The Zimbabwean government is developing a youth-focused agricultural investment plan that will run until 2030 as part of efforts to transform the country’s agricultural sector, create jobs and strengthen economic growth.

The initiative forms part of Zimbabwe’s commitment to implementing the African Union’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala Declaration, which seeks to accelerate agricultural development across the continent through increased investment and strategic reforms.

Government Aligns Agricultural Strategy with Continental Commitments

The development was announced during the launch of a youth-led research report titled Driving Growth: Catalysing Youth-led Agribusiness for Youth Empowerment and Zimbabwe’s Economic Revival in Harare.

Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Chief Director of Strategic Planning and Business Development, Clemens Bwenje, said the investment plan will be integrated into Zimbabwe’s Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy.

According to Bwenje, the government is currently adapting the CAADP Kampala Declaration into national agricultural policies and programmes designed to place young people at the centre of agricultural transformation.

He explained that the strategy will be supported by value chain analyses and translated into a comprehensive investment framework aimed at driving growth in the agricultural sector through 2030.

Youth Identified as Key Drivers of Agricultural Transformation

Government officials emphasised that young people represent a critical component of Zimbabwe’s development agenda, given that they account for more than 60 percent of the country’s population.

Bwenje said meaningful economic transformation cannot be achieved without ensuring that young people benefit from agricultural policies, investment programmes and business opportunities.

He noted that agriculture remains one of the most effective sectors for addressing unemployment, reducing poverty and stimulating economic activity, particularly in rural communities where many livelihoods depend on farming.

Agriculture Seen as Solution to Youth Unemployment

The research launch brought together government representatives, development partners, researchers and young agribusiness entrepreneurs to examine challenges and opportunities within the agricultural sector.

The study found that access to land, financing, markets and mentorship remains essential for young people seeking to establish and expand agribusiness ventures.

Stakeholders argued that removing these barriers could unlock significant economic potential and encourage greater youth participation in agriculture.

Nearly Half of Zimbabwean Youths Remain Outside Employment and Education

Speaking at the event, Restless Development Zimbabwe Hub Director, Lesley Garura, highlighted the urgent need for targeted interventions to support young people.

He noted that although youths make up more than 46 percent of Zimbabwe’s population, an estimated 49.2 percent are classified as NEET — not in employment, education or training.

Garura said the figures underscore the importance of creating sustainable opportunities in sectors capable of absorbing large numbers of young workers.

According to him, agriculture already employs approximately 37 percent of young Zimbabweans and remains one of the country’s most promising sectors for job creation, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth.

Research Expected to Shape Future Agricultural Policies

The findings of the youth-led research are expected to contribute to ongoing discussions around youth empowerment, agricultural transformation and national economic development.

Policy experts believe that integrating young people into agricultural value chains through targeted investments and support programmes could play a significant role in enhancing productivity, reducing unemployment and strengthening Zimbabwe’s long-term food security goals.

As the government finalises its agricultural investment strategy, stakeholders are hopeful that the plan will provide a clear roadmap for increasing youth participation in agribusiness while supporting broader economic recovery and sustainable development objectives.