Remember Deketeke-Herald Correspondent
THE opening of the 2026 National Youth Empowerment Symposium and the launch of the National Youth Policy (2026-2030) which was scheduled for today has been postponed to a date to be announced.
The Youth Innovation Challenge and Young Entrepreneurs’ Exhibitions will proceed at the Harare International Conference Centre today as scheduled.
Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire confirmed the development at a press conference yesterday.
The symposium will run under the theme “Youth Financial Inclusion”, seeks to bring together young people, policymakers, financial institutions, investors and development partners to explore economic opportunities for youth-led enterprises.
Minister Machakaire said the gathering should go beyond discussions and deliver tangible economic opportunities for young people.
“Our young people are not asking for sympathy. They are asking for opportunities, access to capital and a fair chance to succeed,” he said.
“This symposium is more than a gathering. It is a platform for meaningful dialogue, innovation, entrepreneurship and practical solutions to the economic challenges facing our youth.”
Stakeholders had to move beyond promises and ensure young people had access to opportunities that enable them to participate meaningfully in the economy.
The Minister said the symposium also came as Zimbabwe prepared to participate in the 2026 Youth Connekt Africa Summit, scheduled for November 25 to 27 in Rwanda.
Zimbabwe is competing with Zambia to host the 2027 continental summit, with the successful bidder expected to be announced during the Rwanda gathering.
“Zimbabwe must not simply participate in Africa’s youth development agenda.
“We must help shape and lead it,” said Minister Machakaire.
Young people should become innovators, entrepreneurs, employers and drivers of national development.
“A nation that invests in its youth is a nation that secures its future,” he said.
