Science and Technology
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Closing the digital gap: DFA donates to Village of Hope Children’s Home
The Village of Hope Children’s Home received a generous donation from DFA Zimbabwe as the latter plays its part in closing the digital gap in the country. In his speech at the unveiling of the donation to Village of Hope Children’s Home, Mr. Simon Chimutsotso, the Chief Executive Officer of DFA Zimbabwe said his company’s…
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AUDA-NEPAD collaborates with NABDA to strengthen capacity in Genome Editing and Biotechnology
Writes Toyin Omozuwa (Press Secretary to the DG/CEO NABDA) Vice-Chancellors, Chief Executives, Deans of Faculties of Agriculture and sciences, academic and research leaders in selected institutions, as well as policymakers, regulators, and senior researchers, gathered on 7 December 2023, at the Abuja Continental Hotel for a Two-Day Workshop on Strengthening Institutionalised Capacity in Genome Editing…
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NetOne Network Upgrade: commitment to delivering top-tier services to customers
NetOne Cellular Pvt Ltd has demonstrated steadfast commitment to delivering top-tier services to customers in Zimbabwe and beyond by upgrading its network. “Upheld by our core values of Accountability, Agility, Innovation, Integrity, and Excellence, we continuously strive to address everyday challenges faced by our customers with innovative solutions. In line with this dedication, we are…
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AI-Powered Solutions for Agriculture in Africa
In this rapidly modernizing World, the slow blending of technology with AI Development is painting a new reality that is quite unimaginable. Apart from this collaboration, AI is catching up with agriculture too much and taking it to the next level. Regions like Africa, where agriculture is the cornerstone, face the scope of development. In…
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Clean energy critical for adapting and mitigating against climate change
The Government of Zimbabwe has put in place Policy frameworks which have created a conducive environment for clean energy infrastructure to be put in place in response especially to clean energy and adapting and mitigating against climate change. Tariro Chipepera, the Director for Community Development in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium…
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Kenya Develops Innovative Hermetic Bags to Revolutionize Grain Storage
The Kenyan government has been working in partnership with private sectors to develop new technologies to ensure that farmer’s harvest were well preserved during storage to avert losses. Hermetic Storage Technology Bags are able to preserve stored grains while restricting the existence of cereal pests by depleting oxygen levels. The air-tight bags prevent air or…
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EGPAF quality improvement project results in increased advanced HIV screening in Malawi
The Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric Foundation (EGPAF) quality improvement project is resulting in increased advanced HIV screening in Malawi in line with the vision of ending AIDS by 2030. Dr. Eddie Matiya, the EGPAF Project Manager for Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) in Malawi, in his poster presentation at the ongoing 2023 International Conference on AIDS and…
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Huawei, Sharp forge cross-licensing deal
Huawei concluded another global patent cross-licensing agreement, adding Japan-based Sharp to a growing list of long-term deals the Chinese company said aid competition and reduce device costs. In a statement, Huawei noted the deal covers cellular standard essential patents, including 4G and 5G, with the company’s head of IP Alan Fan adding: “We are delighted…
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Festive season prizes galore in “Pinda Manake ne NetOne” promotion
Giant mobile telephony company, NetOne Pvt Ltd’s “Pinda Manake ne NetOne” Christmas promotion demonstrates the institution’s commitment to spreading joy, transforming lives, and making a positive impact in marginalised communities. The “Pinda Manake ne NetOne” Christmas promotion brings to the fore NetOne’s eagerness to plough back some of the fruits of its enterprise back to…
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Innovative HIV Prevention: DVR Gains Momentum Across Africa
Innovative HIV Prevention Product for Women That Promotes Choice – Dapivirine Vaginal Ring (DVR) – Gains Momentum Across Africa; With Use Approved in 11 African Countries, Women Can Access the Ring Now in a Growing Number of Implementation and Pilot Studies Across 6 of the 11 Approved Countries · Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia,…
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Renewed partnership boosts skills needed to drive drug discovery, development in Africa
Nhau Mangirazi in Lusaka, Zambia Africa has the potential to boost skills for drug development that fight diseases that are curable to reduce economic impact. This follows a deal between the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) and the H3D Foundation that announced a new three-year phase of their partnership, aiming to boost…
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COMESA advocates for enhanced ICT integration to boost intra-Africa trade
