Government says support from the United Nations towards Zimbabwe’s National Youth Empowerment Strategy (2026–2030) could increase from an initial US$50 million pledge to as much as US$80 million over the next four years following high-level engagements between the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tinoda Machakaire and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Edward Kallon.
Speaking after the meeting yesterday, Minister Machakaire said the discussions marked a major breakthrough for youth empowerment and economic inclusion programmes in the country.
“Today, I held a highly productive meeting with the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Edward Kallon, to unlock and operationalize the USD50 million pledge made during the launch of the National Youth Empowerment Strategy (2026–2030) by His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa,” said Machakaire.
He said the discussions had yielded positive results, with UN agencies now considering increasing the package significantly.
“I am pleased to announce that following our engagement, UN agencies are now proposing to increase the support package to up to USD80 million over the next four years a major breakthrough for youth empowerment in Zimbabwe,” he said.
Machakaire described the development as a strong endorsement of Government policy and the country’s young population.
“This is a strong vote of confidence in the vision of His Excellency and in the potential of Zimbabwe’s young people,” he said.
The minister said the partnership between Zimbabwe and the United Nations would help accelerate programmes aimed at equipping youths with practical skills and creating economic opportunities.
“The partnership with the United Nations continues to drive tangible progress in Skills Development, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Inclusion,” Machakaire noted
He added that Government was now focused on ensuring that commitments made under the empowerment strategy are translated into practical programmes capable of improving livelihoods.
“We are moving from commitments to implementation, and from strategy to real opportunities that will transform the lives of young people across the country,” he said.
The National Youth Empowerment Strategy (2026–2030), launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, seeks to address unemployment, limited access to capital, and skills gaps among young people through targeted interventions in entrepreneurship, vocational training, innovation and industrial participation.
