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Zimbabwe scales innovation to drive food security, rural transformation

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In Zimbabwe’s rural heartlands, where dry riverbeds once signaled the end of every farming season, a quiet revolution in agriculture is taking shape. Solar-powered irrigation, satellite analytics, digital advisory platforms, and improved food safety systems are transforming smallholder farming into a more resilient, tech-enabled, and profitable venture. With backing from the Government of Zimbabwe, the EU, AfDB, AFC Land and Development Bank, and the Fleming Fund — and with FAO providing technical leadership — innovation is moving from small-scale pilots to nationwide practice.

In semi-arid areas, solar-powered irrigation systems and sand-abstraction technology now allow farmers to access underground water and sustain farming throughout the year. Supported by the EU, this model conserves energy and boosts yields. “We used to watch our dam dry up every year. Now, we grow crops all year round,” said David Ndou, Chairperson of the Sivuli Irrigation Scheme.

FAO’s Digital Villages initiative is equipping farmers with digital IDs, AI-powered crop insights, and mobile market access. Over 5,000 farmers, especially women, are now digitally connected, improving decision-making and access to markets. “Women are buying smartphones because they see real value through better market access,” said lead farmer Sheyi Kahushe.

Read Also: Afreximbank approves $36.4m for Uganda’s Akii Bua Stadium project

Through FAO’s Earth Observation for Agricultural Statistics (EOSTAT), Zimbabwe is using satellite data to monitor crops and predict yields with over 80% accuracy. The initiative enhances early warning systems and trains national experts in geospatial analysis. “EOSTAT is driving Zimbabwe’s shift toward data-driven, climate-smart agriculture,” noted Early Warning Specialist Hillary Mugiyo.

To improve access to inputs and loans, FAO, AfDB, and AFC Land Bank have digitized agricultural finance through an e-voucher system that tracks loan disbursement and repayment in real time. This system supported the cultivation of over 17,000 hectares of wheat and 72,000 hectares of maize under the Seed Revolving Fund, helping Zimbabwe move toward wheat self-sufficiency.

With support from the Fleming Fund, FAO has upgraded 14 food safety laboratories to monitor antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and promote responsible antibiotic use in livestock. These modernized labs now deliver real-time data to prevent outbreaks and protect public health.

“Innovation is more than an idea—it’s action and collaboration that deliver impact,” said Tendai Munyokoveri, FAO Assistant Representative – Programmes.

From solar-powered irrigation and sand-abstraction to satellite data and digital finance, Zimbabwe’s integrated approach to innovation is strengthening food systems and rural livelihoods. With continued investment and collaboration, the country is charting a model for climate-smart, inclusive agricultural growth across Africa.

Afreximbank approves $36.4m for Uganda’s Akii Bua Stadium project

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The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has approved a $36.4 million contract financing facility to Egypt’s SAMCO–National Construction Company (SAMCO) for the construction of the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira, Uganda.

The 30000-seater stadium is one of Uganda’s major infrastructure projects ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the country will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.

The financing, granted under Afreximbank’s Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Programme, will support SAMCO in the design, construction, and procurement of key components for the project. The EPC initiative is designed to empower African contractors to compete for and deliver large-scale infrastructure projects across the continent.

The agreement was signed in Cairo on October 29, by Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President for Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank, and Engineer Sameh Soliman, Chairman of SAMCO.

Read Also: AFRICA24 to cover Afreximbank President George Elombi’s historic investiture live

Mrs. Awani said the deal underscores Afreximbank’s commitment to building African capacity for executing major infrastructure projects.

“We are pleased to support an African EPC company and finance a state-of-the-art stadium in Uganda. This aligns with our creative and sports strategy, fostering economic growth, regional integration, and the hosting of CAF and FIFA-approved events,” she said.

Engineer Soliman described the partnership as a milestone for SAMCO’s continental expansion.

“Afreximbank’s support strengthens our mission to deliver impactful infrastructure across Africa. We look forward to a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership,” he stated.

