Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. GOVERNMENT is pushing for the utilisation of land as it is key in driving sustainable development and economic growth across the continent, a Cabinet minister has said.
Addressing delegates attending the International Youth Summit on Land and Economic Freedom 2025, Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training minister Tino Machakaire said there was a need to equip young Africans with skills, finance and market access to transform land ownership into economic prosperity.
The event was held under the theme, Harnessing the Youth Demographic Dividend for Productive Land Use. He said land ownership was the cornerstone of Africa’s empowerment and economic independence.
“In Zimbabwe, our history is deeply rooted in the struggle for land, symbolising not just territorial rights, but also the assertion of our identity and sovereignty,” Machakaire said.
“As we focus on transitioning from mere access to productive use, it is imperative that we equip our youth with the necessary tools, knowledge and support systems to transform land to a source of prosperity.”
He said government aimed to empower youth through agricultural and mining initiatives.
“Capital remains a significant hurdle for many young entrepreneurs. To address this, the Ministry of Youth, under the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme, has availed cost-friendly agricultural and mining mechanisation equipment to young farmers and miners
Machakaire said the ministry was collaborating with financial institutions to develop youth-friendly loan products and grant schemes that considered the unique challenges faced by our youth.
“In addition, we are collaborating with financial institutions to develop youth-friendly loan products and grant schemes that consider the unique challenges faced by our youth.
“These financial instruments are tailored to support the initiation and expansion of varied economic ventures, ensuring that lack of funding does not impede the productive use of land,” he said.
“Furthermore, we recognise the importance of market access in the agricultural and mining value chains. By facilitating these connections, we aim to create more inclusive and profitable ventures for our youth,” he said.
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