Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa will today launch the Youth Empowerment Scheme, which will provide Zimbabwean youths with access to funding, including mining and farming equipment.
The initiative seeks to support young entrepreneurs and farmers, helping them to drive economic growth and development.
Africa has the world’s youngest population, with a significant portion under 25, and this youth demographic is projected to grow substantially, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the continent’s future.
By 2030, young Africans are projected to constitute 42 percent of the world’s youth population, with Africa’s youth population expected to reach nearly 1.3 billion, representing a 42 percent increase from current levels.
Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire yesterday told The Herald that after today’s launch, the country’s youth demographic will have a plethora of opportunities to take advantage of, under the youth-tailored programme.
“His Excellency, the President Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa will be launching a youth empowerment scheme. The scheme involves funding, farm mechanisation, as well as mining equipment among other youth empowerment initiatives.
“We are anticipating a gathering of 5 000 youths mobilised from across all the 10 provinces and the venue is HICC,” he said.
President Mnangagwa has continued to underline the youth’s critical role in the country’s economic development and as Zimbabwe’s vanguard.
Towards this end, since the coming in of the Second Republic, various youth-centred initiatives have been rolled out, enabling the youth to actively participate in the country’s economic turnaround.
“We, the older generation played our part to bring about independence, freedom and peace. The ball is now in your court. You must deliver. In unity, the youth of Africa can do more for the realisation of the Africa we want and deserve,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the Second Republic had demonstrated it’s unwavering commitment to empowering young people through the deliberate and bold placement of youth in key leadership and decision making positions.
“This includes Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, in Parliament as well as other strategic institutions, such as boards of parastatals and advisory councils among others.
“In view of these achievements, I challenge the people deployed in various leadership positions to continue displaying principles of servant leadership and discipline, while at the same time galvanising the youth to fully participate in the socio economic and cultural affairs of the country,” said the President at last month’s National Youth Day celebrations held in Bulawayo.
Today’s launch of the Youth Fund is expected to be attended by investors from Asia, who are keen on investing in the country and creating jobs for the youth.
Invited by Special Presidential Investment Advisor to the United Arab Emirates Dr Paul Tungwarara, four business tycoons, with a combined net worth of nearly US$500 million, will be at the launch.
The investors are looking for opportunities to drive the country’s economic growth across multiple sectors, including education, renewable energy, and healthcare.
Among the investors are Dr Ajeenkya Patil, Mr Rajat Verma and Mr Ravi Reddy, renowned multimillionaires from India, as well as Mr Lalu Samuel, a prominent millionaire from the United Arab Emirates.
