Harare, (New Ziana)– Zimbabwe should urgently embrace a circular economy that turns agricultural and urban waste into wealth in order to meet its ambitious climate and development goals, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Dr Evelyn Ndlovu said this in a speech read her behalf by Ministry chief Director Washington Zhakata, at the opening of the Green Indaba 2025 in Harare on Monday.
She said the future food security and economic prosperity of the country depend on bold actions to address climate change, environmental degradation, and unsustainable practices.
“Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and prolonged droughts are no longer distant threats, they are realities affecting our farmers, communities, and economy. But within these challenges lie opportunities to reimagine our systems and build resilience. Waste, when harnessed correctly, can become a vital resource,” she said.
The Green Indaba, running alongside the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show under the theme “Connecting Today: Cultivating Tomorrow,” brought together government officials, industry players, farmers, researchers, and development partners to explore solutions for sustainable agriculture, green technologies, and climate financing.
Dr Ndlovu said Zimbabwe is committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent per capita by 2035 through its Climate Change National Adaptation Plan and 3rd Generation Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), which target agriculture, energy, waste management, and industry.
She pointed to initiatives such as the Pfumvudza/Intwasa and the National Roadmap for Climate-Smart Agriculture, which promote organic farming, soil health, and reduced chemical inputs, aligning with global biodiversity frameworks.
Commending First Lady Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa for leading the national Zero Waste Movement since 2023, Dr Ndlovu urged increased investment in composting plants, biogas digesters, and waste-to-agriculture value chains, calling on youth, women, and cooperatives to lead green enterprises.
“Climate action is not the responsibility of government alone. It demands collaboration across Ministries, civil society, academia, the private sector, and international partners. Waste is not a liability, it is a business opportunity.”
Dr Ndlovu challenged participants to move from dialogue to implementation.
“The choices we make today will shape the legacy we leave for future generations. Let us cultivate tomorrow, where our soils are fertile, our rivers clean, our industries green, and our communities resilient,” she said.
The Green Indaba is expected to produce actionable strategies to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into Zimbabwe’s agriculture and industry sectors, as the nation advances towards its vision to become an upper middle income society by 2030, built on sustainability and inclusivity.
New Ziana
