Source: Government pledges support for youths amid drug, substance abuse -Newsday Zimbabwe
THE government has stressed the urgent need for unified and accelerated measures to empower young people and integrate them fully into the economy, amid rising concern over youth unemployment and inactivity.
According to the 2024 third quarter Labour Force Survey conducted by the Zimbabwe Statistics Agency, an estimated 2,3 million youths out of a total population of 5,4 million are neither in education, employment nor training.
This has become fertile ground for drug and substance abuse.
Addressing journalists in Harare last week, Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training minister Tinoda Machakaire said the figures highlighted the urgent need to strengthen youth empowerment programmes.
“This sobering statistic underscores the urgent need for deliberate, coordinated and accelerated efforts to empower young people and ensure their full integration into the economy,” he said.
Machakaire described the youth demographic as Zimbabwe’s greatest resource, adding that their energy and creativity could drive inclusive economic growth and transformation.
Meanwhile, the ministry is going to host the National Youth Empowerment Symposium on October 21 and 22 at the Harare Agricultural Show Grounds, under the theme Empower the Youth, Secure the Future.
“In response to the pressing national challenge, the ministry has organised the National Youth Empowerment Symposium 2025, a premier national platform to connect young people with government agencies, private sector players, development partners and successful entrepreneurs,” Machakaire said.
He said the event sought to bridge information, mentorship and market linkage gaps hindering youth participation in the economy.
“The youth symposium seeks to expose the youth to opportunities within and across key sectors of the economy, foster youth-to-youth learning by providing a platform for youth enterprises to exhibit and share best practices, celebrate outstanding youth entrepreneurs and innovators contributing to economic growth and transformation,” he said.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to officially launch the National Youth Empowerment Strategy during the symposium, a framework aimed at guiding structured youth empowerment, capacity building and economic inclusion.
“By the end of the symposium, we anticipate a more informed and economically active youth population ready to take advantage of national and regional opportunities, stronger linkages between youth markets, mentors, regulators and financiers, increased formalisation of youth-led enterprises and uptake for government and partner services,” Machakaire said.
He said efforts were being made to include young people from marginalised and rural communities, through the offices of ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution.
The post Government pledges support for youths amid drug, substance abuse appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.