Zimbabwe: Youth empowerment through fostering economic growth at local level

My name is Tadiwanashe Chichakata, a Junior Councilor from Murewa in rural Zimbabwe. I come from a community where many young people face the harsh realities of drug and substance abuse, early marriages, unemployment, and limited access to vocational training. For years, youth in Murewa were trapped in a cycle of idleness and hopelessness, with many leaving for cities in search of opportunities that were rarely guaranteed. With few platforms to express themselves or participate in local development, young people were excluded from shaping the direction of their own community. 

This story is about how the Junior Council of Murewa, working with the Murewa Rural District Council (RDC), local schools and organizations, took deliberate steps to break this cycle through youth economic empowerment, leadership development, and awareness campaigns. What makes our Junior Council unique is that it is youth led, designed by young people, for young people. Our vision is to uplift our peers, contribute to local development, and build resilient communities aligned with Zimbabwe’s national aspiration of an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 echoing the national call: “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” A nation is built by its people. 

Before our intervention, the situation in Murewa was worrying. Young people lacked direction, economic opportunities, and platforms to share their ideas. With limited entrepreneurial training or vocational skills, most youth were vulnerable to drug abuse, unhealthy behaviors, and early marriages. Very few were involved in economic activities or decision making. Their voices were rarely heard in community spaces. The Junior Council recognized that economic empowerment was the key to restoring dignity, hope, and a future for young people. 

We focused on, entrepreneurship training, agricultural projects, access to business capital and funding opportunities, drug and substance abuse awareness, gender inclusion, youth engagement in governance and development. The transformation brought by this youth empowerment initiative has been overwhelmingly positive. Where young people were once idle and excluded, they are now active, skilled, confident, and inspired changemakers. Through the Junior Council, together with dedicated councilors and executives from Murewa RDC, youth were included in all important activities and meetings.

 Their voices began to shape decisions that affect their lives. Awareness campaigns helped young people understand the dangers of drug abuse and early marriage. Small projects like poultry farming, gardening, and soapmaking workshops empowered youth with practical, hands on skills. Vocational training programmes and leadership camps built confidence and gave young people a sense of purpose. These activities strengthened youth capacity and created opportunities for young people to put their skills into practice. The evidence of change is clear: more youth are engaged in projects, participating in community events, and leading initiatives. Youth now have purpose, income, and influence.

Quotes 

“When youth are empowered with purpose and opportunity, they choose progress over poison building futures instead of destroying them.”  Junior Council Chair, Tadiwanashe Chichakata 

“Youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the voice of today, shaping decisions and driving change where it matters most.” Junior Councillor Tadiwanashe Chichakata 

“Tree planting done in Macheke shows how empowered youth can lead environmental restoration and community growth.” JC Chairperson Tadiwa Chichakata 

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