The Akii Bua Stadium project is expected to boost sports development, tourism, and regional integration in East Africa while generating employment opportunities and stimulating local supply chains. It will also enhance Uganda’s ability to host major international tournaments and reinforce national pride and youth engagement.

The 2027 AFCON will be the first time in over four decades that East Africa hosts the continental tournament, marking a major milestone for regional sports infrastructure.

Olu Verheijen to represent Nigeria at G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum

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Nigeria’s Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Energy, Olu Verheijen, will participate in the upcoming G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum, scheduled for November 21 in Johannesburg, where she will present Nigeria’s ongoing energy reforms and investment strategies.

The forum will provide a platform for Nigeria—one of Africa’s leading oil and gas producers—to showcase how its recent reforms are attracting global investors and positioning the country as a model for other African nations pursuing energy transition through hydrocarbons.

Under the Tinubu administration, Nigeria has introduced major policy shifts aimed at reviving production and increasing investment in the energy sector. Key among these is the Upstream Petroleum Operations (Cost Efficiency Incentives) Order, which rewards oil and gas firms that achieve cost reduction targets through performance-based tax credits. This follows the landmark Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021, which restructured the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), modernized regulations, and improved governance to foster transparency and efficiency.

Since the implementation of the PIA, Nigeria has attracted over $17 billion in foreign direct investment into its oil and gas industry. Notable deals include ExxonMobil’s $1.5 billion deepwater investment, Shell’s $5 billion Final Investment Decision (FID) for the Bonga North Deepwater project, and TotalEnergies’ $550 million gas processing investment. Merger and acquisition activities have also surged, with $6.7 billion recorded in 2024 alone from firms like Seplat, Chappal Energies, and Oando.

Read Also: Ghana to host West Africa energy cooperation summit 2025

Beyond oil, Nigeria’s National Energy Transition Plan outlines an ambitious roadmap to boost gas production to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030, requiring about $60 billion in new investments. With more than 200 trillion cubic feet of proven reserves, gas remains central to Nigeria’s development and decarbonization efforts.

In renewables, Nigeria’s “30-30-30 Plan” targets 30 GW of power generation by 2030, with 30% sourced from renewables. Ongoing initiatives include Oando Clean Energy’s 1.2 GW solar project in Jigawa, the World Bank-backed $750 million DARES project to electrify 17.5 million Nigerians, and 948 MW in new capacity through partnerships with 10 private firms.

According to NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, “Nigeria’s energy reforms are setting a powerful precedent for what African-led policy can achieve. By fostering transparency, incentivizing investment, and prioritizing both hydrocarbons and renewables, Nigeria is proving that energy security and transition can go hand in hand.”

The G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum will unite governments, investors, and industry leaders to strengthen Africa’s role in the global energy transition, with discussions centered on natural gas, integrated energy systems, and African-led pathways to sustainable development.

Western Union unveils new growth strategy, targets $5b revenue by 2028

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New York, USA — The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) today outlined its medium-term growth strategy and financial outlook during its Investor Day event in New York City. The company projects a 20% revenue increase, targeting up to $5 billion by 2028, as it accelerates its transformation into a digital-first financial services provider.

Speaking at the event, Devin McGranahan, President and CEO of Western Union, said the company’s vision is to make financial services accessible to people everywhere.

“Over the past three years, we have evolved to become a digital-first company, enabled by our retail network, serving customers beyond remittance, all powered by our market-leading platform,” McGranahan said.

Looking ahead, Western Union aims to expand beyond traditional remittance services, strengthening its Digital Asset Network and advancing its USDPT stablecoin strategy.

Read Also: Youth Charter launches Africa expansion of “Youth 4 Africa” framework

“Our strategy is clear—digital-first, driving growth across channels, geographies, and products to meet our customers’ evolving financial needs,” McGranahan added.

