Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba, Senior Writer
VICE President Kembo Mohadi yesterday said young people possess the energy, creativity and adaptability that are critical in driving Zimbabwe’s economic and social transformation.
Speaking at the Intergenerational Dialogue Summit in Harare yesterday, VP Mohadi urged the youths to take ownership of their future and lead the way in national development.
“You are the digital natives, the innovators, the entrepreneurs who will drive the next wave of economic growth,” said VP Mohadi.
“Your energy, creativity, and adaptability are indispensable assets in our quest for a prosperous Zimbabwe.”
The summit, hosted by the Vision2030 Movement, brought together various stakeholders, including Minister of Skills Audit and Development Professor Paul Mavima, Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire, Zanu-PF spokesperson Ambassador Chris Mutsvangwa and NetOne CEO, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani.
The event took place against the backdrop of the Government’s commitment under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) to promote inclusive and sustainable development across generations.
The theme for the summit, “Empowering generations: A high-level intergenerational roundtable on achieving Vision 2030 in Zimbabwe”, encapsulated the goal of fostering collaboration between generations to address pressing national challenges.
Said VP Mohadi: “Today, we gather to bridge the generational divide, to weave together the wisdom of our elders with the innovative spirit of our youth.”
He highlighted the need for a united approach to achieving economic prosperity, reflecting on the lessons history offers.
“History teaches us that great nations are built on the foundations of audacious dreams, unwavering resolve, and the collective effort of their people.
“As the President always says, ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene wayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo’.’”
Citing successful transformations in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Rwanda, VP Mohadi underscored that if these nations could overcome challenges similar to Zimbabwe’s, so too could the country.
“Zimbabwe is on such a trajectory,” he declared, asserting that the nation is rich in resources, culture, and a resilient populace.
VP Mohadi stressed that the journey towards Vision 2030 is achievable through concerted effort and renewed national pride.
“We are a nation endowed with abundant natural resources, a rich cultural heritage, and most importantly, a vibrant and intelligent populace,” he said.
“Our journey towards Vision 2030 is not a distant fantasy; it is a tangible goal.”
The intergenerational dialogue is crucial as it brings together the insights of the older generation, enriched by historical experience, with the innovative ideas of youths.
“The older generation carries valuable lessons learned from past economic policies, while today’s youth bring fresh ideas and technological expertise,” he remarked.
Drawing from his experiences as a veteran of the country’s liberation struggle, VP Mohadi recounted how youths of his generation fought for political liberation.
“We faced insurmountable odds, endured immense sacrifices, and confronted the very real prospect of death.
“Our burning desire for political liberation fuelled our resolve. Just as the youth of my generation fought for political liberation, you are called upon to lead the charge for economic and social transformation.
“This is your Chimurenga, your struggle for prosperity,” he said.
Today’s youths are armed with the power of the Fourth Industrial Revolution — Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Nanotechnology, and more, which are not mere buzzwords, but instruments of progress capable of revolutionising industries.
VP Mohadi also pointed to the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which encompasses 54 African States with a combined potential GDP of US$3,4 trillion.
“This vast market presents an unprecedented opportunity for our young entrepreneurs,” he noted, urging youths to develop the right mindset.
“We need a ‘Can Do’ mentality. Your mind is your greatest asset—guard it jealously from anything that seeks to derail your progress, particularly the scourge of drug and substance abuse.”
VP Mohadi reaffirmed that the Second Republic, under President Mnangagwa, has set the stage for extensive socio-economic transformation.
“You, the young people, must own this vision. It must be a vision of the youths, executed by the youths and for the youths,” he said.
He called upon the youths to uphold the legacy of the liberation struggle and strive for a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable economy that benefits everyone.
