HARARE, Jun. 2 (NewsDay Live) — Zimbabwe needs $4.8 billion to meet its climate commitments by 2030 but lacks a clear strategy to mobilise the required funding, speakers said Tuesday at the launch of a new book advocating reforms in climate finance, energy transition and environmental governance.
Green Governance Zimbabwe Trust (GGZT), in partnership with ActionAid Zimbabwe, launched Pathways for Green Governance in Zimbabwe: Energy Transition, Climate Finance and Ecofeminism at The Venue in Avondale.
The launch brought together government officials, development partners, civil society groups and youth leaders. Permanent Secretary for Environment, Climate and Wildlife Simon Masanga delivered the keynote address on behalf of the ministry.
Zimbabwe’s 2021 Revised Nationally Determined Contribution commits the country to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% per capita by 2030, conditional on international financial and technical support. The government estimates the target will require $4.8 billion — $2.8 billion for adaptation and $2 billion for mitigation.
Yet approved funding from the Green Climate Fund stands at just $35.4 million, highlighting a significant financing gap.
ActionAid Zimbabwe country director Dr Selina Pasirayi said the challenge extends beyond mobilising resources to ensuring accountability in how climate funds are managed and distributed.
“Too often, climate finance discussions end in conference rooms while communities confronting droughts, floods, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation see little tangible benefit,” Pasirayi said.
“Zimbabwe requires transparent, accountable and locally responsive financing mechanisms that channel resources to districts and communities where resilience is built every day.”
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The publication argues that climate finance should be treated as a governance issue rather than simply a funding challenge, with stronger emphasis on transparency, local ownership and community accountability.
It also examines Zimbabwe’s energy transition, which has been complicated by recurring droughts that have reduced hydropower generation and worsened electricity shortages.
Pasirayi said women and girls continue to bear the greatest burden of energy poverty while remaining largely excluded from decision-making processes.
“A sustainable energy transition must address unequal power relations that shape access to energy, land, finance, technology and decision-making,” she said.
Masanga acknowledged the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls, describing them as critical agents of resilience and environmental stewardship.
“Women and the most unfortunate girl child are often disproportionately affected by climate change, yet they remain among the most effective agents of resilience and environmental stewardship,” he said.
Masanga said Zimbabwe is already developing its third generation of Nationally Determined Contributions and indicated that recommendations from the publication could inform the process.
He also called for greater involvement by the private sector and academic institutions in advancing the country’s green transition.
The book calls for a gender-responsive energy transition, transparent climate finance systems and stronger citizen participation in environmental governance.
GGZT says the publication builds on existing climate policies but argues that implementation has been undermined by inadequate funding, weak accountability and limited community participation in decision-making.
