Story by Panashe Nagoli
GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, describing it as a strategic pillar for driving socio-economic transformation and achieving national development goals.
The focus is anchored in Pillar Six of the National Development Strategy Two (NDS2), which prioritises job creation, youth development, the creative industry and culture, positioning young people as key drivers of Zimbabwe’s development agenda.
In line with this vision, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Honourable Tinoda Machakaire, on Monday launched the World Food Programme (WFP) Youth Empowerment Leadership Programme (YELP), an initiative aimed at nurturing young leaders, innovators and change-makers in food systems, climate resilience and community development.
The inaugural cohort comprises 10 young Zimbabweans selected from a pool of 1 200 applicants, with the programme focusing on leadership, innovation and food systems transformation.
One of the participants, Kampazanga said the initiative provides valuable exposure and mentorship for young entrepreneurs.
“As young people, we were selected out of 1 200 applicants, and this initiative is meant to give us exposure and mentorship in our business endeavours,” he said.
Another participant, Boer goat farmer Charangwa, said the programme offers opportunities beyond mentorship.
“I’m a boer goats farmer, and this programme, apart from mentorship, also provides access to capital markets and market linkages, which grow our productivity,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Honourable Machakaire said Government remains focused on creating an enabling environment for young people to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“Zimbabwe is currently at a critical point in its development. We are a youthful nation, abundant in talent, energy and potential. This is precisely why the government developed the National Youth Empowerment Strategy to create a clear, coordinated and forward-looking framework that allows young people to actively participate in development,” he said.
WFP Deputy Country Director Mr Billy Mwiinga said empowering young people is essential for strengthening their participation in the economy.
“It is important that we recognise that the immediate future is in the hands of young people and so we are striving to ensure that we empower them to improve their economic participation,” he said.
According to the 2022 Population Census, more than 46 percent of Zimbabwe’s population is aged between 10 and 35, presenting significant opportunities for youth-led economic growth and development.
