Story by Panashe Nagoli
A 22-year-old National Youth Service graduate is transforming her community through entrepreneurship, as Zimbabwe prepares to mark National Youth Day on 21 February under the theme “Youth Agenda for Transformation” at Igava Training Centre.
Panashe Chipfunde, who graduated in 2024 as part of the first 831 graduates of the rebranded National Youth Service programme, now runs a flourishing plant nursery with more than 4,300 flowers and trees.
She credits the programme with equipping her with both the mindset and practical skills to venture into business.
“I heard about the National Youth Service from a friend and after researching I decided this is something I want to do. We were taught about national ideology, patriotism and entrepreneurship, about how business should be run. That is when I came back and started this project, which is now very successful,” she said.
Using a self-designed irrigation system, Ms Chipfunde has grown her nursery into a viable enterprise while creating employment opportunities for fellow youths in her community.
Her transformation has also been felt at home. Her mother, Elector Mukombwe, admitted she was initially hesitant about her daughter joining the programme.
“When I heard that she wanted to go for the Youth Service, initially I refused, but she came back a different person. She is now hard-working and she even helped me build this house. She sends two children to school using her own money, so I am grateful she went because they were taught good things,” she said.
Beyond running her business, Ms Chipfunde is funding the education of underprivileged children, reflecting the broader national goal of empowering young people to drive development in their communities.
She now has ambitions to expand her operations.
“I am looking forward to bigger things. I want to grow. I hope to get a bigger piece of land and register my company with PRAZ as we were taught. For now, I just want a bigger piece of land,” she said.
Her mother encouraged other parents to support their children’s participation in the programme.
“I encourage parents to send their children to the Youth Service because it is important for our children to get critical skills,” she said.
As the country commemorates National Youth Day, Ms Chipfunde’s journey from trainee to employer and community benefactor stands as a practical example of youth empowerment in action — and a reflection of the “Youth Agenda for Transformation” theme.
