Sekai Manyere in GOKWE GOVERNMENT, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and Uncommon.Org, has launched an Artificial Intelligence, Digital and Innovation Hub at Nyamuroro Vocational Training Centre in Gokwe North. Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Tinoda Machakaire, who was represented by Deputy Minister Kudakwashe Mupanhanga, said the hub would provide young people in rural communities with access to digital skills, artificial intelligence, coding, innovation and opportunities in the digital economy. “The launch is more than the opening of a training facility,” he said. “It opens the gateway through which young people in rural Zimbabwe can access digital skills, artificial intelligence, coding, innovation, and the opportunities of the digital economy.” In a speech read on his behalf, Minister Machakaire said the facility was the first AI Digital Innovation Hub established by the ministry in a rural area, adding that its location in Gokwe North was deliberate. “Zimbabwe’s digital transformation must not be confined to our cities and urban centres. “It must reach our villages and rural communities so that no young person is left behind because of where they live,” he said. The hub has already enrolled 52 young people from Gokwe North who have commenced lessons. “To our 52 pioneer learners, this hub belongs to you. As the first cohort, you have been given an opportunity that many before you did not have. I urge you not to come merely to obtain certificates, but to acquire skills that can transform your lives,” he said. Minister Machakaire said the initiative came at a time when Zimbabwe was seeking to address youth unemployment and inactivity. He said approximately 49,2 percent of young people were not in education, employment or training, according to the 2025 ZimCET survey. The Minister explained that the national target is to reduce this proportion of youth not in education, employment, or training from 49,2 percent to 15 percent by 2030. He urged development partners, the private sector and communities to support similar initiatives. “One hub is an important beginning, but it cannot be the end; we need more partnerships, more young people trained, more rural communities connected to the digital economy,” said Minister Machakaire. UNDP resident representative Dr Ayodele Odusola said the project was designed as an opportunity platform to generate employment, entrepreneurship and locally relevant solutions. “Success of what we are doing today is not measured by the number of computers that have been installed, but the capabilities that are going to emerge from here, including the employment opportunities that are going to be created, the entrepreneurs that are going to be trained and the locally relevant solutions that are going to be introduced to address challenges that are facing our communities across Zimbabwe,” he said. He said digital innovation should reach communities across the country rather than remain concentrated in urban centres. “Access to digital innovation cannot be limited to all our major urban centres, but it should be something that is accessible to all communities across all 10 provinces in Zimbabwe,” he said. Dr Odusola said the next phase would focus on expanding skills, innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation. “Today’s commissioning is just the beginning; it’s not an end, so the next phase is for us to move from infrastructure to utilisation and also moving to expanding skills, innovating, training entrepreneurs and generating jobs,” he said. UNDP funded the renovation of the facility and procurement of 32 laptops, interactive boards and other equipment, while the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services provided 20 additional laptops. Uncommon.Org deployed instructors to support the programme. Director Michelle Gwatiringa said the project demonstrated that innovation belonged to every community. “Together, we are demonstrating that innovation is not confined to our cities, but it belongs to every community across Zimbabwe,” she said.

