Data: Freedom of expression decline (2009-2024)

Global press freedom has reached a decadal low, with the Freedom of Expression Index falling from 0.68 in 2012 to 0.61 in 2024, marking a 10% decline over 12 years, according to UNESCO data. The drop highlights the slow erosion of independent reporting, amid a rise in media self-censorship. Independent media remains a vital part…

Data: Public Service Institutions Perceived as having the highest bribery levels

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) are viewed by citizens as the public service institutions most affected by bribery, according to data from the National Bribe Payers Index (NBPI). Produced by Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ), the NBPI assesses bribery patterns across the public sector. Its latest findings show that bribery remains…

Data: Cash transfer allocations since 2021(US$)

THE Government of Zimbabwe has merged the Harmonised Social Cash Transfers (HSCT) and the Monthly Maintenance Allowances programmes to form the Zimbabwe Social Cash Transfers Programme, amid calls for transparency on recipients of the aid. The Government has run several cash transfer initiatives, among them the Harmonised Social Cash Transfer Programme, the Cash for Cereal…

How Zimbabwe’s Tollgates Are Evolving into Data Hubs to Boost Efficiency

BY NATHAN GUMA recently in Ntabazinduna Zimbabwe’s tollgates are rapidly evolving into data hubs, with automation, Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, and vehicle-classification systems now reshaping tolling operations, strengthening revenue controls, and improving efficiency amid soaring traffic volumes. This comes at a time when the country is experiencing increased traffic at its various tolling points. This…

X Rolls Feature to Fight Misinformation, Sparks Activists Traceability Concerns

The Algorithmic Watch SOCIAL media platform X is rolling out a feature that displays detailed background information about user accounts, including current location, the country where the account was created, device source and username history. The update has opened a debate about how increased transparency may affect users who depend on anonymity, especially activists, political…

EU Takes Lead in €15.5bn Clean Energy Drive for Africa

A YEAR-long global campaign led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has secured €15.5 billion to expand renewable energy and electricity access across Africa. The year-long initiative, undertaken in partnership with Global Citizen and supported by the International Energy Agency, aims to expand electricity access, stimulate sustainable…