CNRG launches mining revenue toolkit to boost transparency and accountability

THE Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) has launched a new toolkit aimed at helping communities and civil society organisations track mining revenues and public expenditure in Zimbabwe.

The toolkit, titled Follow the Money: A Practical Guide to Understanding Mining Revenues and Public Finance, was introduced at the Zimbabwe Alternative Mining Indaba (ZAMI) 2026.

The event has emerged as a key platform for discussions on the future of Zimbabwe’s resource economy.

Held under the theme, “Powering Tomorrow: Reimagining Mining, Energy, Agriculture and Community Development in Zimbabwe,” ZAMI 2026 brings together stakeholders to explore ways of leveraging the country’s mineral wealth for value addition, responsible mining and inclusive growth.

The toolkit launch focused on transparency in mining revenues and public finances, an area CNRG says remains critical to resource governance.

Zimbabwe’s mining sector generates public revenue through taxes, royalties, fees and other payments. However, communities often face challenges accessing and understanding how the funds are collected, allocated and spent.

According to CNRG, the new guide seeks to bridge that gap by providing communities, civil society organisations, journalists and citizens with practical tools to monitor mining revenues and public expenditure.

“The toolkit aims to bridge this gap by offering a practical, accessible resource for communities, civil society organizations, journalists, and citizens eager to monitor mining revenues and public expenditure. The guide walks users through the process of tracking public resources — from understanding the fundamentals of public finance and mining revenues to identifying where information can be found, monitoring expenditure, documenting concerns, and taking action,” CNRG stated.

The organisation said the toolkit simplifies complex fiscal and mining-related issues, enabling communities to engage authorities and demand accountability.

At the centre of the guide is the principle: “Communities cannot effectively demand accountability if they cannot follow the money.”

The launch comes as Zimbabwe intensifies its focus on the economic potential of its mineral resources, including critical minerals.

CNRG said providing communities and civil society organisations with practical knowledge would strengthen their participation in discussions about how mineral wealth is converted into public revenue and how those funds are ultimately used.

The toolkit was produced by CNRG in partnership with the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD), under the project “Enhancing Advocacy and Capacity Building of CBOs and CSOs for Natural Resource Governance and Community-led Engagement in Zimbabwe.”

The project received financial support from the European Union, with additional funding from Bread for the World.

CNRG and ZIMCODD acknowledged the contributions of project partners, communities and civil society organisations whose experiences helped shape the resource.

The publication seeks to strengthen the ability of communities and civil society to track public revenues, expenditure and resource flows, while promoting transparency, accountability and meaningful participation in natural resource governance.

CNRG noted that the toolkit’s contents are its responsibility and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or Bread for the World.

“This launch positions the toolkit as a timely intervention in Zimbabwe’s ongoing debate over how to ensure that mineral wealth translates into tangible benefits for citizens — a debate that will continue to shape the country’s economic and political trajectory,” CNRG added.

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