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☆ Zimbabwe bans raw lithium exports to curb artisanal mining
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The southern African country holds some of the world's largest reserves of hard rock lithium, a vital mineral in the production of clean energy technologies. London-listed Premier African Minerals (PREM.L) says it will start shipping spodumene concentrate from its Zimbabwe lithium mine to China from March 2023, after signing an offtake deal with Suzhou TA&A Ultra Clean Technology Co (300390.SZ). "No lithium bearing ores, or unbeneficiated lithium whatsoever, shall be exported from Zimbabwe to another country," read the regulation published in a government notice issued by Mines Minister Winston Chitando. The notice said the ban does not apply to the export of lithium concentrates, which all the major lithium miners in the country plan to produce. Mnangagwa said the raw lithium was being exported through neighbouring countries.

☆ IMF sees Zimbabwe's 2022 real GDP growth slowing to about 3.5%
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

JOHANNESBURG, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's real GDP growth is expected to slow to about 3.5% in 2022 from 8.5% last year, the International Monetary Fund said on Thursday as it concluded its mission to Harare. Multiple shocks such as a surge in inflation, erratic rainfall and electricity shortages will continue to weigh on Zimbabwe’s growth prospects, it said in a statement. Zimbabwe is engaging with the World Bank and IMF over how to clear its debts with international financial institutions, finance minister Mthuli Ncube said in October. Uncertainty remains high, however, and the economic outlook will depend on the implementation of key policies and the evolution of external shocks, the IMF said. It has not received funding from lenders like the IMF and World Bank for more than two decades as a result.

It could also negatively impact African nations that produce battery materials. The United States has a Free Trade Agreement in place with only one African country, Morocco. Battery materials and trade are set to be a focus at next week's U.S.-Africa Leaders' Summit in Washington where President Joe Biden will meet presidents of African countries including Congo. Under IRA, U.S. carmakers will get tax credits if they source at least 40% of battery materials domestically or from American free-trade partners. His is one of many projects across sub-Saharan Africa aiming to produce battery materials like lithium, nickel and graphite.

☆ Analysis: Ghana overhaul a test for $1 billion World Bank-backed debt
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Jorgelina Do Rosario | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

[1/3] A girl walks past a flag of Ghana outside the Cape Coast Castle, in Ghana, July 28, 2019. "If Ghana decides to use the guarantee, it has to pay back immediately to the World Bank," Mitu Gulati, a law professor at the University of Virginia and debt restructuring expert, said. "This is a highly protected instrument that was issued with the logic that Ghana would never default on the World Bank," Gulati said. Ghana 2030 bondIN OR OUT? Ghana has not yet said whether the 2030 issue will be part of its debt restructuring.

☆ Cemetery workouts help Zimbabwe township residents feel alive
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( Nyasha Chingono | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/6] People take a break during an early morning exercise inside Warren Hills cemetery in Harare, Zimbabwe, November 24, 2022. But due to lack of facilities in the townships, residents have had to improvise and the leafy, multi-faith Warren Hills cemetery is proving a popular venue for some, if a bit worrying for others. A few paces from where Madubeko is training, footballer Tichaona Macheka, 19, is holding an aerobics class. "The Muslim section of the cemetery was gracious to let us train here and I am glad more people are joining the class." Reporting by Nyasha Chingono; Editing by Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo and Nick MacfieOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Zimbabwe power shortage to worsen as hydro plant halts generation
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] A motorist drives on top of the Kariba Dam wall in Kariba, Zimbabwe, February 19, 2016. REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo/File PhotoHARARE, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's prolonged power shortage is set to worsen after the entity that manages southern Africa's biggest dam ordered suspension of electricity generation at its main hydro plant because of a water shortage. The ZRA manages the Kariba Dam on behalf of the Zimbabwean and Zambian governments. Zimbabwe has suffered acute power shortages for several years, as successive droughts have resulted in poor inflows into the Kariba Dam and as ageing coal-fired power stations have repeatedly broken down. Kariba South has an installed capacity of 1,050 megawatts but has been producing well below that due to low water levels in the dam.

