By Shadreck Gurenje

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said government will continue providing the youth with resources and opportunities required to develop their skills and actively participate in the social economic and political spheres within their communities.

Giving his keynote address at the National Youth Symposium ,President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa said the Ministry of Youth is directed to fully integrate broad digital skills training into all its institutions and programmes.

“The Ministry of Youth is directed to fully integrate broad digital skills training into all its institutions and programmes.

“On its part, my Government will continue providing the youth with the tools, resources and opportunities required to develop their skills and actively participate in the social, economic and political spheres within their communities.

“This includes the capacitation of vocational training institutions, to ensure that out-of-school youth benefit from specialised technical skill training opportunities.

“Additionally, life-long skills development remains a priority, so that the youth are integrated into the formal economy. The curricula, machinery and equipment of Vocational Training Institutions, will also be upgraded to match modern industry needs and progression.

“On their part, the private sector should integrate and create synergies with our institutions of higher learning, at all levels, to help anticipate skills of the future. Sectoral studies must be conducted to shape and calibrate future skills and professions, "said President Mnangagwa.

The Head of State and Government also urged the financial service sector to complement Government efforts by offering more tailor-made products that enhance access, by the youth to microfinance.

 “The financial services sector is urged to complement Government efforts by offering more tailor-made products that enhance access, by the youth, to microfinance and small business loans.

“This responsibility is ours together, not just for Government and a few select banks. The task to realise our country’s overall economic growth and Vision 2030 is everyone’s duty.

“The talented young individuals who have show-cased their expertise at this Symposium are a reflection of who we are and what we can achieve as the people of Zimbabwe, through focus and hard-honest work,”said President Mnangagwa.

President Mnangagwa also took the opportunity to launch the National Youth Empowerment Strategy which is earmarked to create and promote inclusive policies and programmes that enable young people to contribute to Zimbabwe’s social, political and economic growth.

“It provides timely guidance on how Government and Partners can facilitate young people to access appropriate education and skills training, decent work, entrepreneurship opportunities and health services as well as their uptake of leadership roles.

“The deep analysis and recommendations, with regards to challenges such as unemployment, poverty, limited access to finance, low digital literacy as well as drug and substance abuse, will be useful tools on youth inclusion, especially as we implement the National Development Strategy 2.

“In order to ensure achievement of its goals and priorities, the framework is built on five key pillars, namely: Economic Empowerment through enhancing the entrepreneurial capacities of youth and employment creation; Technology and Digital transformation; Education and Skills development; Health and Well-being; and Governance," said President Mnangagwa.