Online Reporter
Richard Muponde
Zimpapers Politics Hub
HARARE pulsed with a renewed sense of optimism today as President Mnangagwa officially launched the Youth Empowerment Fund, a landmark initiative signalling a brighter future for Zimbabwe’s young generation.
The grand event, held at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), ran under the theme “Fuel the Youth, Ignite the Future,” capturing the essence of the President’s ambitious vision.
The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as youths from all the country’s ten provinces converged.
This gathering was a demonstration of the Government’s intention to invest in the nation’s most valuable asset – its youth.
During the launch, President Mnangagwa toured various youth-led projects, a fleet of 10 vehicles for Zanu PF provincial youth chairpersons and equipment under the Presidential Mining and Farm Mechanisation Programme.
These projects reflect the Government’s commitment to creating opportunities for the youths to engage in income-generating activities and contribute to national economic growth.
In his remarks at the event, Presidential Advisor Dr Paul Tungwarara, one of the brains in charge of implementing the initiative, acknowledged the President’s efforts to create opportunities for all youths, regardless of their location or background.
As Zimbabwe moves closer to achieving its vision of becoming an upper middle-income economy by 2030, the Youth Empowerment Fund represents a crucial step in ensuring that young people are equipped to play a leading role in the country’s development.
“It feeds into President Mnangagwa’s vision for all places to develop under the mantra leaving no one and no place behind,” Dr Tungwarara said.
He also praised President Mnangagwa’s hands-on approach in delivering promises made to the youths.
“Your Excellency, we want to make sure that everything reaches the intended beneficiaries. You know we are honest. You sent us with bicycles, we delivered them, and you asked us to drill boreholes, we delivered. This programme resonates well with the youth, and it shows them that their President understands their problems and needs,” he added.
Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire thanked President Mnangagwa for his unwavering support to the youths.
“Your Excellency, you have once again demonstrated that you hold the youths dearly close to your heart. We are indeed grateful for your continued support.
“Your wise counsel and pragmatic empowerment programmes continue to transform the lives of our youths,” Minister Machakaire said.
The Minister, who is also the Zanu PF National Youth Secretary, outlined the structure and goals of the Youth Empowerment Fund, which will be managed collaboratively by the Youth League and strategic partners.
“The fund will support viable projects identified by provincial committees, with a focus on leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and accountability. The continuity of this project is of utmost importance.
“To ensure long-term success and sustainability, proper monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will be established,” the Minister said.
President Mnangagwa has championed several initiatives to empower the youths, recognising their potential as drivers of economic growth and innovation.
These include the establishment of vocational training centres, the promotion of entrepreneurship programmes, and the distribution of agricultural and mining equipment to help young people start their businesses.
For the thousands who attended the launch, the message was clear that under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, the future is bright, and Zimbabwean youths are ready to seize the opportunities before them.
As Minister Machakaire aptly put it, “Indeed, rolling times are ahead for Zimbabwean youths as they embark on a journey of empowerment, innovation, and prosperity.”
The highly subscribed event was also attended by Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, Cabinet Ministers, Zanu PF leaders and young people from across the country.
Peter Tanyanyiwa