Online Reporter
George Maponga in CHIVI
THE country’s youth have been challenged to seize the opportunities created by the Second Republic and its development partners by embracing innovation and productivity, positioning themselves at the forefront of Zimbabwe’s march toward becoming an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire urged young people to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by President Mnangagwa’s administration, as the Government intensifies efforts to ensure that “no one and no place is left behind” in the journey to Vision 2030.
The Minister made these remarks on Wednesday at the Chivi-Mhandamabwe Vocational Training Centre, where 203 young people from Chivi and Mwenezi districts graduated after completing training under the “Building Resilience and Enhancing Food Security of Drought-Affected Smallholder Farmers” project.
The initiative, implemented by CARE Zimbabwe in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training and the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, is designed to equip young people with practical skills to support sustainable agricultural practices in their communities.
Graduates completed courses in welding, tailoring, hotel and catering and cosmetology, supported by a US$136 000 funding package from CARE Zimbabwe and the Embassy of Japan through the Japan Supplementary Budget (JSB).
Minister Machakaire said the Second Republic was committed to addressing the challenges faced by young Zimbabweans who are not in education, employment, or training.
He noted that many rural communities are home to such youth, making the Government’s intervention—in collaboration with development partners—critical to fulfilling the “leaving no one and no place behind” mantra.
The initiative also aims to foster economic inclusion by reducing unemployment and promoting self-reliance among the youth.
“I would like to acknowledge the significant investment of US$36 000 dedicated to training fees, which covers comprehensive skills development programmes, and US$100 000 worth of essential start-up kits,” said Minister Machakaire. “These kits are designed to equip graduates with the necessary tools and resources to launch their own businesses or secure employment in their chosen fields.
“In your endeavours, you are not just transforming your own lives; you are actively participating in the realisation of Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030. This ambitious vision aims to elevate Zimbabwe to an upper-middle-income society driven by innovation, productivity, and inclusive prosperity for all.
“This targeted support will enable the graduates to swiftly transition into productive economic activities, enhancing their ability to earn a sustainable income. By ensuring that the skills they have gained are effectively applied in real-world scenarios, we are particularly focused on uplifting individuals from vulnerable backgrounds who may face additional barriers to employment.”
The Minister commended CARE Zimbabwe and the Embassy of Japan for their commitment to youth empowerment and climate-smart development initiatives, which help young people build resilience in a rapidly changing world.
He also called on other development partners to collaborate with the Government and replicate similar projects across the country to ensure inclusive growth in line with Vision 2030 targets.
“As we continue our efforts, let us focus on expanding successful projects throughout Zimbabwe, ensuring that every young person, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the chance to participate in our collective journey toward achieving Vision 2030,” he said. “By fostering sustainable practices and empowering our youth, we can create a brighter, more equitable future for all.”
The graduates were encouraged to formalise their businesses.
Minister Machakaire praised CARE Zimbabwe and the Embassy of Japan for providing start-up kits, which enable the graduates to immediately begin participating in the economic mainstream. He noted that many opportunities exist for them in sectors such as technology, agriculture, and sustainable enterprises.
Chivi North National Assembly representative Godfrey Mukungunugwa praised the Second Republic for creating an enabling environment that allows development partners to contribute to the country’s socio-economic transformation as Zimbabwe moves toward upper-middle-income status by 2030.
Peter Tanyanyiwa