Science and Technology
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National Customer Service Week Exhibition: NetOne impresses participants
Writes Lovemore Chazingwa Telecommunication service provider, NetOne, invests in showcasing the manner it deals with customers to satisfy stakeholder expectations in terms of a sound, seamless service delivery. The ICT utility participated in a National Customer Service Week Exhibition at Harare Gardens that was organized and coordinated by the Contact Centre Association of Zimbabwe (CCAZ).…
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Kenyan court dismisses challenge over GM crops
A Kenyan court on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit challenging a government decision to allow the importation and cultivation of genetically modified crops to help combat its food crisis. In October last year, the government lifted a decade-old ban on GM crops in response to dwindling food security following the worst drought to ravage the Horn…
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New digital tool being built to help farmers do better forecasts
A team of researchers have embarked on a new study in which they will develop a digital tool to help farmers conduct forecasts to enable them to make informed decisions on when to plant and make other decisions on the farm. The researchers who are led by scientists at the Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC)…
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Zimbabwe’s Green Energy Accelerator Project selected to compete in Rome
Writes Reginald Tapfumaneyi Zimbabwean youth-led project, Green Energy Accelerator (GEA) by Youth and Economic Capital Fund in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), together with the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, has been selected as one of the top 30 Global innovations for Renewable Energy to compete at the Global Youth4Climate Conference…
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Nyatsime College implementing Education 5.0 says Dr. Divine Ndhlukula
Renowned entrepreneur and farmer, Dr. Divine Ndhlukula has said Nyatsime College is on the right track towards the implementation of Education 5.0. She made the remarks in her address today during the Nyatsime College speech and prize-giving ceremony when the educational institution was acknowledging, celebrating, and showcasing the success of its students in academic and…
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Zimbabwe committed to upholding right to access to information
The government of Zimbabwe has been commended for its commitment to upholding the right to access information during the International Day for Universal Access to Information held on Thursday, 28 September 2023 In his remarks during the commemoration, Hon Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services hailed President Mnangagwa for creating…
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National Seed Fair breathes life into long-lost millet varieties
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By Lloyd Rabaya As the Green Stars traditional dance group was dishing out their transcendent performance of the Mbakumba dance, the unmitigated crowd’s cheerful plaudits with the golden dust going straight to the skies marked the permanent return of a lost hope. Since time immemorial in Zimbabwe, different occasions called for different dances, which vary…
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Parly Speaker Mudenda in Uruguay for 2nd Summit of the Committees of the Future
Speaker of Parliament Hon Advocate J.F.N Mudenda is in Montevideo, Uruguay, where he is attending the 2nd World Summit of the Committees of the Future 2023. Enroute to Montevideo, Speaker Mudenda was met by His Excellency Ambassador Meshack Kitchen in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the South American bloc specifically Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile,…
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Disaster preparedness key in addressing health emergencies
Healthcare systems should prepare proactively in cases of natural disasters, Dr. Katlego Mothudi, the Managing Director at the Board of Healthcare Funders of Southern Africa (BHF) has said. He made the remarks today during the second edition of the African Conference on Risk Reduction that is taking place from September 27 to 29, 2023, in…
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Huawei bridging the gap between education and ICT sector
By Lloyd Rabaya Tinayeshe Kariwo, a fourth-year student at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) studying Electrical and Electronics Engineering, said the gap between education and industry can only be bridged through continued engagement between the two. This came to light today when global telecommunications giant Huawei held a career expo at the University of Zimbabwe…
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Minister Tatenda Mavetera hits ground running to advance ICTs
Hon Dr. Tatenda Mavetera, the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal, and Courier Services has hit the ground running to ensure Zimbabwe is up to speed with technological advancements. The maverick politician was entrusted to oversee the critical ministry in a Cabinet appointed by President Mnangagwa after the 23 August 2023 harmonised elections. Driven by…
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Korea and the African Development Bank strengthen drive towards Africa’s food security