☆ Column: Key African nations set off on energy & emissions growth paths
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-22 | by ( Gavin Maguire | Thomson Reuters | Gavin Maguire Is The Global Energy Transition Columnist. He Was Previously Asia Commodities | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

However, the power mix varies greatly by country depending on locally available power sources, legacy power production infrastructure, and proximity to energy exporters. Electricity generation by source in key African economiesThis wide variance in power mix is clear when comparing the electricity source profiles of Africa's two largest electricity producers, South Africa and Egypt. In contrast, Egypt uses natural gas for 77% of its electricity, and uses no coal in electricity generation at all. The two countries' electricity systems have starkly divergent emissions footprints as a result of their different primary fuels. Across Northern Africa, natural gas is making rapid inroads into energy systems, primarily from the abundant local supplies in Algeria and Egypt.

☆ Over 4,000 Zimbabwean doctors and nurses left the country in 2021
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

HARARE, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Zimbabwean health workers have left the country in droves over the past year, a senior official at the Health Services Board (HSB) revealed on Sunday. More than 4,000 health workers have left since 2021, HSB chairperson Dr Paulinus Sikosana told Reuters. This includes more than 1,700 registered nurses who resigned last year and more than 900 who left this year. Health workers went on strike in June demanding to be paid in U.S. dollars as inflation further weakened the local currency. Doctors and nurses in Zimbabwe have found work mainly in Britain, leaving the country's health sector in dire straits and local hospitals understaffed.

☆ These currencies have tanked this year — and one is down over 75% against the dollar
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-14 | by ( Elliot Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The cedi hit a fresh record low against the dollar on Wednesday last week, at one stage hitting the 14.24 mark before recovering slightly. In second place is the Cuban peso, which is down 56.36% against the dollar, behind only the Zimbabwean dollar, which has lost a staggering 76.74% of its value against the dollar since January. A man holds Zimbabwean Dollar Bond Notes Dan Kitwood | Getty Images News | Getty ImagesHanke said last week that Zimbabwe's "economic death spiral just keeps spinning." Similar to Ghana, authorities in Zimbabwe have attempted to support the local currency and fight inflation by cracking down on Zimbabwean dollar payments. EgyptThe Egyptian pound last week slumped to a fresh low against the dollar, sliding to 24.42, making its way onto Hanke's list of the top 10 worst-performing currencies of 2022.watch now

☆ T20 World Cup: England thrash India by 10 wickets to book place in final against Pakistan
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-10 | by ( Ali Stafford | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Jos Buttler and Alex Hales of England share a laugh as they celebrate victory during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Semi Final match between India and England at Adelaide Oval on November 10, 2022 in Adelaide, Australia. An incredible unbroken opening stand between Jos Buttler and Alex Hales saw England book their place in the T20 World Cup final with a stunning 10-wicket victory over India in Adelaide. Knockout stages are about keeping calm and handling pressure and the way we started with the ball was not ideal. It shows we were a little nervy but you have to give credit to England." Watch the T20 World Cup final between England and Pakistan, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Main Event on Sunday.

☆ Zimbabwe's new mineral royalty policy comes into force
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] A worker attends to machinery at a smelter plant at Anglo American Platinum's Unki mine in Shurugwi, Zimbabwe, May 16, 2019. The southern African country has struggled to capitalise on its significant mineral reserves and a resource boom due to policy uncertainty, a lack of ancillary industries to support mining, currency volatility and electricity shortages. The cash component of the royalties would be made up of 40% Zimbabwean dollars and 10% in foreign currency, according to the notice. Zimbabwe's royalty rates range between 5% for gold and platinum group metals and 10% for diamonds. The Zimbabwe Chamber of Mines, which represents major mining companies, has said it is not worried about the new royalty policy because it does not amount to an increase in existing royalty rates.

☆ COP27: What they are saying at the climate summit
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( Sri Lanka Zimbabwe Adds Quotes Leaders Of Poland | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 8 (Reuters) - World leaders, policymakers and delegates from nearly 200 countries are at the COP27 U.N. climate summit in Egypt, where they hope to keep alive a goal to avert the worst impacts of climate change. Profligate producers of fossil fuels have benefited from extortionate profits at the expense of human civilization. EMMERSON DAMBUDZO MNANGAGWA, PRESIDENT OF ZIMBABWE"Those mostly responsible for the climate crisis must listen and prioritize climate finance to help prevent disasters and climate victims recover. Developed nations should be giving leadership to work on climate challenges rather than abdicating their responsibilities. It is no secret that climate financing has missed the target….

