Centrality of youths in Zimbabwe’s economic emancipation

Entrepreneurship Matters

Kudzanai Vere

ZIMBABWE is known for its rich cultural heritage, natural resources and potential for economic growth. In recent years, the Government, along with various stakeholders, has recognised the crucial role that youths play in driving economic development and achieving economic emancipation. This year’s National Youth Day ran under the theme “Positioning Youth Empowerment and Development Towards Vision 2030”. This theme was well-thought-out and timely. The centrality of youths in Zimbabwe’s economic emancipation cannot be overstated, as they represent the future leaders, innovators and drivers of the nation’s progress.

A significant portion of the country’s population consists of young people. Zimbabwe possesses a valuable demographic dividend, which, if harnessed correctly, can propel the country’s economic growth and development.

According to the United Nations, youths constitute approximately 60 percent of Zimbabwe’s total population, making them a substantial force that cannot be ignored. Recognising this potential, the Government has placed youth empowerment at the forefront of its development agenda.

One of the key ways in which youths contribute to economic emancipation is through entrepreneurship and innovation. Our youths are known for their creativity, resilience and ability to find solutions to societal challenges. They have embraced entrepreneurship as a means of creating employment opportunities for themselves and others, while also driving economic growth.

The Government has implemented various initiatives to support youth-led businesses, such as providing access to credit facilities, business development services and mentorship programmes. These efforts are aimed at fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and provide the necessary support for young entrepreneurs to thrive.

Furthermore, youths play a crucial role in the digital economy, which has become increasingly important in today’s globalised world. With their proficiency in technology and digital skills, young people are well-positioned to leverage on the opportunities presented by the digital revolution.

They can engage in e-commerce, digital marketing, software development and other online ventures that have the potential to generate income and contribute to the country’s economic growth. The Government has recognised the importance of digital inclusion and has implemented initiatives to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that young people have access to affordable internet services and relevant digital training.

Education and skills development are also central to the economic emancipation of Zimbabwe’s youths. Investing in quality education, vocational training and technical skills programmes equip young people with the knowledge and competencies needed to participate in the labour market and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

The Government has prioritised education and skills development by increasing investment in the sector, improving the quality of education and aligning curriculum content with the needs of the job market. These efforts are aimed at equipping young people with relevant skills that will enhance their employability and enable them to become productive members of society.

Moreover, young people’s participation in governance and decision-making processes is vital for economic emancipation. Young people bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and energy to the table.

Their voices need to be heard and their opinions taken into account when formulating policies and strategies that shape the country’s economic future.

The Government has taken steps to promote youth participation in governance through the establishment of youth councils and platforms for dialogue between young people and policymakers. These initiatives seek to create an enabling environment where youths can actively contribute to shaping their own economic destiny.

In addition to entrepreneurship, innovation, digital skills and education, the Government has also recognised the importance of addressing the challenges that young people face, such as unemployment, limited access to resources and inadequate infrastructure. To tackle these issues, the Government has implemented various programmes aimed at creating employment opportunities, providing financial support and improving infrastructure in rural areas.

Additionally, there is growing emphasis on promoting gender equality and social inclusion to ensure that all young people, regardless of their backgrounds, have equal access to opportunities for economic emancipation.

It is worth noting that while the Government has made significant strides in youth empowerment, there is still work to be done. There is a need for sustained investment in youth-focused programmes, policies and infrastructure.

Additionally, stakeholders from various sectors, including the Government, private sector, civil society and international organisations, need to collaborate and coordinate their efforts to maximise the impact of youth empowerment initiatives.

In conclusion, the centrality of youth in Zimbabwe’s economic emancipation cannot be overstated. With their energy, creativity and potential, young people are key drivers of economic growth, innovation and social change. The Government, along with various stakeholders, has recognised the importance of youth empowerment and is actively working towards creating an enabling environment for young people to thrive. By investing in entrepreneurship, digital skills and education, and addressing the challenges that young people face, Zimbabwe can unlock the full potential of its youth population and pave the way for a prosperous and sustainable future.

* Dr Kudzanai Vere is an internationally acclaimed transformational speaker in entrepreneurship, business development, organisation development, personal development and financial forensics. He is the CEO of the Institute of Entrepreneurs Zimbabwe and a director at Kudfort Zimbabwe. He can be contacted on: +263772592232 or email [email protected]