The Ministry Core Values exist to define how we work and serve. They set the standard for staff conduct, team culture, and service delivery so every action reflects Zimbabwe’s interests and public trust.
Desire or love for one’s country (Zimbabwe first).
State of being transparent, accountable, responsible, and answerable for one’s and our collective action.
Leveraging each other’s experiences and strengths and working inclusively with love and respect.
Initiating and embracing new methods or ideas for enhancing service delivery timeously.
Honesty, trustworthiness, steadfastness, and adherence to moral and professional principles.
MINISTER
DEPUTY MINISTER
PERMANENT SECRETARY
Supports youth entrepreneurship through policy creation, funding management, business incubation, and creating economic opportunities for youth in various sectors
Learn MoreEncourages national identity and civic responsibility among youth through career guidance,
Provides youth with technical and entrepreneurial skills through vocational training, public-private partnerships, and curriculum development to improve employability and self-sufficiency.
Focuses on youth entrepreneurship by developing policies, providing technical support, creating business hubs, and establishing public-private partnerships for youth empowerment.
The Skills for Youth and Women Employability and Productivity (SYWEP) Project is being implemented by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training with financial support from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and technical implementation support from the International Labour Organization (ILO). The project focuses on three priority value chains, one of which is horticulture, to be implemented at Kaguvi Vocational Training Centre (VTC). Good progress has been recorded in establishing the horticulture project. The foundation works for the 100 000 litre water tank have been successfully completed, and the site is now ready for the concrete pouring stage. Once completed, the water tank will enhance the project's irrigation capacity, ensuring a reliable water supply to support year-round horticultural production.
The Ministry in partnership with ZimTrade, continues to promote youth-led agricultural transformation through the establishment of a peas production cluster in Mutoko District. The initiative is centred at Tabudirira Vocational Training Centre (VTC), which serves as the cluster’s aggregation and coordination hub. The programme was introduced to empower young farmers through commercial peas production, enabling them to participate in high-value agricultural value chains while creating sustainable livelihoods and income-generating opportunities. Through the cluster model, young farmers are benefiting from improved access to technical support, practical training, market linkages and shared production resources. To support the initiative, Tabudirira VTC established a half-hectare demonstration plot dedicated to peas production. The plot serves as a practical learning platform where young farmers are exposed to recommended agronomic practices and modern farming techniques aimed at improving productivity and profitability. The cluster comprises six young farmers operating within the Tabudirira area. At Chitora 2 Irrigation Scheme, four young farmers jointly cultivated 1.2 hectares of peas and have already commenced harvesting. The crop is expected to yield approximately 10 tonnes this season, reflecting the success of the young farmers' efforts and the effectiveness of the cluster approach. In addition, two other young farmers each established one hectare of peas, further increasing the cluster’s production capacity. Collectively, the six young farmers have cultivated three hectares of peas, with total production projected to reach approximately 18 tonnes during the current season. The anticipated harvest demonstrates the potential of youth participation in commercial agriculture and highlights the capacity of young people to contribute meaningfully to food security, economic growth and rural development. Through access to training, markets and production support, the young farmers are transitioning from subsistence farming to commercially oriented agricultural enterprises. The Mutoko peas cluster further showcases the evolving role of Vocational Training Centres in empowering young people and driving community development. Beyond skills training, centres such as Tabudirira VTC are becoming incubation hubs for entrepreneurship, innovation and agricultural production. Through strategic partnerships and practical empowerment programmes, the Ministry remains committed to equipping young people with the skills, resources and opportunities needed to participate actively in Zimbabwe's economic development agenda.
Kaguvi Vocational Training Centre (VTC) commissioned an 80kVA solar power plant in the Midlands Province to improve practical training, reduce electricity costs, and host national events. The US$61,000 renewable energy project was funded through a US$58,500 EmpowerBank loan, with an additional US$2,500 used for security fencing. The solar facility was officially commissioned on July 2, 2026, by the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Hon. Tino Machakaire. It stands as the largest solar installation at any VTC in the Midlands Province, allowing the institution to transition toward affordable and sustainable energy.
President E.D Mnangagwa presided over the ground breaking ceremony of the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Youth Service and Vocational Training Centre at Igava in Marondera. The facility serves as a model for modern youth training centres. It combines technical skills development with practical rural enterprise, showcasing the government's strategy to turn training centers into economic hubs. The Igava facility features upgraded infrastructure alongside a dedicated Village Business Unit equipped with solar-powered borehole technology, drip irrigation, and fishponds. Designed to offer hands-on training in trades such as agriculture, technical crafts, and entrepreneurship, the centre empowers rural youth with industry-relevant qualifications. By equipping young people to build sustainable livelihoods, the Igava centre supports Zimbabwe’s broader Vision 2030 objectives for inclusive economic development.
The Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo National Youth Service and Vocational Training Centre, located near St. Joseph's in Kezi (Matobo District), is a major government project designed to honor the legacy of the late Vice President and "Father Zimbabwe," Dr. Joshua Nkomo. Situated in his ancestral home area, the multimillion-dollar facility was established to decentralize education and bring technical and vocational training directly to rural communities in Matabeleland South. The centre integrates practical technical skills training with the National Youth Service program. Learners receive hands-on instruction in trades such as carpentry, building, welding, and entrepreneurship, alongside civic and national service education. This dual approach aims to foster discipline, civic responsibility, and self-reliance, equipping young Zimbabweans with industry-relevant skills to build sustainable livelihoods or launch their own enterprises. Featuring modern infrastructure—including classroom blocks, technical workshops, administrative blocks, student hostels, and support facilities—the institution serves as a crucial hub for youth empowerment. By creating local opportunities for skills development and employment, the centre aligns with national development goals (Vision 2030) to reduce rural-urban disparities and promote sustainable economic growth throughout the region.
Update
ZIMBABWE’s Junior Parliament has become a significant force having gone far beyond legislative engagement in combating pressing social issues such as drug and substance abuse, an official has said. Aritifical Inteligence usesAritifical Inteligence uses This is because the young parliamentarians are regarded as opinion leaders within their communities and schools, capable of influencing behavioural change among their peers through various projects and advocacy initiatives. In a statement, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training director of communication and advocacy Mr Ranson Madzamba says Junior Parliament addresses various social ills affecting young people. He said Zimbabwe Junior Parliament Session and commemoration of the Day of the African Child are set to be held at the new Parliament building on Wednesday. The two events are expected to bring together young people, policymakers, development partners, community leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders. “Junior Parliament aims to address a range of issues affecting the youth, offering a space where their voices can be heard and their concerns can influence policy decisions. As one senior member remarked, “Anything for the youths without the youths is not for the youths,” emphasising the importance of youth participation in matters that directly impact their lives,” he said. Since its establishment in 1991, the Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe has played a vital role in empowering young people across the nation to participate actively in shaping their future. Serving as a replica of the national Parliament, this platform provides a unique avenue for youth involvement in governance, community issues and national development. This initiative aligns with several national and international frameworks, including Zimbabwe’s Constitution, the National Youth Policy 2020-25, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. It enables representatives from all 210 constituencies to share their thoughts, experiences, and ideas with Government officials, fostering a culture of inclusivity and responsiveness. Mr Madzamba said the platform also invites stakeholders including Government agencies, non-governmental organisations and international partners to reflect on investments in children’s rights and well-being. It presents a crucial opportunity to evaluate progress made and identify the challenges that remain in ensuring young people’s rights are fully realised in Zimbabwe. He said Junior Parliamentarians are tasked with bringing forward youth concerns, participating in policy development and spearheading community projects aimed at addressing children’s issues. They’re also instrumental in raising awareness, conducting education programmes and establishing clubs that promote leadership and social responsibility. In the same vein, he said the Significance of the Day of the African Child cannot be over emphasised. “June 16 holds special significance for Africans, commemorating the brave students of Soweto who, in 1976, lost their lives protesting against racial discrimination and poor education standards. Over 700 children were massacred during the Soweto uprising, symbolising the fight for quality education and equality. “In Zimbabwe’s history, the sacrifices of young people include the tragic loss of over 6,000 women and children at Chimoio in 1977 and 1,028 lives at Nyadzonia in 1976. These young heroes and heroines fought tirelessly for a free, democratic Zimbabwe where liberty, fraternity and equality prevail. The Day of the African Child honours their memory and calls for ongoing commitment to address the challenges facing children across the continent,” he said. The Day of the African Child seeks to advocate and lobby for children and young people’s rights, promote child-friendly budgeting and resource allocation and to also enhance leadership skills among children and young people. Mr Madzamba said as Zimbabwe continues to nurture its young leaders through platforms like the Junior Parliament, the nation reaffirms its dedication to creating a supportive environment where youth can thrive, participate and lead. The also day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the vital importance of safeguarding the rights and futures of Africa’s children.
