Green manufacturing/Cleaner Production in Zimbabwe: Learning from Japanese Experiences

Abstract

This paper discusses environmental issues in Africa and deals with the situation in Zimbabwe in more detail. Most people in Sub Saharan Africa live in the rural areas and make a living from agriculture and forest resources. In Zimbabwe, coal is the main source of energy in industry and in electricity production. Environmental management and green manufacturing (cleaner production) initiatives in the country have been limited. Three companies had been certified to ISO 14000 by June 1990. Green manufacturing assessments have been done in more than 80 companies. Cogeneration potential in steam using industry is high and a mini case studies of the sugar industries in Reunion, Mauritius and Zimbabwe show that 5% (517 GWh) of Zimbabwe`s electricity needs can be supplied by this sector. Ethanol is another viable by-product in the sugar industry. Pertinent legislation is necessary and Japanese examples are given. Lessons from NEC Corporation in the use of information technology are given as well as aspects that can be adapted from the experiences of Toyota Motor Corporation in a variety of areas.