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is seeking a downward review of mobile phone network roaming and interconnection charges in efforts to deepen regional integration, trade and growth of the ICT sector. To this effect, the COMESA Secretariat and the European Union (EU) have signed a Grant contribution agreement worth 8 million Euros for the Enhancement of…
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Nigerian researchers in AI breakthrough detecting TB
Catherine Murombedzi, a health science journalist, takes readers through a glimpse into future TB detection using Artificial Intelligence (AI). The recently ended Union World Lung Health Conference in France, (15 to 18 November 2023) brought together researchers, medical doctors, communities, and stakeholders to brainstorm on lung diseases. Challenges, success stories, and strategies were shared with…
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Seeds for the Future participants laud Huawei for the life-changing experience
By Lloyd Rabaya With technology improving on a daily basis, Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, Seeds for the Future program beneficiaries have lauded the company for the frontage they received while participating in the competitions. In Zimbabwe, there has been a gap between the school and the industry, but Huawei is on the drive to fill…
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Experience The Magic of Christmas: Win Big This Festive Season with OneMoney
Own Correspondent In a thrilling turn of events, OneMoney, the trailblazing provider of telecommunication services, is all set to transform your Christmas season into an enchanting wonderland. Prepare yourself for an extraordinary promotional event that will add a sprinkle of euphoria to your festivities, leaving you in awe of the joys that lie ahead. At…
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Power Giants directors scoop top gongs
Business Reporter In yet another validation for Zimbabwe’s trailblazing energy entity, Power Giants, its top directors scooped the much coveted prestigious accolades at the just-ended Annual National Iconic Entrepreneurs Awards and the Professional Excellence Awards (2023) held in the capital, Harare. Power Giants Transmission Director, Engineer Edzai Kachirekwa who is also the Afro Eurasia Energy…
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Researchers predict climate change-driven reduction in beneficial plant microbes
Bacteria that benefit plants are thought to be a critical contributor to crops and other ecosystems, but climate change may reduce their numbers, according to a new study by an international team of researchers. They published their findings in Nature Food. The collaboration, including Francisco Dini-Andreote, professor of plant science at Penn State, characterized the abundances…
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AMR poses threat to public health and sustainable food production
Anti-microbial resistance (AMR) poses an increasingly serious threat to public health and sustainable food production, necessitating an effective response involving all sectors of government and society, stakeholders attending the World AMR Awareness Week in Zimbabwe have said. Addressing delegates during the official opening ceremony of the 5th Continental World Antimicrobial Awareness Week for Africa in…
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Netone-sponsored fitness marathon promotes environmental protection, tourism development
Leading mobile telephony company, NetOne, has demonstrated its deep commitment to sustainability, and responsible governance by sponsoring a fitness marathon. Addressing journalists in the capital city yesterday, Mr. Learnmore Musunda, the company’s General Manager, speaking on behalf of Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Raphael Mushanawani, said NetOne recognizes the vital importance of achieving the goals…
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AGRA’s Extension Model Hits 11m Farmers With New Technologies
The Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has recounted the efforts it made towards implementing its mandate, saying it has reached over 11 million farmers in Nigeria. The Country Director of AGRA, Rufus Idris, disclosed this during the just concluded Africa–Wide Agricultural Extension Week (AAEW) in Abuja. Idris, while receiving an award for AGRA’s…
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Implementation of innovation, knowledge-led initiatives transforms economies: Dr Bayisa Bedada
Dr. Bayisa Bedada, the State Minister of the Ministry of Innovation and Technology of Ethiopia has encouraged African countries to accelerate economic transformation through knowledge-based and innovation-led initiatives. He made the remarks today at a stakeholder validation meeting of genome editing communication and advocacy training materials and curriculum underway in Addis Ababa from 15 to…
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Workshop validates genome editing communication training materials and curriculum
A three-day workshop kicked off in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia today to validate genome editing training materials and curriculum that will be used at the continental level to communicate new breeding tools and create awareness of the technology meant to optimize African agriculture. In his welcome remarks, Dr. Kassahun Tesfaye, the Director General of the Ethiopian…
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Care Zimbabwe and partners deploy automated weather station in Manicaland
