Govt Unveils Energy Efficiency Programme to Drive ...

Govt Unveils Energy Efficiency Programme to Drive Low-Carbon Industrial Growth

Oscar J Jeke- Zim Now Reporter

Zimbabwe has launched the Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa programme, a key initiative aimed at accelerating the country’s transition toward low-carbon, energy-efficient industrial development.

The launch event, held at the Harare International Conference Centre, brought together government officials, development partners, and private sector representatives committed to promoting sustainability and innovation in Zimbabwe’s industrial sectors.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Thomas Wushe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, said the programme forms a critical part of Zimbabwe’s broader industrial policy framework and climate resilience strategy.

He noted that EELA Zimbabwe will support a just transition by improving access to energy-efficient technologies, fostering innovation in green industry, and establishing mechanisms for managing electronic waste in line with environmental sustainability goals.

Dr. Wushe explained that EELA will advance Zimbabwe’s commitments under the National Energy Efficiency Policy and the Low Emissions Development Strategy 2020, while also contributing to the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan.

These policies are designed to modernise industrial operations, reduce emissions, and enhance the competitiveness of Zimbabwean industries within regional and global value chains.

He further announced that the forthcoming Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy Phase 2 will include a dedicated pillar on sustainable industrialisation, signalling a deliberate policy shift to embed climate resilience, circular economy principles, and responsible consumption into the country’s next phase of economic growth.

The EELA programme will focus on three main outcomes:

Promoting energy-efficient appliances in both households and industry to reduce energy consumption and cut costs for consumers and manufacturers.
Establishing a Private Sector Clean Tech Platform to connect innovators, entrepreneurs, and financiers, scaling up low-carbon technologies and solutions for Zimbabwe’s green economy.
Strengthening electronic waste management frameworks to address growing concerns over the disposal of digital and electrical goods.

Dr. Wushe expressed gratitude to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and government of Sweden for their technical and financial support in implementing the programme.

“We thank UNIDO and the Government of Sweden for their critical partnership in driving energy efficiency and innovation for a more sustainable Zimbabwe,” he said.

The programme is expected to create green jobs, improve quality of life through cleaner technologies, and help Zimbabwe meet its international climate commitments under the Paris Agreement and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.