The official launch of the Nyamuroro AI, Digital and Innovation Hub in Gokwe tomorrow, is set to usher in a new era of digital inclusion, innovation and economic empowerment for young people in rural communities. The establishment of the hub comes at a time when digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are rapidly reshaping economies, education, employment and entrepreneurship across the globe. For young people in rural communities, however, access to these technologies has been a major challenge. It is upon this background that the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training working with the UNDP and Uncommon.org have come together for a cause. They established the Nyamuroro AI, Digital and Innovation Hub in Gokwe Nembudziya. The Nyamuroro AI, Digital and Innovation Hub will provide a platform where youths can acquire digital skills, access information and explore new opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving digital economy. The facility is poised to become an important centre for digital learning, innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly for young people who may otherwise struggle to access modern technology and specialised training. Through exposure to computers, internet-based learning and emerging technologies, youths will have opportunities to develop skills that can enhance their employability while also opening avenues for self-employment. The youths will acquire digital skills such as coding, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, graphic design, data management and online entrepreneurship. The skills are increasingly becoming important components of modern economies. For rural youths, acquiring such skills can provide opportunities to participate in economic activities beyond the traditional boundaries of their communities. A young person in Gokwe, for instance, will now be able to use digital platforms to market products, provide online services, access educational resources or establish an enterprise serving customers beyond the local community. This makes the Nyamuroro hub more than simply a technology centre. It rather represents an investment in human capital and the future of rural communities. Technology and agriculture The hub could also contribute significantly to the modernisation of agriculture, which remains an important economic activity in rural Zimbabwe. Access to digital information can enable farmers and young agricultural entrepreneurs to obtain information on weather patterns, markets, farming techniques, disease management and value addition. Artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are increasingly being incorporated into agriculture around the world, helping farmers make better-informed decisions and improve productivity. For young people interested in agriculture, access to digital technologies could therefore help transform farming from subsistence activity into a more commercially oriented enterprise. The hub will also provide an environment where young innovators develop technology-based solutions to challenges affecting their communities. Such locally developed solutions could address issues ranging from agriculture and education to environmental management, business development and access to information. Bridging the rural-urban digital divide One of the most significant potential contributions of the Hub would be its role in bridging the digital divide. The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Mr Solomon Mhlanga, made it clear that they would want to see the majority of our young from every corner of the country, actively participating in various economic sectors. “Digital exclusion can limit access to education, employment, financial services, markets and information. Establishing digital hubs in rural communities therefore helps create a more inclusive development environment in which young people can participate in the digital economy regardless of where they live. The Nyamuroro Hub has the potential to become a focal point for young innovators, entrepreneurs, students and community members seeking to acquire knowledge and use technology to improve their livelihoods. We are going to establish more digital hubs in all the provinces of the country and this is indeed the way to go in this new media world we are in.” he reiterated Empowering the next generation Youth empowerment remains central to Zimbabwe’s development aspirations, given the country’s youthful population and the need to create sustainable economic opportunities. The Nyamuroro initiative provides an opportunity to complement conventional youth development programmes with practical digital skills that respond to the demands of the modern economy. Rather than viewing young people solely as beneficiaries of development programmes, digital hubs can position them as innovators, entrepreneurs and creators of solutions. A digitally empowered young person can establish an online business, develop an application, market agricultural produce through digital platforms, undertake remote work or create content that reaches audiences beyond Zimbabwe. These possibilities demonstrate the transformative potential of digital inclusion. Rural development beyond infrastructure The importance of the Nyamuroro AI, Digital and Innovation Hub extends beyond technology. Rural development is not only about roads, electricity, water and physical infrastructure. It increasingly involves creating access to knowledge, innovation and opportunities. A digital hub can become a meeting point where young people exchange ideas, receive mentorship, collaborate on projects and connect with markets and institutions. It can also support lifelong learning by enabling community members to access online courses, educational materials and professional development opportunities. This can contribute to the development of a knowledge-based rural economy. As Zimbabwe accelerates efforts towards digital transformation, initiatives such as the Nyamuroro AI, Digital and Innovation Hub demonstrates the importance of taking technology to the communities rather than expecting communities to migrate to urban centres in search of opportunities. A gateway to the future The official launch of the Nyamuroro AI, Digital and Innovation Hub therefore comes with expectations that it will become a catalyst for innovation and youth empowerment in Gokwe and the Midlands Province. Its success, however, will depend not only on the availability of equipment and connectivity, but also on sustained training, mentorship, partnerships and the ability to translate digital skills into tangible economic opportunities. The hub has the potential to nurture a new generation of rural entrepreneurs, innovators and technology enthusiasts who can use their skills to address challenges within their communities while contributing to Zimbabwe’s broader development agenda. As the country embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the message from Nyamuroro is clear: the digital future must be inclusive. And for the young people of Gokwe, the launch of the Hub will mark the beginning of a journey in which technology becomes a powerful tool for unlocking talent, creating opportunities and transforming their communities. The future of digital Zimbabwe cannot be built in cities alone. It must also be built in rural communities like Gokwe, Nkayi, Bubi, Mangwe, Tsholotsho, Filabusi, Kezi among many other rural communities in the country. Ranson Madzamba is the Director of Communication and Advocacy for the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training.

