By Tendai Guvamombe
Zimbabwe’s Business Sector Takes the Lead in Combatting Climate Change
The Business Council for Sustainable Development Zimbabwe (BCSDZ) recently held its Annual Conference at Cresta Lodge Harare from 25th to 26th November 2024, bringing together professionals from various sectors to discuss the critical role of business in implementing Zimbabwe’s National Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
The conference was graced by the presence of Minister of Industry, Hon. Mangaliso Ndlovu, who pledged to work closely with the BCSDZ to champion Zimbabwe’s low-carbon agenda.
Zimbabwe is currently in the implementation phase of its NDCs, which aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2050.
The BCSDZ has established thematic committees that align with the sectors outlined in Zimbabwe’s NDCs, including Waste, Energy, Agriculture & Forestry (AFOLU), and Industry (IPPU).
This strategic move is expected to facilitate a successful implementation of the country’s Economy-Wide NDCs.The business sector plays a vital role in combatting climate change, and the BCSDZ is at the forefront of this effort.
As noted by Dr. Dingane Sithole, Executive Director of BCSDZ, “The 2024 conference brings together key industry players, technocrats, and experts to build consensus and traction towards inclusive promotion of sustainable industrial development in the context of national development priorities.”
Despite the progress made, Zimbabwean businesses continue to face numerous challenges, including raw material supply constraints, foreign currency shortages, competition from cheap imports, power shortages, high credit risk, increased climate risk, and waste management. To overcome these challenges, the BCSDZ emphasizes the importance of developing resilient infrastructure and green innovation.
Achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 9 on Building Resilient Infrastructure, Promoting Sustainable Industrialization, and Fostering Innovation requires increased sustainable investments in infrastructure and value chain integration.
The BCSDZ’s 2024-2026 Strategy and the development of the BCSDZ Code are crucial steps towards promoting sustainable industrial development in Zimbabwe.
The Government of Zimbabwe has also launched several initiatives, including the National Adaptation Plan, Nationally Determined Contribution, and Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LTLEDS) Investment Framework, and the Green Resilience Recovery Strategy.
These efforts demonstrate the national commitments to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.
