<p>This article offers an application of ecofeminist ideology, postcolonial feminist political economy, and empirical evidence from Zimbabwe to critically examine existing development strategies and propose solutions to combat the environmental and gendered exploitative practices inherent in neo-colonial extractive industries, paving the way for more sustainable economic development. The main focus is to explore and highlight women’s crucial role in developing climate-resilient economies. The article also seeks to explore how the interconnected oppression of women and nature are intrinsically linked with extractivist development strategies that are rooted in colonialism. The article analyses how Zimbabwe’s extractivist economy and the systemic exclusion of women’s unpaid and underpaid labour have harmed the environment and hindered ecosystems regeneration while also recommending best practices for Zimbabwe to establish climate-resilient economies.</p>