Zimbabwe

The Swedish Chemicals Agency works through a Sida-funded global programme in Zimbabwe since 2025.

The collaboration focuses on supporting Zimbabwe in preparing for the implementation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). Support is also provided to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development (MoLAFWRD) in updating the country’s pesticide legislation. Potential future areas for cooperation include strengthening enforcement and developing work on chemicals in articles.

Responsibility for chemicals and agricultural inputs is shared among several national authorities. The Department of Research and Specialist Services, Fertilizer, Farm Feeds and Remedies under MoLAFWRD focuses on protecting agriculture by ensuring effective regulation and cooperation among stakeholders, while guaranteeing quality agricultural inputs; it is also responsible for pesticide registration.

The Environmental Public Health Department under the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) is responsible for protecting public health by regulating the safe use, handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals, as well as assessing health risks and setting guidelines for acceptable exposure levels.

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is tasked with environmental protection and sustainable resource management. Its responsibilities include regulating dangerous substances, overseeing waste disposal, conducting inspections, contributing to GHS implementation, and managing environmental issues.

The Swedish Chemicals Agency supports all three authorities.

Overall, our work in Zimbabwe aims to build sustainable systems for chemicals management, enhance regulatory capacity, and support the safe use of chemicals to protect human health and the environment.