☆ India coach Dravid thrilled with 'phenomenal' Yadav
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-06 | by ( Ian Ransom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The Mumbai magician gave another clinic in range-hitting as he blasted an unbeaten 61 off 25 balls in the 71-run trouncing that booked India a semi-final against England. His strike rate of 193.96 leaves everyone in the shade, though, and will give England's bowlers plenty of food for thought ahead of Thursday's semi-final in Adelaide. It left India's huge army of supporters jumping in the terraces and coach Rahul Dravid reaching for superlatives. "Scoring at a strike rate that he does, it's not easy to be consistent," Dravid told reporters. Dravid said India could make changes for the England showdown depending on the Adelaide pitch but the team's mindset would remain consistent.

☆ India inch closer to semis after nervy win vs. Bangladesh
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( Story Reuters | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

India moved to top of Group 2 with six points, one ahead of South Africa who have played one game fewer. Litton gave Bangladesh a rollicking start scoring 56 of his team’s 60 runs in the first six powerplay overs. He raced to a 21-ball fifty before rain halted play with Bangladesh on 66 for no loss after seven overs. “It’s been the story when we play India. “It was a great game, the crowd enjoyed and both teams enjoyed.

☆ Dennis Ombachi: How the Kenyan rugby player learned to live with bipolar
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-28 | by ( Alasdair Howorth | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

But it was Ombachi’s mental health that would take a bigger hit than his broken leg. With the Sevens circuit canceled and the Kenya Rugby Union terminating his contract, Ombachi suddenly was once again stuck indoors and without an income. That is one of the chief reasons he is so open with his mental health struggles. Plenty of athletes and social media figures have used their platform to speak out about mental health and partner with organizations and charities to spread awareness. Ombachi supports that work, but he also sees an important role for those with public profiles to simply embrace their struggles with mental health.

☆ Zimbabwe coach critical of decision to play on in Hobart
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Zimbabwe's players had complained about wet conditions in the outfield and fast bowler Richard Ngarava left the field injured after he slipped. "Obviously we're not too happy about the fact he's not in a great space for bowling at the moment. Conditions were difficult right from the start and only got worse, the former Zimbabwe captain said. "I understand the need to try and get these games on for the public and for TV," he said. "I understand the need to try and play in slightly inclement weather to try and get a result.

Dozens of measles cases have cropped up in Gambia this year, a spike over previous years. The measles campaign was rescheduled for 2021, but in July of that year polio was detected in a water sample. Over the years, the success of the measles vaccine has numbed many to these risks, health experts say. At the time, 86% of children had at least the first dose of the measles vaccine worldwide, according to WHO estimates. FUNDS REJECTEDThe U.S. CDC has identified 12 African countries as having no clear plans or secured resources for their next measles vaccination drive.

☆ Conservationists are using artificial intelligence to map out the best ways for saving threatened wildlife and resources
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-21 | by ( Tim Paradis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

AI tools can help with efforts like identifying tracks to better understand animal populations. Using AI can help conservationists more wisely deploy scarce resources. So Jewell, a cofounder of the US nonprofit WildTrack, turned to artificial intelligence to help identify animal tracks using photos. Yet the AI system Jewell and her collaborators developed can so far identify dozens of animal species with more than 90% accuracy. "The things that limit AI can be augmented with that human input," Jewell said, "the AI can definitely learn from the skills of the trackers."

☆ The Columbus, Ohio, Warehouse Boom: How warehouses brought stifling dust and diesel fumes — and a chance for refugees to grab the American dream
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-19 | by ( Emma Cosgrove | Katherine Long | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +27 min

What binds them, despite different nationalities, immigration stories, and languages, are warehouse jobs. As Columbus' warehouse development begins encroaching into residential areas, a consensus is gathering here — as it has elsewhere — that warehouses make for poor neighbors. Tariq Tarey for InsiderIn Canal Winchester, Halstead's efforts to put the question of warehouse development before voters were stymied. The town council bypassed her group's referendum by declaring a state of emergency to approve the warehouse development. There aren't clear lines between the winners and losers of Columbus' warehouse boom.