The Government of Korea and the African Development Bank Group are intent on strengthening their partnership to support African countries in achieving food security in five years and boost the continent’s capability to produce its own vaccines and other pharmaceutical products. Speaking on Monday during a meeting with Korea’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural…
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Teenage cyberbullying: A toxic side effect of online socialisation
Online harassment is common and associated with various risk factors and negative outcomes, reports MedicineÒ Studies indicate that teenage cyberbullying is on the rise across the globe. Constant engagement with social media is exacerbating this condition further. A recent survey of teenagers from Romania identifies the associated risks and mitigation opportunities, thus paving the way…
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Accountability.Fish’s RFMO Tracker brings openness to Fisheries Management Organisations
Fisheries governance watchdog Accountability.Fish today released previously secret deliberations from an international fisheries decision-making body, publishing its first-ever RFMO Tracker detailing the outcomes of the recent IATTC (Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission) meeting in Victoria, Canada. Key decisions included a watering down of key proposals due to the interventions of China, Chinese Taipei, and Japan, and…
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Initiatives to use biotechnology for adaptation: Climate change in Zimbabwe
Writes Dr. Deckster Tony Savadye, CEO and Registrar of the National Biotechnology Authority of Zimbabwe Zimbabwe, like any other country in the world, has experienced climate change. The country has been experiencing frequent droughts, the emergence of new diseases and pests, and also increase in temperatures. The adverse effects of climate change have therefore affected…
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NetOne wins huge accolade at Zimbabwe Agricultural Show
Writes Lovemore Chazingwa Mobile telecoms player, NetOne, scooped the biggest prize in the overall best stand by a registered postal and telecommunications operator at the just-ended Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) 2023 annual event. The prize was among other winners which included the best overall exhibition, the best overall exhibition by an institution in the education,…
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Mapinga Mine to Energy Park a conduit for lithium value addition
Writes Elvis Dumba Buhera – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called upon mining companies to upscale the setting up of the Mapinga Mine to Energy Park for the production of solar batteries and lithium products. President Mnangagwa made these remarks when he officially commissioned Sabi Star Lithium Plant in Buhera on Thursday. ” The mining sector…
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SeedCo launches farming app
Writes Lloyd Rabaya The largest seed-producing company in Zimbabwe, SeedCo, recently launched a farming app that will help farmers monitor their crops. Seedney, the application, has various tools that farmers can use to their advantage to get the maximum yields. Speaking to Spiked Online Media at the ongoing Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS), SeedCo Zimbabwe Head…
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ZAS 2023: TelOne innovations improving agricultural efficiency, production and productivity
TelOne is exhibiting at the 2023 edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) that is running under the theme “Sustained Agricultural Growth through Connectivity Solutions”. In an interview with this publication, a TelOne spokesperson said the company is showcasing Broadband, TelTrack, Crop Monitoring, and TelOne Voice service. TelTrack is a vehicle-tracking product that is ideal…
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Africa Climate Summit Launches Official Event App
The inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS) secretariat has launched the official Africa Climate Summit App ahead of the events from the 4th – 6th September this year. The app is designed to provide an immersive experience for attendees and the general public alike before, during, and after the summit. The App, available for download on…
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Econet hogs limelight at Zimbabwe Agricultural Show
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show this week got into full swing, with Econet Wireless Zimbabwe’s exhibition stand quickly grabbing the limelight with its eye-catching design and an array of products and innovative services on display. The leading telecommunications and technology company’s stand, located at the centre of the exhibition grounds, has a unique design that instantly…
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Zimbabwe Agricultural Show: NetOne showcases cutting-edge digital solutions
NetOne is exhibiting at the 2023 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS), driving sustainable and inclusive digital solutions. The company is showcasing a variety of interesting innovations that have brought a refreshing look to ZAS. Outstanding at the NetOne stand is a tractor as well as a greenhouse. Many show-goers were curious about how these are linked…
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Artificial intelligence can now estimate rice yields, according to new study
