Vusumuzi Dube
Andile Tshuma Features Writer
ZIMBABWE stands at a pivotal juncture — balancing economic resurgence with environmental stewardship, and industrial expansion with climate resilience. As the nation accelerates its infrastructure and mining development agenda, a convergence is emerging among policymakers, industry leaders, and environmental advocates: the next chapter of Zimbabwe’s growth must be sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking.
This vision was brought to life at the recently held Africonfex and Mine Entra expos in Bulawayo, where robust discussions among government officials, private sector stakeholders, and development partners underscored the imperative of green building and sustainable mining — not as fashionable jargon, but as foundational pillars of Zimbabwe’s long-term development strategy.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona described infrastructure as the cornerstone of progress, emphasising that Zimbabwe’s transformation must be underpinned by principles that safeguard the environment while enhancing social welfare.
“Infrastructure is the backbone of progress. But it must be smart, green, and resilient. Our goal is to ensure that every bridge, every road, and every structure we put up today contributes to a sustainable future, not just to economic growth,” Minister Mhona stated.
He further elaborated that the Government’s infrastructure strategy now incorporates climate-proofing, energy efficiency, and community inclusion, aligning with global frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“Public-private partnerships will remain crucial, but the new approach demands more than financial investment. It calls for innovation, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability,” he added.
Experts stressed that green building is no longer a luxury but a necessity for Zimbabwe’s urban development. In the construction sector, voices like Mike Juru — chairperson of the Green Building Council of Zimbabwe and Chief Executive Officer of Integrated Properties — are leading the charge. Speaking at Africonfex, Juru asserted that green building is essential for Zimbabwe’s evolving economy.
“Green building is the new language of competitiveness. It reduces energy costs, promotes healthier living environments, and ultimately strengthens the economy through resource efficiency,” he said.
Juru further noted that climate-smart construction should be embedded in all public and private projects, creating employment opportunities for solar technicians, energy auditors, architects, and engineers.
According to Juru, sustainable building goes beyond installing solar panels or using eco-friendly paint. It requires a holistic rethinking of the entire lifecycle of infrastructure projects — from sourcing environmentally friendly materials and improving waste management to designing for durability and low maintenance.
“Every dollar invested in sustainable construction yields long-term benefits for the economy and for communities,” he said, citing examples of projects in Harare and Bulawayo that feature energy-efficient designs, natural lighting, and water recycling systems.
Globally, development partners are increasingly linking infrastructure, climate resilience, and economic growth. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has played a key role in promoting sustainable infrastructure development in Zimbabwe.
UNDP Resident Representative Dr Ayodele Odusola emphasised that integrating green growth principles into infrastructure and mining is vital for meeting the Paris Agreement targets and the SDGs.
“Sustainable infrastructure is not only about mitigating environmental impact. It’s about creating systems that are resilient to climate shocks — systems that protect communities, enhance public health, and contribute to inclusive economic growth,” Dr Odusola said.
He highlighted the timeliness of Zimbabwe’s efforts, given the rising frequency of floods, droughts, and heatwaves, and urged that resilience be embedded across all sectors — from roads and bridges to hospitals and mining operations.
If construction shapes cities, mining shapes economies. Mining accounts for over 60 percent of Zimbabwe’s export earnings, yet its environmental footprint remains a concern — from land degradation to mercury pollution in rivers. At Mine Entra, discussions focused on redefining mining as a catalyst for sustainable development. The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) have been championing responsible practices that restore ecosystems and protect livelihoods.
Elias Masuku, President of the Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners’ Association, underscored the vital role of small-scale miners in local economies, while stressing the need for responsible operations to safeguard the environment.
“Artisanal mining sustains families, but without proper environmental safeguards, it destroys the same land we depend on,” he said, advocating for formalisation, training, and access to technology to enable safer and smarter practices.
Descent Ndlovu, EMA Matabeleland South manager, reinforced that sustainability in mining is no longer optional.
