Zimbabwe launches $1m youth fund at ZITF

Published: 22 April 2026

The Government has launched a US$1 million Youth Economic Fund aimed at expanding access to finance for young entrepreneurs across all 10 provinces.

The fund, which will be administered through EmpowerBank, was unveiled during National Youth Day celebrations held on the sidelines of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), running from April 20 to 25.

The initiative is designed to support youth-led businesses, stimulate innovation and create jobs in an economy where unemployment among young people remains a major challenge.

Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Tino Machakaire said the fund aligns with President Emmerson Mnangagwa's 2025 National Youth Empowerment Strategy, which seeks to integrate young people into the mainstream economy. Youths account for more than 60% of Zimbabwe's estimated 16 million population.

John Mushayavanhu, Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, attended the launch alongside representatives from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), highlighting international backing for the initiative.

Discussions at the event focused on improving financial literacy, expanding access to capital and strengthening skills development to support sustainable youth enterprises.

Ruth Mugwagwa, chairperson of the Zimbabwe Youth Council, encouraged young people to prioritise entrepreneurship and job creation.

"Dream big and focus on creating jobs," she said.

EmpowerBank is expected to handle the disbursement and management of the fund nationwide, although details on eligibility criteria and application processes are yet to be announced.

The launch comes as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to address high youth unemployment and position entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic recovery.
- NewsDay

Tags: ZITF,