Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure-Senior Reporter
The success story of Africa’s independence and sovereignty is largely defined by the intellectual capacity of its young people, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere has said.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Africa Youth Conference held in Harare last night, Minister Muswere said for the continent to effectively defend itself and address issues such as poverty, hunger and starvation, the youth must play a pivotal role.
“Now is the time for us to be able to turn all our forefathers’ political achievements into economic transformation. As a continent, we should pool our resources together and our intellectual capacity in order to defeat hunger and poverty,” he said.
He challenged all African youth to be proud of their culture and language.
“Youth should be able to defend our continent, fight poverty, hunger and starvation, and address some of the challenges affecting the continent,” he added.
Dr Muswere highlighted that the Africa Youth Conference aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and serves as an opportunity to network, share experiences, brainstorm and cooperate in multiple areas.
“The visit by youth from across the world is a learning experience for many, in terms of understanding and understudying what Zimbabwe is all about. Land reform, for example, is a success story that has been witnessed through increased tobacco production and improved food security and nutrition,” he said.
He further noted that the conference provided youth with an appreciation of President Mnangagwa’s achievements even under the yoke of illegal sanctions.
Africa Youth Congress chairman Cde Taurai Kandishaya described the conference as an eye-opener for the youth, emphasising the importance of land ownership.
“They have come here to understand issues affecting young people across Africa. If our forefathers managed to fight colonialism, why can’t we as youth fight for economic emancipation?” he said.
The conference was attended by more than 400 foreign delegates.
