Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
THE Government, through the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, has unveiled the CAMFED Enterprise Development Fund, a multi-million‑dollar initiative designed to transform vulnerable young women into business owners, innovators and leaders.
The launch, held in Harare yesterday, marked the fulfilment of commitments made earlier this year at the Youth in Business Forum, which 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 economic transformation.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Tino 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.
“When we invest in young people, we invest in innovation, productivity and the future prosperity of our nation.”
The National Youth Empowerment Strategy (2026–2030) indicated a lack of access to basic financial services such as bank accounts, credit facilities, and insurance, particularly in rural areas, as some of the bottlenecks to empowerment.
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, adding that youth unemployment cannot be solved by one institution alone.
“Sustainable development requires collaboration. 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 emphasised that the organisation’s mission was to move young women from the classroom into business and leadership roles.
“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 said while CAMFED could mentor, train and provide seed capital, Government policy was essential to building 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.
