Transport is one of the main focus areas of the Zimbabwean government’s response to the challenges of climate change. Climate change poses a “serious threat” to economic growth and social upliftment in Zimbabwe, according to Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu, minister of environment, climate, tourism and hospitality industry.Transport is responsible for 22% of greenhouse gas emissions in Zimbabwe – second only to electricity generation, according to government calculations.Zimbabwe’s Long-term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategy (2020-2050) commits the government to the implementation of renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives, low carbon transport systems, and sustainable industrial development.The objective is to achieve a 40% reduction in per-capita emissions by 2030.One of the objectives in the country’s National Climate Change Response Strategy is to “develop climate-proofed and environmentally sustainable transport systems that are less carbon intense”.In July 2022, the National E-Mobility Policy and Market Readiness Framework and National Policy Roadmap for Electric Mobility in Zimbabwe were introduced to business and other stakeholders at a workshop hosted in Harare.Delivering the opening address on behalf of Washington Zhakata, director of the climate change management department, climate change scientist Munashe Mukonoweshuro said “the concept of electric mobility is fast evolving across the globe, and as a country, we cannot be lagging. It involves issues of productivity and entrepreneurship, f lexibility in labour markets, economic progression, and an overall culture of innovation”. Local business sees the transition as an opportunity to reindustrialise.Speaking at the workshop, Deven Engineering managing director, Patrick Munyaradzi, representing the Motor Industry Association of Zimbabwe, called on the government to provide the policies and support needed to promote local production of electric vehicle components.This objective is supported in the National Electric Mobility Policy and Market Readiness Framework for Zimbabwe, which states “the introduction of electric mobility to Zimbabwe can help the nation transition her transport sector to a low emitting one, and at the same time contribute to economic development”.Opportunities identified for electric vehicle introduction include last-mile connectivity using e-bikes and e-trikes, public transport, as well as mining, government and parastatal vehicle f leets.The local sale of electric vehicles, ranging from two-wheelers to intracity buses, is projected to grow from around 17 000 a year in 2025 to 264 000 in 2035.They will need around 24 000 charging points. Given Zimbabwe’s deposits of most of the elements needed for lithium-ion battery production, this is seen as a priority for boosting local sales and exports of e-vehicles. The United Nations Environment Programme is working with nine African countries to introduce electric two and three-wheelers, six on the adoption of electric light-duty vehicles, and five on the rollout of electric urban buses