With the rise in global demand for staple crop products projected to substantially increase by 2050 due to population growth, rising per capita income, and the growing use of biofuels, it is necessary to adopt sustainable agricultural intensification practices in existing croplands to meet this demand. However, estimation processes currently employed in the global South…
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Climate-smart agriculture: How satellite technology can help
Following July 2023, confirmed as Earth’s hottest month on record, UNCTAD and its partners are ramping up efforts to help developing countries use satellite technology to make farming more climate resilient. With extreme weather events becoming more intense and frequent, agricultural adaptation to climate change is key to minimizing crop loss and fighting global hunger. Driven…
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Zimbabwe-China partnership gives birth to 1.14 MW Photovoltaic Power Generation Plant
Writes Elvis Dumba Raffingora – The government’s “Look East Policy” has continued to bear more fruits for the country in various spheres of the economy. The “Look East policy” success continues to be evident following the recent commissioning of a 1.14 MW Photovoltaic Power Generation Plant at Sisi Farm near Raffingora through a Zimbabwe-China partnership.…
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Digital security skills key to media development
Writes Tafadzwa Muranganwa A number of local journalists across the country underwent a one-day digital security training in Harare hosted by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe chapter today. Speaking to the journalists drawn from the print, electronic and online media, digital security expert, Chris Musodza, emphasized why media personnel need to invest…
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Vivo set for India high-end retail push
Writes Chris Donkin Smartphone manufacturer Vivo committed to expanding its number of experience-led flagship stores in India, as it opened its fourth and largest to date in Ahmedabad. Announcing the opening of the store, which covers 7,000 square feet over three floors, the company explained it will provide an immersive retail experience to customers in…
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Stage set for implementation of in-country genome editing initiatives in Africa
The stage has been set for the implementation of genome editing, a form of biotechnology meant to spearhead agricultural transformation on the African continent. This comes as experts gathered in Lilongwe, Malawi (from August 14 to 18, 2023), are finalising the review of the zero drafts of GEd training modules that were designed for different…
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Malawi’s communication strategy, modules for Africa on genome editing workshop roars to life
The workshop on validation of Malawi’s National Communication Strategy on Genome Editing and Genome Editing Modules for Africa has roared to life in the Southern African Country. The African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) is holding the Expert Group Meeting in Malawi to review genome editing (GEd) training modules that were developed by African scientists, regulators…
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Rooftop Promotions Pioneering Digitalisation of Local Scripts
Students, researchers, thespians, and scholars will soon be able to access old and new scripts of plays staged at Theatre in the Park online after Rooftop Promotions established a digital archive. The project which is funded by SANORD will make it easier to provide scripts and information regarding the playwrights and cast and the years…
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Seminar spotlights post-COVID-19 recovery efforts for Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe Parliament staff
The 21st Zimbabwe-Zambia-Botswana (ZIM-ZAM-BOTS) Senior Parliamentary Staff Seminar put a spotlight on the sterling work undertaken by the various Parliaments during the COVID-19 lockdown period across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and worldwide. In his keynote address to the participants, Advocate Jacob Francis N. Mudenda, the Speaker of Parliament of Zimbabwe during that…
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Ericsson sued for withholding Iraq report
Writes Kavit Majithia Ericsson shareholders sued the vendor seeking $175 million to $300 million in damages over an investigation into its business practices in Iraq, claiming certain actions taken by the company depressed its share price. A statement revealed a total of 37 shareholders had filed a claim against the vendor and more were expected…
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Apple, Huawei gain share in falling China market
Writes Joseph Waring Data from Canalys and IDC showed Apple and Huawei bucked a prolonged downward trend in smartphone shipments in China, with the vendors the only top-six players to book year-on-year growth in Q2. Canalys analyst Amber Liu stated Apple and Huawei gains were driven by flagship models, noting consumer appetite for high-quality goods.…
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Improved energy access in rural areas pivotal in curbing GBV and early child marriages
Lifestyle Writer In renewed efforts to curb abuse against the girl child and early child marriages, Power Giants Transmission Director, Engineer Edzai Kachirekwa, has reasserted his commitment to the cause stating that his organization will double efforts to power rural communities in order to enhance awareness and reporting mechanisms on the scourge. Engineer Kachirekwa said…
