Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
THE ZANU PF Youth League has intensified efforts to empower young people through funding for income-generating projects, vocational skills training and employment opportunities.
The initiatives have seen Treasury releasing US$2,7 million for youth income-generating projects, while 324 youth-led projects were funded through Youth EmpowerBank during the reporting period.
The Youth League is led by Cde Tino Machakaire and deputised by Cde John Paradza.
According to the Central Committee Report presented during the ZANU PF 23rd National People’s Conference held in Chinhoyi, the department engaged the Ministry of Finance and other stakeholders to unlock the US$10 million Youth Empowerment Fund pledged at the 22nd National People’s Conference.
A Youth Economic Empowerment Fund was also launched, while a new board of directors and chief executive officer were appointed at EmpowerBank.
The department further participated in the launch of a US$2,2 million financing facility with CAMFED, aimed at improving access to finance and financial inclusion, particularly for young women and marginalised groups.
In collaboration with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, the department convened a Youth Business Forum covering financial literacy, savings and investment, access to finance, financial management, enterprise development and linkages between young entrepreneurs and financial institutions.
On skills development, the department facilitated training programmes that equipped thousands of young people with practical skills to enhance their participation in economic activities.
“A total of 66 368 youths were trained through institutional and community-based skills outreach programmes,” read the report.
“Thirty-seven Vocational Skills graduates progressed to advanced studies in Algeria. A partnership between the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) and the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training culminated in the graduation of 450 young people at Defe in Gokwe during the ZCC Golden Jubilee celebrations.
“Training covered bricklaying, plumbing, electrical installation, welding, carpentry, horticulture, poultry and food preparation.”
Cde Tino Machakaire, Secretary for Youth Affairs and Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, officiated at the graduation ceremony and challenged graduates to move from training to production, job seeking to job creation and dependency to economic participation.
The department also engaged the Public Service Commission, parastatal boards and captains of industry to create employment, internship and work-based learning pathways for young people.
A key outcome was the directive to prioritise qualified Youth Service graduates for employment in the Public Service.
Working with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, the department compiled a database of Youth Service graduates according to their qualifications and competencies.
Qualified graduates are being referred for interviews and given priority consideration for funded Public Service posts.
The department also contributed to the formulation and revision of the National Youth Policy (2026-2030).
The policy provides framework for youth participation in national development and economic empowerment.
