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Writes Sirak Gebrehiwot
On 23 April 2025 in Bulawayo, the 65th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair set a dynamic stage for an inspiring Youth Indaba, highlighting the indomitable spirit and transformative potential of Zimbabwe’s youth.
The Indaba aimed to amplify young voices, focusing on youth-led solutions to address socio-economic challenges and propel the nation toward sustainable development.
Mr. Edward Kallon, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, delivered a passionate discourse on the pivotal role of Zimbabwean youth in driving national progress. He asserted, “Zimbabwe is a nation with a rich history of resilience and a bright future driven by its youth.” His words echoed a sentiment shared widely by the participants of the Indaba—the youth are not just beneficiaries of development but the architects of future prosperity.
Underscoring the significant demographic factor, Mr. Kallon noted that over 60% of Zimbabwe’s population is under 25. This youthful demographic can be a cornerstone for development if engaged effectively. “Zimbabwean youth are the torchbearers of change,” he stressed, encouraging harnessing their energy and innovative thinking to tackle socio-economic hurdles and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mr. Kallon highlighted essential strategies, including education and skills development, civic education, voluntarism, and empowering girls and young women. “Providing civic education fosters national values and a culture of peace,” he stated, pinpointing essential societal values like ‘hunhu’ or ‘ubuntu’ as foundations for peace and development efforts. He emphasized that realizing these goals depends heavily on engaging young people in creative and meaningful ways.
Illustrative of the transformative power of youth, the story of Betty Makoni, a daring activist who founded the Girl Child Network, was highlighted. Her efforts in empowering young girls across Zimbabwe showcase the profound impact that young Zimbabweans can have in fostering sustainable networks for change.
Similarly, Mr Kallon recognized the entrepreneurial journey of Strive Masiyiwa, whose success with Econet Wireless serves as a beacon of inspiration for youth across Africa. These narratives celebrate the unlimited potential that arises when young people are nurtured, encouraged, and supported.
The Youth Indaba also served as a platform to address pressing social issues such as teenage pregnancy. UNFPA Representative Ms. Miranda Tabifor brought attention to this critical concern, noting a troubling rise in teenage pregnancies from 9% in 2016 to 23.6% in 2023. “Let’s support our girls to reach their full potential,” she urged, advocating for comprehensive sexual education and youth-friendly health services.
Ms. Tabifor highlighted successful initiatives like the “Not-In-My-Village Campaign,” which empowers communities to combat teenage pregnancy and child marriage. Her call was clear: to invest in economic empowerment and comprehensive sexuality education to protect young girls and enable them to thrive.
The Youth Indaba was bolstered by the presence of key figures such as Dr. Bernard Madzima, CEO of the National AIDS Council; Ms. Barbara Clemens, the WFP Representative; and Mr. Henry Damisoni, UNAIDS Country Director. This diverse coalition underscores the multipronged approach needed to inspire meaningful change.
The Indaba, supported by UNFPA and the National AIDS Council, united a vast network of youth, lawmakers, traditional leaders, and service providers in a shared mission toward sustainable development.
The Youth Indaba was a testament to the energy, resilience, and potential of Zimbabwe’s youth. Mr. Kallon’s articulated vision of a society fueled by the dynamism of its young people aligns with global Sustainable Development Goals, creating an inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous future for Zimbabwe.
As the nation looks forward, the engagement and empowerment of its youth remain central to national and regional growth strategies, promising a bright horizon driven by innovation, advocacy, and action.
Sirak Gebrehiwot is the UN Partnerships and Development Finance Advisor at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Zimbabwe.
