馃嚳馃嚰ZimbabweSouthern Africa
African innovators urged to enter Wilderness Impact Challenge for US$100,000 prize
via NewsDay Zimbabwe5 min read
African innovators, including those from Zimbabwe, are encouraged to apply for the Wilderness Impact Challenge before the April 30 deadline. This competition offers US$100,000 to the most impactful and implementation-ready idea that transforms conservation into a viable economic driver. Launched in 2025, the global initiative seeks practical, scalable solutions that advance the "conservation economy" by linking environmental protection with sustainable livelihoods. Now in its second year, the challenge invites entrepreneurs, community groups, and changemakers to explore the intersection of tourism, conservation, and local enterprise. Vincent Shacks stated that conservation progresses faster when it provides real economic value to local communities. The 2026 edition emphasizes economic inclusion, supporting locally-driven models that address issues like poverty, unemployment, and limited market access. Entry is free, aiming to attract grassroots innovators and community-based organizations. Proposals do not need to be highly technical but must demonstrate clear, shared value for both conservation and livelihoods. Zimbabwe had a strong showing in the 2025 edition, with a top-three finalist from Victoria Falls and the Ele-Collection project, which converts plastic waste into building materials, gaining recognition. Beyond the prize money, finalists receive exposure, networks, and potential partnerships to scale their impact, addressing challenges such as human-wildlife conflict,
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
Must ReadThe Zimbabwe Property Excellence Awards recently focused on government infrastructure projects and sports facilities. Other news from Zimbabwe includes China's commitment to supporting Vision 2030, Zimbabwe's expansion of development finance options with BRICS New Development Bank membership, and ARDA delivering 120,000MT as the country prepares for El Ni帽o. There are also proposals for new grain levies to address climate and food security risks, and a call to address the silent dementia crisis. ART operations have been affected by power outages and raw material shortages, with exports and paper divisions seeing volume declines of 6% and 26% respectively in the third quarter to June 2022. Additionally, Zimbabwe is seeking US$9bn for energy expansion and has commissioned a specialized honey testing laboratory to boost export competitiveness. Political tensions at grasslands plots have led to violent attacks and forced evictions.
Must ReadXenophobic violence in key economic hubs, particularly South Africa, threatens Africa's economic growth and foreign direct investment. Despite a 75% surge in FDI to a record US$97 billion in 2024, recurring xenophobic incidents deter investment, disrupt intra-regional trade, and strain diplomatic ties. Migrant entrepreneurs are significant contributors to South Africa's economy, with International Labour Organization data indicating they contribute approximately 9% to the GDP, and over a third of international migrant enterprises employ South African citizens. The African Continental Free Trade Area AfCFTA, projected to increase intra-African trade by 45% by 2045, relies on the free movement of labor and safeguarding cross-border investments. The economic cost of instability is substantial, with research showing high-intensity conflicts can lead to a cumulative loss in per capita GDP of approximately 20% over five years. Xenophobic attacks in 2019 led to diplomatic tensions and operational disruptions for South African corporations like MTN, Multichoice, and Shoprite in Nigeria. The business community's silence on xenophobia is a misjudgment, as it represents a systemic business risk affecting supply chains, consumer markets, and investor confidence. Addressing xenophobic violence is crucial for sustained economic development and regional competitiveness, and for securing the "peace dividend" of social stability and productive investment. The success of the AfCFTA is linked t
Zimbabwe is looking to raise US$9 billion for its energy sector, with new regulations anticipated to accelerate grid expansion, improve electricity access, and attract new capital. This initiative comes as the country also focuses on other infrastructure projects and addresses climate and food security risks, including the impact of El Ni帽o. The government is also conducting a survey on the private solar boom, as many households are generating their own power. Additionally, Zimbabwe recently commissioned a specialized honey testing laboratory to enhance export competitiveness.