HARARE, Mar. 13 (NewsDay Live) - The government is working on a plan to increase youth involvement in decision-making, from the current 3.3% participation rate in 2020 to 25% by 2030.
Harare Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Charles Tawengwa, made these remarks during a visit to the Young Africa Zimbabwe’s Chitungwiza campus.
“Youth empowerment is essential to reaching our national development targets as stated in National Development Strategy 1. It is crucial to note that several key initiatives are underway to achieve this,” Tawengwa said.
“We are aiming to increase youth participation in decision-making processes from 3.3% in 2020 to 25% by 2030.” he added.
In Zimbabwe, youth represent a significant demographic, with nearly 32% of the population between the ages of 15 and 35, and a total of 66% of the population being under 35 years old.
Tawengwa also emphasized the importance of collaboration with development partners to establish vocational training centers across the country.
“This partnership has been a great example of what can be achieved when the government and development partners unite with a shared vision and purpose.
“We are rolling out programs in vocational training, entrepreneurship development, and mentorship. We are also reviewing policies to ensure they are youth-friendly and conducive to youth development. We are fully committed to these initiatives because we believe empowering our youth will unlock their full potential and pave the way for a brighter future for our nation,” he said.
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The minister highlighted the significance of focusing on the youth demographic, who he said play a vital role in helping the country achieve its national objectives and overall development.
“As we aim to become an upper-middle-income country by 2030, we recognize that our youth are crucial to this transformation. The Zimbabwean government is dedicated to creating an environment that supports youth innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities,” Tawengwa concluded.
“We will continue to back initiatives that provide young people with access to education, skills training, and economic opportunities.”
He also noted that the government was revisiting the focus of vocational training, emphasizing the need to align skills development with local industry requirements.
