He said Zimbabwe’s leadership has instead equally responded
by exhibiting unique qualities to internally solve its challenges and proffer
tangible solutions to the continent.
Cde Zuma was addressing delegates here in Victoria Falls
attending the inaugural Africa Voluntary Carbon Credits Market Forum (AVCCMF).
On September 24, 2001, Zimbabwe was declared ineligible to
use the IMF’s general resources and was removed from the list of countries
eligible to use resources.
“You will recall that it was in 2001 when the International
Monetary Fund, declared Zimbabwe unsuitable to access its resources,” said Cde
Zuma representing Belarus Africa Foreign Trade Association (BAFTA).
“The irony of the International Monetary Fund, shows that
their decision was wrong and unfair, because the people of Zimbabwe have shown
qualities of wisdom, innovation and creativity.
“Under the Zimbabwean leadership, in the identification,
adaption and implementation of this platform of trading Carbon Credits,
Zimbabweans have proved beyond reasonable doubt, that they are more than
capable of addressing the problems facing Zimbabwe and the entire African
continent.”
Cde Zuma said Zimbabwe, through the AVCCMF, has answered
the call to action, which says that climate change presents a major threat to
long-term growth and prosperity of humanity.
“This has a direct negative impact and increases the triple
challenges, which are poverty, inequality and unemployment, in our continent.
Zimbabwe today, at this AVCCM Forum has declared to the world that it is fully
capable to participate in the climate economy and has proved itself to be a
forward thinking nation, by allowing us access to this unique opportunity and
providing the AVCCM platform which is now the African Pillar in Carbon Credits
Internationally.”
The three-day conference, which ended yesterday is a
brainchild of Africa Voluntary Carbon Credits Market (AVCCM), a local company.
It is a private sector-led pragmatic, proactive and
responsive multi-sectorial and inclusive forum that seeks to facilitate a
robust, holistic and inclusive people-centric approach to the climate economy
leading to the achievement of National Development Strategy 1, (NDS1) goals,
Zimbabwe Vision 2030, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
It also sets the tone for Africa Agenda 2063.
Carbon credits refer to the mechanism in which companies,
governments, and individuals make payments to enable others to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions on their behalf, thus allowing them to receive
recognition for their contribution towards climate action.
Zimbabwe is ranked number 12 among countries that trade in
carbon credits in the world and the Government together with climate players is
fighting to conserve forests and allow the participation of local communities
and traditional leaders who have indigenous knowledge systems and local
conservation strategies which have proved effective.
Cde Zuma added that Zimbabwe has shown solutions that are
not only co-ordinated at a national level, but also at an African Continental
level, that initiates international co-operation to help all countries move
toward a low-carbon economy.
He said talks on carbon credits mark the beginning of the
transformational agenda that puts Africa on an unprecedented developmental
trajectory, through voluntary people-centred participatory climate actions.
The hosting of the conference in Victoria Falls was a
strategic undertaking as it a significant venue.
“It is fitting that today as we find ourselves at the
Victoria Falls, locally called ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ which when translated, it means
‘the smoke that thunders.’
“This historic first edition of the AVCCM Forum is well
suited for this venue, as this groundbreaking event will certainly yield
unprecedented potential to empower the African continent. It is also going to
change Africa’s participation in the global climate economy.
“It is at this very significant venue and through the
mission of this forum, that we will ignite a flame that will shape the bright
future of the AVCCMF. This will have a positive impact on the face of Africa
and the world at large.”
Cde Zuma noted that the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange has
placed itself in a unique position to catapult its reach and influence
globally.
“I take note that Zimbabwe, is once again leading the way
by opening its doors at the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange for the trading of
the Carbon Credits, much like in the era of Great Zimbabwe that stands as a
testament to the Zimbabwean people’s pre-colonial autonomy and economic power.
“I implore you all to consider using this innovative
platform that is uniquely the only offshore financial services platform inland
Africa, as a platform for trading not only African Carbon Credits but also
international Carbon Credits,” he said.
As the Patron of the JG Zuma Foundation as well as the
Board Member of BAFTA, Cde Zuma pledged his unwavering support to the AVCCMF
initiative.
“As such, in an
effort to support the African Voluntary Carbon Credits Market Forum as an
international and global mechanism, we, through the BAFTA umbrella, have
allocated 2 million Carbon Offsets to be placed on the AVCCM Forum for sale,”
he said.
“In fact, I have the Memorandum of Intent of the commitment
of these Carbon Offsets, which have been certified and validated and I intend
to sign with the AVCCM at this forum.”
He said AVCCMF needs the support of all people as it is not
merely a Zimbabwean or African effort, but is one that ought to be supported by
other progressive nations of the world. Chronicle
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