Staff Reporter
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially handed over tipper trucks procured under the US$2 million Presidential Youth Fund, further demonstrating his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and economic inclusivity.
The handover comes just weeks after the launch of the fund and marks a tangible step in equipping young Zimbabweans with tools to venture into productive industries, such as construction and mining.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, yesterday, President Mnangagwa emphasised the importance of empowering the nation’s youth to play a leading role in economic transformation.
“A country is as strong as its youth demographics, so as leaders, we always find it important to capacitate our youth.
“We must empower our youth in order for them to drive and develop the economy because they have the energy and the wisdom. They can only do that when we empower them, and this is the process of empowering them. I am very happy that they are doing precisely what we expect them to do,” he said.
He also urged young beneficiaries to pursue their new opportunities with integrity, cautioning against corrupt practices.
“Hard and honest work will lead to national prosperity. Let’s shun all forms of corruption. This is how we build a strong, self-sustaining Zimbabwe,” said the President.
The initiative aligns with the Second Republic’s broader youth empowerment agenda, which has included access to land, vocational training, innovation hubs, and now direct economic tools.
The first consignment of tipper trucks has been allocated to Bulawayo, Matabeleland South, and Matabeleland North, where the recipients are expected to put them to productive use. In some cases, provinces have already secured contracts with mining companies, setting the stage for sustainable income generation.
Youth representatives have hailed the program as life-changing.
One beneficiary from Matabeleland South said, “This truck means everything to me. It is the start of a business that can support not just me, but many others through job creation.”
As the Presidential Youth Fund continues to roll out, more youths across the country are expected to benefit, unlocking opportunities that were previously out of reach.
This initiative underscores the government’s belief that investing in youth is investing in the future of Zimbabwe.
