Story by Memory Chamisa
THE Zimbabwean Government has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning the country as a regional leader in renewable energy by strengthening climate finance mobilisation, policy frameworks and parliamentary oversight.
The Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife on Friday launched the Parliamentarians for Climate Finance Project and Green Investment Dialogue, an initiative aimed at accelerating renewable energy adoption and enhancing Zimbabwe’s capacity to attract climate finance.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Mr Samson Matema said the initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and broader aspirations for a resilient, low-carbon economy.
He said the dialogue will enable Parliament to interrogate policy, legal and regulatory frameworks required to unlock climate finance and stimulate green industrial growth, while strengthening oversight of climate-related public expenditure.
“The initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and national aspirations for a resilient, low-carbon economy. For Parliament, this dialogue is important for several reasons; it enables Members to interrogate the policy, legal and regulatory frameworks required to attract climate finance and unlock green industrial growth. Moreover, it equips Parliament to exercise effective oversight over climate-related public expenditure, ensuring that national budgets support renewable energy expansion, low-carbon development and climate resilience. In addition, it enhances Parliament’s capacity to monitor the use of climate finance from institutions such as the Green Climate Fund and the Adaptation Fund, strengthening transparency and accountability. Furthermore, it supports Parliament’s legislative mandate as we advance key reforms, including the Climate Change Management Bill before Parliament,” he said.
Acting Director for Climate Change in the Ministry, Mr Lovemore Dhobha, said the project is a continent-wide initiative implemented by the Climate Parliament and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), with financial support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
He said the programme supports legislators from 15 African countries, including Zimbabwe, to develop climate-responsive legislation and accelerate investment in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure.
“The Parliamentarians for Climate Finance Project is a continent-wide project today. The Parliamentarians for Climate Finance Project is a continent-wide Allow me to begin by outlining the background to the initiative we are launching programme implemented by the Climate Parliament and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), with financial support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The project supports legislators from 15 African countries, including Zimbabwe, to enhance their capacity to mobilise climate finance, develop climate-responsive legislation and accelerate investment in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure.”
Mr Dhobha said Zimbabwe’s participation comes at a critical time, as the country possesses significant renewable energy potential in solar, small hydro and wind, but continues to face energy deficits that constrain economic growth.
“Zimbabwe’s participation comes at a critical juncture. Our country possesses abundant renewable energy potential in solar, small hydro, wind and other technologies, yet continues to face energy deficits that constrain economic progress. Climate change has further intensified pressures on infrastructure, agriculture and livelihoods. The project aims to empower you, Members of Parliament, with the technical knowledge, analytical skills and collaborative networks necessary to strengthen your legislative, oversight, representative and budget scrutiny role in the climate and energy sectors. It also supports national efforts to explore and conceptualise Green Energy Zones (GEZs), which we have already branded,” he said.
Climate Parliament Director for East and Southern Africa, Mr Jiti Soni, highlighted opportunities for Community Green Energy Zones, which he said could expand rural energy access while supporting inclusive economic development.
“As the Director for Southern and East Africa, the Parliamentarians for Climate Finance Project is a continent-wide programme implemented by the Climate Parliament and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), with financial support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The project supports legislators from 15 African countries, including Zimbabwe, to enhance their capacity to mobilise climate finance, develop climate-responsive legislation and accelerate investment in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure. Zimbabwe’s participation comes at a critical juncture,” he said.
The dialogue, convened in collaboration with the Climate Parliament, UNIDO, the Green Climate Fund and the Parliament of Zimbabwe, also seeks to advance the development of Green Energy Zones designed to attract investment, promote clean technologies and enhance national energy security.
Officials said the initiative will further support policy development, promote sustainable investment and ensure Zimbabwe remains an active participant in the global transition towards renewable energy and climate-resilient development.
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