Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe has committed US$100,000 to an afforestation and land restoration programme in partnership with My Trees Trust, aimed at planting 40,000 indigenous trees in Hurungwe district over the next three years.
The initiative, unveiled during a signing ceremony at Stanbic Bank’s Harare headquarters last week, will support 40 smallholder farmers while promoting environmental restoration and sustainable rural livelihoods.
The project forms part of the Blue Roots Initiative, a Standard Bank Group sustainability programme targeting the planting of one million trees across Africa in recognition of the group’s nearly one million business clients.
Stanbic head of business and commercial banking Patson Mahatchi said the programme was designed to strengthen both environmental sustainability and Zimbabwe’s agricultural economy.
“This initiative is not only about environmental restoration, but also about strengthening the foundation of Zimbabwe’s agricultural economy, which includes our environment and our farmers,” he said.
Mahatchi said the partnership would ensure rural communities participate meaningfully in agricultural value chains while advancing the bank’s sustainability goals.
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“By supporting the planting of more than 40,000 indigenous trees, we are addressing environmental sustainability, which is a key priority for us as a bank,” he said.
Stanbic head of legal and governance Neeta Joshi described the programme as a major milestone in the bank’s sustainability agenda.
“This is more than the signing of an agreement. It is the affirmation of a shared responsibility to leave the environment stronger, healthier and more resilient for future generations,” she said.
Joshi said reforestation contributes to ecosystem restoration, water conservation, biodiversity protection, climate resilience and carbon sequestration.
“Every tree planted represents an investment in the future,” she said.
The programme includes a 36-month monitoring period to track tree survival rates and ensure long-term environmental impact.
Beyond tree planting, the initiative seeks to reverse land degradation, restore soil health and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
My Trees Trust country director Rory Pilossof welcomed the partnership, describing it as an important step toward scaling up reforestation efforts.
“Forty thousand trees are a wonderful commitment, but it is only the beginning. We want to build something long-term that delivers sustainability, supports the environment and improves livelihoods,” he said.
Pilossof said the project could also create opportunities for carbon credit generation, providing additional income streams for rural communities.
“If we can make carbon credit generation viable, we can create a project that not only plants trees but also delivers livelihoods and transforms lives in rural areas,” he said.
The partnership aims to combine environmental restoration with community empowerment by creating sustainable income opportunities while encouraging climate-smart agricultural practices.
Mahatchi said the investment reflected Stanbic Bank’s commitment to long-term partnerships that promote economic growth and environmental resilience.
“We are committed to being more than a financial institution. We are a long-term partner, and today’s ceremony demonstrates that commitment,” he said.