Youth entrepreneurship: A pillar of zim’s NDS2 economic transformation

Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Business Hub

THE Government’s renewed focus on entrepreneurship development, particularly among the youth, is emerging as a cornerstone of the economic transformation agenda under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).

Authorities are now moving decisively to remove long-standing barriers that have historically stifled enterprise growth.

Entrepreneurship has been identified as a powerful engine for job creation, innovation and inclusive growth at a time when the country is seeking to consolidate economic stability and expand productive capacity.

Government policy now places enterprise development at the centre of national development, with deliberate efforts to empower young people to become drivers of economic activity rather than mere job seekers.

This thrust is anchored on creating an enabling environment that allows entrepreneurs, particularly youths, to start, grow and sustain businesses that contribute meaningfully to employment creation and national productivity.

Youths are seen as a vital economic asset forming the foundation of the transformation agenda and the ultimate realisation of Vision 2030.

According to the NDS2 document, youth constitute over 46 percent of the total population, positioning them as a vital force in driving inclusive national development.

The document notes that during NDS2, priority will be given to promoting youth participation in national development programmes and entrepreneurship, while increasing the proportion of youth occupying decision-making positions in both the public and private sectors.

Interventions under NDS2 target a reduction in the proportion of youth classified as “not in employment, education, or training” (NEET) from 49,2 percent to 15 percent.

Speaking through policy documents guiding the implementation of NDS2, the Government underscored the strategic importance of youth-led enterprise.

“Government recognises that youth entrepreneurship has the capacity to unlock the economic potential of the youth and serve as an avenue for employment, growth and development, while enhancing their economic self-reliance and independence, thereby serving as an important means of reducing unemployment, crime and brain drain,” said the Government.

The strategy acknowledges that while Zimbabwe has a vibrant and innovative youth population, structural and societal barriers have historically constrained their entrepreneurial ambitions.

“NDS2 interventions embrace support towards inculcating entrepreneurship amongst the youth to enhance their contribution to employment generation,” the Government noted, signalling a shift from a job-seeking to a job-creating mindset.

Central to the reforms is a deliberate focus on dismantling obstacles that limit the entry and sustainability of new ventures.

Focus will be directed toward addressing community and societal barriers, which include a lack of entrepreneurial skills, limited social support, restricted access to credit and an unsupportive legal framework.

To counter these challenges, the Government has committed to targeted incentives and institutional support.

“Government will, under NDS2, encourage the youth to venture into entrepreneurship by providing incentives such as easy access to credit, tax exemptions and fee waivers for business incubation programmes,” the strategy adds.

Bulawayo youth entrepreneur, Mr Joseph Majoni, who has interests in ICT and poultry, said youths were increasingly interested in agribusiness, mining and content creation.

He noted that young entrepreneurs faced interlinked challenges, most notably limited access to affordable finance and high compliance costs such as tax clearances and rentals.

“In rural and high-density urban areas, youths struggle with poor infrastructure, limited access to digital tools and unreliable power supply,” Mr Majoni said.

He said there was need for “youth-friendly financing models,” including low-interest loans and venture capital that do not rely heavily on traditional collateral.

Technology entrepreneur, Mr Blessing Ncube, believes skills development is equally critical.

“Capital alone is not enough. Many young founders fail because they lack business management skills.

Incubation hubs and mentorship can turn survivalist ventures into competitive enterprises,” he said.

Ms Nomsa Dube, a clothing manufacturer, said regulatory reforms would unlock significant growth.

“Simplifying licensing and reducing compliance costs would free up resources for production and marketing. When the legal framework supports growth, entrepreneurs become confident enough to formalise and expand,” she said.

The National 2026 Budget notes that as tens of thousands of youths enter the job market every year, the Government is seized with the task of expanding the market to absorb them.

For 2026, the Government has set aside ZiG1,7 billion for the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training.

This funding will support youth empowerment initiatives, mental health services and the capitalisation of EmpowerBank.

As NDS2 enters its implementation phase, stakeholders agree that success will depend on effective co-ordination across ministries, financial institutions and the private sector.

Business strategist, Mr Busani Malaba, said: “The drive to eradicate barriers to entrepreneurship is not just an economic imperative, but a social one.

“The reforms have the potential to redefine livelihoods and position entrepreneurship as a viable pathway to prosperity.”