Continental praise. Zimbabwe’s efforts to empower its youth and women have earned high recognition from the African Union.
The endorsement came from AU Chairperson’s Special Advisor, Chido Mpemba, during her meeting with Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga in Harare ahead of the African Women Leaders Network’s intergenerational retreat. The gathering, which draws more than 300 participants including former heads of state, ministers, and young leaders, is designed to foster cross-generational dialogue, tackle gender-based violence, and expand the role of young women in leadership and business.
Mpemba, herself a Zimbabwean and AU youth envoy, commended the government’s alignment with Africa’s Agenda 2063, particularly Aspiration 6, which puts youth and women at the centre of development. She highlighted that empowerment must go beyond policy into access: technology, funding, and real opportunities that transform lives.
The retreat comes as Zimbabwe accelerates initiatives that target women and youth in key sectors, dovetailing with broader regional aspirations. Mpemba also stressed the importance of implementing the AU convention on ending violence against women and girls, linking safety to sustainable empowerment.
For Zimbabwe, the AU’s applause carries weight. It validates local progress while positioning the country as a regional example of inclusive development. By tying its empowerment drive to continental goals, the government has not only strengthened its credibility but also opened space for deeper collaboration with African institutions.
The intergenerational retreat will serve as a litmus test of how policy, mentorship, and dialogue can converge into practical solutions. For Zimbabwean women and youth, it is both recognition of strides made and a call to push further in shaping the nation’s future.
