
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Leading Zimbabwean-American actress and playwright, Danai Gurira was yesterday featured in New African magazine’s annual listing of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023. The list celebrates the achievements and contributions of Africans from various fields and sectors, who have made a positive impact on the continent and the world. The list features a diverse…
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A New Bean Product Development and Scaling in East Africa
In the heart of Kigali, Rwanda, Govindaraj, a Senior Scientist in Crop Development at HarvestPlus, and Telesphore Ndabamenye, the Director General of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), found themselves engaged in a crucial conversation. The purpose of the meeting was to deliberate on the future of bean farming and scaling in…
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Pioneer Biochar Project Set Up in Rushinga
Writes Tafadzwa Muranganwa An innovative carbon credit initiative involving the production of biochar has been established in Rushinga, Zimbabwe, marking a strategic entry into the carbon trading markets. This pioneering artisanal biochar project is a collaborative effort between HempConnect, a local carbon removal company, and the Organic Farming Academy (OFA), focusing on utilizing baobab shells…
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South Africa, Singapore celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations
Deputy President Mashatile delivers a public lecture on the 30 years of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Singapore titled “Celebrating a journey of mutual respect, strategic partnership, and cooperation”, at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in the National University of Singapore. The Deputy President’s visit to the country is aimed at…
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Training provides regulatory frameworks for application of Genome Editing
The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPA) is holding training to create awareness among in-country regulators drafting and implementing policies and regulations critical for shaping communication and advocacy narratives on genome editing. In a speech on behalf of Mr. Willard Munango, the Deputy Chief Secretary for the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mrs. Anna Tinarwo,…