Zimbabwe: Youth Leadership Skills Empowerment Amplified at Local Level

My name is Busani Moyo, a 17yearold Zimbabwean and founder of a youth leadership empowerment Programme. I also serve as a Junior Councilor. My journey began with a simple realization: young people have ideas, passion and potential but often lack the skills, mentorship and opportunities to turn that potential into meaningful leadership. I grew up in a community where youth participation was low. Many young people were uncertain about their future, lacked confidence, and struggled with limited access to leadership development spaces.  

The African Youth Leadership Empowerment Programme identified these gaps and set out to equip youth with the knowledge, tools and confidence to lead change. Through determination, creativity, and the support from the Empowerment Programme, I transformed my own life and began creating leadership pathways for others. Before joining the leadership Programme, I lacked the skills, resources and confidence to take on leadership roles.  

I wanted to advocate for my peers but did not know where to begin. Like many young people in my community, I felt uncertain about my future and overwhelmed by the challenges we faced. Youth participation was minimal. Many did not believe that their voices mattered. Opportunities for leadership training were limited, and young people rarely had platforms where they could meaningfully contribute to community development. 

Young people now have access to leadership training, confidence building spaces and mentorship. My Programme equips youth with communication skills, entrepreneurship knowledge, public speaking skills and the ability to take initiative. This shift has empowered young men and women to become active decisionmakers in their schools and communities. . 

For me personally, participation in the International Youth Fellowship World Camp in South Korea transformed my worldview. I gained exposure to global leadership models, cultural exchange, emotional intelligence training and urban development concepts. These experiences strengthened my ability to lead at home and connect local challenges with global learning. Today, I run several youths focused initiatives that provide leadership skills, mentorship and community-building. The confidence I once lacked is now a guiding force for others.

 The change emerged from training, mentorship, and the opportunity to practice leadership. Participation in the International Youth Fellowship, becoming a Junior Councilor, and being part of youth empowerment programs strengthened my leadership journey. Local leaders, teachers and mentors provided guidance and encouragement, while networking with other youth organizations expanded my opportunities. Before joining the Programme, I lacked direction. 

After the training, I felt empowered to take initiative, develop ideas and create leadership opportunities for my peers. My Programme now empowers others through, skills development sessions, motivational mentorship, community projects, youth participation in local decision-making,  peertopeer learning. This transformation is reflected in the young leaders I now mentor many of whom are discovering their own strengths and leadership abilities. 

Busani Moyo, Zimbabwe