By Archford Chirimudombo
Harare, (New Ziana) – The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young people through policy reforms, access to affordable financing and an enabling business environment, describing Zimbabwe’s youthful population as a key driver in the attainment of Vision 2030 under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS-2).
Vice President Kembo Mohadi made the remarks on Wednesday at the 2026 Global Business Achievers Network Awards and Dinner in Harare, where outstanding entrepreneurs were honoured for excellence in leadership across various sectors of the economy.
He said the Government was walking the talk on youth empowerment by streamlining legislative and policy frameworks to ensure young people’s participation across all sectors of the economy.
“The Government has put in place strategies and policies such as the National Youth Empowerment Strategy and the National Youth Policy, all meant to advance youth empowerment. Through institutions such as the Empower Bank and the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank, the Government continues to roll out collateral-free, low-interest funding models, ensuring that women and young entrepreneurs can transition from informal trading to formal, scalable corporate entities.
“Empowering women and young entrepreneurs strengthened economic inclusion and reinforced national resilience. An inclusive economy is a stable economy, and an empowered generation secures our future,” he said.
VP Mohadi said the Government viewed a strong private sector as the backbone of sustainable economic growth and was therefore implementing reforms to improve the ease of doing business, attract both local and foreign investment, boost investor confidence, and enhance Zimbabwe’s competitiveness.
“We are committed to unlocking the full potential of our people, particularly our young innovators, and ensuring that enterprise thrives in a stable, predictable, and digitally progressive environment. Effective public-private collaboration remains indispensable to national development.
“When governance and enterprise align, development accelerates. When transparency and accountability guide our actions, confidence grows. And when integrity defines leadership, prosperity becomes sustainable,” VP Mohadi said.
He reiterated that the Government would continue to pursue reforms designed to create a conducive business environment while unlocking opportunities for innovation and enterprise, particularly for young people.
“We (government) remain committed to unlocking the full potential of its people, particularly young innovators, while creating an environment in which enterprises can thrive,” he said.
He also highlighted Zimbabwe’s continued commitment to regional economic integration through the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), saying the initiatives were opening new markets and business opportunities for young entrepreneurs through cross-border partnerships and regional value chains.
VP Mohadi emphasized that national development was a collective responsibility requiring active participation from Government, the private sector, civil society and citizens.
“These awards are not merely symbolic as they recognize achievement as well as strengthen the national culture of productivity, accountability and innovation. By recognising achievement, we strengthen our national culture of productivity, accountability, and innovation,” VP Mohadi said.
New Ziana
