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The official opening of the 2026 National Youth Empowerment Symposium and the launch of the National Youth Policy 2026–2030 have been postponed to November 23rd, with the venue to be announced in due course.
The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training made the announcement through Minister Tino Machakaire, who outlined the objectives of the symposium and its role in expanding economic opportunities for young people.
The symposium, running under the theme “Youth Financial Inclusion,” is expected to bring together young people, policymakers, financial institutions, investors and development partners to explore ways of improving access to capital and supporting youth-led enterprises.
Machakaire emphasised that young people were seeking meaningful economic opportunities rather than sympathy, calling for practical interventions to enable them to establish and grow businesses.
“Our young people are not seeking for sympathy; they are asking for opportunities, access to capital, and a fair chance to succeed,” he said.
He described the symposium as a platform for meaningful dialogue, innovation and entrepreneurship, stressing the need to translate discussions and policy commitments into tangible economic outcomes.
“We must move beyond promises, opportunities, and beyond discussions to real economic impact,” Machakaire said.
The Minister also revealed that the Youth Innovation Challenge and the Young Entrepreneurs Exhibition would be announced in due course, adding that the initiatives were expected to complement the symposium’s broader youth empowerment agenda.
The event comes as Zimbabwe prepares to participate in the 2026 YouthConnekt Africa Summit, scheduled for November 25 to 27 2026 in Rwanda.
Machakaire said Zimbabwe was also competing to host the 2027 edition of the continental summit, with the successful host country expected to be announced in Rwanda.
He encouraged young Zimbabweans to participate in the continental gathering, which brings together young leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers to advance youth development across Africa.
“Zimbabwe must not simply participate in Africa’s youth development agenda. We must help shape it and lead it,” he said.
Machakaire underscored the importance of investing in young people, noting that they should take an active role in driving the country’s economic development rather than remain spectators.
“Our young people must not remain spectators of what we are doing as a nation. They must become innovators, entrepreneurs, employers, and drivers of national development,” he said.
He added that empowering young people was essential to securing Zimbabwe’s long-term prosperity.
