Summary
In June 2023, the Environmental Management Agency of Zimbabwe (EMA) and LEEP jointly conducted a paint study to determine the lead content of paints available to purchase in Zimbabwe. Results showed that 35% of the samples, representing 34 brands, contained hazardous levels of lead. The study followed on from a multi-stakeholder workshop held in Harare and organised by EMA and LEEP, during which a roadmap to eliminate lead paint in Zimbabwe was discussed. The paint study represents an important step forward in EMA and LEEP’s collaboration towards this shared goal.
EMA’s and LEEP’s paint study
UNICEF estimates that 3 in 4 children in Zimbabwe have lead poisoning, causing widespread negative health and economic impacts. Lead has toxic effects on almost all body systems and is especially harmful for children and pregnant women. An estimated $425M of earning potential is lost each year in Zimbabwe as a result of lead exposure.
A study conducted in 2021 by academics at the University of Zimbabwe and LEEP demonstrated that lead paint was available to purchase on the market in Harare, Zimbabwe. Seven out of 10 samples of oil-based paint contained hazardous levels of lead (above the WHO’s recommended limit of 90 ppm). One of the samples had a lead content of 12,000 ppm. This provided evidence that paint is one source of lead exposure in Zimbabwe.
In June 2023, the Environmental Management Agency of Zimbabwe (EMA) and LEEP tested paints sold in Zimbabwe (both domestically manufactured and imported) to more comprehensively identify the extent of lead paint manufacturing across the market. 150 cans of solvent-based paint, spray paints, and tints–either intended or known to be sold for home use–were obtained in June 2023 from stores and factories in Harare, Zimbabwe. 61 brands were represented in the study, including all major brands. Where available, white, yellow, and red paints from each brand were purchased. If these colours were not available, similar colours were purchased.
All paints were analysed at the Wisconsin Occupational Health Laboratory (WOHL) (USA) for lead content based on dry weight using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The laboratory is accredited by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and it participates in the Environmental Lead Proficiency Analytical Testing program (ELPAT). The laboratory’s analytical methods and certifications are consistent with those recommended by the World Health Organisation for measuring lead in paint.
An additional set of samples was created to support the development of local testing capacity for lead in paint. EMA has been working on validating their testing method with a view to conducting compliance assessment for future regulation. LEEP has been able to offer support by facilitating knowledge sharing between EMA and WOHL.
Results summary
Results showed that 35% of the paint samples, representing 34 of the brands, contained levels of lead greater than 90 ppm. Over 90% of these lead-based paints had lead content greater than 15x the recommended limit of 90 ppm; over half of the lead-based paints had a lead content greater than 120x 90 ppm. The highest lead content detected was 150,000 ppm, which is over 1,666 times the recommended limit.
Lead content of the 150 samples of solvent-based paints. 90 ppm is the maximum limit recommended by the WHO and UNEP.
High levels of lead were found in both coloured (e.g., red and yellow) and white paints. This indicates that lead pigments and/or lead driers may be the source of lead.
Mr Aaron Chigona, Director General, EMA, said:
“The data in this initial study provides clear evidence on this important issue. We strongly urge manufacturers to immediately remove lead ingredients from their paint. LEEP provides free support to manufacturers to help them in this process and EMA encourages industry to take up this offer. EMA will be taking steps to regulate lead in oil-based paint and to create a country free from the harms of lead paint exposure.”
The study was reported in local news outlets, The Sunday Mail and H-Metro.

EMA and LEEP staff prepare paint samples at the EMA laboratory.
Government outreach
In June, LEEP Co-Executive Director, Clare Donaldson, and Zimbabwe Program Manager, Bal Dhital, met with EMA in Harare to host a multi-stakeholder workshop on the issue of lead in paint.
The meeting was well attended by representatives of government, civil society, industry, academia, and the media. Attendees heard presentations on the health impacts of lead exposure, the resources available to governments and industry, and the results of the 2021 study. Industry representatives were given initial advice on reformulating to lead-free paint, and cross-sectoral perspectives on eliminating lead paint in Zimbabwe were discussed.
The workshop and the 2021 study results were reported in local news outlets, The Herald, PAN African Visions, and also on national radio.
Industry outreach
Since the workshop, EMA and LEEP have met with representatives of 20 paint manufacturers in Zimbabwe, to explain the health effects of lead in paint and offer LEEP’s free support with reformulation (i.e. removing lead ingredients from their paint).
LEEP is so far aware of four paint manufacturers who have reported testing new raw materials as they look to change to paint production without added lead. One of these brands is a small-to-medium enterprise. The other three are amongst four of the most popular brands tested by LEEP in Zimbabwe. Our best understanding is that the four most popular brands represent a majority of the total oil-based paint market.
LEEP expects the number of brands committed to producing safe, lead-free paint to increase further as engagement with industry progresses. We also expect to build up a more detailed understanding of the market share of different brands. This information will feed into our future evaluations of the cost-effectiveness of the program.
One hurdle for paint manufacturers seeking to reformulate has historically been obtaining high-quality lead-free pigments at a reasonable cost. LEEP is seeking to address this in two ways. First, by sharing contact information and encouraging uptake of lead-free raw materials that are already available through local and regional suppliers. Second, by increasing the number of lead-free raw materials manufacturers can choose from, by connecting lead-free raw material producers new to the Zimbabwean market to the manufacturers (either directly or through the same local and regional suppliers). The new raw materials that have been tested by the four brands mentioned above have come from both of these routes.
Next steps
The 2023 study demonstrates that the sale of lead in paint is widespread in Zimbabwe, but that the production of lead-free paint is entirely possible.
LEEP plans to:
- Continue providing technical support to manufacturers seeking to reformulate.
- Continue providing support to the Government of Zimbabwe as it makes progress towards legally binding controls on lead in paint in Zimbabwe.
- Undertake further lead paint testing, to assess which manufacturers have successfully reformulated.
Acknowledgements and thanks
LEEP would like to thank Mr Christopher Mushava, EMA Environmental Protection Unit Director at EMA, Mrs Sylvia Yomisi, EMA Laboratory Manager, Mr Alpha Chikurira, EMA Environmental Protection Unit Manager, and the rest of the EMA team.