Story by Theophilus Chuma
ZIMBABWE’S carbon trading market is rapidly emerging as a major investment platform, with Government approving more than 190 carbon credit projects since the launch of the country’s blockchain-based carbon registry last year.
The milestone marks significant progress in Zimbabwe’s efforts to position itself as a credible player in global climate finance and carbon markets, while attracting green investment into key sectors of the economy.
The blockchain registry, introduced in 2025, was designed to enhance transparency, accountability and integrity in carbon credit trading. The platform enables investors to securely trade carbon credits in compliance with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
Government says the initiative is already yielding positive results, with several projects now registered across sectors such as waste-to-energy, afforestation and reforestation.
“The advantage of introducing the carbon registry is that the whole system is watched online. It is working effectively; we are trading with registered companies,” Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Honourable Evelyn Ndlovu said.
Authorities view carbon market trading as a strategic mechanism to support climate change mitigation efforts while unlocking investment opportunities and generating revenue.
Chief Director in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Mr Washington Zhakata, said several approved projects are expected to contribute towards reducing emissions and accelerating climate financing.
“We also have projects that are related to waste-to-energy, like the projects that are coming into the cities, which will transform waste into energy. This is one area of potential carbon trading which will generate revenue for the country and also for the entities that will be implementing these projects.
“Over and above that, there are some projects on afforestation and reforestation that have already been registered in the Zimbabwe carbon registry, including projects in Matabeleland North, Manicaland and Mashonaland Central,” he said.
Environmental experts say the growth of Zimbabwe’s regulated carbon market has the potential to unlock foreign direct investment while supporting environmental sustainability and community development initiatives.
The development comes as countries across the world intensify efforts to transition towards green economies and climate-resilient development models.
