Green Fuel is a Zimbabwean company that produces renewable fuel and electricity, with a strong focus on ethanol made from sugarcane. The ethanol is anhydrous (very low moisture content) and marketed as a clean, renewable fuel. The project was launched as part of a national initiative to reduce Zimbabwe’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Location and Operations

The company is headquartered in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Its main estates are in Chipinge district:

Chisumbanje Estate: around 40,000 hectares, with about 9,000 hectares currently under sugarcane.

Middle Sabi Estate: about 10,000 hectares, of which roughly 3,500 hectares are planted with cane.

Green Fuel’s operations integrate sugarcane cultivation, irrigation, harvesting, ethanol production, and power generation. Much of the plant equipment was sourced internationally, but a large portion of the engineering was completed locally to develop domestic expertise.

Scale, Staff & Reach

Green Fuel is considered one of the first large-scale ethanol production plants of its kind in Africa. It serves both Zimbabwe and the wider regional market. The company employs hundreds of staff and partners with local farmers and contractors to sustain operations.

Benefits & Strategic Goals

Energy Security – By producing fuel locally, Zimbabwe reduces its reliance on imported petroleum.

Economic Impact – The project helps save foreign currency by cutting imports.

Job Creation – Employment opportunities are created in agriculture, processing, and associated services.

Community Development – Through its CSR program, called Vimbo (“Hope for a better future”), Green Fuel supports local farming, entrepreneurship, education, and infrastructure development in surrounding communities.

Controversies & Criticisms

Despite its benefits, the company has faced a number of disputes and criticisms:

Land and Resettlement: Communities in Chipinge have accused Green Fuel of displacing families and encroaching on communal land without fair compensation.

Environmental Concerns: Critics claim the project did not conduct a full Environmental Impact Assessment before launch and have raised issues about pollution and water use.

Farmer Relations: There have been disputes over payment agreements with local cane growers and allegations of broken promises.

Policy and Compliance: At different times, parliamentary committees and regulatory bodies have scrutinized Green Fuel’s compliance with indigenisation and environmental laws.

Community and Branding

Green Fuel also sponsors a football club, Green Fuel F.C., based in Chisumbanje. The club competes in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League and is part of the company’s community engagement and branding strategy.

Broader Context

The Chisumbanje Ethanol Project, under which Green Fuel operates, is one of Zimbabwe’s largest biofuel ventures. At full capacity, it has the potential to employ thousands and significantly boost local development in Manicaland Province, particularly in the Chipinge district.