Youth empowerment thrives in post-Independence Zimbabwe

Youth have emerged as significant contributors to the nation’s progress since gaining independence, with active participation spanning in various sectors of the economy as they continue to shape the country’s future.

Before independence, black individuals, particularly the youth, were often limited to menial roles.

This was a result of discriminatory practices that restricted access to education and better employment opportunities. The struggle for independence was a significant movement to overcome these injustices and achieve equality.

As Zimbabwe commemorates its 44th Independence Day on April 18, there is palpable excitement among the youth.

They note that Independence was not merely about political liberation, it also marked a significant turning point toward economic and social emancipation for the majority of black citizens.

The shackles of colonial oppression began to loosen, allowing for progress in various spheres of life.

Government came up with programmes aimed at empowering youths who are now actively involved in politics and the economy of the country.

Government has made great strides in delivering its promises to empower youths, with thousands having benefitted from various programmes.

Many are now successful farmers after benefiting from the land reform that the Government embarked on in early 2000s while others are company owners and directors. Government is still spearheading youth empowerment programmes across the economy. In education, there is the Presidential Scholarship, where underprivileged deserving youths from all the country’s provinces are given scholarships to study abroad.

The Youth Empower Bank and Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank were also set up after independence, to empower youth and women, regardless of political affiliation, with loans and business start-ups.

In an interview, a young farmer, Mr Leo Maphosa, said Zimbabwe’s economy is driven by youths who understand industrialisation and innovation.

He said the Government has actively encouraged youth participation across various sectors of the economy through a range of empowerment programmes.

These initiatives aim to equip young Zimbabweans with the skills, resources and opportunities needed for economic growth and self-sufficiency. By fostering entrepreneurship, education and access to resources, these programmes contribute to the nation’s progress and the empowerment of its citizens

“The Government has been allowing us to be involved in agriculture and we have youths who are below 30 years and have thriving agriculture businesses and are the drivers of the economy,” said Mr Maphosa.

“Many people who are in the agriculture sector are youth because they have taken the responsibility to be entrepreneurs and promote economic growth. We don’t need to leave the country and run a business in other countries because Zimbabwe on its own is a free country,” he said.

“Independence brought that freedom for us to be able to start and run our own businesses, gain technical skills from our own universities, so that we can use them for developing our country through entrepreneurship.”

Mr Maphosa said as someone who is into crop production, he has been facing challenges in accessing capital to be able to fully exploit the sector.

He said his goal is to export different products to the European Union and Sadc countries.

He called upon the Government to address the issue of capital injection to youth led businesses, to close up the gaps, which are hindering them from expanding beyond their current levels.

“I am working towards exporting vegetables and also to be able to grow organic crops to address food safety gaps on the international market,” he said.

Another entrepreneur, Ms Providence Moyo, the founder and chief executive officer of Devine Pro said she has managed to grab the opportunity and venture into business.

Ms Moyo is into manufacturing of beauty products, which include essential oils and beauty soaps and hair products.

“As a woman, I am a beneficiary of independence because I have managed to run my own business, I am no longer deprived because long back as women, we were not allowed to take up leadership position,or do certain things .

“However, independence brought us rights where as women we can do anything, or take any role and do jobs, which were normally done by men,” she said.

She commended the establishment of Women Microfinance Bank that is offering financial support to women.

However, she said financial constraints are hindering growth of women and youth led businesses.

“We have a Women Microfinance Bank that supports women businesses. That is a good initiative because women can now work as cooperatives, run businesses together and do clubs.

“Many banks need collateral, but forming groups and working together as women reduces the burden,” she said.

Ms Sibongimpilo Maketani, who is 30 years old and runs a company that sells oil seals, said independence has been a game-changer for women and youth in business, amplifying their skills and opportunities.

However, she said while strides have been made, challenges persist, where recognition as a successful businesswoman remains a hurdle worth overcoming. —chronicle