Region: Southern Africa
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Connecting teams and strengthening impact for sustainable food systems
In an increasingly bleak funding landscape, taking the time to personally exchange experiences, listen to different perspectives, and build on what others have already tested is a worthwhile and necessary investment. It is a strategic opportunity. And this was the goal of the Urban Futures Annual Meeting, held from April 8 to 10, 2026 in…
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Gender equality and youth inclusion high on Zimbabwe’s parliamentary agenda
The Parliament of Zimbabwe and Hivos have formalized a significant new chapter in their collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing gender equality and increasing the participation of women and youth in governance. The MoU reflects a shared commitment to building inclusive, equitable political processes that ensure the voices…
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Bolstering Malawi’s civic movement with investigative power
At the crossroads of limited access to information, entrenched corruption and the ongoing struggle for a truly free press in Malawi, stands the Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ). Established to respond to a glaring gap in the country’s investigative media landscape, PIJ has become one of the few outlets dedicated to rigorous, independent investigative reporting. Their mission is…
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When violence goes digital
When Irene Sithole walked into the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) for the Zimbabwe National Launch of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, she was more than just a delegate. As a woman living with a disability and a community advocate, she had high expectations, especially since the President of Zimbabwe was…
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Local collaborations leading civic space revival in Malawi
In Nkhotakota, on the vast shores of Lake Malawi, court magistrate His Worship Dumisani Katundu stands at the center of a changing civic landscape. Once accustomed to institutions working in isolation, he is now part of a growing movement that believes a successful democracy depends on shared responsibility. Across the districts of Nkhotakota and Mangochi,…
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New research: Who pays the climate bills?
New research reveals a systemic and invisible injustice: women and low-income families across the Global South are paying the real costs of the climate crisis; not governments, and not the corporations most responsible for emissions.
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When family and food regenerate life
The story of Nomagugu Chieza from Mutare, Zimbabwe In Mutare, Zimbabwe, Nomagugu Chieza transformed a personal experience into collective action. Inspired by Indigenous wisdom and the strength of her family, she founded Impilo Organics, a company that produces organic food and cosmetics to nourish the community, in both body and consciousness. All of its products…
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Asking tough questions about the environment in Zambia
Joseph Mwenda’s documentary on Chinese mining companies in Zambia was the topic of political debate. We invited him to share his insights on making impact with climate journalism.
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Young people leading the greening of Zimbabwe’s food systems
Youth from the cities of Bulawayo and Mutare in Zimbabwe have taken a bold path to shape the future of food systems. This was clear at the Green Transition Policy Symposium recently held in Bulawayo, hosted under the Green Transition project, funded by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Zimbabwe. The symposium brought together youth participants from Bulawayo and Mutare who had been trained under the project’s policy and smart farming…
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Using journalism in the fight against climate change in Zambia
The Free Press Initiative (FPI) trains journalists to address climate change in the Zambian media landscape. Through investigative journalism, storytelling, and workshops, they inform vulnerable groups and amplify the lived experiences of communities affected by climate change. FPI focuses on journalists’ ability to report the real-life impacts of climate change with stories that draw attention…
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Democracy, women’s equality, and the men who support both
The International Day of Democracy is celebrated around the world on 15 September each year. While discussions on democracy and gender equality are common, Hivos in Southern Africa and Gender and Media Connect (GMC) decided to mark the occasion unconventionally by putting an all-male panel in the hot seat. By Winston Chaniwa and Rumbidzayi C.…
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Introducing Malawi’s civic space monitoring partners
This September, the lead up to Malawi’s general elections has seen alliances fracturing before they even reach the polls, divisive political choices, and an electorate plagued by a persistent case of voter apathy. For organizations working directly with the public, and those who seek to defend and protect citizen’s rights, there have been many opportunities…
