Zimbabwe and ECA Host Stakeholder Validation Workshop for the Draft Green Supplement to the AfCFTA Implementation Strategy

Harare, Zimbabwe, 14 November 2024 (ECA) - The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in collaboration with Zimbabwe's Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) held a two-day validation workshop to present and discuss the draft Green Supplement to Zimbabwe's National Strategy for implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement.

The Green Supplement focuses on developing green value chains for oleaginous plants, seeds, fruits, and the wood and paper industries. It will complement Zimbabwe's National AfCFTA Implementation Strategy that was developed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade with support from UNECA and the European Union.

The workshop gathered feedback and insights from various stakeholders across Zimbabwe, fostering discussions to refine the Green Supplement and ensure it aligns with national priorities and existing policies.

Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary for Industry and Commerce, Dr. Thomas Utete Wushe, the Director for Harare Metropolitan Province, Mr. Dayford Ndhema, stated that the workshop aligns with Zimbabwe's commitment to sustainable development in key value chains. "The Government of Zimbabwe is dedicated to promoting environmentally-friendly practices and encouraging climate-smart technologies to support inclusive economic growth for the benefit of all citizens", he said.

Ms. Bineswaree Bolaky, Economic Affairs Officer, represented ECA's Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA) and conveyed the remarks of SRO-SA Director, Eunice G. Kamwendo.

Ms. Bolaky highlighted, that "UNECA is focused on integrating green and climate-aware policies into AfCFTA strategies, assisting Zimbabwe and other member states in crafting trade, industrial, and infrastructure policies that prepare them to leverage the opportunities of a global transition to a green economy."

ECA emphasized its commitment to building partnerships that will help Zimbabwe address pressing challenges such as poverty, inequality, and unemployment, through sustainable trade and economic growth. Ms. Bolaky noted the importance of embedding climate resilience across policy areas to position Zimbabwe for success in an evolving green economy.

Mrs. Carol Tagwireyi, the ECA consultant, outlined the goals of the Green Supplement and shared how it aims to support Zimbabwe's export competitiveness and sustainability through green growth and climate adaptation. The supplement includes strategies for building long-term resilience and promoting green growth aligned with national development objectives.

The workshop achieved its goals of advancing understanding of the potential for green value chains under the AfCFTA, specifically in sectors critical to Zimbabwe's economy. It also strengthened dialogue among stakeholders, fostering alignment across Zimbabwe's trade policies and AfCFTA implementation efforts.

In closing, representatives from MoIC and ECA reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Zimbabwe's AfCFTA implementation strategy, acknowledging the valuable partnership between UNECA and MoIC.

Ms. Bolaky shared that the Green Supplement will be finalized by the end of the year, incorporating feedback from this workshop. The initiative is part of UNECA's technical assistance program, in partnership with United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and funded by the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), which supports green value chain development across 19 African countries.

The workshop brought together participants from government Ministries, the private sector, academia, and development organizations to contribute to Zimbabwe's green growth and AfCFTA implementation.

Issued by:

The Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa

UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)

P.O. Box 30647, Lusaka, Zambia.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Mr. Bedson Nyoni
Senior Information Management Assistant.
Tel: +260 211 228502/5 Ext. 21307
DL: +260 211 376607
Email: [email protected]

Mr. Coline Dzavakwa
Deputy Director Communication and Advocacy Unit
Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 777 511 088
Email: [email protected]

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