Story by Memory Chamisa
GOVERNMENT is strengthening national dialogue on climate investment by identifying priority projects, addressing implementation bottlenecks and advancing financing reforms needed to unlock climate finance.
The agenda took centre stage during the Second National Workshop and Green Investment Dialogue for Parliamentarians in Harare on Tuesday.
The dialogue highlighted the critical role of legislators in approving national budgets, enacting climate legislation and providing regulatory oversight to attract green investment and bridge the climate finance gap.
Participants stressed that Parliament has a central role in driving Zimbabwe’s transition to a green economy.
“Parliamentarians cannot achieve change in isolation. Parliament cannot legislate effectively without evidence and expertise. This dialogue’s focus extends beyond awareness-raising, placing greater emphasis on implementation and tangible outcomes,” said one participant.
Another participant noted Zimbabwe’s vulnerability to climate change despite its limited contribution to global emissions.
“Zimbabwe is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including ecosystem degradation and energy security challenges associated with its reliance on imported fossil fuels, despite its minimal contribution to global environmental degradation,” the participant said.
Zimbabwe’s transition towards a climate-resilient economy continues to gather momentum through collaboration between Government, Parliament, development partners and financial institutions to unlock renewable energy and green industrial investment.
United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) climate finance expert Dr Dingane Sithole said stronger engagement with legislators would help align environmental initiatives with national priorities.
“By engaging directly with parliamentarians, stakeholders can ensure environmental initiatives are inclusive, transparent and aligned with national development priorities. Through this partnership with Climate Parliament and support from the Green Climate Fund, we remain focused on advancing climate action, strengthening parliamentary engagement on climate finance and accelerating the renewable energy transition,” he said.
Chief Director for Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Wildlife, Mr Washington Zhakata said the workshop created a platform for legislators to engage with experts and the private sector.
“The sessions were key in connecting parliamentarians with experts and financial and private sector stakeholders to discuss actionable solutions towards climate change mitigation and adaptation,” he said.
The dialogue concluded with renewed emphasis on unlocking finance for green projects, removing regulatory and institutional barriers, and advancing investment-ready initiatives to support Zimbabwe’s transition to a green and climate-resilient economy.
