Zimbabwe Targets 25% Youth Participation in Decision-Making by 2030

The Zimbabwean government is ramping up efforts to increase youth involvement in decision-making, aiming to raise participation rates from 3.3% in 2020 to 25% by 2030.

Harare Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Charles Tawengwa, outlined this vision during a visit to Young Africa Zimbabwe’s Chitungwiza campus. He emphasized the government’s commitment to youth empowerment as a key pillar of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).

“Youth empowerment is essential to reaching our national development targets. Several key initiatives are underway to achieve this,” Tawengwa said. “We are aiming to increase youth participation in decision-making processes from 3.3% in 2020 to 25% by 2030.”

Youth as a Key Demographic in Development

Zimbabwe’s youth represent a significant portion of the population, with nearly 32% between the ages of 15 and 35. Overall, 66% of the country’s population is under 35, highlighting the need to prioritize their involvement in governance and economic activities.

Tawengwa stressed the importance of collaboration with development partners to establish vocational training centers and equip young people with critical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

“This partnership has been a great example of what can be achieved when the government and development partners unite with a shared vision and purpose,” he said. “We are rolling out programs in vocational training, entrepreneurship development, and mentorship, while also reviewing policies to ensure they are youth-friendly.”

Skills Development and Economic Opportunities

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting youth-driven initiatives that foster innovation and employment. He highlighted that the administration is restructuring vocational training programs to align with local industry demands, ensuring that young people gain relevant skills to contribute meaningfully to economic growth.

“As we aim to become an upper-middle-income country by 2030, we recognize that our youth are crucial to this transformation,” Tawengwa said. “The Zimbabwean government is dedicated to creating an environment that supports youth innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities.”

He further pledged continued support for programs that provide young people with access to education, skills training, and economic empowerment.

With these initiatives, Zimbabwe is taking significant steps to bridge the gap between youth and leadership, ensuring that young people play a greater role in shaping the country’s future.