Statement of Congratulations to Government of Zimbabwe for Submitting its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC3.0) Country Statement (2025-2035)

Zimbabwe was the only African country to meet the 10 February deadline The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) applauds the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife for its timely submission of its enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC3.0) 2020-2935 Country Statement by 10 February 2025. For us at ZELA, this milestone underscores […]

The China-Africa Dialogue on Green Minerals launched: A New Chapter for Responsible Investments

Obert Bore In a pivotal moment for Africa’s mining sector, the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) and Global Witness (GW) recently launched the China-Africa Dialogue on Green Minerals for Responsible Investments (CADRI) on 5 February 2025 on the sidelines of the Alternative Mining Indaba (AMI) in Cape Town, South Africa. The CADRI platform was established against the backdrop of significant […]

China-Africa Dialogue reveals the need to explore Africa- China CSO partnerships to address ESG challenges in African communities

Batanai Mutasa “We are aware of the general opacity that shrouds deals between African governments and the Chinese government which makes it difficult to even access the terms of loans for accountability institutions like ours to monitor the effectiveness of the loans because [ as I mentioned in my earlier point] defaulting means you are […]

16th Alternative Mining Indaba urges energy transition to avoid injustices of past transitions

Indaba calls for just energy transition in Africa, decries political instability and environmental challenges Batanai Mutasa Convened parallel to the Mining Indaba where delegates from across Africa gathered in Cape Town to talk about investment opportunities in the industry, the Alternative Mining Indaba (AMI) emphasized the urgent need for African governments to develop transparent and […]

ZELA Advocates for Voluntary Sustainability Standards at Regional Mining Indabas

“Integrate VSS into mining operations to strengthen responsible mining initiatives” Mutuso Dhliwayo The  Mining Indaba and Alternative Mining Indaba, held from 3-6 February in Cape Town, spotlighted the critical role of Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) in promoting responsible mining practices. However, the discussions revealed a stark contrast in perspectives. While the Alternative Mining Indaba raised […]

Partnership and collaboration central to new ZELA-DIHR responsible business project

Compiled by Batanai Mutasa In a significant step towards promoting responsible business practices in Zimbabwe, the Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR) and the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) recently launched the “Support a Just Transition through Responsible Business Conduct in Africa,” project. The event brought together key stakeholders, including parliamentarians, representatives from various ministries, […]

ZELA Statement on World Wetlands Day 2025

As we commemorate World Wetlands Day on 2 February, we reaffirm our commitment to the protection and sustainable management of wetlands in Zimbabwe. This year’s theme, “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” resonates deeply with our shared responsibility to safeguard these vital ecosystems for current and future generations.  Since ratifying the Ramsar Convention on wetlands […]

Coalition adopts gender sensitive strategies to improve transparency and accountability in the extractive sector

Compiled by Batanai Mutasa Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Coalition members in Zimbabwe are taking gender sensitive approaches in their call for extractive sector revenues to form the basis for development and improve the lives of ordinary citizens in the country. PWYP undertakes public campaigns and policy advocacy to achieve disclosure of information about extractive […]

Ramsar COP15 an Opportunity to Amplify the Protection of Zimbabwe’s Wetlands

Compiled by Divine Chakombera As the Ramsar Conference of Parties (COP15), which Zimbabwe will host in July 2025, fast approaches, the nation is making significant strides in preparation. In December 2024, the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) actively participated in the Wetland Policy and Legislation Indaba, organized by the Zimbabwe Wetlands Trust and Birdlife Zimbabwe. […]