Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

HARARE – Schools have been ordered to enforce a cap on the number of subjects candidates can sit at both Ordinary and Advanced Level to ease pressure on learners, the ministry of primary and secondary education said on Sunday.

O’ Level candidates will now be limited to a maximum of nine subjects, while A’ Level candidates will be restricted to three.

The deadline for the registration of candidates for the ZIMSEC final examinations in November is March 27.

The ministry has directed schools that registered candidates for subjects above the new limits to refund the affected pupils.

Tawungana Ndoro, the ministry’s director of communications and advocacy, said: “The policy on capping the number of subjects that one can register for at both O’ and A’ Level is now in force.”

Authorities say they have seen a surge in students registering for an unusually high number of subjects, which they insist serves no purpose, as university entry requirements are typically based on passes in three A’ Level subjects.

In November last year, a student from Pamushana High School in Masvingo sat for 12 A’ Level subjects and scored 56 points.

It later emerged that the school had to seek special permission from ZIMSEC for him to sit some of the exams after other students had taken the tests due to scheduling clashes.

Ndoro said the new measures will “ensure depth of learning, quality of instruction and the integrity of learner outcomes,” following some suggestions that examinations had become too easy.

Some parents, however, believe allowing their children to take more than the mandatory subjects gives them an advantage when applying for university places.

The presidency has also weighed in on the debate, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesman George Charamba labelling the practice of taking on extra subjects as “illusory grandeur.”

“Anything beyond the 15 points in three subjects at A’ Level is superfluous — a vanity flight,” Charamba said.

“No attention is given to the needless pressure and stress on the misguided child, the financial strain on parents, or the profligate misuse of time — all without a clear career path.” – ZimLive

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MUTARE – Zimbabwean conglomerate Innscor Africa Limited has acquired a significant strategic stake in Tanganda Tea Company following its participation in the company’s US$8 million rights issue.

The capital-raising initiative, structured as a rights offer, invited existing shareholders to purchase additional shares in order to inject fresh capital into Tanganda’s operations and support its growth and sustainability plans.

Innscor’s investment was executed through its subsidiary, Rutanhi Investments, which acted as the underwriter for the transaction. As part of the underwriting agreement, Rutanhi committed to acquiring any shares not taken up by other investors.

Following the completion of the offer, Rutanhi subscribed for 54% of the newly issued shares, resulting in a 27% equity stake in Tanganda. The move effectively positions Innscor as a key shareholder in one of Zimbabwe’s most established agricultural brands.

In a statement, Innscor said the transaction is expected to unlock “considerable value” for both Tanganda and its shareholders, while also contributing to broader agricultural sector development in Zimbabwe.

The group highlighted the strategic importance of the investment, noting that it aligns with its long-term vision of supporting sustainable agribusiness ventures and strengthening local value chains.

“This investment will add considerable value to the Tanganda entity and its shareholders, whilst also contributing to the continued development of Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector, and ensuring the long-term preservation and sustainable growth of one of Zimbabwe’s most iconic brands,” the company said.

Market analysts view the deal as a significant vote of confidence in Tanganda’s turnaround prospects, particularly at a time when Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector is seeking increased capitalisation and modernisation.

The transaction also underscores a growing trend of local corporates leveraging rights issues and underwriting mechanisms to stabilise key industries, attract investment, and enhance operational resilience in a challenging economic environment.

With Innscor’s backing, Tanganda is expected to strengthen its balance sheet, improve production efficiencies, and expand its footprint in both domestic and export markets, particularly within the tea and macadamia segments.

The post Innscor Secures 27% Stake in Tanganda After Backing US$8 Million Rights Issue appeared first on The Zimbabwe Mail.

Zimbabwe and China have finalised an export protocol for avocados and blueberries, paving the way for expanded horticultural trade between the two countries.

The development was announced by the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe via its X account.

“In 2025, Zimbabwe exported horticultural goods worth US$11.62 million to China, with macadamia nuts as the star product,” the embassy posted.

“Now that export protocols for citrus, avocados and blueberries have been finalised, and with China’s zero‑tariff treatment for 53 African countries including Zimbabwe taking effect on 1 May 2026, Zimbabwe’s high‑quality agricultural and horticultural produce is poised to reach more Chinese consumers and conquer new markets across China.”

The embassy added that Chinese buyers are already visiting farms in Zimbabwe to source premium produce.

Meanwhile, ZimTrade is set to host the Zimbabwe–China Horticulture Buyers Engagement in Mutare in early April.

Source – Byo24News

The post Zim-China finalises export protocol for avocados and blueberries appeared first on The Zimbabwe Mail.

Zimbabwe and China have finalised an export protocol for avocados and blueberries, paving the way for expanded horticultural trade between the two countries.

The development was announced by the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe via its X account.

“In 2025, Zimbabwe exported horticultural goods worth US$11.62 million to China, with macadamia nuts as the star product,” the embassy posted.

“Now that export protocols for citrus, avocados and blueberries have been finalised, and with China’s zero‑tariff treatment for 53 African countries including Zimbabwe taking effect on 1 May 2026, Zimbabwe’s high‑quality agricultural and horticultural produce is poised to reach more Chinese consumers and conquer new markets across China.”

The embassy added that Chinese buyers are already visiting farms in Zimbabwe to source premium produce.

Meanwhile, ZimTrade is set to host the Zimbabwe–China Horticulture Buyers Engagement in Mutare in early April.

Source – Byo24News

The post Zim-China finalises export protocol for avocados and blueberries appeared first on The Zimbabwe Mail.

Zimbabwe and China have finalised an export protocol for avocados and blueberries, paving the way for expanded horticultural trade between the two countries.

The development was announced by the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe via its X account.

“In 2025, Zimbabwe exported horticultural goods worth US$11.62 million to China, with macadamia nuts as the star product,” the embassy posted.

“Now that export protocols for citrus, avocados and blueberries have been finalised, and with China’s zero‑tariff treatment for 53 African countries including Zimbabwe taking effect on 1 May 2026, Zimbabwe’s high‑quality agricultural and horticultural produce is poised to reach more Chinese consumers and conquer new markets across China.”

The embassy added that Chinese buyers are already visiting farms in Zimbabwe to source premium produce.

Meanwhile, ZimTrade is set to host the Zimbabwe–China Horticulture Buyers Engagement in Mutare in early April.

Source – Byo24News

The post Zim-China finalises export protocol for avocados and blueberries appeared first on The Zimbabwe Mail.