At least 13,000 young Zimbabweans are set to benefit from the second phase of the Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Project (YEE), officially launched this Wednesday in Harare. The project marks a significant leap in turning youth empowerment into a practical and inclusive reality.
Backed by government and development partners, the initiative is already transforming lives. Tapiwanashe Shumba (17) is now running a profitable rabbit breeding business, while Chido Makanha (26) supplies rare flower breeds and is eyeing the export market. “I’m looking forward to exporting soon because my hectarage has increased,” said Makanha.
Sander Jamba, part of a 10-member youth group, shared how they shifted from local to export markets in pea production, now supplying Europe. Meanwhile, Peter Kanodeweta expanded his beekeeping project from 30 to 60 hives after receiving startup capital from the Youth Bank, with plans to reach 100 hives by year-end.
The YEE project aims to support both existing and new youth-led enterprises, while promoting skills development, access to finance, and export-oriented production. It also tackles issues like mindset change, climate resilience, and skills mismatches.
“This initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Youth Policy and Vision 2030, which prioritizes youth inclusion in economic development,” said Mrs Lucy Fulgence-Silas, SNV Country Director.
Mr Solomon Mhlanga, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, noted,
“Through partnerships, youth empowerment is no longer a dream but a lived experience. We will continue crafting policies that help young people thrive.”
With youth empowerment identified as a top government priority, initiatives such as vocational training centers, youth funding facilities, and entrepreneurship development programmes are paving the way for a generation of economically active and self-reliant young Zimbabweans.
