In a landmark climate achievement, Zimbabwe has become the first country in the world to launch a national blockchain-based carbon credit registry, marking a major step forward in its commitment to sustainable development and global climate goals.
Developed by A6 Labs in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, the registry aligns Zimbabwe with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, enabling the country to trade high-integrity carbon credits under international compliance markets.
This positions Zimbabwe among a select group of nations ready to participate in global carbon trading schemes, unlocking new streams of climate finance and green investment.
But beyond regulatory alignment and innovation, the real impact lies in how the platform will accelerate sustainable development across the country. By ensuring full transparency, traceability, and accountability of carbon credits, the registry creates a trusted environment for funding climate-friendly projects such as renewable energy, reforestation, and community-based adaptation initiatives.
“This platform will help us turn environmental stewardship into real economic opportunities for our people,” said Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, the Honourable Evelyn Ndlovu. Truth or Deception? Questions Mount for Mai Jeremaya
“It gives us the tools to monetise our natural resources responsibly and equitably.”
Built on secure blockchain infrastructure and powered by AI and geospatial technologies, the registry reduces fraud, eliminates human error, and ensures that every carbon credit represents a verifiable emissions reduction.
The system also lowers the barrier to entry for local project developers through its user-friendly design, allowing broader participation in the carbon market, even by those with limited technical knowledge.
As Zimbabwe transitions from the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) to the more robust compliance-based system, the registry will become the central hub for project registration, verification, and credit trading. All carbon credits issued in the country must now pass through this system, as mandated by the newly introduced carbon regulations.
The government believes this digital infrastructure will help attract international investment, scale climate mitigation efforts, and deliver tangible benefits to local communities, from job creation to improved land use and conservation outcomes.
Zimbabwe’s leadership could serve as a model for other African nations, as the continent seeks to tap into an estimated $6 billion in annual carbon finance potential by 2030.
As global demand for transparent, high-quality offsets rises, Zimbabwe’s early action could redefine how developing countries engage with carbon markets, not just as participants but as innovators.