“We are moving from reactive regulation to proactive partnership. Mining companies must be part of the climate solution; it’s not just about compliance, it’s about legacy,” he said.
Yet sustainability is not solely about technology or regulation — it is about human capital.
Allen Nani, a human capital specialist, pointed out that a green economy demands a shift in mindset.
“We need to invest in the people who plan, build, and manage infrastructure. When workers understand the environmental and social impact of their work, they make better decisions.”
He argued that Zimbabwe’s education and training systems must evolve to meet emerging sustainability demands — from environmental engineering to renewable energy management.
“We can’t talk about green economies when our workforce is trained for yesterday’s challenges. It’s time to invest in future-ready skills,” Nani said.
Experts also drew attention to the link between infrastructure, resource extraction, and public health. The One Health approach — which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health — is gaining traction in sustainable policy frameworks.
“Polluted rivers mean contaminated food systems. Unsafe mines mean occupational injuries and respiratory illnesses. Climate change multiplies all these risks,” Nani said.
Incorporating One Health principles ensures that infrastructure and mining policies anticipate and mitigate public health threats, with UNDP and World Health Organisation experts collaborating with local authorities to integrate health impact assessments into major projects.
Climate-smart mining was another focal point at Mine Entra. Panellists showcased initiatives such as solar-powered operations and reforestation programmes aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and rehabilitating mined land.
“Mining is a climate issue. Responsible practices reduce emissions, protect communities, and ensure long-term resource availability,” Ndlovu said.
The economic rationale for green growth was reinforced throughout the expos. Juru highlighted that energy-efficient buildings can reduce electricity bills by up to 40 percent while enhancing indoor air quality.
“The cost of unsustainable development — in pollution, health problems, and disaster recovery — is far higher than the cost of going green,” he said.
From a macroeconomic standpoint, green infrastructure enhances Zimbabwe’s appeal to international investors, who increasingly prioritise sustainability criteria in their funding decisions.
Policy and regulatory frameworks are also undergoing transformation. Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 identifies sustainable industrialisation as a key driver of Vision 2030, advocating for cleaner production technologies, resource efficiency, and circular economy principles.
The Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, in collaboration with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), is revising environmental legislation to foster accountability and responsible business conduct. Simultaneously, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority is offering incentives for renewable energy initiatives, while local authorities are exploring the adoption of green building codes and standards.
Collaboration remains central to Zimbabwe’s transition towards a green economy.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary Paul Nyoni highlighted that devolution can be harnessed to promote sustainable local development.
“Provinces must become laboratories of innovation. Sustainability begins at the community level — through clean cities, renewable energy projects, and responsible local industries,” he said.
International partners such as the European union and UNDP continue to support Zimbabwe through technical assistance, capacity building, and project financing. These efforts include initiatives that integrate environmental health, climate change, and disease surveillance under the One Health framework.
Communities themselves are pivotal to the success of sustainable development. Both rural and urban residents are not only beneficiaries but also custodians of green infrastructure and responsible mining practices. Community-based organisations are playing an increasingly active role in monitoring environmental impacts and advocating for restoration and fair compensation in mining-affected areas.
“When communities are informed and involved, sustainability becomes real. They protect the land because they understand its value,” said a civic leader from Umguza.
As Zimbabwe progresses towards its Vision 2030 goal of attaining upper-middle-income status, the emphasis must remain on building resilience — economic, environmental, and social.
Minister Mhona encapsulated this vision: “Our development must leave a legacy of resilience, not ruin. That is the Zimbabwe we are building — one that balances progress with protection.”
The integration of green building, sustainable mining, and the One Health approach offers a transformative pathway — creating jobs, preserving the environment, and enhancing the quality of life for all. From the glitter of gold mines to the skylines of expanding cities, the message from policymakers and innovators is unequivocal: true prosperity is green, inclusive, and sustainable.
Online Reporter