2028 Financial Outlook

Western Union forecasts revenue between $4.8 billion and $5.3 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $2.15 to $2.45 by 2028. The company said this projection reflects its new long-term strategy, dubbed “Beyond”, which focuses on reimagining customer engagement, expanding digital capabilities, and leveraging its global network for broader financial inclusion.

Investor Day Webcast

The Investor Day event began at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on November 6, 2025, and features presentations from the company’s executive management team on Western Union’s strategic direction and market outlook. A live webcast and replay are available at IR.WesternUnion.com
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NiCE, iNOVO named lead sponsors for CEM Africa Johannesburg 2025

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CEM Africa has announced that NiCE, in partnership with iNOVO, will serve as the Lead Sponsors for the CEM Africa Johannesburg Edition and the 2025 Customer Experience (CX) Africa Awards, taking place on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the NH Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg.

The partnership combines NiCE’s leadership in AI-driven customer experience innovation with iNOVO’s deep contact centre expertise, bringing together two industry leaders committed to turning customer experience ambition into measurable business outcomes.

The one-day Johannesburg edition will focus on practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI), customer engagement, and measurable return on investment (ROI). It will feature workshops and discussions designed to help businesses accelerate digital transformation, strengthen CX strategies, and drive real organisational impact.

Among the highlights of the programme are two major sessions led by NiCE and iNOVO experts. The first, “AI Vision to Reality – The Why” (9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.), will explore the strategic value of AI in improving customer experiences. The second, “AI Vision to Reality – The How” (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.), will demonstrate how to translate AI strategies into scalable execution using the right tools, workflows, and delivery models.

Speaking ahead of the event, Keith Jackson, Vice President, Partner Sales at NiCE International, expressed excitement about the company’s involvement.

Read Also: Angola opens new FIFA-standard stadium to boost youth, talent, growth

“We absolutely love attending CEM Africa and are proud to be the Lead Sponsor for the Johannesburg edition,” Jackson said. “CEM is a brilliant platform to connect with like-minded innovators who are rethinking customer engagement. The level of insight and collaboration is always exceptional.”

Speakers from both NiCE and iNOVO will include Keith Jackson, Andre van Eeden (Portfolio Solution Engineer, NiCE), Kerri Prissman (Head of Client Value Management, iNOVO), Parusha Naidoo (Head of Business Solutions, iNOVO), and Michael Ludeke (Regional Head, Business Development, iNOVO).

The conference will also feature top customer experience leaders such as Greg Jarvis (Connect SA), Tatiana Ndlovu (Nedbank Africa Regions), Palesa Nhlapo (FNB South Africa), Khwathelani Tshikovhi (Santam Insurance), and Grace Brown (JSE), among others.

According to Terry Southam, Co-founder of CEM Africa, the partnership with NiCE underscores the event’s commitment to collaboration and innovation.

“CEM Africa has always been about more than great content — it’s about building a strong community of CX leaders who work together to raise standards across the continent,” Southam said. “Our partnership with NiCE reflects that spirit of collaboration and shared purpose to drive measurable impact.”

The event will also include the Customer Experience Africa Awards (CXAs) in the evening, celebrating excellence and innovation in customer experience across multiple sectors.

Attendees can expect a day of high-impact learning, networking, and actionable insights on how to:

  • Turn AI vision into operational reality through practical frameworks and live demonstrations.
  • Benchmark CX ROI metrics and secure executive buy-in for transformation projects.
  • Build stronger connections with industry peers across banking, retail, telecoms, and healthcare.

The CEM Africa Johannesburg Edition promises to deliver a powerful blend of thought leadership, innovation, and collaboration, reinforcing Africa’s growing influence in global customer experience transformation.

AMAN Union announces winners of 2025 Aman Union Awards

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The AMAN Union, a leading forum for commercial and non-commercial insurance and reinsurance companies across the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), has announced the winners of the 2025 4th Aman Union Awards during its 15th Annual General Meeting, hosted by the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) — a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group.

