Staff Reporter
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) held a joint senior officials meeting yesterday to develop a sustainable solution to the ongoing security crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry has received a major boost following the completion of a multi-million-dollar manufacturing plant by Indian firm African Extracts, which will convert tobacco waste into nicotine and organic fertiliser.
Located in Harare, the state-of-the-art facility is the first of its kind in Africa, marking a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s efforts to enhance value addition in the tobacco sector.
The plant is expected to begin operations as soon as it starts receiving tobacco residues from the industry.
Officials from African Extracts and the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) toured the facility last Friday afternoon to assess its readiness.
In an interview with the media after the tour, African Extracts Chief Executive Officer, Sunny Sethi, highlighted that this type of manufacturing plant is the first of its kind in Africa, after those in India and China.
“We are ready to start the process as soon as we receive the tobacco residues. The investment is a game-changer as it will unlock new revenue streams for farmers and the nation, with nicotine extracted from tobacco waste set to be used in medicine and pesticide production for both local and export markets,” said Sethi.
TIMB acting Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Matsvaire emphasised that the arrival of African Extracts aligns with Government’s push to maximise economic returns from tobacco production.
“This investment is a milestone achievement in our Government’s thrust to add value to tobacco. It brings economic value to what was once considered waste, with benefits extending to medicine, pesticides, and fertiliser production,” said Matsvaire.
Beyond its direct benefits to the tobacco sector, the plant is expected to create employment opportunities and stimulate industrial growth. By converting tobacco residues into high-value products, Zimbabwe is set to strengthen its position in the global agricultural supply chain.
With the facility now complete, all eyes are on its imminent operations, which promise to redefine Zimbabwe’s approach to tobacco processing and unlock new economic opportunities for farmers and businesses alike.
Staff Reporter
Deputy Minister for Youth Empowerment Development and Vocational Training, Honourable Kudakwashe Mupamhanga, has tipped Mt Darwin-based Division One football club, Agama Football Club, for promotion into the Premier Soccer League (PSL) this season.
Speaking at the Agama Football Club Stakeholders' Dinner and Player Unveiling Ceremony held at Twin Lodges in Bindura last Saturday, Deputy Minister Mupamhanga commended the club's crucial role in contributing to Zimbabwe's Vision 2030 through employment creation.
"Agama Football Club is truly flying high the flag of Mt Darwin and significantly contributing to Vision 2030 by creating employment opportunities. Very soon, the club will proudly elevate the entire province as it secures promotion to the Premier Soccer League, showcasing sport as a key driver for economic growth and prosperity," Deputy Minister Mupamhanga confidently stated.
He added that the strong structure of Agama FC, comprising an experienced executive team, seasoned coach Arthur Tutani, and accomplished players, such as Tinashe Balakasi, Trust Torovasei, and Clopas Kapupurika, will undoubtedly lead the club to victory.
"With the leadership and talent assembled at Agama, I am certain the club will emerge as champions of the Northern Region Soccer League this year," emphasised Honourable Mupamhanga.
At the same event, Agama FC President Malvern Moyo expressed determination, noting the club's commitment to excellence despite limited resources.
"Agama FC is a community club for the people of Mt Darwin. Despite our resource constraints, we remain committed and will do everything possible to uplift the community and raise the flag of Mt Darwin high," Moyo said.
Club Chairman Engineer Emson Chitsungo echoed these sentiments, highlighting Agama FC as more than just a sports club.
"Agama Football Club is not merely about football; it serves as an empowerment platform dedicated to nurturing and showcasing the talented youths of Zimbabwe," said Engineer Chitsungo.
Meanwhile, in related news, Agama FC yesterday sponsored a football tournament featuring teams from Mt Darwin South, East, West, and North constituencies at Mt Darwin Secondary School grounds.
The event saw a select team from Mt Darwin South constituency clinch the inaugural Agama FC Tournament title, walking away with a complete football kit, trophy, medals, and prize money.
Staff Reporter
President Mnangagwa who is also the Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), has called for stronger regional collaboration to address the ongoing security crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Speaking yesterday during the virtual Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, President Mnangagwa stressed the importance of joint efforts to restore peace and stability in the conflict-hit region.
Fighting between the DRC government forces, and the March 23 Movement (M23) armed group has intensified, threatening regional security.
“The situation in eastern DRC remains a serious concern for our region. It is imperative that we, as SADC, work collectively to find a sustainable solution that will bring lasting peace to our brothers and sisters in the DRC,” President Mnangagwa said.
He also welcomed recent international interventions, particularly last month’s United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution, which called on the M23 rebels to immediately halt their offensives in North and South Kivu provinces and commit to an unconditional ceasefire.
“We acknowledge and support the efforts of the international community in addressing the crisis. The adoption of the UN Security Council resolution is a step in the right direction, and we urge all parties to abide by its terms to prevent further suffering of innocent civilians,” President Mnangagwa stated.
President Mnangagwa further noted that the resolutions of the Joint SADC-East African Community (EAC) Summit, held in Tanzania in February, were already being implemented as part of regional efforts to stabilize the DRC.
“The commitment to peace must be demonstrated through action. The implementation of the resolutions agreed upon in Tanzania is underway, and as SADC, we remain dedicated to ensuring that the DRC attains sustainable peace and security,” he said.
Other SADC leaders echoed President Mnangagwa’s sentiments, with Angolan President João Lourenço, who has been actively mediating in the DRC conflict, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic engagement.
“The crisis in the DRC requires a multi-faceted approach, combining military efforts with sustained diplomatic negotiations. We must continue to support the DRC government in its quest for lasting peace,” Lourenço said.
SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi also highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts.
“The humanitarian impact of this conflict is devastating. SADC will continue to work closely with the DRC government and other stakeholders to provide both security support and humanitarian assistance,” Magosi stated.
As the conflict persists, SADC leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to playing an active role in peace efforts, urging all parties to engage in negotiations and respect international resolutions aimed at stabilizing the DRC.
Staff Reporter
Real Smart Africa, in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), has embarked on a three-day engagement visit in Zimbabwe, to assess and enhance the country’s cross-border digital payments and e-commerce landscape.
Staff Reporter
Preparations for the 65th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) are in full swing, with 17 countries already confirming their participation and over 95% of exhibition space booked ahead of the event scheduled for April 21 to April 26 in Bulawayo.
Staff Reporter
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has raised alarm over the rising number of crocodile attacks, which have resulted in nine deaths and 11 injuries in the past two months.
Staff Reporter
Government has taken a significant step toward improving the education sector by approving the recruitment of 4,000 teachers in the first quarter of the year. This is part of a broader plan to hire 8,000 teachers in 2025, with the ultimate goal of reducing the teacher-student ratio to 1:20, ensuring quality education for learners across the country.
Staff Reporter
Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, has strongly denounced the growing trend of vendors selling alcohol from their car boots, warning that the practice poses serious health and security risks to communities.
Staff Reporter
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has raised alarm over the increasing number of illegal vendors operating in the central business districts and surrounding areas in cities and towns across the country.
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