Emmanuel Kafe and Sekai Manyere
ZIMBABWE has intensified its bid to host the 2027 YouthConnekt Africa Summit, with the Government expressing confidence in the country’s capacity to stage the continental event and showcase opportunities for youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.
Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire said Zimbabwe’s selection as one of the final two contenders reflected its commitment to youth development and readiness to host the summit.
Speaking at an in-country assessment by the YouthConnekt Africa Secretariat in Harare, Minister Machakaire said the Government was prepared to provide the necessary support to ensure a successful event.
“We view this visit as an important opportunity to demonstrate our national preparedness, institutional capacity and collective commitment to successfully hosting this continental event,” he said.
Hosting the summit, he said, would enable Zimbabwe to showcase youth-led enterprises, innovations, and investment opportunities, while connecting young entrepreneurs to wider African markets.
YouthConnekt Africa Senior Programmes Lead Mr Patient Ndizeye stated that the assessment team evaluated bids from five countries, with Zimbabwe and Zambia emerging as the final contenders.
The team is assessing infrastructure, accommodations, venues, and logistical arrangements before submitting a technical report to the initiative’s co-chairs.
