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Government has called on youths and beneficiaries of the indigenisation and economic empowerment initiative to take a lead in directing economic development. Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment permanent secretary Mr George Magosvongwe said in a speech read on his behalf at a Harare Youth Consultative workshop last Friday, that Government developed a national plan designed to address challenges faced by the youths.
The workshop was attended by young entrepreneurs from Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central and Harare provinces.
“The ministry is tasked with promoting principles and building capabilities concerned with the inclusion of the youth and empowering them to take responsibility and participate as beneficiaries, actors and leaders in economic development,” said Mr Magosvongwe.
“Needless to say, various challenges have been noted regarding youth empowerment in the mainstream economy. A comprehensive National Action Plan has been developed to ensure the implementation of the National Youth policy, thereby addressing common youth challenges at an integrated level.”
Mr Magosvongwe said the ministry was making efforts to ensure that young people acquired skills to set up meaningful enterprises.
“The ministry is also scaling up efforts to ensure the relevance of skills to market requirements through our Training for Enterprise Programme in our Vocational Training Centres,” he said.
“The integrated Skills Outreach Programme and the Training for Rural and Economic Empowerment are measures to ensure that the young people acquire skills to set up meaningful enterprises.”
Minister of State for Harare Cde Miriam Chikukwa, urged youths to take advantage of the economic programmes introduced for them.
“I am aware and grateful for the tremendous efforts made by the Ministry of Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment to fulfil its empowerment mandate through the establishment of Community Share Ownership Trusts,” she said.
“It is up to you as the enlightened youths to take full advantage of these programmes which Government has designed to assist you to improve yourselves.”
Online Reporter