THE Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) has pushed back against proposals to compel companies to employ graduates of the National Youth Service programme, warning that mandatory recruitment could weaken productivity, compromise labour quality and hurt business competitiveness.
In its latest submission to government, the business lobby group said while it supported the broader objective of youth empowerment, firms should retain the freedom to recruit workers based on skills, performance and operational requirements.
“Businesses must recruit based on skills and performance requirements,” the ZNCC said.
“A mandatory placement system risks creating mismatches that undermine both firm competitiveness and the credibility of the programme.”
The chamber’s remarks come as government intensifies efforts to revive and expand youth empowerment initiatives amid rising unemployment and growing pressure to create opportunities for young people entering the labour market.
Zimbabwe has one of the youngest populations in Africa, with youths accounting for a significant share of the unemployed, according to official statistics and international development agencies.
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Authorities have in recent years promoted skills development and empowerment programmes as part of wider economic reforms aimed at boosting participation of young people in productive sectors of the economy.
However, the ZNCC said compelling businesses to absorb National Youth Service graduates could impose additional burdens on firms already grappling with high operating costs, foreign currency shortages and weak consumer demand.
The chamber argued that international experience showed that successful youth employment systems were built around industry participation and market needs rather than mandatory hiring quotas.
“International models such as Germany and Singapore show that success comes from demand-driven training, strong industry involvement, and incentive-based placement, not compulsion,” the ZNCC said.
“A more effective approach would be voluntary participation supported by tax incentives, training subsidies, and structured apprenticeships aligned to industry needs.”
The business group recommended a return to the previous framework under which companies voluntarily participated in the programme and selected graduates based on suitability for available roles. It said the earlier model allowed firms to set performance benchmarks while mentorship, certification and training assessments guided recruitment decisions.
“Our position is simple. Youth empowerment must enhance, not constrain, productivity,” the ZNCC said.
“We stand ready to support a model that delivers both.”
Tony Hawkins, professor of economics at the University of Zimbabwe’s Graduate School of Management, said the proposal was unworkable and unenforceable.
“I cannot believe that government ministers or officials seriously believe employers can be forced to employ a person based on their training record etc,” he said.
“Such an idea is unworkable and unenforceable. It speaks volumes about the desperation of a government unable to educate people sufficiently so they are skilled enough to be employable by firms in a modern economy. Clearly, those responsible for such suggestions should be fired.”