Tendai Vambe Post Reporter A TOTAL of 1 253 students from nine vocational training centres in Manicaland graduated this morning at Magamba Vocational Training Centre. The third annual graduation for the province’s nine vocational training centres was described as Manicaland’s skills revolution. Youth, Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister, Honourable Tino Machakaire, said upskilling youths is at the centre of Vision 2030 and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s thrust to industrialise rural communities through skills and self-employment. “Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, has placed human capital development at the centre of the country’s transformation agenda. Our national development aspirations under Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) recognise that Zimbabwe cannot become an upper middle-income economy without a highly skilled, productive, innovative and entrepreneurial population. This is why we have these graduates here today,” he said. Minister Machakaire said Government’s focus on vocational training reflects its commitment to building a workforce capable of driving industrialisation from the grassroots. Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said the province is embracing President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, which promotes self-employment so that vocational skills are used in industry. Minister Mugadza said skills in areas such as poultry, horticulture, garment making and construction should be applied to enhance personal welfare and community development. The graduation underscored the role of vocational training in equipping young people with practical skills for economic participation.

Sharon Jiyamwa Herald Reporter ZIMBABWEAN and Ethiopian youths have joined hands in a tree-planting exercise in Harare, pledging to strengthen youth-led climate action and environmental restoration ahead of the 2027 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32). The joint tree-planting ceremony, held at Heritage Village, brought together Government officials, an Ethiopian youth delegation, young people from the two countries, environmental organisations and other stakeholders. Officials described the initiative as the beginning of a broader movement to promote environmental restoration, green entrepreneurship and youth cooperation across Africa. The initiative draws inspiration from Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, launched by Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed. Speaking at the event, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Mr Tino Machakaire said the initiative demonstrated the importance of African solidarity in confronting environmental challenges. “Today’s tree-planting activity is significant because it reflects the environmental vision of His Excellency, the President, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa,” he said. Minister Machakaire said the Green Legacy was about more than planting trees, describing it as a symbol of hope, protection of natural resources, climate resilience and responsibility towards future generations. He also called on young Zimbabweans to take ownership of the Green Legacy by leading environmental initiatives in their communities, schools and workplaces, while promoting responsible waste management and fighting environmental degradation, pollution and veld fires “I call on the youth of Zimbabwe to make the Green Legacy their own. You must lead environmental initiatives, become ambassadors in your communities, and plant trees in schools and workplaces,” he said. He said the Zimbabwe-Ethiopia youth partnership should be strengthened through the sharing of knowledge, innovation, technology and best practices, while supporting youth-led green enterprises and turning environmental challenges into opportunities for employment and sustainable economic development “We must build networks of young environmental leaders. We must support youth-led green enterprises. We must turn environmental challenges into opportunities for innovation, employment and sustainable economic development,” he said. Minister Machakaire said the trees should become living symbols of the friendship between Zimbabwe and Ethiopia and the two countries’ shared commitment to environmental sustainability. Head of the Ethiopian Prosperity Party Youth Delegation, Senbetu Ababa, said the choice of tree planting was deliberate, describing it as a simple but powerful demonstration of the two countries’ shared commitment to environmental protection. “Today, we have chosen to demonstrate that friendship through something very simple, yet very powerful, planting a tree,” said Mr Ababa. He encouraged the initiation of youth environmental dialogues, organisation of tree planting programs and sharing of knowledge and technology as the two countries move towards a greener Africa. Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Mrs Evelyn Ndlovu, who was represented by the acting Director for the Department of Wildlife and Forest, said Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative provided an important lesson for Zimbabwe, having mobilised the planting of more than 48 billion seedlings since 2019 and working towards a stated national ambition of 65 billion trees. “Restoration at scale is not achieved by ministries acting alone. It is achieved when a country decides that tree planting is a civic act in which every citizen needs to participate,” he said. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, has committed to restoring about two million hectares of degraded land by 2030 under AFR100, with about 685 000 hectares already restored, she said Zimbabwe was particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change despite contributing relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions She said the country had experienced the effects of climate change through disasters such as Cyclone Idai, as well as frequent and prolonged droughts that had weakened food systems. “Although Zimbabwe produces only about 0,7 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, we are ranked among the top 50 most vulnerable countries in the world,” he said. She described the disparity between Africa’s relatively low emissions and its disproportionate exposure to climate impacts as a major injustice, saying the continent must continue speaking with one voice in international climate negotiations.

