Tafadzwa Kurotwi describes her work as translation. Not just between languages but between lived climate reality and policy power. As a certified climate diplomat and climate resilience advocate, Tafadzwa bridges grassroots Zimbabwean communities with global decision-making spaces like COP. Her work sits at the intersection of sovereignty, regenerative economics, and decentralized clean energy.

Through the #MyPieceForChange campaign, we invite people to share their unique contributions to collective transformation. This series exists to honor their stories, amplify their voices, and connect them with a wider community of like-minded peers. Today, we’re honored to introduce our Changeworker of the Week: Tafadzwa Kurotwi whom we had the pleasure of interviewing for this special spotlight.

What’s your piece for change?

My piece of the puzzle is translation taking the lived reality of climate loss and damage and turning it into actionable policy and investment frameworks that respect African sovereignty.

What inspired you to begin this work or stay committed to it?

The inspiration came from seeing the direct disconnect between global climate policy and the local farmer in Zimbabwe. Watching traditional weather patterns which our ancestors relied on for centuries become unpredictable was a wake-up call. I stay committed because climate resilience isn’t a luxury for me, it is a matter of survival and economic sovereignty.

What’s one hope or vision you hold for the future?

I envision a World that skips the heavy carbon phase of development entirely, leaping straight into a decentralized, green industrial revolution. My hope is to see cities where energy is clean, abundant, and owned by the communities that use it.

What support or connection are you currently looking for?

Connections to impact investors interested in Biogas as a Service models for rural Zimbabwean entrepreneurs.Partners who can help our women-led cooperatives bring their organic bio-fertilizer (a byproduct of biogas) to larger agricultural markets.Scaling up the project from local to a regional level.

What’s one thing about your field or topic you wish more people knew, considered, or acted on?

I wish people understood that climate action is a wealth creation opportunity, not just a cost. When we invest in regenerative agriculture or clean energy, we aren't just "saving the planet" ,we are building a profitable, and equitable local economy.

What practices, tools, or resources have supported you most on your changework journey?

My training as a certified climate diplomat has been a vital tool for bridging the gap between grassroots activism in Zimbabwe and international policy spaces like COP.

We treat our pilot projects like the Emerald Biogas Initiative in Wedza as real-world laboratories.This practice of gathering data from specific local contexts allows us to refine our technology based on community feedback before scaling up.

As an Ambassador,and country lead for She Changes Climate this network provides me with the platform and solidarity needed to champion the role of women as leaders in climate resilience.

Can you share a moment or experience that deeply shaped the way you approach change today?

My approach to change was fundamentally reshaped during my time working with diverse groups of young leaders across the globe.

There was a specific moment during a global climate summit where I sat in a circle with activists from the Pacific Islands, the Arctic, and the streets of London. We all spoke the same "climate language," but the textures of our realities were worlds apart.

What collective shift do you believe is needed for meaningful change to happen and what gives you hope that it’s possible?

A shift from individual ego to collective ecosystem. Meaningful change happens when we stop asking. How does this benefit me? and start asking "How does this strengthen or change the system?

How do you take care of your own energy or wellbeing while doing this work?

I go back to the land. Stepping away from the screens to work with soil reminds me why I’m fighting. You can’t advocate for the Earth if you don’t have a relationship with it. For my mental health I also prioritize self-care and taking long walks.

Where can people learn more about your work or connect with you?

You can follow our journey and find our latest research and projects via Emerald Climate Hub and on all social media platforms Tafadzwa Kurotwi.

The Parayma community is rooted in authentic, supportive relationships. 

Tafadzwa’s changework reminds us that climate justice is sovereignty.

If you are working in regenerative finance, decentralised energy, women-led cooperatives, or climate diplomacy, consider connecting.

Thank you, Tafadzwa, for your powerful #PieceForChange.

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