Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure
Zimpapers Politics Hub
FOREIGN delegates have started trickling in for the Africa Youth Congress on Land and Economic Freedom, focusing on youth empowerment policies, access to land, entrepreneurship and economic inclusion.
The congress is expected to start in Harare today, with the main event set for Sunday.
Delegates from Malawi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Lesotho, South Africa, Mozambique, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Russia, China, the United States, Cuba and Venezuela are expected to attend the summit.
Some youths from Burundi, DRC and Kenya are already in the country.
Speaking soon after arriving at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport yesterday, a team leader from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Christelle Mbiya, commended SADC Chairman President Mnangagwa for allowing the youth to express themselves and give their perspectives on empowerment and economic freedom.
“I am leading an 18-member delegation, which comprises youths and students from tertiary institutions in DRC, to discuss issues affecting African youths,” said Ms Mbiya. “Our forefathers liberated Africa, and as the youth, let us now fight for economic emancipation.”
The leader of the Kenyan delegation, Collins Onyango, said they are expecting to have fruitful discussions around land ownership across Africa and how youths can benefit from land reform.
“We are going to have a productive discussion around issues of land ownership, owning means of production, because it’s time Africa taps into the wisdom, knowledge, capacity and innovativeness of young people,” said Mr Onyango.
The summit coincides with Africa Day. It starts today and ends on Monday. The conference is expected to attract approximately 3 000 youths from tertiary institutions across Africa and beyond, with President Mnangagwa set to address the gathering.
The event is organised by the Africa Youth Congress, a Pan-African initiative aimed at enhancing development through education and empowerment.
The Africa Youth Congress chairperson, Cde Taurai Kandishaya, said they anticipate over 1 000 foreign students from across Africa.
“We are urging youths to attend and benefit from President Mnangagwa’s policies,” he said.
The summit will showcase practical examples of how Zimbabweans contribute to national development.
“As President Mnangagwa says, a country is built by its own people. We aim to demonstrate that Africans can run mines and farms successfully and professionally,” said Cde Kandishaya.
In preparation for the summit, youth delegates from Zambia, Namibia and South Africa visited Zimbabwe last month to assess the readiness for the conference and understand the Government’s support for youth empowerment projects.
Senior delegates from several sectors are also expected to participate. The International Youth Summit aims to empower young people by showcasing Zimbabwe’s development initiatives and promoting entrepreneurship and access to land.
The summit represents a significant opportunity for youth engagement and collaboration across the continent.
Peter Tanyanyiwa