From March 31- 4th April 2025, UNU-INRA undertook a high-level reconnaissance mission to Zimbabwe to assess the feasibility of establishing a new Operating Unit focused on energy transitions and green industrialisation
The mission was met with broad-based support from the Zimbabwean government, civil society, and the UN system, with strong alignment around national priorities such as just energy access, critical minerals, and youth entrepreneurship. The proposed Operating Unit is envisioned as a strategic platform, embedded in Zimbabwe’s innovation ecosystem and networked across ministries and universities, to inform policy, research, and capacity building across Africa.
Some key visits included meetings with the Minister of Energy, Permanent Secretary- Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Higher Education, and SIRDC(Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre).
The team also took field visits to Alexander Marsh - a pyrolysis plant recycling waster rubber tyres to make energy related products like heavy fuel oil, black char and steel and GeoPomona- a waste management company dedicated to converting waste to energy at Pomona. With a specialisation in modern sustainable solutions for waste management, GeoPomona has turned the Pomona site, a previously mismanaged dumpsite to a land converting waste into energy and providing a healthy, safe environment for communities.
For years, UNU-INRA’s mandate to contribute to the sustainable development of Africa’s natural resources has been possible because of our extended networks and work with experts in established operating units in Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Namibia and Zambia.
With over 30 years of impact-driven work and a presence in West, Central, and Southern Africa, UNU-INRA is well-positioned to support countries like Zimbabwe in delivering ambitious and equity-focused strategies for sustainable energy and development.
After this series of meetings with key resource persons in Zimbabwe’s ministries and SIRDC, we look forward to creating a partnership with the Zimbabwean government to set up the 6th INRA operating unit. With major advancements happening in Zimbabwe’s energy and renewable energy sector, this partnership and extension in INRA’s research base will extend the reach and impact of INRA’s work in Africa’s natural resource management sector.
