Green Fuel demonstrates a strong commitment to the communities surrounding its operations in Zimbabwe through a comprehensive Corporate Social Investment and Responsibility (CSIR) portfolio, branded as "Vimbo – Hope for a Better Future." All Green Fuel’s CSIR programs are designed with the principle of sustainable development at their core, aiming to create lasting positive impacts that extend beyond the immediate operational footprint.
Key focus areas of Green Fuel's CSIR initiatives include:
-
Economic empowerment & job creation
-
Education
-
Environmental Sustainability
-
Health & Social Welfare
Our Key CSR Range
Cultivating Abundance, Conserving Resources
Green Fuel's Irrigation Schemes -
Watering a Greener Tomorrow
The hallmark of Green Fuel’s CSIR portfolio its substantial allocation of its land for community irrigation, benefiting thousands of local families with access to land and water for farming. This not only enhances food security but also provides opportunities for income generation through the sale of surplus produce.
To date, 1,120 hectares of land has been developed for small scale farmers in the form of irrigation schemes, benefiting over 2,200 families and ensuring access to water and technical support year-round, as well as a further 680ha developed for settler farmers and out growers.
The Company has also invested in a number of projects, providing skills development and income generating opportunities, including :
-
Beekeeping projects - Blessed Honey Makers
-
Recycling initiatives - using old tires to make fences
-
Reusable sanitary wear production - Dermal Care, a project producing reusable sanitary pads for girls in local schools, addressing issues of hygiene and school attendance.
-
Community kitchens to feed the company’s 3,000 plus employees
Entrepreneurial Projects
Green Fuel actively supports entrepreneurial projects within the community, such as our on-site sewing workshop, Manna Creative Fashions that produces work suits and uniforms. Manna Creative Fashions is one of Green Fuel’s most successful community projects thus far. Comprising of ten tailors, Manna has grown tremendously since its establishment in July 2014, sewing over 1,500 worksuits per month for the company as well as sports kit and uniforms. The team undergoes consistent training and development and have created a livelihood for themselves thanks to the support of the company.
Green Fuel's Bright Minds Initiative
Sowing Seeds of Knowledge
The company has established libraries and technology centers to provide students and community members with access to books and computer literacy skills; as well as providing scholarships to support students from early childhood development through university.
​
Recognizing the importance of STEM education, we constructed a fully equipped Science Laboratory for use by students attending the surrounding high schools. This is the first and only science lab in the area, providing invaluable access to further education for local pupils.
​
The Ramangwana rakajeka bursary program is a Green Fuel initiative sponsoring 100 children’s school fees and supplies, significantly impacting their access to education. The company also sponsors a number of talented university students with tuition fees and accommodation expenses, as well as graduate training once they have completed their degrees.
Health and Social Welfare
Addressing social welfare and health is also a priority. Green Fuel supports local clinics and hospitals, including the refurbishment of facilities like St Peter's Hospital and the establishment of drip-irrigated gardens to aid in food security and fundraising. The company has also donated significant quantities of sanitizer to frontline workers and institutions.
​
​The company provides continuous support to local clinics in the area, supplying essential medication and assisting with maintenance and development. Green Fuel’s ambulances are also on call to assist employees and the neighbouring community.
Environmental Sustainability
Green Fuel actively promotes environmental stewardship through our extensive tree nursery, donating trees and shrubs for reforestation efforts.
​
Firewood is the primary source of cooking fuel in Zimbabwe and this, along with land clearing for farming practices, has resulted in significant deforestation throughout the country and particularly in Chipinge South. In response to this, Green Fuel has built up an impressive indigenous tree nursery that plants and donates trees to neighbouring communities as well as providing education on the desperate need for reforestation of the area. On average, the Company donates over 3,000 trees per year, primarily during the rainy season.
Connecting Communities, Building Futures
Infrastructure for a Better Tomorrow
Roads - Beyond direct economic and social programs, Green Fuel invests in long term, sustainable development of the land and surrounding communities and has developed an extensive road infrastructure of over 394km in and around its Estates.
Tapping into Potential
Boreholes - Middle Sabi and Chisumbanje are situated between Regions 4 and 5, meaning that both areas receive very low annual rainfall and are subject to seasonal droughts. Green Fuel has drilled 8 boreholes in 2024 alone, providing the surrounding communities with direct access to clean water.
Green Fuel Soccer
Green Fuel’s substantial investment into the Green Fuel Football club has yielded significant positive returns, extending beyond the pitch. The team has been part of the Premier Soccer League for the last 3 years running, attracting experienced players and necessitating the development of the Green Fuel Sports Arena, an impressive facility benefitting both the club and the surrounding communities.
Our commitment to sports development has fostered a strong connection with the local community in Chisumbanje, providing entertainment, creating local heroes and offering opportunities for mentorship programs for young, talented players from the local community.
Netball
Fostering gender equality in the sports industry, Green Fuel also sponsors The Green Fuel Netball Club. The Ethanol Girls dominate their league and 8 of their players have been selected for the national team.
Community Development through Sport
Local Sports events are fostering community engagement, promoting talent, and driving positive social impact in Chisumbanje.