Staff Reporter

Youth in Ward 16 of Chitungwiza are benefiting from a series of government-led empowerment initiatives, which local leaders say are transforming lives and providing sustainable income opportunities.

In an interview with this publication recently, Ward 16 Chairperson Vengai Makumbecommended President Emmerson Mnangagwa’sadministration for prioritising youth development through practical, agriculture-based projects.

“Young people in our ward have been allocated land for agricultural use. They have started community gardens and ventured into herbal gardening. We have also seen the emergence of honey farming, and there are plans underway to introduce fish farming. These projects are giving our youth real economic opportunities,” Makumbe said.

Makumbe added that the initiatives are part of the Second Republic’s broader strategy to uplift young people by equipping them with resources and skills to generate income and support their families.

“These are not just ordinary programs. They are a gateway for our youth to become self-reliant and productive citizens. The President’s vision is being implemented on the ground, and we are seeing results,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Misheck Musadzi, said the projects have significantly changed his life.

“I am benefiting a lot from the projects being done for youth in Chitungwiza. I am currently working on seedlings, and this has helped me become independent. I can now take care of myself,” said Musadzi.

The youth empowerment drive includes a range of agricultural and agri-business initiatives tailored to the needs and potential of young people in urban and peri-urban settings. According to Makumbe, the community has embraced these projects, which are reducing unemployment and creating pathways to entrepreneurship.

“These programs are not only about growing crops,” Makumbe added. “They’re about growing futures.”

Local authorities have called for continued support from stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the projects and to expand their reach to other wards.

“This is just the beginning. With continued government support and community involvement, we can ensure that every young person has a chance to thrive.”said Makumbe

The initiatives are part of the government’s wider youth empowerment strategy aimed at achieving Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy. Officials say more projects are set to be launched in the coming months, including training programs and access to markets.