Zimbabwe’s Climate Change Bill Sparks Concerns Over Fairness and Inclusion

By Tendai Chisiri

Zimbabwe’s Climate Change Management Bill (H.B. 5 of 2025) and Statutory Instrument 48 of 2025 have raised concerns among environmental activists and local communities, who argue that the law prioritizes big business over the needs of ordinary people.

The bill aims to establish national climate institutions, including a Climate Change Department, a Zimbabwe Carbon Markets Authority (ZiCMA), and a blockchain registry for carbon credits. While the law sets up systems for measuring, reporting, and verifying carbon credits, critics argue that it excludes small players and concentrates power at the top.

The high fees and costs associated with registering and maintaining carbon projects are expected to shut out small farmers, community groups, and local NGOs. The 30% share of proceeds taken from credits when issued, plus other deductions, will further reduce the benefits for local communities.

“The law talks about public participation and Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), but treats them more like good ideas than enforceable rights,” said Rev. Anglistone T. Sibanda, a climate governance expert. “Communities may still be left out, lose access to land or resources, or not see promised benefits.”

The complex and costly process of registering and validating carbon projects will favor big companies with money and technical teams, while local players are reduced to bystanders. The risk of losing trust and existing benefits is high, particularly for projects already running, such as some forest projects.

To address these concerns, experts recommend lowering fees and creating exemptions for community and small projects, introducing a tiered fee system, and cutting the 30% share of proceeds. They also call for independent oversight, making participation legally enforceable, and strengthening local roles in approvals and benefit tracking.

“Fixing these problems will help Zimbabwe meet its climate goals while protecting people and supporting fair development,” said Sibanda.

The Climate Change Bill and SI 48 of 2025 have been welcomed by environmental activists, who argue that a strong climate governance framework is crucial for Zimbabwe to effectively address the impacts of climate change and achieve its development goals, including Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).