Zimbabwean youth took centre stage at the National Youth Empowerment Symposium, where hundreds of young entrepreneurs, innovators, and thought leaders gathered to showcase their contributions to the country’s socio-economic development and explore opportunities for growth.
The event, held under the theme “Empowering Youth Through Innovation and Collaboration”, brought together Government officials, development partners, and private sector players to engage with young people on key issues such as entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and investment readiness.
Addressing delegates, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, Kudakwashe Mpamhanga, said the future of Zimbabwe lies in the hands of its youth. He called for greater inclusion of young people in national development strategies, stressing that Government and its partners must work together to create platforms that amplify youth voices and initiatives.
“Empowering the nation begins with empowering its youth,” said the Deputy Minister. “We cannot simply talk about youth development — we must act. Many young people are already leading by example, avoiding drugs and excelling in sectors such as tourism, mining, and agriculture.”
He also highlighted the role of development partners in supporting youth-focused programmes, skills training, and enterprise development.
The symposium also tackled the topic of technology innovation, with a spotlight on how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the business landscape. Young tech enthusiasts and professionals shared insights into how AI can help automate tasks, drive efficiency, and enable smarter decision-making across industries.
“AI is a game changer. Young people must take the lead in leveraging these technologies to build sustainable businesses and solve real-world problems,” said one panellist.
The symposium served as both a learning platform and a networking space for young people eager to take charge of their futures. Organisers said the event was designed to provide practical tools, mentorship, and access to partnerships that can help unlock youth potential.
“This is more than a conference its a platform for youth to lead the conversation, share their experiences, and take ownership of their role in shaping Zimbabwe’s development,” said one of the organisers.
As Zimbabwe works towards achieving Vision 2030, the message from the symposium was clear: youth are not just beneficiaries of development – they are its drivers. With continued investment in training, innovation, and policy support, the country’s young people are ready to lead the charge toward a more inclusive and prosperous future.