The announcement was made by Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, Chief Executive Officer of ICIEC, who highlighted the Union’s commitment to recognizing excellence and innovation in the export credit, investment, and trade insurance sectors.

The Exceptional Performance Award went to Saudi Eximbank for its Export Pioneers Graduate Program, which was praised for its pioneering approach to institutional capacity-building, business growth, and socio-economic development across member countries.

Read Also: TRT World Forum 2025 concludes in Istanbul with global insights

“The Export Pioneers Graduate Program reflects the very essence of what AMAN Union stands for — collaboration, innovation, and capacity-building,” said Dr. Khalafalla. “By empowering the next generation of professionals and strengthening the export ecosystem, such initiatives contribute directly to the sustainable growth of our member countries.”

The Best Research Paper or Thesis of the Year Award was presented to the Jordan Loan Guarantee Corporation (JLGC) for its research on sustainable finance, recognized for offering actionable insights that promote resilience and economic growth in line with AMAN Union’s mission.

Commenting on the award, Mr. Mourad Mizouri, Secretary-General of AMAN Union, said, “The recognition of this research underscores AMAN Union’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and knowledge sharing. Encouraging thought leadership is vital to building agile institutions that can address emerging global challenges.”

The 2025 AMAN Union Awards reaffirm the organization’s ongoing commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth across the export credit and investment insurance ecosystem. Through these recognitions, AMAN Union continues to strengthen economic cooperation and resilience among OIC member states.

TRT World Forum 2025 concludes in Istanbul with global insights

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The TRT World Forum 2025 has concluded after two days of high-level discussions on global issues, drawing over 1,500 participants and nearly 150 speakers from more than 30 countries. This year’s ninth edition, held from October 31 to November 1, explored the theme “The Global Reset: From the Old Order to New Realities.”

The annual forum, organized by TRT World, once again attracted international attention for addressing key geopolitical, economic, and social challenges shaping the global agenda. The event brought together policymakers, journalists, academics, industry experts, and representatives from both the public and private sectors for open and closed sessions focused on global cooperation and dialogue.

Discussions covered a wide range of pressing topics, including strategic autonomy, diplomacy, economics, artificial intelligence, international law, and journalism on the frontlines. Expert roundtables also examined regional and thematic issues such as “Contested Futures: Conflict and Reconciliation in East Africa,” “Trump’s America: Unpacking the Transformation,” “European Security Architecture,” “The Global Rise of the Far Right,” “Justice in Gaza,” and “The Ukraine Conflict: Diplomacy Amid the Fog of War.”

Read Also: Africa Tech Festival 2025 set to unite global innovators in Cape Town

The forum opened with keynote addresses by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran, and TRT Director General Mehmet Zahid Sobacı. A special tribute was paid to journalists who lost their lives in Gaza, with six reporters presenting their press vests to President Erdoğan in remembrance of their fallen colleagues.

Among the distinguished speakers were former Prime Minister of Kyrgyz Republic Djoomart Otorbaev, former First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf, General Supervisor of Official Media of Palestine Ahmed Assaf, former International Court of Justice Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, and ICRC Regional Director for Africa Patrick Youssef.

Through dynamic debates and collaborative sessions, the TRT World Forum 2025 reaffirmed its position as one of the most influential global media and policy platforms — shaping conversations on diplomacy, peacebuilding, and the shifting balance of world power.

Spotify launches ‘listening stats’ feature for weekly music recaps

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Global music streaming platform Spotify has introduced a new interactive feature called “Listening Stats”, designed to give users a dynamic and shareable recap of their weekly music activity.

Phiona Okumu, Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa at Spotify, announced the feature in a statement on Thursday in Lagos, describing it as a “game-changer for music conversation.”

According to Okumu, the new feature offers listeners a continuously updated view of their musical preferences. “This new data view is designed to be living and breathing — it updates every 24 hours, giving you a real-time look at your current musical direction and ensuring the freshest personalised recommendations,” she said.

