ZIMSPHERE
The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training has entered into a strategic partnership with NetOne Cellular (Private) Limited aimed at accelerating youth empowerment through digital technology, connectivity and financial inclusion.
The two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on January 19 in Harare, setting in motion a nationwide programme designed to expand internet access at vocational training centres, strengthen digital skills among young Zimbabweans and create new income streams through technology-enabled enterprise models.
At the core of the agreement is a shared objective to convert connectivity into opportunity. The initiative will see NetOne rolling out affordable and reliable internet infrastructure to vocational training institutions across the country, including those in remote areas, while supporting the digitisation of youth centres and training programmes.
The partnership also enables National Youth Service graduates to act as agents and distributors of digital and financial solutions, integrating trained youths into formal value chains and community-based service delivery networks.
Government officials say this approach will not only improve access to essential digital services but also unlock sustainable livelihoods for young people.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Mr Solomon Mhlanga, described the agreement as critical to harnessing Zimbabwe’s youth demographic dividend. He noted that the country has approximately 5.4 million young people aged between 15 and 35.
“The partnership brings together the ministry and the state-owned telecommunications firm to integrate digital technology, financial literacy and enterprise development into youth programmes, including vocational training centres across the country,” said Mr Mhlanga.
He said the collaboration would fast-track the implementation of government programmes by leveraging NetOne’s technical expertise, particularly in areas where the ministry lacks digital capacity.
“NetOne becomes a key partner for us in terms of moving with the youth of Zimbabwe as far as digital technology is concerned. Working with our parastatal will make our work much easier,” he said.
Mr Mhlanga added that the ministry operates more than 60 vocational training centres nationwide, some located in underserved regions, making digital access a critical enabler for equitable development.
“This is in line with the President’s vision of leaving no place and no one behind. It is a powerful tool to ensure our youth move with technology,” he said.
NetOne chief executive officer Engineer Raphael Mushanawani said the MoU marked a deliberate shift from policy intent to practical action, anchored on structured collaboration and measurable outcomes.
“This engagement is not merely ceremonial. It is a decisive step in translating policy into action and laying our own brick towards making Vision 2030 a reality,” said Eng Mushanawani.
He explained that the programme would deploy agent-based models and digital distribution platforms to support entrepreneurship, skills development and income generation among youths.
“Our objective is to ensure that young people are not only connected, but financially empowered to transact, trade and build sustainable livelihoods within a secure digital ecosystem,” he said.
Beyond connectivity, the partnership will pilot innovative community solutions, digitise vocational training curricula and support the mobilisation, training and deployment of youth agents and vendors across multiple sectors.
Eng Mushanawani said the initiative aligns with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Zimbabwe’s broader ambition to build an innovation-led, inclusive and digitally empowered economy.
“Thousands of young people will be transformed from job seekers into job creators and contributors to national productivity,” he said, adding that NetOne remains committed to accountability, disciplined execution and measurable impact.
The collaboration reinforces government’s push to leverage information and communication technologies as a catalyst for youth employability, entrepreneurship and inclusive growth, positioning young people at the centre of Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 development agenda.
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