Zimbabwe Introduces Blockchain Registry for Carbon Credit Trading

Zimbabwe has unveiled a blockchain-based registry that allows authorized project developers to trade the nation’s carbon credits.

This initiative seeks to improve the transparency of emissions offset transactions and restore investor trust after the southern African nation disrupted the global carbon credit market in 2023 by unexpectedly canceling projects, claiming a large portion of proceeds, and mandating developers to re-register. This decision impacted numerous project developers, including the Kariba Redd+ Project.

Authorities eventually revoked these requirements.

Recently, the country also formed the Zimbabwe Carbon Markets Authority to license and approve carbon credit initiatives within its jurisdiction.

The integration of blockchain technology into the carbon registry represents a major step forward for transparency, security, and trust between traders and the government, according to Environment Minister Evelyn Ndlovu.

The Zimbabwe government collaborated with Dubai-based A6 Labs to develop the carbon registry, claiming it to be the world’s first blockchain-enabled system. It can be accessed at zicma.org.zw.

“Every transaction within the registry will be entirely traceable, providing an immutable record of carbon credit issuance, trading, and retirement,” Ndlovu stated during the launch event in Harare on Friday. This technology “ensures the integrity of our carbon market and gives the global community confidence that the credits we trade are authentic, measurable, and impactful.”

Zimbabwe is among several African nations, including Kenya and Zambia, that are striving to regulate the industry and increase their control over it. In 2023, Zimbabwe was ranked the third-largest producer of carbon credits on the continent, contributing to approximately one-eighth of Africa’s total production, according to RippleNami, a California-based data company.

A single carbon credit represents the removal of one ton of climate-warming carbon dioxide or its equivalent from the atmosphere, or the prevention of its emission. Companies or countries obtain these credits to offset their own greenhouse gas emissions.

“Developers wishing to participate must apply through the system, and if they fulfill the criteria, they can proceed,” said Washington Zhakata, the acting permanent secretary at the environment ministry. “If they don’t meet the requirements, they won’t move forward.”

© 2025 Bloomberg

Follow Moneyweb’s comprehensive finance and business news on WhatsApp here.