Batanai Mutasa

The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) has announced a strategic partnership with KCIC Consulting (Kenya) to provide Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) sustainability reporting training in Zimbabwe. This collaboration responds to recent regulatory mandates for listed companies and aims to equip organizations with the tools to align with global sustainability standards while meeting local compliance needs.

Addressing Regulatory Shifts 

The partnership comes at a critical juncture as the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) and Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX) now require listed entities to adopt core sustainability disclosure metrics under Practice Note No. 16 (issued November 13, 2023). This directive, enacted under Section 3(1)(h) of Statutory Instrument 134 of 2019, marks a significant shift from previous Environmental Management Agency (EMA) compliance frameworks, which lacked integration with financial reporting.

Empowering Organizations Through GRI Training

GRI’s globally recognized standards enable organizations of all sizes and sectors to measure and transparently communicate their economic, environmental, governance, and social impacts. The ZELA-KCIC training program offers:

• Comprehensive GRI Standards Education: Modules on drafting sustainability reports, data collection, and stakeholder engagement.
• Practical Readiness Tools: Mock exams and case studies tailored to Zimbabwe’s regulatory and economic context.
• Pan-African Network Access: Connections to sustainability practitioners across the continent for knowledge-sharing and collaboration.

Following a successful inaugural training in late 2024, applications are now open for the second cohort, targeting professionals in sustainability, finance, CSR, and compliance, as well as organizations seeking to enhance transparency and accountability.

In a post to market the training, KCIC said “GRI is not just a framework. It’s not just another certificate. It’s a life skill—a key that unlocks doors to new possibilities. Whether you’re in finance, mining, energy, or any other industry, understanding how to report on #ESG is not a ‘nice-to-have’—it’s a necessity. With regulations tightening and investors demanding more transparency, those who master ESG reporting will lead the way. This isn’t just another training; it’s an experience that will reshape the way you see sustainability, business, and your role in it all.”

The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) champions sustainable natural resource governance and advocates for robust ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance frameworks to empower businesses—including Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (ASM)—in securing their social license to operate. By promoting ESG reporting and accountability, ZELA addresses systemic challenges that fuel tensions between communities and businesses, such as environmental degradation, human rights violations (including forced and child labor), unsafe working conditions, and gaps in corporate transparency and revenue management.

Through its work, ZELA positions ESG compliance as a critical tool for fostering trust, mitigating conflicts, and ensuring that economic activities align with community well-being and environmental stewardship.