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

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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, the Human Rights Commission, industry bodies, civil society, and international partners.

Supported by the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida), which has highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in shaping national policies aligned with broader continental strategies, the project has a regional scope and will integrate efforts from Zimbabwe and other participating countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia.

Project lead, Obert Bore highlighted that the project is an opportunity for Zimbabwe to maximize benefits from transitional minerals being explored.

“Zimbabwe is poised to become one of the world’s leading lithium exporters and government expects to meet 20% of the world’s total demand for lithium. The country has witnessed an influx of investors interested in Zimbabwe’s transitional minerals such as lithium, platinum group metals (PGMs) and chrome.” 

“During quarter 3 (Q3) of 2023, the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA) issued 116 investment licenses to foreign investors, and 42 were granted to companies seeking to invest in the lithium industry. In Q4 2023, ZIDA approved 148 new investment licenses with a projected investment value of USD 4.4 billion,” said Bore.

 However, he noted that while there is significant interest in the country’s critical resources, the extraction and processing of these resources should be done sustainably for the benefit of Zimbabwe and in a manner that respects the rights of communities

In her opening remarks, Gabriela Factor – Chief Adviser at the DIHR – emphasized the project’s focus on transition minerals, which are essential for the global green transition. She highlighted that the project’s core is built on collaboration, aiming to ensure that all stakeholders understand its objectives, outcomes, and strategic significance.

“The essence of this project is partnership and collaboration,” Factor stated, inviting participants to engage in discussions about project scope, deliverables, and timelines. She underscored the importance of identifying potential risks and challenges, fostering a dialogue that would strengthen the capacity of government, industry, and civil society actors.

Thus, the project seeks to create an environment conducive to responsible business conduct, one that not only attracts investors but also safeguards people and the environment from social and environmental harms. It aims to ensure that communities benefit sustainably from their resources and have avenues for redress when rights are violated.

Factor reflected on the lessons learned from two decades of the DIHR’s work, asserting that responsible business conduct requires a collective effort among government, civil society, and the private sector. The project will, therefore, emphasize evidence-based policymaking, relying on research and lived experiences to inform effective strategies.

In this regard, the Ministry of Energy and Power Development highlighted that Zimbabwe – as a member of the UN Panel on Critical Energy Transnational Minerals – will be domesticating 7 principles adopted by the Panel, and drawing lessons from countries that have beneficiated their resources such as Indonesia, which has moved up the nickel value chain.

With a commitment to enhancing awareness of responsible business conduct among companies, and ensuring that communities are informed of their rights, the project represents a hopeful stride toward a just and inclusive transition for Zimbabwe and the African continent. The meeting concluded with an invitation for ongoing dialogue, reflecting a commitment to transparency and collaboration among all partners involved.