Read Also: Oando CEO Wale Tinubu to champion African Energy leadership at G20 investment forum

Each week, users will receive an in-depth summary of their top artists and songs from the past month, along with curated playlists that reflect their listening habits. The feature also includes a weekly highlight, showcasing key moments such as new discoveries, milestones, or standout tracks that define a listener’s unique sound.

Okumu added that the Listening Stats feature is built for social engagement, allowing users to share snapshots, compare playlists, and explore what friends or colleagues are currently enjoying.

“Like its popular personalised siblings — Daylist, Release Radar, and Discover Weekly — Listening Stats is about exploring and defining your unique sound, making it the perfect prelude to Spotify Wrapped, our year-end celebration of music discovery,” she said.

Veteran freedom fighter, central region Governor Fesehaye Haile dies at 78

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Veteran freedom fighter and Governor of the Central Region, Fesehaye Haile (Afro), has died at the age of 78 after a brief illness, according to the Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Haile, a respected figure in Eritrea’s liberation movement, joined the Eritrean People’s Liberation Forces in July 1973 after serving with the “Tihisha” agitational group between 1972 and 1973.

During the armed struggle for independence, he held various key roles, including as a combatant in the Eritrean People’s Liberation Army, and in the Departments of People’s Administration, Intelligence, and Security, where he demonstrated exceptional dedication to the national cause.

Read Also: Audu Ogbeh dies at 78

After Eritrea gained independence, Haile continued to serve his country in several senior capacities. He was Deputy Governor of Asmara, Executive Director of the Northern Red Sea Region, Director General of the Customs Department at the Ministry of Finance, Director General of Civil Aviation, and later Governor of both Gash-Barka and Central Regions.

In a statement, the Ministry of Local Government expressed deep sorrow over his passing and extended condolences to his family, friends, and the Eritrean people.

Haile is survived by his wife and three children. Details regarding his funeral service will be announced in due course, according to the Ministry of Information.

Oando CEO Wale Tinubu to champion African Energy leadership at G20 investment forum

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Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive Officer of Oando PLC, has been announced as one of the key speakers at the forthcoming G20 African Energy Investment Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event, organized by the African Energy Chamber (AEC), will bring together global investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to advance Africa’s energy development agenda.

Tinubu’s participation underscores the growing influence of African energy firms in shaping investment and sustainability conversations across the continent. Under his leadership, Oando has transformed from a downstream trading company into one of sub-Saharan Africa’s most integrated energy groups.

In 2024, the company completed its acquisition of Eni’s Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), cementing its status as Nigeria’s largest indigenous oil producer. Oando reported a 164% surge in profit after tax to ₦210 billion for the nine months ending September 2025, supported by a 59% increase in crude oil and gas production—figures that reflect its strong operational performance and expanding footprint in Africa’s energy market.

Read Also: AWIEF 2025 honours Africa’s top women innovators in Cape Town

Beyond oil and gas, Oando is positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s energy transition through its new subsidiary, Oando Mining, which focuses on the exploration of lithium and other critical minerals vital for clean-energy technologies. This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s ambition to build a strong presence in the global supply chain for battery materials.

The G20 African Energy Investment Forum aims to mobilize private capital, accelerate energy infrastructure, and strengthen Africa’s role in global investment flows. According to NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC, “Oando’s participation highlights the strength and maturity of African companies that are not only driving production but also positioning themselves in the global energy transition.”

Tinubu is expected to share insights on Oando’s growth strategy and its broader role in deepening Africa’s energy value chain. His session will focus on how indigenous companies can anchor investments, boost local participation, and build international partnerships to unlock new opportunities across the continent.

As the G20 African Energy Investment Forum and the G20 Summit approach, the inclusion of business leaders like Tinubu reflects Africa’s growing prominence in global energy discussions. The forum will serve as a key platform for collaboration and innovation, setting the stage for Africa’s next chapter of energy-driven prosperity.