ZIM AFRICAN YOUTH REP RAISES COUNTRY’S FLAG HIGH IN RUSSIA

Paul Pindani in CHINHOYI

AFRICAN UNION Youth Representative, Anne Nyengeterai Mugwagwa, continues to lift the nation’s flag high in Russia where she is attending the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF).

The Chinhoyi-based youth is part of the four Africans Identified as the top candidates after a comprehensive evaluation.

The ninth Eastern Economic Forum hosted by President Vladimir Putin and attended by Vice President Han Zheng of the People’s Republic of China and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia.

In an interview with H- Metro, Mugwagwa said Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), held annually in Vladivostok, Russia, is a key platform for fostering economic cooperation, investment opportunities, and discussions on the future of the Asia-Pacific region.

“For a young Zimbabwean woman like myself, attending the EEF in 2024 as a Youth Delegate representing Africa was more than just an opportunity to engage with global economic leaders.

“It was a testament to the power of inclusion and the growing voice of African youth, particularly young women, on the world stage,” said Mugwagwa.

She said from a Zimbabwean perspective on Economic Diplomacy and the Global South, Zimbabwe, like many other African nations, has faced its fair share of economic and developmental challenges.

“As a nation looking eastward for partnerships and investment, Russia and the broader Asia-Pacific region offer new avenues of economic cooperation, technology transfer, and infrastructure development.

“The EEF provides an excellent platform to explore these opportunities, especially as Zimbabwe continues to diversify its economic ties beyond traditional partners,” she said.

Mugwagwa said by attending this forum, she can see first-hand how Zimbabwe, and Africa more broadly, are viewed as emerging markets with untapped potential in sectors like agriculture, mining, and renewable energy.

“Russia’s willingness to invest in Africa’s future is clear, and this engagement holds the promise of mutual growth.

“For Zimbabwe, this means more opportunities for job creation, poverty reduction, and long-term economic stability—critical needs for our people,” said Mugwagwa.

“As a girl child representing Zimbabwe, I was proud to witness the growing recognition of the importance of youth voices, especially from Africa.

“Historically, global economic discussions have largely been dominated by older, often male voices. However, platforms like the EEF are beginning to appreciate the contributions that young people and women can bring to the table,” she said.

She said being at the EEF symbolises hope and empowerment.

“I am part of a generation that is not only inheriting the challenges of the world but is also actively shaping solutions.

“As a young woman from Zimbabwe, it is my hope that my participation in such a global forum inspires other girls in Zimbabwe and Africa to believe in their potential to contribute to economic, social, and political transformation,” said Mugwagwa.

According to Mugwagwa in Zimbabwe, many young women face barriers to education, career opportunities, and leadership roles.

“However, the narrative is changing, and I am a part of that change. By standing on a global stage, I am demonstrating that the girl child from Zimbabwe is capable of making meaningful contributions to global development.

“More importantly, this recognition of African women in economic dialogues is a crucial step towards gender equity, not just in Africa but globally,” said Mugwagwa.

She said the EEF allowed her to connect with global leaders, investors, and fellow youth delegates from across the world.

“This engagement is important for Zimbabwe as we continue to seek international partnerships for sustainable development.

“ From infrastructure projects to education and skills development, the opportunities presented at the forum are vast and, if capitalized on, can propel Zimbabwe towards a more prosperous future,” she said.

Mugwagwa said from African perspective, Russia’s outreach to the continent is also indicative of the shifting geopolitical landscape, where emerging economies are gaining a more prominent role in global affairs.

“Zimbabwe must continue to assert itself as a key player in these conversations, ensuring that our interests are well-represented and that the benefits of such partnerships are shared equitably,” said Mugwagwa.