Online ReporterNomalisa Gumpo, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE is placing young people at the heart of its economic growth strategy, with human capital identified as the nation’s greatest strength, Local Government and Public Works Deputy Minister Albert Mavhunga has said.
Speaking at the ongoing Osaka Africa Business Forum in Japan, Deputy Minister Mavhunga, who is also Nketa legislator, said the country’s development ambitions extend beyond its mineral wealth to the resilience, innovation, and creativity of its youth.
“Our greatest wealth is not only our lithium and platinum, but our resilient, innovative youth who can lead renewable energy, agriculture and technology industries with Japanese support,” he said.
Deputy Minister Mavhunga said Zimbabwe’s vision is inspired by pan-African pioneers who championed economic independence as the foundation for political freedom.
“We are a nation rich not only in mineral wealth such as lithium, platinum and diamonds, but also in human capital, resilience, and an unwavering spirit of innovation,” he said.
Deputy Minister Mavhunga emphasised that Zimbabwe seeks a partnership with Japan built on mutual respect, shared values and long-term benefits, rather than a traditional donor-recipient dynamic.
“The phrase ‘eco-partners’ is at the very heart of this new partnership. It means moving beyond donor-recipient relations to a relationship based on mutual respect, mutual benefit, and shared values,” he said.
Deputy Minister Mavhunga outlined potential areas of collaboration, including Japanese manufacturing expertise working with Zimbabwean talent to process lithium for electric vehicle batteries.
He said Japanese investment in infrastructure such as solar plants and roads would further link farmers to markets, homes to electricity, and communities to opportunities.
“Imagine Japanese manufacturing pros partnering with Zimbabwean talent to process our lithium, Zimbabwe powering not just the future of Japanese electric vehicles, but creating jobs and industries for our people,” said Deputy Minister Mavhunga.
Highlighting Zimbabwe’s abundant sunshine and vast agricultural land, he said, Japanese technology in renewable energy and agricultural efficiency could unlock the country’s full potential, ensuring sustainable energy and food security.
The deputy minister said such co-operation would be mutually beneficial, creating jobs in Zimbabwe, securing supply chains for Japan, and building stronger markets for Japanese goods.
“Zimbabwe is ready, Africa is ready and Zimbabwe is open for business, and Africa is open for business. Together, we have the power to carve a future that is more equitable, more sustainable, and more prosperous for all our citizens,” he said.
