The State, Climate Change and Energy Transition in Zimbabwe: Navigating the Complexities of a Just Transition
Policies and Legislation
The government of Zimbabwe has taken some steps to address the country’s climate change challenges, but more comprehensive and coordinated action is needed. Zimbabwe’s National Climate Policy, adopted in 2017, provides a framework for building climate resilience and promoting low-carbon development. The policy highlights the need for climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and nature-based solutions. However, implementation has been slow, hampered by funding gaps and institutional bottlenecks.
Zimbabwe’s Renewable Energy Policy (2019) sets a target of 1,100 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2025. It outlines incentives such as tax exemptions and feed-in tariffs to spur private investment. But progress has been constrained by issues like lack of access to finance, uncertain regulatory environment, and limited grid integration. The country’s Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement also includes renewable energy goals, but these are not yet backed by detailed implementation plans.
Institutional Frameworks
Coordination across government agencies is crucial for an effective climate and energy transition response. In Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry is the lead agency, but it lacks sufficient resources and authority to drive a whole-of-government approach. The country’s Climate Change Management Department is tasked with policy formulation and coordination, but it faces capacity and funding challenges.
At the local level, Rural District Councils play a key role in implementing climate and energy initiatives, but they often lack technical expertise and financial resources. Strengthening the capacity of these subnational institutions is essential for achieving a just energy transition that benefits marginalized communities.
Stakeholder Engagement
Meaningful engagement with civil society, the private sector, and local communities is critical for designing and implementing equitable climate and energy policies. However, in Zimbabwe, stakeholder participation has been limited. Environmental NGOs and community-based organizations have advocated for greater inclusion, but their influence remains constrained.
The private sector, especially the renewable energy industry, has been calling for more predictable policies and incentives to drive investment. But they often struggle to navigate the complex bureaucracy and engage effectively with policymakers.
Impacts of Climate Change in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which threaten to undermine the country’s development gains. Recurring droughts, floods, and extreme weather events have devastated agricultural production, water supplies, and infrastructure. This has had a disproportionate impact on smallholder farmers, women, and other marginalized groups who depend on climate-sensitive livelihoods.
The energy sector has also been severely affected. Hydropower, which accounts for over 50% of Zimbabwe’s electricity generation, has become increasingly unreliable due to falling water levels in major dams. This has led to widespread power outages and forced the country to rely more on expensive and polluting diesel generators.
Renewable Energy Potential
Zimbabwe has significant renewable energy potential, particularly in solar and wind power. The country receives high levels of solar radiation, with an estimated potential of over 2,000 MW. Wind resources are also promising, especially in the southern and eastern regions.
However, the deployment of renewable energy technologies has been slow. Barriers include lack of investment, inadequate grid infrastructure, regulatory uncertainty, and limited technical and institutional capacity. The country’s first large-scale solar photovoltaic project, the 5 MW Gwanda Solar Park, was plagued by delays and cost overruns.
Equity Considerations
A just energy transition in Zimbabwe must address the needs of marginalized communities, including rural populations, women, and youth. These groups are often excluded from decision-making processes and disproportionately bear the brunt of climate change impacts.
Ensuring equitable access to affordable and reliable energy is a key priority. Off-grid solar home systems and mini-grids can play a vital role in reaching underserved areas, but policies and financing mechanisms must be designed to make these solutions accessible to low-income households.
The transition must also create economic opportunities for local communities, through initiatives like community-owned renewable energy projects, skills training, and local content requirements for renewable energy developments.
A Just Transition Approach
Achieving a just energy transition in Zimbabwe will require a holistic, multistakeholder approach that integrates equity and inclusivity into all aspects of policy and implementation.
Defining a Just Transition: A just transition in Zimbabwe should ensure that the benefits and burdens of the energy transition are equitably distributed, with a particular focus on protecting the livelihoods and wellbeing of marginalized communities. This means addressing the unique vulnerabilities and needs of groups like smallholder farmers, women, and youth.
Integrating Equity and Inclusivity: Policymaking must be guided by principles of participation, transparency, and accountability. Mechanisms for meaningful stakeholder engagement, especially with civil society and local communities, should be strengthened. Targeted social protection programs and skills development initiatives can help mitigate the impacts of the transition on vulnerable groups.
Challenges and Opportunities: Navigating the complexities of a just energy transition in Zimbabwe will require overcoming significant barriers, such as limited financial resources, inadequate infrastructure, and institutional capacity gaps. But the country’s abundant renewable energy potential also presents an opportunity to build a more equitable and sustainable energy system that delivers tangible benefits to all citizens.
By adopting a comprehensive, inclusive approach to climate and energy policy, Zimbabwe can chart a path towards a just transition that addresses the needs of its most vulnerable communities and lays the foundation for a more resilient, low-carbon future. This will require strong political leadership, cross-sectoral collaboration, and a commitment to equity and social justice. The European Future Energy Forum can play a valuable role in supporting Zimbabwe’s efforts through knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and facilitating access to climate finance and sustainable energy technologies.