Herald Reporter

ZIMBABWEAN students are set to take centre stage in advancing climate action and green innovation at the inaugural Zimbabwe Students Climate Innovation Summit (ZSCIS) 2026, which will be held in Harare later this month.

 

The summit, scheduled for June 25 and 26 at the Diamond Conference Centre at the University of Zimbabwe, is expected to bring together students, policymakers, researchers, development partners and private sector players to explore sustainable solutions to climate change.

 

Organisers say preparations for the national gathering are now at an advanced stage, with invitations already extended to Government ministries, departments and agencies as part of efforts to align youth-led initiatives with national development priorities.

 

Zimbabwe has increasingly experienced the effects of climate change, including prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall patterns and extreme weather events that have affected agriculture, livelihoods and infrastructure.

 

Speaking ahead of the summit, ZSCIS Executive Director Mr Malvin Chimutengo said the event seeks to harness the creativity and innovation of young people in addressing climate-related challenges.

 

“The effects of climate change are no longer theoretical discussions but realities affecting communities across Zimbabwe. Young people are not waiting for tomorrow; they are already developing solutions that can transform our country’s environmental future,” said Mr Chimutengo.

 

He said the summit was designed to bridge the gap between student innovation and national policy implementation.

 

“We believe that climate resilience requires collaboration between Government, academia, industry and communities. This summit creates a platform where youthful ideas can be translated into practical solutions that contribute to national development,” he said.

 

Mr Chimutengo said organisers had received encouraging responses from key stakeholders, reflecting growing recognition of the role of youth in driving sustainable development.

 

He said the summit’s agenda had been aligned with national frameworks, including Vision 2030 and Zimbabwe’s climate commitments under international agreements.

 

“Our objective is not merely to host discussions but to create pathways for implementation. We want student innovations to become bankable projects capable of creating jobs and contributing to economic growth,” said Mr Chimutengo.

 

The summit will focus on three thematic areas which include climate innovation, youth policy integration and green entrepreneurship.

 

Under climate innovation, students are expected to showcase technologies and ideas aimed at improving climate resilience in sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy and waste management.

 

The summit will also provide young people with opportunities to engage with environmental policies and international climate negotiations while promoting entrepreneurship and investment in green enterprises.

 

Mr Chimutengo said one of the key outcomes expected from the summit was the launch of the Zimbabwe Climate Prize, which will recognise scalable student-led innovations.

 

Another anticipated outcome is the drafting of the Harare Climate Pledge, a youth-driven declaration that will be submitted to Government leadership.

 

In addition, aspiring entrepreneurs will have an opportunity to pitch their projects to investors and green financing institutions.

 

“We are mobilising students from universities and tertiary institutions across the country because climate change affects every community. The solutions must therefore reflect the diversity and ingenuity of Zimbabwe’s young people,” said Mr Chimutengo.

 

He called upon corporate organisations, development partners and citizens to support youth-led climate initiatives.

 

“Investing in young innovators is investing in Zimbabwe’s future. The transition to a green economy presents enormous opportunities for employment creation, technological advancement and sustainable growth,” he said.

 

The summit is expected to attract delegates from more than 15 universities and tertiary institutions nationwide, underscoring growing youth participation in environmental governance and sustainable development.

 

Analysts say empowering young people to contribute to climate action aligns with Zimbabwe’s aspirations of achieving an upper middle-income economy by 2030 while strengthening resilience against the impacts of climate change.