🇿🇼ZimbabweSouthern Africa
Zida boss highlights biomass energy potential from agricultural and industrial waste
via NewsDay Zimbabwe5 min read
Tafadzwa Chinamo, chief executive officer of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency Zida, has urged increased investment in biomass and biogas production, stating that Zimbabwe can gain carbon credits and climate financing through waste-to-energy projects. Speaking at the Rural Industrialisation and Economic Empowerment Indaba during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, Chinamo noted that agricultural and industrial waste in Zimbabwe offers significant potential for biomass and biogas energy conversion. He indicated that biomass and biogas plants of 5MW to 10MW could be developed with capital ranging from US$6 million to US$12 million, providing sustainable energy, reducing energy costs, and displacing diesel or grid power. Chinamo emphasized that Zida supports circular economy investments through feedstock agreements, licensing facilitation, and investor engagement to enhance economic resilience. He also highlighted opportunities in eco-tourism, suggesting that mid-market eco-lodges and adventure tourism projects could yield returns of 17% to 24% and create 80 to 150 direct jobs. Zida is facilitating tourism public-private partnerships, improving land access, and connecting investors to opportunities to unlock rural tourism potential. Chinamo stressed the need to incentivize rural industrialization based on regional resources and climate conditions, advocating for industries supported by renewable energy, leveraging historical sites for rural tourism, and establish
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa has presented recently retired Chief Justice Luke Malaba with an agricultural mechanisation package, less than a month after Malaba left office. Malaba, who retired on May 14 after reaching the mandatory retirement age, was received at State House on Friday. The package included a tractor, Nissan UD truck, boom sprayer, and planter. Mnangagwa stated on social media that the package was in recognition of Malaba’s decades of service to the judiciary, citing his outstanding service, unwavering commitment, and exemplary legal leadership. Malaba's tenure was marked by controversy, particularly following his 2021 term extension under Constitutional Amendment No. 2, which allowed judges to remain in office for up to five additional years beyond the previous retirement age of 70, subject to medical fitness and presidential approval. This amendment was introduced as Malaba approached retirement, leading to legal challenges from critics who argued it undermined judicial independence. The Constitutional Court ultimately upheld the amendment, allowing Malaba to remain in office until his retirement this year. During his time as Chief Justice, Malaba presided over several politically significant cases, including election disputes and constitutional matters. His retirement paved the way for Chief Justice Paddington Garwe to assume the country’s highest judicial office. This presentation of farming equipment represents one of the most substantial public rewards
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