Youth perm sec says donors should invest in 'meani...

Youth perm sec says donors should invest in 'meaningful' projects

Oscar J. Jeke

Permanent secretary in Zimbabwe's Youth Ministry, Dr S Mhlanga has called on development partners to invest in meaningful projects that provide lasting value to the country’s economy and human capital.

Speaking ahead of the upcoming Summit for the Future in New York, Mhlanga criticised the tendency of donors to fund small-scale projects, like vegetable gardens, that do not contribute to sustainable growth or skills development.

“It is only in Zimbabwe and nowhere else that development partners invest in small projects that have no longevity no value addition to the country and economy. They leave this country at the end of their tenures with nothing in legacy or everlasting development.

“They come and finance vegetable and tomato gardens and in turn these products flood the vegetable markets with no takers, why not invest in youth at vocational training centers and others engaged in various initiatives,” he said.

Mhlanga emphasised the need for partners to support government initiatives focused on youth skills development, such as vocational training programs.

He pointed out that Zimbabwe has established 60 vocational schools and a youth service program aimed at fostering patriotism and skill-building, yet these efforts have seen little support from development partners.

He also raised concerns about the country's youth unemployment crisis, noting that 2.2 million young people are idle and vulnerable to issues like drug and substance abuse, which he linked to the lack of meaningful engagement and educational opportunities.

Mhlanga argued that donors should prioritise projects that equip youth with practical skills and contribute to the country’s long-term development.