Ranson Madzamba Correspondent DEEP in the rural surroundings of Nyongolo Village in Matabeleland South, an extraordinary transformation is taking place. The sound of construction has become a familiar rhythm in the village. Where there was once little more than an open rural space, classrooms and workshops are steadily taking shape. The transformation promises to change the lives of young people and strengthen the community for generations to come. The construction of Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo Youth Service and Vocational Training Centre is nearing completion. For the young people of Nyongolo village, surrounding communities and the whole of Matabeleland South Province, the emerging institution represents something far more valuable than bricks and mortar. It is indeed a symbol of empowerment and renewed hope for young Zimbabweans who have long faced limited access to technical and vocational training. The centre is set to bring vocational skills as well as Youth Service in Zimbabwe training to the doorstep of rural young people while preparing them for a world increasingly shaped by technology, digital communication and new forms of employment. As the buildings rise from the rural landscape, so too does the prospect of a brighter future for local youths. A centre for opportunity For many young people living in rural communities, accessing vocational education can be a major challenge. Distance, transport costs and limited training institutions often force young people to travel to urban centres in search of skills and opportunities. The establishment of Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo Youth Service and Vocational Training Centre by the Second Republic will bring skills development closer to the communities that need it most. The centre is expected to provide a platform where young people can acquire practical skills that can translate into employment, entrepreneurship and self-reliance. From technical trades to other vocational disciplines, such training can equip young Zimbabwe-ans with the confidence and practical knowledge needed to participate meaningfully in the country’s developmental discourse. For parents and guardians in Matabeleland South, the centre offers the hope that their children will have opportunities to develop practical skills without having to leave their communities. Transforming rural communities The impact of a vocational training centre can extend well beyond its students. When young people acquire practical skills, they can establish businesses and provide services within their own communities. A trained builder, mechanic, electrician, carpenter, tailor or entrepreneur can create employment while also meeting local needs. This creates a ripple effect. One trained young person can become a service provider. A successful business can employ others. Those employees can support their families. On another note, families with more stable incomes can contribute to stronger and more resilient communities. In that way, the centre has the potential to become an engine of local economic development. Hope for the youth Zimbabwe’s young population represents one of the country’s greatest assets. However, that potential can only be realised when young people have access to quality education, skills and opportunities. Vocational education provides an important pathway for those whose talents and ambitions may not necessarily follow a traditional academic route. A legacy of empowerment The centre’s name carries historical significance. The late Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo, one of Zimbabwe’s foremost national liberation figures and a founding leader of the country, remains associated with the ideals of education, empowerment, unity and national development. Naming a youth training institution after such a prominent figure gives the project an added sense of purpose. The name is being attached to an institution whose central mission is to equip young Zimbabweans with the skills needed to participate in building the nation. It is a fitting connection. The struggles of yesterday secured independence. The challenge of today is turning that independence into economic opportunity. The young people are thus central to that task. Defining the Youth Service in Zimbabwe The centre will house a Vocational Training Centre as well as a Youth Service in Zimbabwe Training institution. It is indeed a two in one institution. The Youth Service in Zimbabwe programme is an important youth development initiative crucial in nurturing young people into responsible and resilient citizens. It brings into action, a clear sense of national identity and respect for national values among the youths. The programme seeks to provide career guidance and impart life and entrepreneurial skills for resilience and employment creation. The programme thus enhances the spirit of patriotism by promoting volunteerism, civic responsibility and loyalty to the nation through national orientation training. The programme also encourages peace and positive social integration among youths of different ethnicities, cultures, religions and political persuasions and as ever echoed by the late former Vice President Cde Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo. As construction progresses, anticipation is likely to grow among residents of Nyongolo Village and surrounding communities. The real measure of the project, however, will ultimately be seen years later in the young people to pass through its doors, the businesses they are to establish, the jobs they are to create and the families whose lives they are to positively change. Some of the classrooms under construction at Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo Youth Service and Vocational Training Centre Ranson Madzamba is the Director of Communication and Advocacy in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training.

