Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira
Senior Reporter
THE Government will establish a fund to finance climate change mitigation and adaptation programmes, among other objectives.
The National Climate Fund will also grant incentives to individuals advancing climate action and ensure the mainstreaming of climate change across all economic sectors, legislators have heard.
This was said by Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Evelyn Ndlovu on Tuesday while delivering a Second Reading speech on the Climate Change Amendment Bill in Parliament.
Minister Ndlovu said the Bill seeks to provide a framework for the adoption and implementation of measures for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
“Its overarching goal is to achieve low greenhouse gas emissions while balancing economic and social development with the protection of the climate system,” she said.
“This approach supports the realisation of the right of all human beings to an adequate standard of living and the equitable distribution of the benefits that climate action offers.
“The Minister may also grant incentives to individuals as necessary for advancing climate action and promoting cooperation and collaboration in climate change data sharing for national and international reporting purposes.”
She said the Bill is founded on the principles of sustainable development, which also underpin Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), the National Climate Policy, the National Climate Change Response Strategy, the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan, and the Low Emission Development Strategy — all of which the Ministry has developed over time.
“The Bill aims to enhance adaptive capabilities, build climate resilience, regulate greenhouse gas emissions, facilitate low‑carbon development technology and carbon trading, and institute measures to reduce the use of ozone‑depleting substances,” Minister Ndlovu said.
“Currently, there is no comprehensive climate change legislation in Zimbabwe. While various climate change‑related statutes exist, they do not adequately address climate change issues.”
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Environment, Climate and Wildlife Chairperson, Cde Sam Matema, said during public hearings conducted by the committee that civil society organisations (CSOs) submitted that the Bill’s framework and objectives should be expanded to include just transition, green economy transition and inclusive governance to better protect vulnerable groups.
“CSOs argued that this shift could ensure Zimbabwe’s climate actions are rooted in social equity and ecological sustainability,” said Cde Matema, who is also Buhera Central legislator.
“The public emphasised that the Bill must adopt a philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind, which includes updating language to be more inclusive of youth and persons with disabilities, and replacing outdated technologies.”
He noted that a major point of discussion involved the built environment, with calls for the Bill to recognise that buildings contribute approximately 39 percent of global emissions.
“Consequently, there is a strong push for a national ‘Green Building’ regulatory framework, which would include certification mandates, a national rating system, and energy‑ and water‑efficiency standards to reduce the carbon footprint.”
Turning to the establishment of the National Climate Fund, Cde Matema said while the Fund was welcomed, stakeholders called for stricter oversight and specific allocations to strengthen fiscal accountability.
“Stakeholders recommended that the Fund should be chaired by the Treasury or an independent board with quarterly public reporting to prevent ‘off‑budget’ flows,” he said.
“They also submitted that specific funding should be dedicated to Zimbabwe‑specific climate‑health research, early‑warning systems, and local technology development by youth and women.”
On the formation of liaison committees, including clusters, Cde Matema said there was a need for such committees to be constituted by leaders from affected areas such as Chikombedzi and Buhera.
Regarding Clause 20, which relates to data‑sharing agreements, Cde Matema said the proposed law was criticised for centralising excessive power within the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife.
“Stakeholders argue that the current structure creates a significant conflict of interest, as any appeals against departmental decisions or data‑sharing disputes currently go directly back to the Minister for resolution,” he said.
“To remedy this, they recommend substituting or amending the current clauses to create an independent tribunal. This body would have the authority to review ministerial decisions impartially, ensuring that climate governance is subject to the rule of law and remains independent of political or administrative bias.”
The Bill is now set for the Committee Stage, where the whole National Assembly will sit as a committee and scrutinise it clause by clause.