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BUPUSACOM for shared watercourse promotes sustainable development
The Buzi, Pungwe, and Save Watercourses Commission (BUPUSACOM) was launched in Beira, Mozambique, on 19 July 2023, following the signing of the BUPUSA Water Courses Commission Establishment Agreement in Harare, Zimbabwe on 17 May 2023. The tri-basin institution will have oversight on the planning, development, and management of the water resources within the Buzi, Pungwe,…
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Technologies for preserving indigenous African food are long overdue
Writes Charles Dhewa For many decades, African countries have lagged behind in terms of developing technology for preserving indigenous food systems. What has worsened the situation is that the colonial system brought its own food and seed systems into Africa supported by appropriate technology for processing and preserving food. A lot of investments went into…
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Origin Digital’s Predictive Analytics Fosters Financial Inclusion, Greater Productivity to Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa
South Africa’s largest agricultural lender, ABSA, says new technology has huge potential to unlock capital for smallholder farmers and SMEs who have previously had limited access to finance Pioneering ag-tech company Origin Digital is poised to help lenders revolutionise the agricultural credit landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa and drive growth in the sector. Providing credit to the smallholder…
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Expedite transition to clean energy: Government urged
Sowell Chikwari (Business Reporter) There are growing calls for the government to expedite the transition to green energy as the country struggles to attain power sufficiency amid spiraling demand. The renewed calls for a speedy transition towards sustainable clean energy solutions are growing even louder as renewable energy has the potential to improve power supply…
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World Radio-communication Conference: Zimbabwe records positive progress
Zimbabwe has made significant strides in the area of wireless technologies, a preparatory meeting by the country ahead of the World Radiocommunication Conference has revealed. In his keynote address at the meeting in Harare today, Dr. Gift Machengete, the Director-General of the Postal and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), said despite the inhibiting circumstance…
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Consumer Protection critical for usage of communication services
Consumer Protection remains central for meaningful usage of communication services, Dr. Gift Machengete, the Director-General of the Postal and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has said. He made the remarks at the Communications Regulators’ Association of Southern Africa (CRASA)’s first Consumer Committee Meeting held at Cresta Lodge in Harare yesterday. “As CRASA, we remain…
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How revisiting the meaning of data can add value to African content
Writes Charles Dhewa The advent of digital solutions has brought confusion to the meaning of the word data. This continues to undermine indigenous knowledge systems and African intellectual heritage in several ways. Academics and researchers have always viewed data as a subset of information that can be collected and processed into diverse knowledge products such as…
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Hakwata Village Pioneers Single Largest Biogas Undertaking in Zimbabwe
In an ambitious endeavour to bring clean cooking energy to rural communities, the largest initiative of biogas in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa has commenced in Hakwata village, Chipinge District, on the edges of Zimbabwe’s border with Mozambique. A total of 150 biogas digesters will be installed, benefiting 90 households in Hakwata, 30 in Gororo, Masvingo…
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EOS Data Analytics Obtains US Patent For Web-Based Algorithm Generating Crop Productivity Maps
The algorithm is implemented in EOSDA Crop Monitoring by EOS Data Analytics. It is designed to automatically process earth observation imagery data and provide agricultural analytics in a web interface. EOS Data Analytics, a global provider of AI-powered satellite imagery analytics founded by Dr. Max Polyakov, has obtained a United States patent for an algorithm built…
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Power Up: energy campaign to boost sustainable growth, prepare for climate dangers
A new campaign is calling for government action to widen access to clean, affordable energy – unlocking sustainable growth, and preparing Kenya for climate risk such as extreme weather. The Kenyan branch of Power Up – a global campaign unlocking investment in energy access – launched in Nairobi on July 5, presenting nine policy recommendations for national government.…
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AUDA-NEPAD facilitates development of genome editing communication training curricula and modules
The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) has initiated the development of communication training curricula and modules to help address the current policy needs, gaps, and challenges of genome editing (GEd) on the continent. Officially opened in Maputo, Mozambique today, the workshop seeks to develop a core module on genome editing communication that can be adapted…