President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to officially launch the National Youth Empowerment Strategy (NYES), a comprehensive roadmap aimed at guiding structured youth development programming and coordination across Zimbabwe. The launch will take place on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, during the National Youth Empowerment Symposium, which begins tomorrow at the Harare Agricultural Show Grounds.
The announcement was made by Ranson Madzamba, Director of Communication and Advocacy in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, who confirmed that preparations for the symposium are now in an advanced stage.
“Preparations for the National Youth Empowerment Symposium to take place on October 21 and 22 this year at the Harare Agricultural Show Grounds are now at advanced stage,” said Mr. Madzamba. “The Zimbabwean youths are ready to meet and deliberate among themselves, the Government, and various development partners on how best they can be empowered for the good of their lives and that of our nation.”
The symposium will run under the theme “Empower the Youth, Secure the Future”, and it aims to create a platform for youth-to-youth learning, where young entrepreneurs can showcase their ventures, share best practices, and inspire one another. The event is also designed to foster innovation, productivity, and entrepreneurship among Zimbabwe’s young population, positioning them as key contributors to the nation’s economic growth.
On the second day of the symposium, President Mnangagwa will formally launch the National Youth Empowerment Strategy, which Madzamba described as “the roadmap for structured youth development programming and coordination.” The strategy is expected to provide a clear framework for government agencies, private sector players, development partners, and youth organizations to collaborate effectively in empowering Zimbabwe’s youth.
President Mnangagwa to Launch National Youth Empowerment Strategy at Harare Symposium
Zimbabwe’s youth population represents a significant portion of the nation’s demographic profile, often referred to as a “demographic dividend” due to their potential to drive economic growth and national development. Madzamba highlighted that addressing youth unemployment is a key priority for the government.
“The youths constitute the bulk of our population. They are the active age and they are indeed a demographic dividend we are supposed to capitalise on as a country,” he said. “The issue of unemployment among the youths has to be addressed strategically.”
The symposium primarily targets youths not currently engaged in education, employment, or training (NEET). According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) 2024 survey, approximately 2.3 million youths fall into this category. The symposium seeks to identify practical pathways to integrate these young people into productive economic activities and equip them with skills for competitive advantage.
Beyond addressing unemployment, the symposium is set to provide a national platform that links young people with government agencies, the private sector, development partners, and successful entrepreneurs. This connection is expected to expose participants to mentorship, investment opportunities, and guidance on enterprise development.
“The symposium comes as a premier national platform to connect young people with Government agencies, private sector players, development partners, and successful entrepreneurs,” Madzamba said. “It also seeks to inspire innovation, productivity, and entrepreneurship among the youths.”
In addition to workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions, the event will feature exhibitions of youth enterprises, giving participants the chance to display their innovations, discuss challenges, and learn from one another’s successes.
The NYES launch is a key highlight of the symposium, marking a milestone in the government’s commitment to structured youth development. The strategy is expected to provide clarity on government programs, define measurable objectives, and ensure coordinated efforts across ministries and partner organizations.
Thousands of youths from across the country are expected to attend, providing a vibrant and energetic audience ready to engage with the policy framework, contribute ideas, and seize opportunities for personal and national growth.
Through this initiative, the government aims to empower young Zimbabweans, equipping them with the tools, skills, and networks necessary to become productive, innovative, and entrepreneurial citizens. The NYES and the symposium together represent a strategic effort to transform Zimbabwe’s youth potential into tangible socio-economic progress.
Source- Herald
