By Desire Tshuma
Harare – Government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young women through entrepreneurship and financial inclusion following the launch of the CAMFED Enterprise Development Fund at the CAMFED Youth Training Centre on August 5, 2026.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Hon. T. Machakaire (MP) said the initiative represented an important step towards creating opportunities for young people to become entrepreneurs, employers and leaders in their communities.
Minister Machakaire said the launch was a fulfilment of commitments made earlier this year during the 66th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo, held under the theme “Youth Financial Inclusion: Closing Gaps in Connected Economies.”
“The true wealth of any nation is not found beneath its soil, but within its people. When we invest in young people, we invest in innovation, productivity and the future prosperity of our nation,” he said.
He said the partnership between Government, development partners, civil society and the private sector demonstrated the impact that could be achieved when stakeholders worked together to transform lives and strengthen communities.
The minister described the Enterprise Development Fund as more than just financial support, saying it represented confidence in the capabilities of young women and their potential to build sustainable businesses.
“The Enterprise Development Fund we were introduced to today is more than just financial support. It represents hope for countless young women. It represents confidence in their abilities. It represents a future where young women become business owners, employers and leaders within their communities,” he said.
Machakaire said Government recognised that while talent was evenly distributed, opportunities were not, making it necessary to create an enabling environment where young Zimbabweans could access opportunities to develop their skills and businesses.
He assured CAMFED Zimbabwe of Government’s continued support through policy interventions, facilitation of market access and linking young entrepreneurs to Government-backed initiatives that enable businesses to grow and thrive.
Addressing the young women gathered at the event, Machakaire urged them to believe in their abilities and refuse to allow their circumstances to determine their future.
“Believe in yourself before you expect the world to believe in you. Never allow your circumstances to define your destiny,” he said.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to remain confident in their dreams and ideas, stressing that their contribution to Zimbabwe’s future was invaluable.
The minister further commended CAMFED Zimbabwe and the CAMFED Association for honouring their commitment to empowering young women, saying their work demonstrated how genuine partnerships could create lasting national impact.
He said investing in young people was critical to the country’s journey towards Vision 2030, arguing that Zimbabwe’s greatest competitive advantage would not simply be its natural resources, but an empowered generation equipped with skills, innovation and entrepreneurial capabilities.
“As we journey towards Vision 2030, our greatest competitive advantage will not simply be our natural resources—it will be an empowered generation of skilled, innovative and entrepreneurial young people capable of driving Zimbabwe’s industrialisation and economic transformation,” Machakaire said.
He called for continued investment in people and urged stakeholders to keep believing in the potential of Zimbabwe’s young women.
“Let us continue creating opportunities instead of limitations,” he said. “And let us work together to build a Zimbabwe where every young person has the opportunity not merely to survive, but to thrive, innovate and lead.”
The launch therefore marked another milestone in efforts to expand financial inclusion, entrepreneurship and economic opportunities for young women, while strengthening partnerships between Government and organisations working to promote inclusive economic empowerment.