Cabinet has approved the Environmental Management Amendment Bill, 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening Zimbabwe’s environmental legal framework and reinforcing constitutional environmental rights.
The Bill was presented by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Ziyambi Ziyambi, in his capacity as Chair of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation.
It seeks to amend the Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:27] by incorporating emerging environmental principles and giving full effect to environmental rights enshrined in the Constitution.
According to Cabinet, the proposed changes are designed to modernise the country’s environmental governance system and ensure it responds to current and future environmental challenges.
A key feature of the Bill is the strengthening of the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), which will be further empowered to enforce environmental protection measures, regulate compliance, and safeguard natural resources.
Officials say the reforms are intended to enhance the agency’s capacity to protect and preserve the environment for both present and future generations, while aligning national law with evolving global environmental standards.
The amendment is expected to mark a significant step in reinforcing environmental accountability and sustainable development in Zimbabwe.