IN the rolling farmlands of Guruve, Mashonaland Central province, where the soil meets the waters of Gwaku Dam, a quiet agricultural revolution is taking root. Among the neat rows of tomatoes and thriving green mealies stands a figure who defies the conventional narrative of graduate success: Devine Kudakwashe, a young man armed with a Master’s degree in Marketing, who has deliberately chosen the fields over the boardroom. At a time when many youthful graduates would prefer corporate positions in a largely overcrowded job market, Kudakwashe has carved an unconventional path that challenges deeply entrenched perceptions about education, success and the agriculture sector. His story represents a compelling case study in how academic knowledge can be repurposed to create economic opportunities in unexpected arenas. A deliberate departure from convention Kudakwashe’s decision to pursue commercial horticulture was not born of desperation or limited options, but rather from a clear-eyed recognition of opportunity. With a postgraduate qualification that could easily have secured him a position in the corporate world, he instead turned his attention to the soil — a choice that he describes not as a fallback, but as a calling. His academic background has proven surprisingly relevant to his agricultural enterprise. The principles of market research, consumer behaviour and brand positioning that he mastered in lecture halls now inform his decisions about which crops to plant, when to harvest and how to reach buyers. In an industry where many farmers struggle with market access, Kudakwashe’s marketing acumen provides him with a distinct competitive advantage. Central to Kudakwashe’s success is his strategic location near Gwaku Dam, which provides reliable irrigation water — a resource that remains Zimbabwe’s most critical agricultural input. While rain-fed agriculture continues to leave smallholder farmers vulnerable to climate variability, Kudakwashe’s access to consistent water allows him to produce year-round, capitalising on market windows when prices are most favourable. The green expanse of tomatoes, green mealies and diverse vegetables that now covers his fields is the physical manifestation of a business model built on careful planning and resource management. Each plant is a calculated investment, nurtured with the precision of someone who understands that agriculture, at its core, is an enterprise requiring the same strategic thinking as any corporate venture. Critical support Kudakwashe’s enterprise, however, received a significant boost through the US$1 million Youth Economic Empowerment Fund, administered by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training in partnership with EmpowerBank. The funding has enabled him to scale up his tomato production, transforming what might have remained a subsistence operation into a commercially viable enterprise. This financial support reflects a growing recognition within Zimbabwe’s policy framework that young people must be positioned as entrepreneurs and innovators within the agriculture sector. The Zimbabwe Youth in Agrifood Systems Investment Plan 2026-2030 explicitly identifies access to finance, technology and markets as critical enablers for youth participation in agricultural transformation. For Kudakwashe, the funding has been a validation of his chosen path. “I have been doing horticulture for the past three years. The major challenges I have been experiencing include access to finance,” said Kudakwashe. “I, however, received funding from EmpowerBank, through the Ministry of Youth. Currently, on this project, I have 15 000 tomatoes. Let us use the resources that we have to drive agriculture. We need to seek assistance from Government institutions. I used to self-fund my project, but with the assistance I got from EmpowerBank, I have since expanded my project. I now also get support from Agritex officers — in terms of bookkeeping and management of funds.” Marketing skills in the fields Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Kudakwashe’s journey is how his marketing qualification has found new life in an agricultural context. In the modern agrifood system, successful farming requires much more than production knowledge. It demands an understanding of consumer preferences, supply chain dynamics, quality standards and brand development — all areas where Kudakwashe’s academic training gives him an edge. His approach to farming incorporates marketing principles at every stage: selecting crop varieties based on market demand, timing harvests to coincide with peak prices, building relationships with buyers and developing a reputation for quality that distinguishes his produce in competitive markets. Kudakwashe’s story comes at a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector. For decades, farming has been perceived by many young people as a last resort — a sector for those without educational qualifications or better options. The emergence of agripreneurs like Kudakwashe is gradually challenging this narrative, demonstrating