Online Reporter
President launches Youth Empowerment Fund
Hordes of enthusiastic youths have started flocking to the Harare International Conference Centre for the much-anticipated launch of the Presidential Youth Fund.
Dressed in colourful attire, the young attendees are in a celebratory mood, singing and dancing as they await President Mnangagwa’s arrival.
The event, aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs, has drawn interest from across the country, with many hoping to benefit from the initiative.
Government officials and business leaders are also in attendance, underscoring the fund’s importance in tackling youth unemployment.
Among delegates in attendance are Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire and Skills Audit and Development Minister, Professor Paul Mavima.
Our Reporter Blessings Chidakwa is at the HICC and will provide live coverage.
It is, indeed, a new dawn for Zimbabwean youths.
HICC vibrates ahead of launch
Anticipation is at an all-time high as Zimbabwean youths eagerly await the launch of the Presidential Youth Fund.
The initiative, spearheaded by President Mnangagwa, aims to empower young people by providing financial support to drive entrepreneurship, education, and skills development.
Excitement has filled the air as energetic performances keep the crowd entertained ahead of the official proceedings, with youths from Midlands Province singing, “2030 VaMnangagwa muri chocolate…”
Guests continue to flock into the venue, with the latest being Politburo member Cde Mike Bimha, Special Presidential Investment Advisor to the United Arab Emirates and renowned businessman Dr Paul Tungwarara and Madzibaba Moses Gwasarira, leader of the Vapostori and MaZion for ED.
Ndunge Yut sets the tone
In a vibrant celebration of youth empowerment, the launch of the Presidential Youth Fund is being marked by an electrifying performance from Zimdancehall sensation, Ndunge Yut.
The event, being attended by multitudes of youths, has various artists lined up to offer entertainment, including Killer T and DJ Levels.
Ndunge Yut started by energising the crowd with his popular tracks, including the hit “Agreement,” as he reflected on the dynamic spirit of Zimbabwe’s youth.
The crowd was kept on its toes while singing along.
Guests continue to flock into the HICC with the latest being Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe.
Some of the vehicles and equipment set to be commissioned by President Mnangagwa at the Youth Empowerment Fund Launch today.
President Mnangagwa arrives
President Mnangagwa has arrived at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) to launch the Youth Empowerment Fund.
The initiative seeks to provide financial assistance and skills development to Zimbabwean youth.
HICC is filled to the brim as thousands of youths drawn from all the country’s 10 provinces have gathered to witness the historic moment.
President Mnangagwa is expected to outline how the fund will boost economic opportunities for young people.
The launch underscores the Government’s commitment to fostering youth-led economic growth.
[.
Wild cheers as President enters HICC auditorium
A frenzy broke out as the President Mnangagwa stepped into the packed auditorium for the highly anticipated Youth Fund launch.
Cheers, chants, and flashing cameras filled the air as security struggled to maintain order with youth singing and chanting “2030 ndeya Emmerson…”
The President, smiling, waved to the ecstatic crowd. The electrifying moment has set the tone for the ambitious initiative aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs.
The programme has commenced with the singing of the national anthem.
Among those seated at the top table are Zanu PF chairman and Defence Minister Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and Zanu PF Youth Secretary and Politburo member, Cde Tino Machakaire.
Others are Minister of State Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tawengwa and Special Investment Advisor to the President, Dr Paul Tungwarara.
Youth welfare improving under ED
The launch of the Youth Empowerment Fund in Harare is a significant milestone in advancing opportunities for young people, a Zanu PF Youth League top executive has said.
Addressing attendees at the Youth Empowerment Fund launch in Harare, Zanu PF Harare Provincial Youth Chairman, Cde Emmanuel Mahachi emphasised the Government’s continued dedication to empowering the youth.
“The event today is testimony of your commitment to the welfare of the youths.
“We have seen significant improvement in youth affairs, including the youth quota. Today we witness another milestone,” he said.
The initiative comes amid ongoing efforts to ensure young people have access to financial resources, training, and business opportunities.
‘Youths critical for economic growth’
Youths are a critical driver of economic development ahead of Vision 2030 and Government will continue to offer them support, Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tawengwa has said.
Speaking at the launch of the fund, Minister Tawengwa said Zimbabwe’s economic future lies within the youths.
“Our NDS1 recognises the critical role of the youths in economic development. Through this scheme, you have reaffirmed that the country’s prosperity lies within Zimbabwean youths,” he said.
President’s scarf bought for US$300,000
President Mnangagwa’s popular scarf has been bought by some foreign investors for US$300 000, with the money set to be channelled towards the Youth Empowerment Fund.
Initially, US$2 million had been set aside for the Youth Empowerment Fund, and the money will now total US$2, 3 million.
Addressing delegates at the launch of the fund in Harare, Special Investment Advisor to the President, Dr Paul Tungwarara, said foreign investors are inspired by the President’s vision.
“President Mnangagwa, we have investors from Dubai in our midst and they have pledged to purchase your scarf for US$300 000.”
“The investors said the money should be channelled towards the revolving Youth Empowerment Fund,” he said.
Dr Tungwarara also said the youth empowerment initiative is a testament to President Mnangagwa’s resolve to uplift the youths.
“You have directed the money for youth empowerment to the most remote areas, consistent with Your Excellency’s mantra of leaving no place and no one behind,” he said.
Discipline key among youths: Minister Machakaire
Discipline is a crucial factor for the success of young people, providing the foundation for personal growth and achievement.
Speaking at the launch in Harare, Zanu PF Youth Secretary and Politburo member, Cde Tinoda Machakaire urged youths to be disciplined.
Cde Machakaire, also the Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training Minister, said the key principles that lead to success include leadership, hard work, honesty, accountability, integrity, and innovation.
“We are committed to seeing all these initiatives benefit the intended people – the youths – and we want to emphasise the issue of accountability,” he said.
President Mnangagwa launches US$2m Youth Empowerment Revolving Fund
President Mnangagwa has launched a US$2 million revolving fund aimed at supporting youth-led income-generating projects countrywide.
“I am launching a US$2 million revolving fund which is earmarked to fund youth income-generating projects,” he said.
The US$2 million fund is designed to assist young entrepreneurs in various sectors, including agriculture, mining, technology, and manufacturing.
President Mnangagwa said the fund will be available to youths who demonstrate a clear vision for sustainable and scalable businesses.
In addition to the revolving fund and to ensure that the youths are adequately equipped to take on agriculture as a viable and profitable venture, President Mnangagwa gave the youths:
72 tractors
10 combine harvesters
10 vehicles
10 borehole rigs
Million equipment scheme on the horizon
On the mining front, President Mnangagwa said he will avail a US$5 million mining equipment scheme targeting young artisanal miners.
The US$5 million mining equipment scheme will offer young miners access to modern machinery to enhance their productivity and profitability.
President hailed for empowering youths
Zimbabwean youths have expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for spearheading the Youth Empowerment Fund, a bold initiative aimed at fostering their economic growth and self-reliance.
Speaking on behalf of the youths, Zanu PF national chairperson and Defence Minister, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri lauded the President for his unwavering commitment to inclusive development.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said the programme aligns with the President’s vision of ensuring that no one and no place is left behind.
“Your Excellency, this initiative resonates deeply with your vision and mantra of inclusivity, ensuring that no one and no place is left behind,” she said.
“Thank you for empowering our youths. That will ensure the success of this initiative.”
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri hailed the President’s dedication to youth empowerment, highlighting the substantial resources allocated to the programme.
She said the US$2 million fund includes a package of essential tools and financial support, such as combined harvesters, tractors, mining equipment, vehicles and welding machines.
