Chronicle Editor
Sikhulekelani Moyo/Angela Sibanda, Chronicle Reporters
A WOMAN originally from Bulawayo has been named the African Youth Envoy after beating hundreds of contestants from African Union (AU) members.
Ms Chido Cleopatra Mpemba, an ex-Girls College pupil who has an interest in addressing issues that affect the youths, raised the country’s flag high by securing the post, taking over from Ms Aya Chebbi from Tunisia.
African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat said Ms Mpemba will guide the AU policy strategy for the coming two years to mark Africa Youth Day.
Africa Youth Day is commemorated annually on November 1 in recognition of the youths’ role in Africa’s socio-economic growth and sustainable development.
“As part of my renewed commitment to amplify the voices of young people and broaden their participation in the development of the continent, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Chido Cleopatra Mpemba, a native of Zimbabwe, as my next Envoy for Youth,” said Mr Mahamat.
“Ms Chido Mpemba was selected following a rigorous recruitment process of hundreds of applicants. I am confident that with her profound knowledge of issues affecting young people, and working in close collaboration with the relevant departments of the Commission, she will contribute to the effective implementation of African Union youth policies and programmes.”
He commended the role that has been played by the youths in advancing the continental agenda.
Mr Mahamat said this year’s Africa Youth Day theme “Defining The Future Today: Youth-Led Solutions For Building The Africa We Want” resonates with aspirations of the continent, drawing on the resilience of young people.
He said Africa’s future should be defined by the innovation of young people.
“It is indisputable that the past year has posed tremendous challenges, more than ever before. Covid-19 brought with it many painful lessons and as the world navigated a global pandemic, young people are making strikes in contributing to our collective effort of building the Africa we want,” he said.
“Innovations came to the fore and youth-led initiatives that focused on engagement became dominant. I am hopeful that the same resilience will prevail as Africa continues to grapple with the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and shape a better future of development and prosperity for all.”
Mr Mahamat said young people should be accountable and responsible if the continent is to find long lasting solutions to some of its challenges.
He said the continental body has embarked on a restructuring exercise that puts women and young people at the core.
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