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Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
The Government, through the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, has unveiled the CAMFED Enterprise Development Fund, a multimillion‑dollar initiative designed to transform vulnerable young women into business owners, innovators and leaders.
The launch, held in Harare today, marked the fulfilment of commitments made earlier this year at the Youth in Business Forum focused on creating platforms that connect youth with financial service providers.
Combining Government policy support with CAMFED’s financial pledge, the programme seeks to close gaps in youth financial inclusion and ensure no youth is left behind in the economic transformation.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Machakaire said the nation’s prosperity lies not in its natural resources but in its citizens.
“The true wealth of any nation is not found beneath its soil, but within its people,” he said.
“When we invest in young people, we invest in innovation, productivity and the future prosperity of our nation.”
In line with the operationalisation of the National Youth Empowerment Strategy (2026–2030), officially launched by President Mnangagwa indicated lack access to basic financial services such as bank accounts, credit facilities, and insurance, particularly in rural areas.
In this regard, Minister Machakaire highlighted how the US$1 million Youth Empowerment Fund and CAMFED’s US$2.2 million pledge are now materialising into tangible opportunities.
“Today, we are witnessing those commitments becoming reality. The Enterprise Development Fund represents hope for countless young women and confidence in their abilities,” he said.
He emphasised collaboration as the key to sustainable development.
He said youth unemployment cannot be solved by one institution alone, calling the CAMFED partnership both timely and strategic.
“Sustainable development requires collaboration,” he said.
“Through this partnership, we will continue creating pathways that connect young people to skills development, entrepreneurship, access to finance, markets, innovation and sustainable livelihoods.”
In her remarks, CAMFED Zimbabwe executive director Ms Justina Hama said that CAMFED’s mission is to move young women from the classroom into business and leadership roles.
“Using this support engine, we transform them from the classroom into enterprise employment and leadership,” she said.
“What our experience has taught us is that education opens the door, but it is economic opportunity that allows a young woman to walk through it and remain there.”
She underscored that while CAMFED can mentor, train and provide seed capital, government policy is essential to scale successful models nationwide.
“So this is why your ministry becomes indispensable to our work. It is Government, through the Ministry of Youth, that sets the policy environment that champions youth financial inclusion,” she said.
