Zimbabwe Approves 2026–2030 National Youth Empowerment Strategy

By Andile Vundla | 14 August 2025

The Government has approved the National Youth Empowerment Strategy (2026–2030), a framework designed to boost youth participation in Zimbabwe’s formal economy through job creation, entrepreneurship, and skills development.

Announcing the development during a post-Cabinet briefing yesterday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Hon. Jenfan Muswere said the strategy will see Ministries, Departments, Agencies, local authorities, the private sector, and development partners rolling out targeted programmes to economically empower young people.

“This strategy will mainstream youth issues in the national development agenda and serve as a key implementation tool for the National Development Strategy 2,” Minister Muswere said.

The plan was developed after extensive consultations with the private sector, development partners, and youth representatives, and is anchored on key national legal frameworks, including the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Youth Council Act, and the 2021 National Youth Policy.

It is built around five main pillars which are Economic Empowerment, Technology and Digital Transformation, Education and Skills Development, Governance, Health and Wellbeing.

Three cross-cutting pillars, Climate Change Adaptation, Gender Equality and Inclusivity, and Governance, Coordination and Partnerships, will guide all interventions.

Under each pillar, the strategy sets clear objectives, proposed interventions, and a roadmap for delivering tangible results. Youth will be involved at every stage, including monitoring and evaluation, ensuring that the programmes remain relevant and responsive to their needs.

To reach marginalised groups, a comprehensive communication plan will use local languages and culturally relevant content. A resource mobilisation plan will also secure financial, human, and material resources to make the initiatives sustainable.

Government says the strategy reflects its commitment to providing young Zimbabweans with access to education, training, economic opportunities, recreational facilities, political participation, and protection from harmful practices — positioning them as key drivers of Vision 2030.