Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe is actively charting a sustainable future with the development of its National Electric Mobility Policy.

This comprehensive framework is designed to guide the adoption, use, and environmentally conscious disposal of electric vehicles (EVs), signaling a major shift towards modernizing the nation's transport sector.

Yesterday, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Engineer Joy Pedzisai Makumbe, led a pivotal validation workshop for the E-Mobility project in Harare.

 The event brought together key stakeholders from Government bodies, industry, and international partners to deliberate on the integration and future prospects of EVs in Zimbabwe.

In her keynote address, Engineer Makumbe outlined several initiatives undertaken by her ministry aimed at embedding energy efficiency into the transport sector policies.

“Our commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development steers our efforts in adopting sustainable practices that address the urgent challenges of climate change,” she explained.

The agenda includes promoting energy-efficient vehicle technologies, spearheading research for innovative infrastructure, and adopting sustainable practices across all levels of the sector.

Highlighting a crucial aspect of the electric vehicle initiative, Engineer Makumbe emphasized the importance of utilizing clean energy sources to power EVs.

“An electric car's environmental footprint depends heavily on the energy sources used to charge it. To truly benefit from the green potential of e-vehicles, we must ensure that our energy is obtained from renewable sources. This transition supports a differentiated approach towards clean technologies, ensuring sustainable and equitable progress for all,” she noted.

Engineer Makumbe also underscored the significance of localizing e-mobility's production processes.

 “To realize the full benefits of this pilot project, it is crucial to domesticate assembly and battery manufacturing within Zimbabwe. This approach will not only foster job creation but also enhance the sustainability and economic viability of the entire initiative,” she added.

The workshop concluded with a strong consensus among attendees that transitioning to electric vehicles is essential for reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development within Zimbabwe.

This meeting marks a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s journey towards embracing cleaner, more efficient transportation solutions.

With robust Government support and collaborative stakeholder engagement, the E-Mobility project is poised to revolutionize the nation's transport infrastructure, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.