Zimbabwe has officially established a comprehensive framework for carbon credit trading with the introduction of the Carbon Trading (General) Regulations, 2025 (SI 48 of 2025). These regulations aim to govern all carbon credit projects within the country, ensuring transparency, accountability, and environmental integrity.
Key Highlights
Here are the key highlights of the Zimbabwe Carbon Trading (General) Regulations, 2025 (SI 48 of 2025):
- Establishment of Authority: The regulations establish the Zimbabwe Carbon Markets Authority (ZiCMA) to oversee and regulate carbon market activities.
- Regulatory Objectives: The regulations aim to control and manage carbon market activities, regulate carbon credit trading, ensure sustainable development contributions, uphold environmental integrity, prevent social or environmental harm, and ensure accurate accounting of emission reductions.
- Scope of Application: The regulations apply to all carbon projects and carbon market activities in Zimbabwe.
- Carbon Credit Definition: A carbon credit is defined as a tradable certificate representing one metric tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent that is either prevented from being emitted or removed from the atmosphere.
- Mandatory Registration: Participation in carbon market activities requires mandatory registration with the Authority.
- Project Approval Process: The regulations outline a detailed process for project idea submission, review, and approval, including the issuance of a Letter of No Objection.
- Project Requirements: Carbon projects must meet eligibility requirements, contribute to sustainable development, demonstrate environmental integrity, and avoid social or environmental harm.
- Carbon Registry: The regulations establish the Zimbabwe Carbon Registry (ZCR) for registering, tracking, and managing carbon credits.
- Eligibility for Participation: Participants in carbon market activities must meet specific eligibility requirements, including registration with the Authority and demonstrating financial and technical capacity.
- Conditions for Carbon Trading: Carbon credits issued after August 18, 2023, are subject to specific conditions for commercial transactions, transfer, or retirement.
- Sustainable Development and Social Safeguarding: The regulations emphasize the importance of sustainable development contributions and social safeguarding, with specific requirements outlined in the schedules.
- Grievance Mechanism: A National Grievance and Redress Mechanism (NGRM) is established for addressing grievances related to carbon market activities.
In summary, the SI 48 of 2025 outlines detailed procedures for monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) of carbon emission reduction or removal projects, as well as the issuance and recognition of carbon credits. A central Zimbabwe Carbon Registry will be created to track and manage these credits.
The regulations also address the crucial aspect of benefit sharing from carbon credit trading and set out a mandatory compliance procedure for existing carbon credit projects. Notably, the framework includes specific guidelines for participation in Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement, governing international carbon market mechanisms.
To ensure the credibility of the carbon market, the regulations introduce a mandatory auditor licensing procedure. Emphasis is also placed on environmental integrity, alongside sustainable development and social safeguarding requirements, as detailed in the First and Second Schedules. The regulations also provide guidelines for stakeholder and public participation and emphasize the importance of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), as outlined in the Third and Fourth Schedules.
In essence, these new regulations provide a structured pathway for engaging in carbon credit trading in Zimbabwe, aligning national efforts with international standards and prioritizing environmental and social considerations.
For more information on SI 48 of 2025, including the full text and guidance on implementation, please download the document below
Stay Connected:
Thank you for joining us on this sustainability journey. Stay connected with us for more insights, best practices, and regulatory updates.
Please contact us at on admin@esgnetworkzimbabwe.co.zw, or simply call us on 0774768895/ +263882900740.
Follow us on social media to stay updated on the latest ESG news, events, and resources
