Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure
Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZIMBABWEAN Youth Cde Hopewell Chako has been appointed a board member of the Africa Youth Forum in Liberia.
This followed his participation and contribution in preparatory meetings in Liberia, where he represented Zimbabwean youths with distinction.
He was a key panellist for a discussion on “Youth Leadership in Africa’s Democratic Future”.
In an interview, Cde Chako said his appointment is in recognition of President Mnangagwa’s efforts in promoting youth empowerment programmes.
“Several youths across Africa are yearning for more empowerment programmes. I presented a document on youth empowerment opportunities in Zimbabwe, which was well received by a number of youth across Africa,” he said.
He urged Zimbabwean youths to shun drug and substance abuse to ensure they play their part in nation-building.
He said the summit was meant to ensure authentic representation and grassroots perspectives in every discussion, empowering youth voices to drive meaningful change across the continent.
Giving his reflection on the Africa Youth Forum, Cde Chako said it is a privileged space for reflection and exchanges for African youth.
“It provides African youths with an opportunity to speak out and affirm their role in the growth and development of the continent,: he said.
“We help remove all structural obstacles to the effective participation of young people, mobilise the necessary resources to develop long-term national action plans for the effective involvement and participation of young people in the promotion of peace and security and in national development processes.”
He further highlighted that young people in Africa are embracing entrepreneurship to create wealth, create social value and ensure their financial independence.
“This creative and innovative entrepreneurial spirit of young people is deployed and manifested in almost all areas of the social and economic life of the African continent. “We look at the inclusive public policies that promote the development and empowerment of African youth in African countries for the creativity, entrepreneurship and Innovation,” he noted.
A number of youths in Africa are seeking opportunities to acquire land. The Africa Youth Forum 2025 is a youth-led initiative that brings together visionary policymakers, innovative entrepreneurs, and passionate young leaders from across the continent to shape Africa’s future.
In alignment with Agenda 2063 and the Africa Union’s 2025 theme on Economic Justice for Youths, he said is meant to create a platform for meaningful dialogue, actionable solutions, and lasting partnerships.
“We go beyond talk. Every forum session produces concrete policy recommendations, actionable strategies, and collaborative partnerships that drive real progress in youth economic justice and empowerment,” said Cde Chako.
Cde Chako is the national chairperson of the Zimbabwean youth affiliate group BoysDzaMdara.
