Cabinet has confirmed that Igava Training Centre in Marondera District, Mashonaland East Province, will host the 2026 National Youth Day Celebrations.
Speaking, at the first 2026 Post Cabinet Brief in Harare, yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the event will be held under the theme “Youth Agenda for Transformation.”
“Cabinet received an update report on preparations for the 2026 National Youth Day Celebrations, which will see 30 000 youths from all provinces participating.
“This event continues our policy of rotating national celebrations among provinces, ensuring that every region benefits from national development initiatives,” Dr Muswere added
Minister Muswere said the celebrations will coincide with the opening of a new, state-of-the-art Vocational and Youth Centre at Igava, which will be named in honour of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The Centre aims to support skills training, entrepreneurship, and long-term youth empowerment.
“The Youth Centre will be equipped with modern facilities including smart workshops, metal fabrication and digital learning laboratories, innovation and incubation hubs, demonstration farms, mining technical workshops, sports and recreation amenities, residential accommodation, and health facilities.
This will provide a diverse curriculum supported through Public-Private Partnerships to ensure market relevance and sustainability,” he said.
He added that the expected outcomes from the celebrations and the Centre include enhanced employment opportunities, support for youth-owned enterprises, and the establishment of a model for Youth Service and Vocational Training Centres across the country.
“Our aim is to empower young people, especially those not in education, employment, or training, by providing them with practical skills that can transform their lives and communities,” Dr Muswere said.
Meanwhile, Cabinet also announced updates on preparations for the 46th Independence Day Anniversary Celebrations and the 2026 Children’s Party, which will be held at Maphisa Growth Point in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province under the theme “Zim@46 Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030.”
National Youth Day is observed annually to highlight the contributions of young people to national development, while Independence Day commemorates Zimbabwe’s liberation in 1980. Government has increasingly used these national events to promote regional development, social inclusion, and long-term community empowerment.