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Update
A US$61,000 investment in renewable energy has positioned Kaguvi Vocational Training Centre (VTC) as home to the largest solar power installation at any vocational training centre in Midlands Province following the commissioning of an 80kVA solar system expected to improve practical training, reduce electricity costs and boost the institution's capacity to host national events. The project, commissioned during the closing of the 2026 National Vocational Training Centres Sports Gala, was financed through an EmpowerBank loan facility of US$58,500, with an additional US$2,500 invested in security fencing. Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the Provincial Centre Head of Kaguvi VTC, Benson Peter Mazani said the project demonstrates Government's commitment to developing skills through improved infrastructure. "Hosting nine provincial teams while commissioning a major infrastructure project speaks to the vision of His Excellency the President: 'Skills, Sport and Infrastructure for National Development.' Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo," he said. The Mazani said the solar installation would address one of the institution's biggest challenges by ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply for practical lessons. "Power outages have been our biggest cost and training disruptor. With 80kVA, we can now run workshops, ICT laboratories and refrigeration for Hospitality without interruption. That means more practical hours for our students," said Mazani. He added that the project would also ease the institution's operational costs. "The system will cut our ZETDC bill by an estimated 60 percent monthly. Those savings are being redirected to student consumables, sports equipment and maintenance. The loan is therefore an investment that pays itself," he said. Beyond reducing costs, the Mazani said the installation would serve as a practical learning facility for students studying electrical and solar technologies. "Our Electrical and Solar students witnessed the installation and will be involved in maintaining and monitoring this system. We are producing graduates who can be deployed in rural schools, clinics and mines. This is Ilustro and vocational skills in action," he said. He said the reliable power supply, together with support from Vungu Rural District Council in upgrading roads and assistance from Conhse Mine with water supplies, had strengthened Kaguvi VTC's ability to host major events. "This solar system makes Kaguvi VTC a reliable venue for national events. We hosted the Provincial Gala, and with stable power, water from Conhse Mine's bowser and graded roads from Vungu RDC, we are now ready for bigger national and regional programmes," said Mazani. The Centre Head thanked EmpowerBank, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Vungu Rural District Council, Conhse Mine, ZETDC, the Rural Electrification Agency and other stakeholders for supporting the project, pledging that Kaguvi VTC would safeguard the investment to ensure it continues producing skilled graduates who contribute to Zimbabwe's development. Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tinoda Machakaire, commended Kaguvi VTC for the achievement, describing it as a demonstration of the important role vocational training institutions play in Zimbabwe's development. "I commend Kaguvi Vocational Training Centre for the successful commissioning of its solar plant. This milestone is a shining example of innovation, self-reliance and sustainability in action, values that are at the very heart of vocational training, and a demonstration of how our VTCs continue to lead in practical, forward-looking development," said Machakaire. Reporting by Mbekezeli Ncube
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THE 2026 Vocational Institutions Sports Association moved a gear up with provincial sides clashing at Kaguvi Vocational Training Centre in the Midlands Province. With all provinces represented in various disciplines, the VISA games have taken a national outlook amid excitement that has been building up ahead of tomorrow’s official opening ceremony, expected to be presided over by the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Tino Machakaire. The Ministry’s director of communication and advocacy Ranson Madzamba, is satisfied with the manner the games, which are also being used as a vehicle to fight drug and substance abuse, have gone. “The games will be running until July 3, under the theme “From play to purpose, shaping future drug-free champions through sports in Vocational Training Centres’’. Organisers confirmed a 100 percent turnout, with every provincial delegation arriving safely for the annual multi-sport competition, underlining the growing importance of the games in promoting sport and youth development within vocational training institutions. The opening day was devoted entirely to track and field events, where student athletes competed across a range of disciplines. Attention has, however, since shifted to the ball games, with matches underway in football, netball and volleyball. Madzamba said the tournament extends beyond sporting competition by contributing to the holistic development of students. “The VISA Games play an important role in supporting students’ personal growth, strengthening institutions and fostering community engagement. “The tournaments bring together students from different Vocational Training Centres, promoting friendship, mutual respect and national cohesion. They also create opportunities for cultural exchange and networking beyond the classroom,” said Madzamba. Madzamba added that the qualities acquired through sport, including resilience, problem-solving, teamwork and time management, improve students’ employability while providing a platform for talented athletes to earn recognition beyond the vocational training system. He said the games also promote institutional pride, gender inclusion and social integration by offering equal opportunities for male and female students to compete. “The VISA Gala is an investment in holistic education. It develops healthy, disciplined and confident young people while strengthening relationships among institutions and communities. Competition continues throughout the week, with teams battling for honours across the various sporting disciplines. By late yesterday, Midlands were leading with eight gold medals, followed by Mashonaland Central with six gold medals.
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