Online Reporter
Vincent Gono, Day Editor
IN an era where climate change poses an unprecedented threat to lives worldwide, with pressing impacts on agriculture, health, infrastructure and other facets of life, understanding innovative solutions to its challenges has become more crucial than ever.
Zimbabwe has had an abrasive encounter with climate change with consequences such as loss of life, displacement of communities and destruction of property worth millions of dollars. These events have left communities reeling in poverty and heavily reliant on Government support.
However, limited financial resources and competing priorities have hindered effective action. The Government has therefore emphasised mainstreaming climate change into the budgets and planning of all ministries to foster a culture of preparedness.
In this context, initiatives such as carbon trading have emerged as potential tools to reduce greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. Yet, like many scientific concepts, there is often limited understanding of what carbon trading entails and how it functions.
Day Editor, Vincent Gono engaged the Director of Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Mr Washington Zhakata, to shed light on the subject.
The discussion explored how this market-based approach aims to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, its significance for Zimbabwe, broader implications for sustainable development and its potential to drive positive environmental change.
Below are excerpts from the interview:
Q: What is carbon trading, how does it work and why is it important for Zimbabwe’s environment and economy?
A: Carbon trading involves implementing actions that reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions, such as tree planting, renewable energy projects and organic fertilisers. When these activities are systematically measured using scientific methodologies, they result in quantifiable emission reductions expressed as tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. Each tonne can be converted into a carbon credit, representing one unit of emission reduction.
Entities like governments, companies and airlines are mandated to meet emission reduction targets. Failure to do so results in fines or the purchase of carbon credits. Countries like Zimbabwe can host carbon projects whose credits are sold internationally under frameworks such as the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, specifically Article 6, which governs international carbon trading.
Carbon trading is vital for Zimbabwe as it attracts private sector investment aimed at reducing emissions and promoting sustainable development. It enables sectors such as forestry, agriculture, transport and energy to adopt cleaner technologies, create jobs and generate revenue through the sale of carbon credits.
It also helps address critical challenges such as deforestation, energy shortages, inefficient urban transport and low agricultural yields, thereby enhancing economic resilience, conserving resources and improving socio-economic conditions.
Q: What are the main types of carbon markets available to Zimbabwe and how can the country benefit from participating in international schemes?
A: Zimbabwe’s carbon market includes both international and domestic schemes. Internationally, credits generated in Zimbabwe can be sold to entities in other countries, airlines or used for mitigation under various frameworks.
Domestically, Zimbabwe plans to establish a local carbon market regulated by the upcoming Climate Change Management Bill, where local entities will be required to purchase credits if they exceed emission thresholds and can also buy credits for corporate social responsibility and sustainability reporting. The national market aims to ensure high integrity and compliance with international standards.
Participation in international schemes provides Zimbabwe access to climate finance, green technologies and capacity-building initiatives. It promotes sustainable development by increasing access to clean energy, improving health and education and conserving biodiversity. It also creates employment opportunities at community level, enhances foreign currency earnings and strengthens Zimbabwe’s position as a responsible participant in global climate action.
Q: How can local communities participate in carbon trading projects and what are the social and environmental impacts?
A: Communities can participate by developing projects such as forestry conservation and climate-smart agriculture, with at least 20 percent of project investments directed toward community development — covering employment, health, education and livelihood support.
Community members are often primary implementers and beneficiaries, ensuring local engagement and benefits. Zimbabwe faces challenges such as limited technical capacity within Government and private sectors, which the Zimbabwe Carbon Markets Authority is addressing through capacity-building initiatives.
Global geopolitical uncertainties, like policy changes in major economies, also affect demand for carbon credits. Competition with other countries for high-quality credits and effective negotiation are additional challenges. Building awareness and expertise is essential for Zimbabwe to market itself effectively and attract favourable investment.
Q: How does carbon trading help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Zimbabwe and which sectors are most involved?
A: Carbon trading incentivises projects that deliver measurable greenhouse gas reductions, such as reforestation, renewable energy and cleaner cooking solutions. The Zimbabwe Carbon Markets Authority ensures projects adhere to approved methodologies and regulatory standards, guaranteeing that emissions reductions are real, additional and verifiable.
The forestry sector is prominent due to deforestation challenges, with projects focusing on reforestation, afforestation and improved cook-stoves. Emerging sectors include renewable energy, waste management, water conservation and climate-smart agriculture. These projects aim to create a diverse portfolio aligned with national priorities.
Q: Are there international and national policies supporting carbon trading and how can local communities benefit?
A: Yes. Internationally, agreements like the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement promote carbon markets as tools for emissions reduction and sustainable development. Article 6 of the Paris Agreement provides guidelines for international co-operation.
National policies such as Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2, the National Climate Policy and Statutory Instrument 48 of 2025 support low-carbon development and regulate carbon market activities, creating a conducive legal and policy environment.
Communities can benefit by engaging in activities like forestry conservation, climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy projects. They can develop projects with technical and financial support, benefiting from at least 20 percent of investments directed toward community development, including employment, livelihoods, health, education and gender equality. Community members are often key implementers, especially in land-based projects and should be involved throughout project development.
Q: What are the potential environmental and social impacts of carbon trading in Zimbabwe and how does it align with the country’s climate commitments?
A: When properly implemented, carbon projects can lead to positive environmental effects such as improved water access, reduced deforestation and cleaner cooking technologies. Social benefits include health improvements, women’s empowerment and poverty alleviation.
However, negative impacts like invasive species, social conflicts or unintended emissions can occur if due diligence is not observed. The Zimbabwe Carbon Markets Authority monitors and mitigates such risks.
Zimbabwe’s climate commitments, articulated through its Low Emission Development Strategy and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), are supported by its carbon trading framework. Regulations mandate that at least one percent of the credits generated contribute directly to national emission reduction targets. Revenue from levies on carbon credits funds community adaptation and mitigation projects, ensuring that carbon trading actively supports Zimbabwe’s climate goals.