that agriculture can be a first-choice career for educated young people. This shift is critical for Zimbabwe’s economic future. With agriculture remaining the backbone of the country’s economy, engaging young people in the sector is essential for ensuring productivity, innovation and sustainability. The Government’s focus on youth agrifood systems investment reflects an understanding that tomorrow’s food security depends on today’s young farmers. Despite his successes, Kudakwashe acknowledges that the journey has not been without obstacles. Access to affordable finance, reliable markets, post-harvest infrastructure and agricultural inputs remain significant challenges for young farmers across Zimbabwe. The path from smallholder to commercial producer is fraught with operational difficulties that test even the most committed entrepreneurs. Looking forward, Kudakwashe envisions expanding his operation to include value addition — potentially processing his tomatoes into products that command higher prices and longer shelf lives. His marketing background will serve him well in this next phase, as he builds a brand that differentiates his products in an increasingly competitive marketplace. A new model for graduate success Kudakwashe’s journey represents a compelling model for how academic education can be leveraged in non-traditional sectors to create economic value. His Master’s degree in Marketing has not been abandoned; it has been repurposed, applied in a context where its value is perhaps even more significant than in the corporate offices where such qualifications typically lead. His story offers an important lesson that success does not always follow the conventional route, and that education’s greatest value may lie in its ability to equip individuals to recognise and seize unexpected opportunities. Overall, he stands as a symbol of a new generation of Zimbabwean farmers — educated, entrepreneurial and determined to build their futures on their own terms. His is not merely a story of choosing farming over formal employment; it is a story of reimagining what is possible when passion meets preparation, and when academic knowledge finds its most practical expression.

MINISTRY OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT DEVELOPMENT AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING AT ZAS || 29 AUGUST 2026.

THE Government, through the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, has unveiled the CAMFED Enterprise Development Fund, a multi-million‑dollar initiative designed to transform vulnerable young women into business owners, innovators and leaders. The launch, held in Harare yesterday, marked the fulfilment of commitments made earlier this year at the Youth in Business Forum, which focused on creating platforms that connect youth with financial service providers. Combining Government policy support with CAMFED’s financial pledge, the programme seeks to close gaps in youth financial inclusion and ensure no youth is left behind in economic transformation. Speaking at the launch, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Tino Machakaire said the nation’s prosperity lies not in its natural resources, but in its citizens. “The true wealth of any nation is not found beneath its soil, but within its people. “When we invest in young people, we invest in innovation, productivity and the future prosperity of our nation.” The National Youth Empowerment Strategy (2026–2030) indicated a lack of access to basic financial services such as bank accounts, credit facilities, and insurance, particularly in rural areas, as some of the bottlenecks to empowerment. In this regard, Minister Machakaire highlighted how the US$1 million Youth Empowerment Fund and CAMFED’s US$2.2 million pledge are now materialising into tangible opportunities. “Today, we are witnessing those commitments becoming reality. The Enterprise Development Fund represents hope for countless young women and confidence in their abilities,” he said. He emphasised collaboration as the key to sustainable development, adding that youth unemployment cannot be solved by one institution alone. “Sustainable development requires collaboration. Through this partnership, we will continue creating pathways that connect young people to skills development, entrepreneurship, access to finance, markets, innovation and sustainable livelihoods.” In her remarks, CAMFED Zimbabwe executive director Ms Justina Hama emphasised that the organisation’s mission was to move young women from the classroom into business and leadership roles. “What our experience has taught us is that education opens the door, but it is economic opportunity that allows a young woman to walk through it and remain there.” She said while CAMFED could mentor, train and provide seed capital, Government policy was essential to building successful models nationwide. “So this is why your ministry becomes indispensable to our work. It is Government, through the Ministry of Youth, that sets the policy environment that champions youth financial inclusion,” she said.

