By Own Correspondent

FINANCE and Investment Promotion Minister, Prof Mthuli Ncube has set aside ZWG1,7 billion for job creation targeting the youth.

The treasury boss said the initiative was influenced by the realization that youths constitute the majority of the population, thus tens of thousands enter the job market every year. He said the government is seized with the task of expanding the job market to absorb new entrants, as well as create conditions for youth enterprise development and innovation.

“In this regard, Government has set aside ZiG1.7 billion for the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training towards youth empowerment initiatives, mental health support services, the establishment of vocational pathways for recovered addicts to reintegrate productively into society, vocational training centres and expansion of youth recreation facilities, as well as capitalisation of the EmpowerBank,” he said.

Further, Ncube said the reforms for private sector growth will create new employment opportunities for the youth. Therefore, multiple initiatives are being implemented to harness the youth dividend including: Skills development; Upscaling vocational training; and Access to finance and credit.

He said in 2026, the government will support targeted interventions aimed at enhancing youth empowerment programs that promote innovation, skills development and economic inclusion. Support will also be extended to initiatives aimed at addressing drug and substance abuse and related challenges, fostering a healthy, productive youth population.

“In this regard, the Government has set aside ZiG1.7 billion for the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training towards youth empowerment initiatives, mental health support services.

"The establishment of vocational pathways for recovered addicts to reintegrate productively into society, vocational training centres and expansion of youth recreation facilities, as well as capitalisation of the EmpowerBank,” added Ncube.