Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa and Takunda Gambiza
YOUNG leaders from Zimbabwe have reaffirmed the critical role of youth participation in driving national and regional transformation, saying meaningful engagement at the grassroots level is essential to achieving Vision 2030 and the African union Agenda 2063.
The remarks follow the recently concluded Southern African Youth Development Council conference in South Africa, where Zimbabwean youth leaders presented practical solutions to address industrialisation, governance and social inclusion challenges facing the region.
Speaking to Zimpapers on Monday, National Junior Council coordinator in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works (Youth Desk), Mr Darlington Mupfupi, said integrating young people into local governance structures is key to promoting peace, stability and inclusive development.
He highlighted that empowering young leaders at ward and municipal levels builds civic trust and accelerates Zimbabwe’s journey toward Vision 2030.
“Integrating youth into sub-national governance injects accountability, structural inclusion and digital transparency into public administration,” he said.
“Young entrepreneurs and policymakers are the vital connective tissue bridging value addition and beneficiation to rural and marginalised communities.”
Intercontinental Youth Connect corporate affairs director Daniel Zinyama highlighted the need for youth participation in enterprise to close Africa’s industrialisation gap.
“If you are looking to build any developmental strategy for the future, you need to have the participation of the youth because we are the manpower,” he said.
“We need a lot of youths to participate in entrepreneurship growth so that we develop multiple sector industries.”
Intercontinental Youth Connect finance director Ms Anne Mugwagwa said gender equality must be embedded in youth development from the outset.
She said that rural young women deserve equal access to leadership, financing, and information.
“I believe gender equality must be embedded in every youth development initiative from the beginning, not just added as an afterthought,” she said.
“Most opportunities in NGOs are concentrated in capital cities, but in small towns and rural areas, young women often do not even know they can join Junior Councils.”