Story by Chikomborero Kanyemba GOVERNMENT has launched the Youth Economic Empowerment Fund in Manicaland Province, expanding access to loans through EmpowerBank to help young entrepreneurs establish and grow businesses under the Second Republic’s youth empowerment programme. The provincial rollout follows the launch of the national US$1 million fund during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in April. Young entrepreneurs in Manicaland are already benefiting from the facility, using the loans to expand operations, create jobs and invest in new business opportunities. Director of Fries Agricultural Enterprises, Mr Raymond Nyamuzinga, said the funding had enabled him to scale up his poultry business. “I started my company in 2019 after receiving funding from EmpowerBank. This year, following the launch of the Youth Economic Empowerment Fund, I secured another loan to expand my poultry business. So far this year, I have sold a cumulative total of 20 000 layers in different batches. I currently have 6 000 layers in production and have employed 22 young people,” he said. Mac Fencing Chief Executive Officer and loan beneficiary, Ms Kundai Mumera, said the funding had strengthened the company’s production capacity. “The loan has enabled us to expand our fencing manufacturing and supply business. We have increased our raw material stocks, improved production and are pleased to see the business continuing to grow,” she said. Another beneficiary, Mr Alfred Chimwata, Director of Chimwata A Investments, said the fund had enabled him to turn an idea into a viable business. “I had the vision but lacked the capital to get started. When I heard about the Youth Economic Empowerment Fund, I applied through EmpowerBank and received funding. My goal is to install Starlink kits in schools so that children in rural areas have the same access to the internet and learning opportunities as those in urban areas,” he said. EmpowerBank Board Chairperson, Mr William Chaitezvi, said the facility has generated strong demand from young entrepreneurs nationwide. “To date, EmpowerBank has received 537 applications nationally, valued at approximately US$1.39 million. Of these, 202 applications have been approved, resulting in loan disbursements of more than US$510 000. “In Manicaland Province alone, we have received 124 applications. So far, 53 loans have been disbursed, amounting to approximately US$141 900,” he said. Launching the provincial programme, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Honourable Tino Machakaire, said the initiative is designed to unlock the economic potential of young Zimbabweans. “The Government has committed US$1 million to the Youth Economic Empowerment Fund, which will be distributed across all ten provinces. Across the country, many young people have innovative ideas, valuable skills and the determination to succeed. What has often been missing is access to capital to turn those ideas into successful businesses. “This fund is more than financial assistance. It is an investment in productivity, inclusion and the future of Zimbabwe’s young people,” he said. Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the facility. “Where opportunities exist, let us maximise them together. Our objective is to ensure that this fund delivers measurable and lasting benefits throughout the province. I urge young people to embrace this opportunity with discipline, commitment and a strong sense of responsibility,” he said. The Youth Economic Empowerment Fund targets Zimbabweans aged 18 to 35 with viable business proposals and is being rolled out nationwide through EmpowerBank to increase youth participation in economic development.