CLIMATE change advocates have supported the Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF) stance in promoting green energy and use of solar in the thrust of social and economic impact in communities.
This follows the country’s wealth fund financial statements released recently.
Under its climate change cluster, MIF aims to install solar power in the long run, reinforcing commitment to transitioning towards renewable energy sources and reducing carbon footprint.
“However, the inherent indirect carbon footprint associated with our reliance on grid electricity and the backup generator’s reliance on fossil fuels contributes to greenhouse gas emissions,” the statement reads.
MIF further noted that the current operational practices emphasise responsible consumption, supported by green energy.
“The Fund acknowledges the responsibility for addressing climate impacts associated with office operations, and investee companies.
“Our direct contribution to carbon sequestration and biodiversity is demonstrated through the maintenance of vegetation around our office premises and our active participation in the National Tree Planting Day.
“The Fund recognise that we are indirectly involved in potential negative climate impacts through our investee companies, particularly those in sectors such as mining,” MIF said in the statement.
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As part of the solution, the Fund will actively engage investee companies to encourage concrete emission reductions and building climate resilience within their operations.
“Further, the Fund is working on tracking financed emissions.”
Climate change advocate Never Gariromo hailed the fund for openly acknowledging the responsibility for addressing climate change.
“Sustainable development through green energy is a critical solution to mitigating climate change, reducing pollution and fostering long-term economic growth,” he said.
He, however, noted that the transition involves an intentional shift from fossil fuels to renewable sources like solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and biomass, while implementing energy efficiency measures.
“We have several low hanging fruits in the green energy space.
“Potential for biogas from bio waste- The Zimbabwe NDC 3.0 Statement indicates that Biodegradable waste is a nuisance in most urban centres.
“Its conversion to biogas for use in generating electricity will result in reduced methane emissions in the waste sector, and emissions (especially carbon dioxide) at the power stations as part of the grid electricity will be replaced by that from the biogas power plants. About 9.3 Gg tCO2eq will be avoided each year till 2035.”
Gariromo said the great opportunity for the investee companies was that biogas could be used as fuel for vehicles such as public transport systems (buses, taxis).
According to the Global Solar Atlas, 2025, Zimbabwe has abundant solar radiation, receiving 16-20 MJ/m² daily and over 3,000 sunny hours annually, averaging 5.7 to 6.7 kWh/m²/day, with potential exceeding 300 megawatts.
Economist and social justice advocate Masimba Kuchera also weighed in saying: “Zimbabwe has a great potential to generate carbon credits from the energy sector especially the renewable energy.
“Investee companies of the Fund could consider exploring the carbon market space as carbon credits will be additional revenue.”
MIF chief executive officer John Mangudya said they aim to foster development.
“We also advanced several strategic initiatives aimed at unlocking value in key sectors such as energy, mining, infrastructure, telecommunications and agriculture,” he said.
“By mobilising capital, forging new partnerships, and supporting reforms within our portfolio, we are positioning these assets to contribute more effectively to national development while delivering competitive returns.”
