Mnangagwa urges responsible mining and climate action in SONA

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to responsible mining and climate action, saying environmental protection remains central to Zimbabwe’s development agenda under Vision 2030.

Delivering the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) before Parliament in Harare, Mnangagwa warned that his administration would act against investors and mining operators who degrade the environment or harm local communities.

“My Government is committed to weeding out irresponsible mining stakeholders who cause pollution, degrade the environment and damage critical infrastructure. As we welcome investors, we expect them to respect our Constitution, laws, and communities,” he said.

He noted that the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, already gazetted and expected to be finalized during this parliamentary session, will strengthen enforcement mechanisms and hold companies accountable for environmental rehabilitation after mining operations.

Mnangagwa said investment in gold, lithium, iron and steel projects had grown significantly, contributing to economic expansion, but emphasised that such growth must not come at the expense of ecological integrity.

Turning to climate change, the President outlined a range of measures aimed at improving resilience to droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events.

“Through the Rural Development 8.0 initiative, the drilling and rehabilitation of boreholes is improving access to water for production, village business units, and domestic use,” he said.

According to Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe’s irrigation coverage has increased from 151,000 hectares in 2019 to 221,000 hectares in 2024, with a national target of 496,000 hectares to safeguard food production against climate shocks.

He also announced the adoption of the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan and the Carbon Trading Framework and Registry under Statutory Instrument 48 of 2025, which he said would mobilise climate finance and support green investments.

“In response to climate change, my Government has adopted the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan. The Carbon Trading Framework and Registry will help attract climate finance and promote mitigation efforts across sectors,” he said.

Mnangagwa further underscored the need for greater water security, describing it as critical to energy generation, agriculture, and community well-being.

“My Government is scaling up integrated water resource management and related investments,” he said.

He also cited ongoing renewable energy initiatives, including Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects and the Rural Electrification Programme, which he said are expanding access to clean power, particularly in rural areas.