Harare, (New Ziana) -The government on Friday launched the Zimbabwe Carbon Market Regulations, the Zimbabwe Carbon Registry, and a Digital Application Platform, a landmark step that marks the beginning of a new era for the environmental and economic future of the country.
Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Evelyne Ndlovu officiated at the event, describing the launch as a “transformative milestone.”
Built on secure block chain technology, the Zimbabwe Carbon Registry introduces a transparent, traceable, and tamper-proof system to manage carbon credits, placing the country firmly in line with international best practices under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change adopted by 196 parties at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, France, in 2015.
It entered into force on November 4, 2016 and its primary goal is to hold global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels, while pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Article 6 of the Agreement allows countries to cooperate in achieving their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by trading carbon credits and other mitigation outcomes.
It provides a framework for international cooperation and financial support to help countries meet their climate goals. This article enables countries to work together to reduce emissions and mobilize resources for climate action.
“As we mark this historic occasion, let us all recognise the profound significance of today’s launch. The Zimbabwe Carbon Registry and Digital Application Platform represent more than just technological tools — they embody our country’s resolute ambition to lead in climate action, set new standards for transparency, and drive meaningful change in the global fight against climate change,” said Ndlovu.
She said the new regulations and digital infrastructure create a
comprehensive framework to support the creation, trade, and verification
of carbon credits across both the voluntary and compliance markets.
Ndlovu said the initiative is not only expected to attract foreign investment, but also empower local communities and developers to engage directly in carbon offset projects, potentially generating jobs any sustainable income.
“By establishing clear and robust guidelines, we are not only ensuring compliance with global climate frameworks but also creating a dynamic, sustainable market that will drive investment, foster innovation, and contribute to the global effort to reduce emissions. These guidelines will assist many of the Project Developers present today who have been begging the government to transition their projects from the Voluntary Market towards the Compliance Market,” she said.
She said the blockchain-integrated registry is designed to provide verifiable, real-time tracking of every carbon credit issuance, trade, and retirement adding that this ensures international buyers can trust the integrity of Zimbabwean credits, further reinforcing the country’s credibility in the global carbon market.
The development of the platform was the result of a collaborative effort involving multiple government Ministries, departments, and development partners, whom Ndlovu applauded, saying their technical expertise was instrumental in bringing the ambitious vision to life.
“I am reliably informed by my technical officials in the Ministry that, the benefits of this fit-for-purpose platform will be felt not just by governments and large corporations but by local communities and project developers across Zimbabwe.
“This platform empowers Zimbabweans at all levels to participate in carbon offset projects, contributing to job creation, sustainable livelihoods, and community-based climate initiatives,” she said.
As the country steps confidently into the new chapter, Zimbabwe positions itself as a participant and a pioneer in Africa’s green economy.
New Ziana
