Harare, Zimbabwe – Young Zimbabweans are now equipped to spearhead the nation’s economic growth, declared Kuda Mnangagwa, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development, at the Zimbabwe International Youth Trade Fair and Conference held in Harare on Friday.
Speaking under the theme “We are the Future, The Future is Now,” Mnangagwa highlighted the government’s successful efforts in building local capacity among young engineers, contractors, and builders.
“What was important was to build the capacity of young people… to show that indeed a Zimbabwean can actually build a dam, can build a road,” Mnangagwa asserted. He emphasized that this homegrown expertise eliminates the need for foreign companies, be they South African or Chinese. “That capacity has been created,” he affirmed.
The Deputy Minister outlined a transformative “second phase of growth” where the private sector, fueled by capable youth, is expected to drive exponential economic expansion. He encouraged young entrepreneurs to approach the government for guarantees, enabling them to access capital markets and secure financing for their projects.
“All you need to do is come to government, ask for a guarantee, go to the capital markets and we will give you that guarantee and raise the financing to do that,” he stated, urging youth participation in these key programs.
The conference, which underscored the pivotal role of youth in national development, was graced by several government officials, including Minister of Youth Tino Machakaire, Deputy Minister of Youth, Deputy Minister of Local Government, and various Members of Parliament.
Mnangagwa’s remarks signal a strong government commitment to empowering young Zimbabweans to take ownership of the nation’s development trajectory.
