Zimbabwe’s government has reported a surge in interest from both domestic and international stakeholders in its carbon credit initiatives, following the introduction of new regulations aimed at formalising the sector.
The development comes after the government enacted Statutory Instrument 48 of 2025, which outlines comprehensive guidelines for the registration and trading of carbon credits. The policy is intended to enhance transparency, ensure state participation, and increase revenue flows from the fast-growing carbon market.
Under the new law, the government will receive 30% of all revenue generated from carbon credit transactions. In addition, 2% of the total credit volume from each project will be allocated to a national buffer account to hedge against risks such as over-crediting and reversal events.
The regulatory changes follow Zimbabwe’s failure to benefit from the 22,558,385 carbon credits issued as of February 2025, an amount valued at approximately $147.3 million based on the prevailing global average price of $6.53 per credit.
“Since the promulgation of the carbon market policy and regulatory frameworks, the ministry has witnessed encouraging uptake and interest from both domestic and international actors,” said Washington Zhakata, Director of Climate Change Management in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife.
“Several projects are at various stages of registration, and the registry continues to receive new applications.”
The new measures are part of Zimbabwe’s broader strategy to formalise climate financing mechanisms and align its environmental governance with international standards.
