Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira, Harare Bureau
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has directed Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to ensure that entrepreneurship initiatives spearheaded by youths are fully supported so they form part of mainstream businesses and economic development in the country. This is part of the Government’s youth empowerment programme, which is the bedrock of the Second Republic.
The Head of State and Government said this last Friday in Bulawayo while delivering his keynote address at the National Youth Day commemorations. The celebrations were held under the theme, “Empower Youths, Secure the Future.”
Commenting on the Zimbabwe Digital Skills Development Programme that he launched on the same day, President Mnangagwa said the programme will enhance digital literacy and skills among Zimbabweans and empower young people to contribute to the economy through entrepreneurship.
“I commend our youth for their entrepreneurial culture across various sectors of the economy. Ministries, Departments, and Agencies are directed to develop programmes which ensure that our youth enterprises graduate into large businesses. Meanwhile, I call upon the private sector, the youth, Empower Bank, and other development partners to develop and promote business linkages,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa commended the consultative process for strengthening youth empowerment and skills development strategies.
“I challenge you to take up more initiatives to continually beautify the communities you live in.
Meanwhile, the comprehensive and precise presentations from the youth, particularly on the support you require from Government and our ruling party, Zanu-PF, will continue to receive appropriate consideration.
“To this end, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training must speed up the finalisation of the National Youth Act, which is a critical legislative tool for administering youth empowerment and skills development programmes.
“The implementation of robust and complementary strategies to support and empower the youth must be scaled up. A nation which empowers and invests in the youth is guaranteed a prosperous future,” said the President.
He urged young people to emulate yesteryear youths for their patriotism, coupled with courage that saw them taking up arms to fight for the liberation of the country.
“We also have a chance to chart and refine the journey we are taking for a brighter future, particularly the role of you, our young people.
“In undertaking this critical task, remain emboldened by the virtues of courage, selfless sacrifice, and bravery which were defining among the youths of yesteryear. They took up arms against the oppressive colonial regime and brought us independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, freedom, and democracy.
“These historical milestones, including our rich liberation war heritage, are indispensable and must be safeguarded as well as passed down from one generation to the next,” said President Mnangagwa.
Thousands of young people from across the country and representatives of youths from other countries such as Burundi, Mozambique, and South Africa, among other nations, attended the National Youth Day celebrations held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre.
