Current Affairs
Safe Sex May Get Costly As War Hits Production Materials
The cost of condoms could increase if the ongoing conflict involving Iran continues to strain global supply chains, according to the head of the world’s largest condom producer.
Karex CEO Goh Miah Kiat told Reuters that the company may have to increase prices by between 20% and 30%, depending on how long the disruptions persist.
Since late February, supply chains have been affected by tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for materials used in manufacturing.
Goh noted that the situation remains unstable, with rising costs forcing the company to pass expenses on to customers.
Karex, based in Malaysia, produces a wide range of medical and personal care products, including well-known condom brands such as ONE, Trustex, Carex and Pasante. The firm manufactures billions of condoms each year and supplies over 130 countries.
In addition to higher production and packaging costs, the company is also facing shipping delays. Goh explained that many shipments are stuck in transit, leaving some markets undersupplied despite high demand.
While global attention has largely focused on rising fuel prices linked to the conflict, experts say the impact goes beyond oil.
Shortages of key industrial materials known as feedstocks are also affecting production. These include naphtha, used in packaging, as well as silicon oil and ammonia, which are essential in condom manufacturing.
According to industry analysts, disruptions in the supply of these materials many of which come from the Middle East are pushing up production costs. Asia, in particular, is vulnerable due to its reliance on the region for energy and raw materials.
The situation is further complicated by fuel rationing in some Southeast Asian countries, which is affecting transport and workers’ ability to reach factories. This could slow down manufacturing and delay exports of essential goods.
For now, Karex says it has enough stock to last a few months, but continued instability could lead to higher prices and tighter supply in the near future.
The Government has strongly condemned the unlawful subdivision and sale of land at North Umzari Farm in Makonde District, Chinhoyi, saying the transactions are in breach of the country’s spatial planning and urban development regulations.
According to Minister of Local Government and Public Works Hon Daniel Garwe, authorities never granted approval or issued compliance certificates for the creation and sale of residential stands on the farm.
“The layout plans circulating in connection with the land sales are “fake, fraudulent and legally void,” he said.
The minister urged members of the public to exercise caution when purchasing land in the area, warning that buyers involved in illegal land transactions risk losing their money because Government will not compensate victims.
“Any structures erected without properly approved plans may be demolished, stressing that Government is determined to eliminate disorderly settlements and ensure organised urban growth in line with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 agenda,” he concluded.
NetOne has officially launched a new base station in Matjinge, Bulilima District, in Matabeleland South Province as part of efforts to improve network coverage and connectivity in rural communities.
The new base station is expected to provide better mobile communication services to residents in Matjinge and surrounding areas, helping communities access reliable voice and internet services.
The development forms part of NetOne’s ongoing programme to bridge the digital divide by expanding telecommunications infrastructure to underserved areas across the country.
Improved connectivity will help support communication, business activities, education and access to digital services within the district.
The launch of the base station also reflects Zimbabwe’s broader push toward digital inclusion and increased access to modern technology in rural communities.
The 2026 Girls in ICT programme has officially started at National University of Science and Technology under the theme, “AI Development – Girls Shaping the Digital Future.”
The event brings together young girls from different schools and communities to encourage participation in information and communication technology, innovation and digital transformation.
Speaking during the launch, ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera said empowering girls in technology is important for building a smarter and more inclusive digital future for Zimbabwe.
“Empowering girls today means shaping a smarter, more inclusive digital future for Zimbabwe,” she said.
Minister Mavetera encouraged girls to take advantage of opportunities in the technology sector and actively participate in artificial intelligence and other digital innovations.
The programme aims to inspire more young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) while helping close the gender gap in the ICT industry.
The Girls in ICT initiative is part of ongoing efforts to promote digital inclusion and equip young people with skills needed for the country’s growing digital economy.
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