Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWEAN entrepreneur Mr Noel Mavura has unveiled a US$3 billion regional development initiative aimed at driving infrastructure investment, renewable energy expansion and digital financial inclusion across Southern Africa.
The initiative, anchored on the Green Dollar ecosystem, seeks to mobilise long-term capital for development projects in energy, agriculture, youth empowerment and cross-border trade through structured financial and custodial arrangements linked to international systems.
In a statement, Dr Isaac Lungu, managing director of Solstice Minerals Resources confirmed the development and said the framework was designed to unlock funding for large-scale infrastructure projects across the region.
“The framework is designed to mobilise long-term capital for infrastructure development across Southern Africa through structured custodial and securities arrangements linked to international financial systems, targeting key sectors such as energy, agriculture and cross-border trade,” Dr Lungu said.
Solstice Minerals Resources is a mining and investment company with interests in Zambia, South Africa, Australia and Zimbabwe and is involved in mineral exploration and investment facilitation within the extractives sector.
Dr Lungu said the Green Dollar Coin platform forms part of the broader initiative and is intended to promote financial inclusion by enabling digital transactions for individuals and small businesses, particularly in markets with limited access to traditional banking services.
“The initiative seeks to improve access to modern financial systems and promote efficient cross-border transactions through blockchain-based solutions that enhance transparency and reduce costs,” he said.
The Green Dollar Development Bank, which is part of the broader ecosystem, was described by proponents as a proposed African-centred financial institution focused on digital banking, investment facilitation and inclusive economic participation.
It is said to form part of efforts to build alternative financing channels to support infrastructure, trade and development projects across the region.
Dr Lungu said the institution has been registered in Zimbabwe and described it as a key milestone in formalising the wider financial ecosystem behind the initiative.
“The registration demonstrates progress towards building a modern African-centred financial institution focused on digital finance, investment access and economic inclusion,” he said.
The initiative further includes a proposed 1 080-megawatt hydroelectric power project in Lesotho, which is expected to supply electricity into the Southern African Development Community (SADC) power grid and help ease regional electricity shortages.
“The project could create thousands of jobs while strengthening regional infrastructure cooperation and energy security,” Dr Lungu said.
Mr Mavura said: “The vision is to build a sustainable, African-driven financial and infrastructure ecosystem that expands access to capital, strengthens regional integration and supports inclusive economic growth.”
The plan also incorporates proposed investment in youth empowerment programmes, agriculture and sports development, including a reported sponsorship arrangement involving CAPS United.