In a collaborative endeavor to enhance disaster preparedness, CARE International in Zimbabwe and Caritas Zimbabwe, in partnership with the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) of Zimbabwe, have successfully deployed an automated weather station at Cloudland in Ward 33, situated within the Vumba area of Mutare District. This initiative which was spearheaded through the Strengthening Disaster Preparedness…
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Africa shifts towards genetic modification to boost food security
The designation of Ghana as the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) collaborating center for Africa, focusing on plant breeding and associated technologies for food and nutrition, is being seen as a pivotal moment in the application of genetic modification in Africa. In a recent press statement, the IAEA announced its collaboration with the Biotechnology and…
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2023 Ashden Awards – African climate solutions lead the way in clean energy, nature protection and farming
Africa was centre stage in the 2023 Ashden Awards with four of the five global South winners being African low carbon innovators and one receiving an Outstanding Achievement Award. Three more were from the UK. Winners from Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, and Cameroon were celebrated for driving radical progress in tackling the biggest climate challenges –…
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Funding critical for driving genome editing, agricultural innovations
Funding strengthens institutional capacity and the uptake of genome editing through strategic partnerships, alliances, and linkages with the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) spearheading biotechnology in eight countries in Africa. Genome editing, with its immense potential to revolutionize various aspects of human life, holds an important place in the realm of scientific discoveries. The GE…
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Strategic partnerships, alliances with institutions of higher learning drive genome editing
There is a need for strategic partnerships, alliances, and linkages with institutions of higher learning and national research institutes for the successful implementation of genome editing tools that require strong institutional capacity, a senior government official has said. This was said today in Harare by Deputy Chief Secretary in The Office of the President and…
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Power Giants directors nominated for prestigious awards
Business Reporter Energy and power development firm, Power Giants, has received a feather in the cap after its top directors were nominated for prestigious accolades, an acknowledgement of the company’s top-notch operational standards. Power Giants Transmission Director, Engineer Edzai Kachirekwa was nominated for the Top Five Innovators of The Year 2023 Award while the Managing…
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Kenya opens smartphone factory
Kenya’s government opened a local smartphone assembly plant in collaboration with a group of operators including Safaricom, launching a pair of affordable 4G handsets to boost uptake of the network technology in the country. Safaricom stated the smartphones will be available nationwide with a price tag starting at KES7,499 ($50) and it plans to launch…
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Fusion developer hits world-first independently verified generation milestone
Fusion energy specialist, ENG8, has demonstrated an electrical energy output five times greater than the energy used in this ground-breaking, independent validation at Culham Innovation Centre in Oxfordshire, one of the top five leading fusion centres in the world, and home to the UK’s Atomic Energy Authority. During each of the three tests, lasting approximately…
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Huawei’s Seeds for the Future Program 2023 trains students cutting-edge technologies
Since 2015, Huawei Zimbabwe has been running the program “Seeds for the Future”, which annually offers exceptional young people from Zimbabwe the opportunity to receive training in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and 5G. In his address, H.E. Ambassador Zhou Ding at the official opening ceremony of Seeds for the Future Program…
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ICGEB offers course on biopesticides and biocontrol agents
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) is offering a course on “Harmonising regulatory requirements for registration of biopesticides and biocontrol agents in Africa: From principles to practice” which will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 27 to 29 February 2024. The Scientific Organiser is Dr. Dennis Obonyo Ndolo from ICGEB…
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NetOne’s digital innovative packages enhance customer experience and satisfaction
NetOne, Zimbabwe’s leading provider of sustainable and inclusive digital solutions, is dedicated to continuously improving and enhancing its offerings for the benefit of its customers. In response to customer feedback and pain points, NetOne introduced social media USD bundles and made its Khuluma 24/7 offering available in USD denominations. With the new USD social media…
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Workshop looks into benefits and regulation of biopesticides
A workshop by various stakeholders in the agricultural value chain has brought to the fore the benefits and regulation architecture of biopesticides. The workshop is being held in Harare from 24 to 26 October 2023 under the auspices of the Southern Africa Biopesticides Project titled, Enhancing Trade Through Regulatory Harmonisation and Biopesticide Based Residue Mitigation…
