Young entrepreneurs are on the rise in Africa. Youth empowerment should be every nation’s priority for its future success. African governments are playing a crucial role in this drive to prepare for their countries’ future now, by investing in youth involvement in growth. Zimbabwe is making massive strides in this area and will do more through various projects for the youth.
Young entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe
The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) has set up factories for plastic container making, honey and fruit processing.
According to the University’s website, the aim is to play a critical role in the re-industrialisation of Bulawayo. A city which was once an industrial hub. The factories will enable students to have practical experience on how to produce goods for local consumption, minimising imports. This will give the young entrepreneurs the opportunity to do research on improving these goods in the future. It will also help them respond to changes that may emerge in the industry.
Also, in line with youth empowerment, Provincial Integrated Youths Skills Development Centres (PIYSDC) for the nation’s 10 provinces were launched earlier this year. Moreover, the aim is empowering youths with agriculture skills. The hubs received heifers which will be bred, with offspring being distributed to youths around the country.
Youths in agriculture
Additionally, the hubs, cover 500ha for each province. It has a wide range of agriculture activities under relevant ministries’ management. This will drastically improve youth involvement in growing the agriculture industry. Furthermore, young entrepreneurs in this industry will ensure growth and sustenance. Agriculture is a vital cog in Zimbabwe’s economy. Interest from the youth is a step in the right direction for economic prosperity.
Moreso, in another bid to empower youth, the Mutoko Royal Fruit and Vegetable Hub co-owned by local farmers and the Tabudirira Vocational Training Centre. The Youth Fund (form the Ministry of Youth) has provided youth employment to youths in the surrounding areas. This hub also guarantees a market for young farmers’ produce. This is a major boost in youth agripreneur in the hubs’ service areas.
These are just a few youth programs happening in Zimbabwe. At this pace, the nation’s economically active age group will lead to economic growth that will last if done well.
