Cde Vivian Vimbai Maponga, President for Youth in Politics and Governance and a newly recognised African Icon, yesterday electrified the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) with a powerful and unequivocal demand for the full economic integration and empowerment of women across all sectors.

Her impassioned tour of the nation’s premier trade exhibition served as a rallying cry, challenging both policy-makers and industry leaders to dismantle barriers and actively cultivate female leadership in agriculture, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and mining.

Cde Maponga’s presence at ZITF 2026, held under the theme “Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape,” showed her unwavering commitment to fostering a generation of fearless, purpose-driven women at the forefront of Africa’s economic destiny .

Her message was clear: true industrialisation is unattainable without the active participation and leadership of women.

Fresh from her nomination for the prestigious Icons of Africa Awards 2026, where she will be honored for her dedication to shaping Africa’s political landscape and championing youth empowerment, Cde Maponga arrived in Bulawayo with a renewed sense of purpose.

“This award fuels my resolve to redouble efforts in empowering the girl child and young women across Zimbabwe and the broader African region,” she said.

“Women are the Backbone of Our Food Systems.”

Touring the agricultural exhibits, Cde Maponga highlighted the indispensable role of women in food production, advocating for a paradigm shift from subsistence to industrial-scale empowerment.

“As I walk through these halls at ZITF, witnessing the innovations in agriculture, I am reminded that women are the backbone of our food systems.

“We must move beyond subsistence farming and empower our female farmers with access to land, technology and markets. It is through their enhanced participation that we will truly industrialize our agricultural sector and ensure food security for our nation and the region.”

The vibrant SME sector, often a hotbed of female entrepreneurship, drew particular attention from Cde Maponga.

She lauded the resilience of women-led businesses while simultaneously challenging systemic obstacles.

“The vibrancy of our SMEs at ZITF is undeniable. Many of these businesses are driven by resilient women entrepreneurs,” she observed. “To truly craft an integrated economic landscape, we must dismantle the barriers they face, lack of capital, limited access to training and restrictive policies.

Investing in female-led SMEs is not just about gender equality; it is a strategic imperative for job creation, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.”

Perhaps her most audacious call came from the mining pavilions, a sector historically dominated by men.

Cde Maponga envisioned a future where women are central to its operations and leadership.

“The mining sector, often perceived as male-dominated, holds immense potential for female empowerment.

“My visit to the mining exhibits here at ZITF reinforces my belief that women can and should play a more significant role, from artisanal mining to executive leadership.

We need deliberate policies that promote their safety, provide technical skills and ensure equitable opportunities. Empowering women in mining means unlocking new efficiencies and fostering responsible resource management for our collective prosperity.”

In a powerful summation of her ZITF experience, Cde Maponga reiterated her overarching vision for a truly integrated and equitable economy.

“The ZITF theme, ‘Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape,’ perfectly encapsulates my vision for female empowerment.”

“It is not enough to empower women in one sector; we must ensure their presence and influence are felt across agriculture, SMEs, mining, and every facet of our economy.

Their unique perspectives, resilience, and leadership are indispensable for building a truly integrated, competitive, and prosperous Africa.”

Cde Maponga’s tour of ZITF 2025 was more than just an attendance; it was a strategic platform to amplify her urgent call for a female economic revolution, positioning women as indispensable architects of Zimbabwe’s and Africa’s industrial future.

The Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Hon. Tatenda Mavetera, officially opened the Digital Economy Conference 2026 at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2026 in Bulawayo, urging Zimbabwe to embrace digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) as key drivers of economic growth under Vision 2030.

Speaking at the conference, Minister Mavetera highlighted the urgency of adopting new technologies, quoting Klaus Schwab, who said, “In the new world, it is not the big fish that eats the small fish but the fast fish that eats the slow fish.”

She emphasised that Zimbabwe must act quickly, adding, “Zimbabwe must be fast. We must not be spectators in this revolution. We must be active participants, deliberate builders, and confident leaders.”

The minister also reflected on the launch of the Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026–2030) by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on March 13, 2026.

“The strategy is meant to drive transformation across key sectors such as agriculture, mining, healthcare, education, and finance,” she said.

The President stressed that the country’s approach must focus on local ownership, saying Zimbabwe’s AI journey “must not be defined by dependency but by ownership… building systems that understand our values, speak our languages, and solve our unique national challenges”.

Minister Mavetera underscored that the strategy is guided by the principle “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo / a nation is built by its own people”, reinforcing the need for homegrown innovation.

She also pointed to progress in other African countries. Rwanda, under ICT Minister Paula Ingabire, has made significant strides in digital transformation, while Kenya and Ghana are also advancing AI adoption.

Quoting Kofi Annan, she said, “Knowledge is power.” Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.” She added that Africa must take control of its digital future.

“The launch of the Zimbabwe National Innovation Acceleration Centre (NIAC) will help turn ideas into businesses and support young innovators. Practical action and innovation must lead to real results, jobs, and economic growth,” Minister Mavetera added.

Quoting Satya Nadella, she said, “Ultimately, progress is measured by the impact of technology on people,” emphasising that AI must improve lives.

“Technology should reach all citizens, from farmers to students and entrepreneurs, ensuring inclusive development,” she said.

Minister Mavetera also referenced Andrew Ng, who said, “Artificial intelligence is the new electricity”, highlighting how AI is transforming industries worldwide.

“Zimbabwe must use AI not just for basic applications but for real solutions such as improving agriculture, mining efficiency, and financial services,” Hon. Mavetera stated.

In closing, the minister called for action and collaboration, urging stakeholders to move beyond discussion to implementation.

She welcomed Minister Paula Ingabire as Guest of Honour, describing her as a key figure in Africa’s digital transformation, and encouraged stronger partnerships across the continent to build a competitive and inclusive digital economy.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Prosecutors in South Africa have called for a custodial sentence for Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, son of the late former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, as sentencing was postponed to April 29.

The State is requesting a total of two years in prison for Mugabe 12 months for unlawfully pointing a firearm and another 12 months for violating immigration laws.

His co-accused, Tobias Matonhodze, faces significantly heavier penalties after admitting to more serious offences.

Prosecutors are seeking five years for attempted murder, 12 years for illegal possession of a firearm, another 12 years for obstructing justice, a fine for unlawful possession of ammunition, and an additional 12 months for immigration-related violations.

If granted, the combined sentences for the firearm and obstruction charges alone could amount to 24 years behind bars for Matonhodze.

Mugabe admitted to being in South Africa illegally and to pointing a firearm in an earlier, unrelated incident that occurred shortly before the shooting of his security guard, Sipho Mahlangu, at his Hyde Park residence on February 19.

The investigating officer told the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court that Mahlangu has so far received R250,000 in compensation, with an additional R150,000 still unpaid.

The officer urged the court to impose a strict sentence, highlighting that neither accused has revealed the location of the firearm used in the shooting, which remains missing.

“Both accused have not shown remorse,” the officer said, adding that their failure to produce the weapon reflects a lack of cooperation.

However, the defence argued for leniency, suggesting that other individuals present at the property could have removed the firearm. They also pointed to the partial compensation paid as a sign of responsibility, though prosecutors noted the full amount has yet to be settled.

The case has been adjourned to April 29, when sentencing is expected.