Story by Fungai Jachi
ZIMBABWE is set to host the inaugural Youth Empowerment Symposium later this month, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa expected to launch the National Youth Empowerment Strategy, a comprehensive framework expected to accelerate youth participation in national development.
The government continues to find ways to fully capacitate youths for them to meaningfully participate in the national developmental matrix, with the symposium expected to be a milestone in the empowerment of young people.
This was confirmed by the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Honourable Tino Machakaire at a media briefing in Harare this Thursday.
“His Excellency will officially launch the National Youth Empowerment Strategy, a guiding framework for structured youth empowerment, capacity building, and economic inclusion. Furthermore, the President will deliver a keynote address highlighting the government’s unwavering commitment to empowering youth.”
He also spoke about what young people can expect from the upcoming symposium.
“The first day will focus on youth-led exhibitions and interactive knowledge-sharing sessions designed to stimulate business curiosity, motivate action, and promote collaboration. Over 200 youth-led enterprises from across the country will showcase innovations, products, and services in key sectors such as agriculture, ICT, creative arts, sport, green energy, tourism, mining and manufacturing.”
“In addition, more than 100 key stakeholders, government ministries, sector private development partners, and state agencies, including institutions, will also be exhibiting youth-focused products, services, and support opportunities,” the Minister said.
The Second Republic has been consistent in championing youth-focused development initiatives, recognising the critical role of young people in driving innovation and growth.
Some of the initiatives include the expansion of vocational training centres, support for entrepreneurship programmes and the distribution of agricultural and mining equipment to help the youth start and grow their businesses.
The Youth Empowerment Symposium will be held from October 21 to 22 October 2025.
