Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
AS Zimbabwe accelerates its transition towards a climate-resilient, upper-middle-income economy under National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), stakeholders are increasingly calling for greater investment in youth skills development to secure the country’s long-term green growth ambitions.
While the Government and the private sector have made notable progress in promoting climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, carbon markets and sustainable industrialisation, experts say sustaining these gains will depend on building a strong pipeline of young professionals equipped to drive the green economy.
Zimbabwe has emerged as one of Africa’s rising leaders in environmentally sustainable development, aligning economic transformation with climate resilience and responsible resource management.
However, analysts argue that the next phase of growth requires a deliberate effort to integrate students into climate and industrial transformation initiatives before they enter the labour market.
Across key sectors, including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism and energy, demand is growing for workers with skills in sustainability, climate adaptation, green technologies and environmental governance.
Stakeholders note that although policy frameworks, infrastructure and investment mechanisms have advanced significantly, future success will largely depend on ensuring graduates are ready to contribute to national development priorities from the outset of their careers.
Currently, many students only gain meaningful exposure to climate-focused industries and strategic policy discussions after joining the workforce, often resulting in lengthy adaptation periods before they can effectively contribute to industry transformation.
Experts believe that introducing students to climate policy, sustainability frameworks, green innovation ecosystems and emerging economic opportunities while still in tertiary institutions would accelerate productivity, innovation and leadership development.
Zimbabwe’s growing profile in regional and international climate diplomacy has seen the country host and participate in several high-level engagements focused on sustainable development and climate action. Yet many students remain excluded from these platforms because of financial and logistical barriers.
Student Climate and Industry Transformation Summit chief executive officer Mr Benjamin Chimutengo said Zimbabwe’s green transition must be supported by a deliberate strategy to develop future leaders and innovators.
“The Government has laid a strong foundation through NDS2 and the policy direction being crafted under NDS 3.0. The next step is ensuring that students are integrated into these national conversations early enough to become meaningful contributors to Zimbabwe’s development agenda,” he said.
Mr Chimutengo said many young professionals only gain access to strategic industry and policy platforms years after entering employment.
“By exposing students to these discussions while they are still learning, we can unlock innovation, leadership and practical problem-solving much earlier. This will strengthen the country’s capacity to implement and sustain its green development objectives,” he said.
To bridge this gap, stakeholders are advocating for educational platforms that place students at the centre of climate and industrial transformation conversations, giving them access to knowledge, networks and opportunities that are often only available to established professionals.
One such initiative is the Student Climate and Industry Transformation Summit, scheduled for June 25 and 26 at the University of Zimbabwe, which will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, development partners, academics and students to explore climate literacy, carbon markets, renewable energy, sustainable industrialisation and youth participation in national development programmes.
Mr Chimutengo said empowering students today would help secure the human capital needed to drive Zimbabwe’s economic transformation over the coming decades.
“The transition to a green economy requires more than investment in infrastructure and policy implementation. It also requires investment in the next generation of innovators, professionals and leaders who will carry this agenda forward,” he said.
“As we equip students with knowledge, skills and networks, we are building the human capital that will sustain Zimbabwe’s development gains and strengthen its competitiveness in the emerging global green economy.”
With Zimbabwe advancing towards the objectives of Vision 2030, NDS2 and the forthcoming NDS 3.0, experts say front-loading green skills development and youth participation will be critical in ensuring that climate resilience, sustainable industrialisation and inclusive economic growth remain firmly on course.
