THE Youth in Business Forum has placed strong emphasis on youth inclusion in economic development, with calls for greater coordination between government, development partners and young entrepreneurs.
The forum, held under this year's Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), brought together policymakers, youth representatives and development organisations to discuss strategies for empowering young people in business and national development.
Discussions focused on the need to integrate youth more meaningfully into economic systems, recognising them not only as beneficiaries of development programmes but also as key drivers of innovation and long-term economic growth.
Barbara Clemens, the World Food Programme (WFP) Zimbabwe country director and representative, underscored the central role played by youth in shaping sustainable development outcomes.
She said Africa’s rapidly growing youth population presented both opportunity and responsibility for governments and development actors.
“For society to exist, there must be a pyramid, at the bottom of that pyramid is the youth,” Clemens said.
“Africa is the only continent that has that structure and we have the fastest-growing youth population in the world. That translates to sustainability and longevity.”
She stressed the importance of coordination, adding that all youth-focused initiatives be aligned with national frameworks to ensure impact and avoid duplication.
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“The Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Youth, has positioned itself well to invest in its youth,” Clemens said.
"Every organisation and every initiative should come through the Youth ministry to ensure alignment with the plans and ambitions of the ministry in Zimbabwe."
The forum reinforced a growing consensus among stakeholders that youth are central to building competitive industries and inclusive economies.
