By Everisto Zhuwao

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) on Thursday launched a major initiative to combat mercury pollution during an inception workshop held at the Holiday Inn Harare. The project specifically targets the mitigation of mercury emissions and releases from coal combustion power plants across Zimbabwe.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of experts and government officials to coordinate a national response to toxic emissions. Mr. A. Matiza, the Deputy Director for Environment in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, officially opened the session. In his remarks, he stressed that collaborative efforts are essential to safeguard both the environment and public health from the dangers of mercury pollution.

Mercury is a significant concern in energy production because it is released into the atmosphere when coal is burned to generate electricity.

The project falls under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, an international treaty designed to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of mercury.

By focusing on power plants, the government aims to introduce cleaner technologies that reduce these hazardous emissions while maintaining efficient energy production.

Several key organisations participated in the roadmap development, including the Zimbabwe Power Company, Hwange Colliery Company, and the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

Legal and regulatory bodies such as the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organization and the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe were also present to ensure the project aligns with national laws and international standards.

The initiative seeks to reform existing environmental policies and build technical capacity within local communities and regulatory institutions. By fostering partnerships between government and industry, the project aims to ensure that Zimbabwe’s energy future is both sustainable and responsible.

This collective commitment lays the foundation for a cleaner environment and a healthier future for all citizens.

Fuel prices in Zimbabwe have increased following the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) ‘s announcement of new petroleum prices, which took effect on March 4, 2026.

In a notice released by the energy regulator, diesel is now priced at US$1.77 per litre, while petrol blend (E5) is selling at US$1.71 per litre.

In local currency, diesel is pegged at ZWG 45.55 per litre and petrol blend at ZWG 44.01 per litre.

The regulator said the new prices will remain in effect for the next two weeks, while authorities continue to monitor developments in the global fuel market.

ZERA indicated that the latest fuel prices were influenced by changes in international petroleum markets, which have pushed prices upward.

However, the Government reduced some of its charges to cushion consumers from sharper increases.

“The above prices are as a result of the government reducing some of its charges to cushion the consumers from astronomical increases that have happened from changes in the international market,” the regulator said in the statement.

According to ZERA, without the Government’s intervention, the price of diesel would have reached US$1.90 per litre, while petrol blend would have been US$1.81 per litre.

The regulator added that it will continue to closely monitor market developments to ensure there is an adequate fuel supply in the country.

Stakeholders were also advised that official petroleum price updates can be verified through ZERA’s official communication platforms, including its website and social media pages.

Zimbabwe reviews fuel prices regularly, largely in line with international oil price movements and exchange rate developments.

The adjustments often have a ripple effect across the economy, influencing transport costs, food prices, and other goods and services.

The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion has unveiled new Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Guidelines aimed at enhancing governance, protecting national interests, and attracting private investment into critical infrastructure sectors.

Speaking during the Post Cabinet Briefing, Mthuli Ncube, Minister of Finance, emphasised that the guidelines establish a clear and structured framework for all PPP projects across the country.

“Working with ZIDA, we have introduced guidelines to strengthen governance and protect the national interest.

The 30 per cent shareholding requirement is a magic figure – large enough to give the Government a meaningful minority stake, board representation, and strategic voting power, yet allowing project promoters to retain 70 per cent of dividends,” he said.

The new guidelines, approved by Cabinet, cover the entire PPP lifecycle – from project identification, approval, appraisal, and development, to implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and termination.

They are designed to provide certainty for investors while ensuring citizens derive tangible benefits from major infrastructure projects.

The Guidelines provide a structured framework to attract private investment into essential sectors such as transport, energy, and water. They will also serve as an important reference tool for all stakeholders in the implementation of PPPs in Zimbabwe,” Minister Ncube said.

The guidelines complement the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA) Act, ensuring compliance with government policies and value-for-money delivery through revenue-sharing arrangements in joint ventures.

They also outline the allocation of financial, technical, and operational risks between the government and private partners, ensuring that risks are borne by the party best able to manage them.

A central feature of the guidelines is the requirement for the Government to hold a minimum of 30 per cent equity in Project Joint Ventures or Special Purpose Vehicles, with the option to increase shareholding depending on project circumstances.

Other key elements of the PPP Guidelines include:

• Thresholds and classification of PPP projects

• Governance and institutional framework for PPPs

• Processing and approval procedures for PPP projects

• Comprehensive guidance on the PPP lifecycle

Minister Ncube highlighted that these reforms aim to balance investor confidence with national benefit, ensuring strategic control over key projects while promoting private sector participation.

“The PPP Guidelines will help the Government leverage capital and expertise, drive infrastructure development, and protect citizens’ interests,” he said.