Zim Eyes US$20 Billion Windfall from Carbon Market

Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter

Zimbabwe could earn up to US$20 billion in the next three years by tapping into the growing global carbon market, with authorities and private players ramping up efforts to position the country as a serious contender in carbon credit trading.

The country’s strategy focuses on both nature-based and technology-driven projects, including forest conservation and biogas production to cut methane emissions.

Kudakwashe Manyanga, CEO of the Africa Institute for Carbon Trading, said Zimbabwe has significant potential if systems and regulations are properly implemented.

“I’m looking at potentially US$20 billion in the next three years if everything is done properly,” Manyanga said. “We have nature-based carbon credits and tech-based ones. It’s not only forests—there are many other options like biogas.”

He noted that carbon trading offers far-reaching economic benefits, from unlocking investment and creating jobs to easing the country's energy crisis.

“This has opened up the whole economy to investment,” said Manyanga. “If investors build power plants, they can also earn carbon credits. Almost every sector can qualify.”

Rory Pilossof, general manager of My Trees Trust, emphasized the need to boost trading volumes to grow the domestic market and attract more players.

“The more trades that happen, the more people are interested, the more money is invested, and the more players we have in this space,” he said.

Pilossof added that while some African nations have advanced further with carbon initiatives, Zimbabwe still has vast land and untapped potential to catch up.

To support the growing sector, Zimbabwe has upgraded its Carbon Registry, introducing new regulations and a blockchain-powered digital platform to track carbon credits.

The government hopes these developments will enhance transparency and credibility, allowing Zimbabwe to compete in both voluntary and compliance carbon markets.