THE Government has urged the private sector to explore ways to venture into the new carbon market to ensure the advancement of sustainable development in the country.
In May this year, Zimbabwe became the first country to launch a national carbon registry using blockchain technology, a secure, transparent system for recording and tracking carbon credits.
The Zimbabwe Carbon Registry (ZCR) marks a major step toward operationalising Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which enables countries to cooperate on cutting emissions through international carbon markets and nonmarket mechanisms.
In a keynote address read on behalf of the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu at the 2025 Zimbabwe Climate Change Sustainability Week (SW) and Green Business Expo has in Bulawayo on
Wednesday, by Acting Director Climate Change Management Department Mr Kudzai Ndidzano, she said the private sector plays a key role in cooperating to cutting emissions.
“I urge the private sector to explore ways to venture into the new carbon market under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Participation in the carbon market is closely tied to the achievement of the country’s international commitments under the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and the advancement of sustainable development,” she said.
She said officials from her Ministry continue providing guidance on the implementation of the Statutory Instrument 48 Carbon Trading (General) Regulations, 2025.
The Minister said much of the resources and innovations required for climate change mitigation and low emission development will come from the private sector.
“Government cannot do it alone and in some cases, might not be best placed to drive actions and solutions that have a business orientation. Our job is to provide you with an enabling environment,” she said.
She said Zimbabwe’s sustainability narrative would not be complete without implementation President Mnangagwa’s mantra of “leaving no one and no place behind”.
Minister Ndlovu said the important event also comes less than two months before the 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to be held in Belem, Brazil.
“COP30 seeks to enhance climate finance delivery, adopt indicators for the Global Goal on Adaptation, address loss and damage due to the impacts of climate change and enhance nature-based solutions. I urge the organising team for this event to constantly create a link with negotiation items under the COP30 Agenda as we progress with the programme,” she added.
She said biodiversity, ecosystem preservation and nature-based solutions had a comparative advantage to Zimbabwe in terms of resources that can be used to advance tourism, payment for ecosystem services and provision of sustainable livelihoods.
The Minister called for frank discussions on how to overcome present day challenges, raise local resources and turn natural capital into wealth and tangible benefits.
She added: “Let us create a common understanding on how we advance environmental protection, climate action and sustainability at the same time taking advantage of business opportunities.”
Running under the theme: “Towards a Green Economy: Zimbabwe’s Roadmap to Growth”, the gathering will brought together Government, business, academia, NGOs and community leaders to turn Zimbabwe’s climate challenges into green opportunities.
It is being hosted by The ClimatePrenuer (Private) Limited in partnership with the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company and the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife at the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES).