☆ Opinion | Abortion Is Legal in Ethiopia. But Half of These Clinics Won’t Provide Them.
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-17 | by ( Anu Kumar | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +12 min

When Congress passed the Helms Amendment, only six of those countries allowed abortion in circumstances beyond saving a woman’s life. And every year, more than 16,000 of the women and girls who have received these unsafe abortions die from more serious complications. President Biden also has the power to mitigate some of the harms of the Helms Amendment. His administration could also ensure that clinics in countries where abortion is legal understand that U.S. rules allow them to offer abortion information and counseling. The Helms Amendment is an act of international interference and overreach, and it has to end.

Whether Mozambique and its allies can stamp out the insurgency altogether is a question that has global repercussions as countries hunt for new sources of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Mozambique has huge natural gas reserves which, if managed effectively, could transform its fortunes. With already more than 100 trillion cubic feet of proven offshore natural gas reserves, one industry insider likened its future potential equal to Russia – a natural gas giant. The Mozambican forces, as had happened multiple times in smaller towns, were unable to stop them. Fighting between the terrorist group and the Mozambican army and Rwandan Security forces has left its mark on the town.

☆ Zimbabwe: Author Tsitsi Dangarembga convicted for staging solo protest
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-30 | by ( Nyasha Chingono | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Harare, Zimbabwe CNN —Award-winning Zimbabwean author Tsitsi Dangarembga has been found guilty of staging a protest with the intent of inciting public violence, a court in the capital Harare ruled Thursday. Dangarembga, a fierce critic of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government was arrested in 2020 for marching while holding a placard demanding reforms. Inside the Harare courtroom, Dangarembga and Barnes held hands as magistrate Barbara Mateko handed down her judgment. PEN International, an association of writers, which awarded Dangarembga a Pinter Prize in 2021, also condemned the sentence in a statement. “The conviction today of award-winning writer, filmmaker, and activist Tsitsi Dangarembga and her co-accused, Julie Barnes, by a Zimbabwe Court is a travesty of justice.

☆ Botswana's Morupule aims to boost coal output by 50% with new mine
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A Transnet Freight Rail train is seen next to tons of coal , File. Despite the country's estimated 212 billion tonnes of coal resources, MCM was its only operating mine until Minergy Ltd (MIN.BT) commissioned a new one in 2019 with an annual capacity of 1.2 million tonnes. MCM currently produces 2.8 million tonnes of coal a year from its underground operations, feeding two nearby state-owned power stations and exporting to South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. The open cast mine has the potential to supply power station-grade coal for more than 30 years. Minergy said last week its total sales volume for the financial year ended June 2022 increased by 40%, with record sales achieved in May 2022.

☆ Fact Check-Photo does not show Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa driving bus to Queen Elizabeth II funeral
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-23 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Some social media users have shared a photo depicting Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa behind the wheel of a bus, claiming it shows him driving African leaders to Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in London. African Presidents were driven in a bus. Driver: Zimbabwean President, Emmerson Mnangagwa. The Beast was flown to London for US President Joe Biden while African Presidents are driven by bus by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The photo does not show Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa driving a bus with his African counterparts to Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, as it dates back to at least 2019.

☆ Fact Check-Letter rejecting Zimbabwean president’s alleged request to attend funeral of Queen Elizabeth is fake
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-21 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A letter rejecting an alleged request from Zimbabwe’s president to attend Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral has been circulating on social media. However, the British Embassy in Harare said the letter is fake and that Mnangagwa had indeed been invited to the funeral. “President Mnangagwa has been invited to attend the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey on Monday,” the embassy added (here ). He was pictured on Sept. 16 signing a book of condolence for the queen at the British Embassy (here ) and (here ). Shava, meanwhile, attended the funeral on the president’s behalf and was pictured in London the night before (here ).

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