Chronicle Editor
MUTARE, Zimbabwe — President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially opened the Youth Empowerment Forum at the Magamba Vocational Training Centre (MVTC) today, coinciding with the celebrations for Africa Youth Day.
In his address, the president emphasised the importance of youth empowerment for sustainable development and the critical role young people play in shaping the future of Zimbabwe.
The forum, held on November 7, focuses on the theme “Accelerating Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development: Unleashing Youth Potential in Entrepreneurship.”
President Mnangagwa highlighted the Government’s commitment to providing quality education and vocational training to equip young people with the skills necessary for today’s global economy.
Government remains committed to providing quality education that equips the youth with the necessary skills for harnessing the opportunities presented by our fast-developing country,” he said.
The president also noted that modernising vocational training institutions is essential for preparing students for the job market, particularly in sectors like agriculture, where MVTC has started producing crops for local and export markets.
In his remarks, the President urged the private sector to enhance support for youth-focused initiatives and called for the establishment of District Youth Business Units to promote entrepreneurship.
He encouraged young people to develop cross-border networks and create enterprises that contribute to both their livelihoods and the broader economic development of Zimbabwe and Africa.
Addressing the challenges faced by the youth, President Mnangagwa urged them to shun drug and substance abuse, promoting a culture of hard work, integrity, and respect. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovation to unlock the full potential of the youth.
As the forum concluded, President Mnangagwa expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, development partners, and various stakeholders for their efforts in organising the event. He declared the Youth Empowerment Forum officially open, encouraging participants to engage actively and contribute to the discussions on youth empowerment and development.
Online Reporter