Zimbabwean youths empowered to fight corruption through new initiative

The Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) has launched a new initiative to empower young people in the fight against corruption, enhance public finance management and their overall participation in the country’s economic discourse.

The Strengthening Institutions and Youth Agency in Zimbabwe’s Accountability (#SIYA) project, aims to create a generation of “Integrity Icons” by establishing Youth for Integrity (Y4I) Hubs across the country.

According to ZIMCODD, these hubs provide a platform for young Zimbabweans, aged 15-35, to discuss anti-corruption issues, share ideas and advocate for accountability. The initiative aligns with the African Youth Charter and recognises the significant role youths, who make up roughly 60 percent of the population, can play in shaping the country’s future.

Y4I hubs address the challenges faced by many young Zimbabweans, including unemployment, limited access to healthcare and education and vulnerability to exploitation. Youths are also disproportionately impacted by corruption, which weakens oversight institutions and diverts resources away from vital services.

To address these issues, ZIMCODD has established committees within each Y4I Hub. These committees, trained by #SIYA on evidence collection and the importance of integrity, will mobilise other young people on anti-corruption issues.

They will also develop solutions specific to the needs of their communities and encourage interaction with authorities to promote accountability.

The initiative has already seen success.

Over 100 young people have been inducted into the programme, forming 20 committees across Zimbabwe. These committees have further enlisted over 150 additional youths, demonstrating a growing desire for change.

This initiative empowers young Zimbabweans to be active participants in shaping a more transparent and accountable future for their country.-ebusinessweeekly