Online Reporter
Emmanuel Kafe and Tania Kaseke
GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed its central role in coordinating climate action at the national level, with a focus on both mitigation and adaptation efforts, as well as the development of key policy frameworks.
Speaking during the Climate Discourse held in Harare yesterday, Acting Director in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife’s Climate Change Management Department, Mr Lovemore Dhoba, urged stakeholders to ensure Zimbabwe’s climate response is grounded in the country’s socio-economic realities – particularly addressing energy poverty in rural communities.
“We must move from energy access to energy use efficiency, and then to energy transition in its broadest sense.
“Zimbabwe, like much of Africa, remains at the entry point. We must push the bulk of our citizens, especially those in rural areas, to access energy. Renewables are a low-hanging fruit for the country,” said Mr Dhoba.
Mr Dhoba said the country’s energy transition must reflect national development priorities, rather than external pressure.
“Our shift to renewable energy is intended to lift the country out of energy poverty.
“Energy security remains paramount,” he said, describing energy as the “lifeblood of socio-economic transformation.”
He also pointed to the validation of Zimbabwe’s revised National Energy Policy, which prioritises availability, reliability, accessibility and affordability of energy services.
“This policy will guide our agenda through to 2030 and ensure our nationally determined contributions (NDCs) are anchored in energy security,” he said.
Meanwhile, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Edward Kallon warned of the escalating threat of climate change, calling for urgent and inclusive action across all sectors of society.
“Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity, food security and economic stability.
“Zimbabwe, despite its vulnerabilities, is making commendable progress in resilience and mitigation.
“However, without adequate climate finance, our aspirations for sustainable development are at risk,” Kallon said.
He commended Zimbabwe’s commitment to reduce per capita greenhouse gas emissions by 33 percent by 2030 and called for heightened ambition ahead of COP30 in Brazil.
