About ZSCIS
Zimbabwe's First
Student Climate
Summit
The Zimbabwe Students Climate Innovation Summit (ZSCIS) is a landmark gathering uniting the country's most ambitious young minds to tackle the defining challenge of our generation — the climate crisis.
Our Mission
ZSCIS exists to bridge the gap between student innovation and real-world climate action in Zimbabwe. We believe that the solutions to Zimbabwe's climate challenges already exist in the minds of its young people — they simply need a platform, resources, and connections to bring those ideas to life.
Over two days at the Diamond Conference Centre, University of Zimbabwe, 1500+ student delegates from 30+ universities will converge to showcase innovations, shape policy, pitch green businesses, and sign the Harare Climate Pledge — a collective commitment to climate action.
The summit culminates in the Zimbabwe Climate Prize — $10,000 in seed funding awarded to the most impactful student-led climate innovation.
"Climate change is not a future problem for Zimbabwe. It is happening now — and young people must lead the response."
ZSCIS 2026 Founding Statement
Three Summit Pillars
Every session, workshop, and competition at ZSCIS is built around three interconnected themes.
Climate Innovation
Showcasing student-led technological and social innovations that address Zimbabwe's most pressing climate challenges — from water scarcity to renewable energy access.
Youth Policy
Empowering young Zimbabweans to engage directly with policymakers, draft climate recommendations, and contribute to the country's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Green Entrepreneurship
Nurturing the next generation of green business leaders through pitching competitions, mentorship, and connections to investors and incubators.
Why Zimbabwe, Why Now
Zimbabwe is on the frontlines of the climate crisis. The numbers tell the story.
80%
of Zimbabweans depend on rain-fed agriculture
Climate variability directly threatens food security for the majority of the population.
↑2.1°C
projected temperature rise by 2050
Zimbabwe is warming faster than the global average, intensifying droughts and erratic rainfall.
60%
of Zimbabwe's population is under 25
Young people will bear the greatest burden of climate change — and hold the greatest power to solve it.
30+
universities represented
From Harare to Bulawayo, Mutare to Gweru — ZSCIS unites student innovators from across the country.
Our Journey
Zimbabwe Students Climate Network founded by a coalition of university students across 8 institutions.
First national student climate dialogue held in Harare, attended by 200+ delegates from 15 universities.
ZSCN launches the Zimbabwe Climate Prize concept to fund student-led green innovations.
Planning begins for the inaugural Zimbabwe Students Climate Innovation Summit with government and UNDP backing.
ZSCIS 2026 — the landmark two-day summit at Diamond Conference Centre, UZ, 25–26 June.
Who's Behind ZSCIS
A coalition of student networks, academic institutions, government bodies, and development partners.
Lead Organiser
Zimbabwe Students Climate Network (ZSCN)
A student-led network connecting climate advocates across Zimbabwean universities, driving grassroots action and policy engagement since 2021.
Host Institution
University of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe's premier research university, providing the Diamond Conference Centre and academic support for the summit.
Government Partner
Ministry of Environment, Climate & Wildlife
Providing policy context, ministerial keynotes, and a direct channel for student recommendations into national climate planning.
Development Partner
UNDP Zimbabwe
Supporting youth climate action as part of the broader sustainable development agenda in Zimbabwe.
Be Part of History
Join 1500+ student delegates at Zimbabwe's first student-led climate summit. 25–26 June 2026, Diamond Conference Centre, UZ.