Online Reporter
Zimpapers Politics Hub
PREPARATIONS for the 2026 National Youth Day celebrations, which are expected to be presided over by President Mnangagwa at the Igava area in Marondera, Mashonaland East province, have moved a gear up.
The annual commemoration, a gathering of young people that is convened on February 21 annually, comes against the backdrop of the National Youth Empowerment Strategy (2026-2030), which the President launched in October last year to enhance youth participation in the country’s economic, digital and social sectors.
National Youth Day is a public holiday commemorated in honour of the late former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe, who was born on that day in 1924.
He is revered as a leader who encouraged young people to embrace sound leadership values and emulate the ethos of national liberators.
Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire said preparations were progressing well ahead of the event, which is expected to draw youths from across the country.
“This year’s National Youth Day is more than just an event; it is a movement that underscores the power of youths in shaping Zimbabwe’s future,” Minister Machakaire said.
He said Igava Training Centre, the venue for the celebrations, is undergoing renovations to position it as a hub for youth empowerment.
The works include site clearing, the establishment of fishponds and the construction of business units.
“By the time we hold the event, the business units and fishponds will be completed,” he added.
“We expect the contractor to work tirelessly to meet the set targets.”
President Mnangagwa is also expected to lead a groundbreaking ceremony for a new vocational training centre at the site, which is set to be named the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Vocational Training Centre.
The 2026 National Youth Day celebrations are aligned with the National Development Strategy 2, with a focus on increasing youth participation in key sectors such as agriculture, mining and technology as part of efforts to achieve Vision 2030.
Young people constitute about 64 percent of Zimbabwe’s population, according to official figures.
Government officials say the annual commemorations provide an opportunity to assess progress made under existing youth empowerment programmes, while allowing young people and the authorities to engage on community-specific development initiatives.
Organisers say the event is also intended to promote ownership, accountability, responsibility and sustainability in youth-led initiatives.
