🇿🇼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,
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Must ReadAlpha Media Holdings AMH is an independent media organization in Zimbabwe, operating free from political or external influence. AMH publishes four newspapers: The Zimbabwe Independent, a business weekly; The Standard, a Sunday weekly; and the daily newspapers Southern and NewsDay. Each publication also has an online edition. The article also lists various headlines from AMH's publications, covering topics such as regional transport harmonization, health, investment, agriculture, climate recovery, sports, financial markets, politics, wildlife, trade, and financial crime. Additionally, it mentions an appointment within the Lithium Association of Zimbabwe and discussions around Zimbabwe's lithium industry and climate finance.
Must ReadThe African Development Bank-funded Tax and Accountability Enhancement Project TAEP has significantly improved Zimbabwe's tax administration. The US$7.6 million project, designed to strengthen domestic resource mobilization and public financial management, has been largely successful. It achieved three of its four key outcomes and met 94.4% of its output targets, primarily through the implementation of the Tax and Revenue Management System TaRMS. This digital tax platform has boosted taxpayer registrations, enhanced filing compliance, and reduced revenue collection costs. The project also aims to improve public sector accountability and institutional integrity by streamlining tax administration and building the capacity of oversight institutions. The AfDB noted that timely assessments, such as the Tax Administration Diagnostic Assessment Tool and the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability framework, are crucial for independent evaluation and supporting policy and capacity-building interventions. The government has committed to implementing governance reforms in line with the National Development Plan and Staff Monitored Programme. The bank will continue to engage with authorities to ensure the project supports the implementation of Staff Monitored Programme priorities, with financial management and procurement risk mitigation measures in place, including bi-annual on-site reviews.
Zimbabwe's Health and Child Care ministry has received a second delivery of advanced cancer treatment equipment, including Linear Accelerators LINACs. These sophisticated radiotherapy machines are designed to provide highly precise radiation treatment for deep-seated cancers, improving accuracy and minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Health and Child Care minister Douglas Mombeshora stated that this is part of an effort to upgrade outdated cancer treatment infrastructure. The government plans to procure diagnostic equipment for early cancer detection in phase two, and expand treatment services beyond major cities to provinces like Mashonaland West, Chinhoyi Hospital, Midlands Hospital, and Masvingo in phase three. Finance minister Mthuli Ncube noted that this development is funded by the sugar content tax introduced on beverages, which has so far contributed to the procurement of the first set of machines under this program.