Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Zimpapers Writer
YOUNG Zimbabweans have been challenged to harness digital skills to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth, in line with the country’s Vision 2030.
The call was made by the Minister of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, while addressing more than 1 500 youths during a seminar organised by the African Seventh Day Adventist (ASDA) Church at its Gweru site recently.
The gathering drew a wide mix of young people, recent A-level graduates, tertiary students and beneficiaries of the church’s school fees programme all eager to explore pathways to economic empowerment.
Minister Mavetera said embracing Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) would equip young people with tools, not just for employment, but for meaningful participation in the digital economy.
“ICT provides Zimbabwean youth with digital skills that are essential for the modern economy. By acquiring expertise in coding, software development, data analysis and digital marketing, young people can become more competitive in the job market and also create their own businesses,” she said.
She said ICTs are more than just job enablers, they are catalysts for broader development, fostering innovation, improving service delivery and reducing inequality across sectors like health, agriculture, education and governance.
“The ICT sector holds the key to unlocking new opportunities, from remote work and online businesses to software development and global collaboration,” said Minister Mavetera.
The minister also encouraged youths to remain resilient, embrace lifelong learning and use their skills to innovate for the good of their communities.
The seminar, which featured motivational speakers and knowledge-sharing sessions was part of a broader ASDA initiative aimed at holistic youth empowerment.
ASDA vice-president, Pastor Nobert Chimunhu, said the church has long supported young people, particularly through education and is now focused on ensuring they take active roles in the national economic transformation agenda.
“We believe it’s our God-given responsibility to empower youth. Success in life is not optional, our faith demands it. We appreciate what the Government is doing to empower young people and we want our youths to be active participants in Zimbabwe’s economic agenda, not spectators,” Pastor Chimunhu said.
He added that youth and women’s empowerment was essential not just for personal development but for building stronger, more resilient communities.
“When young people are empowered, they avoid harmful behaviours, secure decent livelihoods, and become positive role models who uplift others, they become the salt and light of society,” he said.
Elder Douglas Kwande echoed the sentiment, noting that the church’s involvement in youth empowerment goes beyond charity, it is a strategic investment in Zimbabwe’s socio-economic future.
“With the empowerment agenda gaining momentum, the church is playing a vital role in equipping young people with relevant skills so they can lead in the development of the country,” he said.
As Zimbabwe accelerates towards Vision 2030, the message is clear: the future belongs to digitally skilled youth who are bold enough to innovate, collaborate, and lead.
