As Zimbabwe and the rest of the world accelerate efforts toward a cleaner, greener future, there is a growing call for the country to balance its vast natural resources with the global demand for a sustainable energy transition. At the core of this debate is the need to ensure that economic development, environmental protection, and societal welfare go hand in hand.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The notion of a “just transition” has become a key point of discussion, particularly in nations like Zimbabwe, where reliance on fossil fuels remains deeply rooted in the economy, yet the country is emerging as a critical player in the green mineral value chain.
Speaking at the inception meeting for the “Supporting a Just Transition Through Responsible Business Conduct (RBC)” project, held by the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA), Hon. Sam Matema, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environment and Climate, underscored the complexity of balancing traditional energy resources with the aspirations of a green economy.
He highlighted the opportunities that Zimbabwe holds, particularly its abundant coal reserves and rich deposits of lithium, which is essential for the production of batteries in electric vehicles. However, Matema also stressed the contradictions that arise from such opportunities.
“We are sitting on 26 million tonnes of coal, which presents a massive opportunity for economic development. But at the same time, we face the global demand to transition to clean energy. For too long, we have relied on carbon fuels and have not been responsible stewards of our environment. Now, as we look ahead, we must consider how to balance the resources we have with the need to transition to green energy in a way that leaves no one behind,” Hon. Matema said.
Indeed, this balance is at the heart of the concept of a “just transition,” which is meant to ensure that as nations shift toward sustainable energy, the social and economic impacts on communities, particularly those dependent on traditional energy industries, are mitigated. For Zimbabwe, the challenge lies not only in moving away from coal and other fossil fuels but also in ensuring that new economic opportunities, such as lithium mining, are managed in a way that benefits the country and its citizens.
Zimbabwe’s green energy transition is intricately linked to the responsible extraction and beneficiation of minerals like lithium. The country ranks among the top lithium producers globally, and Hon. Matema stressed the importance of local beneficiation.
“We cannot afford to simply export our minerals without processing them here. The beneficiation should take place in Zimbabwe, ensuring that we maximize the benefits for our people,” he said.
However, questions remain about how Zimbabwe will navigate its reliance on coal while transitioning to greener energy sources. Matema pointed to the importance of clean energy solutions for the mining sector, which remains one of the largest consumers of energy in the country. The government has previously indicated that solar and hydro projects are part of the long-term strategy, but progress has been slow.
“We need energy in the mining sector, and the energy we need in this transition must be clean. Yet for too long, we have neglected responsible environmental practices in our mining operations,” Matema said.
While the government is keen to promote responsible business practices in the extractive industries, Matema acknowledged that there are significant contradictions in the country’s energy policy. The recent decommissioning of the Kariba Hydro Plant was caused by climate change, but coal continues to provide much-needed electricity. The solution, according to Matema, lies in deploying technology and innovation to mitigate the negative impacts of coal usage.
“We need to deploy artificial intelligence and other technologies that can help capture harmful emissions while allowing us to benefit from the resources we have,” he said.
Zimbabwe is not alone in facing this dilemma. Across the globe, nations that have historically relied on fossil fuels are grappling with how to transition to clean energy while maintaining economic stability. However, Matema was clear that Zimbabwe must forge its own path—one that prioritizes local solutions over-reliance on external prescriptions from the Global North.
“We cannot continue to rely on the Global North for answers. As we transition, we must domesticate our solutions and ensure that they align with our realities,” Hon. Matema said.
As Zimbabwe moves forward with projects like the RBC initiative, there is a need for greater collaboration between the government, civil society, and the private sector to ensure that the energy transition is not only green but also just. The stakes are high: failure to balance economic development with environmental protection could leave the country trapped in a cycle of resource exploitation without reaping the full benefits of its natural wealth.
Hon. Matema emphasized the importance of developing a bold, forward-thinking strategy to ensure Zimbabwe is not left behind.
“Let’s be clear on our exit strategy for coal, and let’s ensure that as we move toward a green economy, no one and no place is left behind,” he said.
