By Otillia Makomo
HARARE, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire, has intensified efforts to strengthen youth development programmes following a high-level engagement with a delegation from the World Food Programme Zimbabwe.
The meeting, held in Harare, focused on enhancing collaboration in support of the National Youth Empowerment Strategy launched in 2025, with both parties exploring practical initiatives aimed at equipping young people with skills, opportunities, and resources necessary to participate meaningfully in Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development.
During the engagement, the Minister and the WFP delegation deliberated on programmes designed to unlock opportunities for young people, particularly in sectors with strong potential for employment creation and sustainable livelihoods. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to working together to implement impactful projects that will empower youth across the country.
Central to the discussions was the promotion of youth-led participation in agriculture and food systems, an area increasingly viewed as a strategic driver of employment and economic growth. The collaboration will prioritise job creation within agricultural value chains while strengthening food systems and building resilience in communities affected by climate variability.
Part of the partnership will focus on promoting sustainable farming techniques, including the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices such as solar-powered irrigation systems. These initiatives are expected to support young farmers in improving productivity while adapting to the realities of climate change.
The engagement also highlighted the importance of youth health and wellbeing, with programmes aimed at promoting adolescent nutrition awareness and advocacy forming part of the broader empowerment framework.
In addition, the partnership will support national youth service and vocational training centres by providing targeted skills training in areas such as climate-smart agriculture, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship. The initiative is expected to improve employability among young people while integrating them into food value chains and broader economic activities.
Analysts note that collaboration between Government institutions and international development partners such as the World Food Programme plays a critical role in advancing youth empowerment policies and expanding opportunities for young people in emerging sectors of the economy.
Through strengthened partnerships and coordinated programmes, Zimbabwe continues to prioritise youth development as a key pillar for inclusive growth, national productivity, and long-term socio-economic transformation.
