Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
GOVERNMENT has approved the National Youth Empowerment Strategy: 2026 to 2030 which aims to create an enabling environment in order to promote youth participation in the mainstream formal economy.
Through the Strategy, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Local Authorities, the Private Sector and development partners will be required to initiate deliberate programmes and projects that economically empower youths through job creation and entrepreneurship.
Presenting the 24th post-Cabinet report on Wednesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Service, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the National Youth Empowerment Strategy will also serve as an implementation tool for the National Development Strategy 2 through mainstreaming of youth issues in the national development Agenda.
He said the strategy is informed by national legal frameworks which seek to promote youth empowerment, including the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Youth Council Act and the National Youth Policy (2021).
“The Strategy is a product of extensive consultations with the Private Sector, development partners and the youths aimed at addressing the challenges being faced by young people. The Government is committed to empowering this youth demographic through ensuring access to education and training, political participation, economic opportunities, recreational facilities and protection from harmful practices. The strategy recognises both youth in-school and out-of-school, aligning with existing Ministry of Youth programmes that cater for both segments,” said Dr Muswere.
He said the strategy comprises five main Pillars, Economic Empowerment; Technology and Digital Transformation; Education and Skills Development; Governance; and Health and Wellbeing adding that there are also three supporting cross-cutting pillars.
“The supporting pillars are Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation; Gender Equality and Inclusivity; and Governance, Coordination and Partnerships. Under each pillar, the Strategy document provides details on the strategic objectives and suggested interventions that will be employed in order to attain the set, pillars,” said Dr Muswere.
The strategy, the Dr Muswere , is supported by a monitoring and evaluation framework, an implementation matrix as well as a communication plan.
He said the monitoring and evaluation plan will be used to assess the performance of the programmes, policies and projects implemented by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies and other stakeholders in support of the strategy.
“The youth will be involved at every stage of the monitoring and evaluation process, while a comprehensive communication plan will raise awareness, engage stakeholders and ensure transparency. The Plan will incorporate local languages and culturally-relevant content with a view to reaching marginalized groups. The strategy is also complimented by a resource Needs ,” said Dr Muswere.
Dr Muswere said the Mobilisation Plan will identify and mobilise essential financial, human and material resources required to support the various youth Initiatives, including those aimed at the inclusion of marginalised youths.
