On May 23rd, 2025, Zimbabwe officially launched the groundbreaking Zimbabwe Carbon Registry (ZCR), the first national carbon registry globally compliant with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. This historic event took place during a high-profile Southern African Development Community (SADC) gathering, where President Emmerson Mnangagwa symbolically pressed a button, marking a major milestone in international climate governance.
President Mnangagwa highlighted the global significance, stating, “Zimbabwe is proud to announce that it has achieved full article 6 compliance.”
The ZCR represents a critical shift away from voluntary carbon markets (VCMs), addressing longstanding challenges such as double counting, transparency concerns, and verification accuracy. Developed after a strategic ten-month suspension of carbon trading, the registry is a result of extensive collaboration between Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, blockchain technology leaders A6 Labs, and policy specialists Terraviva Services.
Minister Evelyn Ndlovu emphasized Zimbabwe’s commitment: “This launch we are witnessing today marks the culmination of a significant effort made between my ministry and our partners (A6 Labs & Terraviva) to address the global climate crisis, whilst positioning Zimbabwe as a favoured destination for sustainable investment.”
Terraviva Services, led by General Manager Felix Mechnig-Giordano, crafted a rigorous regulatory framework ensuring compliance with stringent international standards. Notably, the framework mandates that at least 20% of every project's investment directly benefits local communities, facilitating substantial improvements in areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and renewable energy.
Felix Mechnig-Giordano noted, “Our regulatory framework ensures each carbon credit is credible and verifiable, directly aligning climate goals with meaningful local development. This creates a transparent, accountable market that benefits everyone involved.”
At the technological forefront, A6 Labs, headed by CEO Harib Bakhshi, developed the registry's advanced blockchain platform. The platform securely stores all data and documentation immutably on-chain, ensuring unparalleled transparency and accountability. It automates carbon credit issuance, retirement, transfers, and corresponding adjustments, significantly simplifying processes and reducing human error.
Harib Bakhshi highlighted the technology’s transformative impact: “Blockchain technology offers unmatched transparency, security, and trust. Every transaction is permanently recorded, fully traceable, and publicly verifiable, significantly enhancing market credibility and investor confidence.”
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Demonstrating the registry's immediate success, over 75 project developers have already initiated the registration process, underscoring strong market interest and confidence in Zimbabwe’s innovative approach.
The ZCR’s comprehensive features include automated, blockchain-secured certificates and QR-coded documentation, integrated payments, a publicly accessible project and credit registry, and an intuitive self-service platform. Additionally, the system’s robust safeguards, such as automated GIS mapping to prevent project overlaps, automated communication channels, and embedded legal frameworks, ensure seamless operations and high integrity.
With this pioneering launch, Zimbabwe firmly establishes itself as a global leader in climate finance and governance, setting a compelling example for the international community. The successful implementation of the ZCR not only marks a significant environmental achievement but also represents a critical step toward sustainable economic growth and meaningful community empowerment.
For more details and opportunities to participate in Zimbabwe’s innovative carbon registry, visit www.zicma.org.zw