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Biopesticides increase agricultural productivity and production
Increased agricultural productivity and production can be achieved through adaptation and use of new technologies such as biopesticides, a senior government official has said. This came to the fore today at a workshop on targeted interventions towards enhancing the registration and use of biopesticides in Zimbabwe that is running from 25 to 26 October 2023…
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Universal access to information a cornerstone of development: Minister Muswere
Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services has said universal access to information is the cornerstone of development. He made the remarks at the International Day for Universal Access to Information and World Postal Day commemorations at Chivi Growth Point yesterday. “It is crucial for us to realise that universal access…
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NetOne working on improving connectivity
Writes Lovemore Chazingwa Leading telecoms concern, NetOne, is working on improving network connectivity, quashing reports in some sections of the media suggesting that it suffered a backlash from customers over a 10 gig data gift package it rolled out recently. The company was taken aback by the inaccuracies of those reports, insisting that the package…
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Zimbabwe to invest in multi-billion dollar biotechnology industries
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said his administration is investing in emerging industries such as the multi-billion dollar biotechnology industries as a way of expediting the achievement of an upper-middle income economy by 2030. He made the remarks while officially opening the Great Zimbabwe University Innovation Hub during the institution’s 17th Graduation Ceremony, held under the…
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China Approves “Dozens” of Genetically Modified Corn, Soybean Varieties
Bloomberg writer Hallie Gu reported that “China has approved dozens of genetically modified corn and soybean seed varieties for planting, in a breakthrough move that could eventually boost production and reduce dependence on foreign supplies. “The country is the world’s top importer of soybeans and corn “A national committee set up by the agriculture ministry has approved 37 GM corn seed and 14 soybean…
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Communication, commercialisation and innovation systems for genome editing intertwined
MOMBASA, KENYA – There is an interconnectedness of communication, commercialisation, and innovation systems related to genome editing, a multi-stakeholder strategic workshop on biotechnology in this coastal city of Kenya that is meant to improve African agriculture has revealed. Moderating a roundtable discussion on insights into genome editing/biotech communication and advocacy, Veronica Mwaba, the Director of…
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Mozambique’s Prof Alsácia Atanásio encourages girls and women to take STEM subjects
MOMBASA, KENYA – There are vast opportunities for women and girls in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects, Prof Alsácia Atanásio of Mozambique has said. The scientist revealed this in an interview on the sidelines of the ongoing genome editing strategic workshop in Mombasa, Kenya, that is organised by the African Union Development…
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Scientists call for Africa to adopt gene editing for success of agriculture
MOMBASA, KENYA – Scientists attending the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) strategic meeting on gene editing in Mombasa, Kenya have called for muti-stakeholder collaboration to ensure the success of the biotechnology meant to ensure food and nutrition security in Africa. In her presentation, Dr. Florence Wambugu, the Chief Executive Officer of Africa Harvest, said gene…
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Scientists celebrate Nigerian Professor Charles Adetunji’s high achievements
MOMBASA, KENYA – Stakeholders gathered in Mombasa, Kenya for a workshop on genome editing that is being spearheaded by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), are celebrating one of their own, Professor Charles Adetunji, who has attained the prestigious number 1 position among the top 500 prolific authors in Nigeria, a distinction he has maintained…
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Genome editing offers Africa opportunity to harness new and emerging technologies
MOMBASA, KENYA – With the potential that biotechnology possesses in developing crops and animals that are more resilient to climate change and risks of diseases, the adoption of genome editing sets the stage for Africa to harness new and emerging technologies to ensure food and nutrition security on the continent. These were the sentiments of…
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AUDA-NEPAD’s Mombasa meeting to leverage collaborative alliances for genome editing
MOMBASA, KENYA – The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) is convening a meeting towards leveraging collaborative alliances for the enhanced uptake of genome editing to drive Agricultural Innovation in Africa. Addressing a gathering of experts today, who will moderate and facilitate the meeting that runs from the 16th to the 20th of October 2023 in…